The Educational Supervisor: Shaswati Mandal graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2007 and completed her Vocational Training in general practice on the West Midlands Scheme. She is an experienced dentist who has worked in general practice and Community Dental Services providing care to a variety of patients including the provision of inhalation sedation to anxious patients and enjoys working within a team. She has a Masters in Medical Law and Ethics and is available to provide guidance and support to all colleagues in their dental careers.
Lydia Chao graduated from Kings College London in 2007 and completed her vocational training in general practice on the South West scheme. She joined the Community Dental Service as an MJDF trainee and has stayed with CDS since then. Lydia especially enjoys the variety, challenges and team work involved. She has a PG Cert in Special Care Dentistry from the Eastman Dental Institute and a PG Dip in Dental Sedation from Kings College London. She is involved in providing sedation to anxious patients and regularly attends general anaesthetic sessions at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
The Practice: Liverpool Road is a seven surgery clinic on the edge of Luton town centre with air conditioning, central sterilisation and an OPG machine. The surgery in which the FD will work is spacious and well equipped; you will have access to phantom heads, rotary endo systems and a surgical handpiece when required.
FDs work alongside experienced dentists, therapists and dental nurses who carry out an extensive range of treatment on children and adults, many of whom are dentally anxious, phobic or have complex medical issues.
As a Foundation Dentist, you will provide routine dental care for adults and will be offering a wide range of dental treatment to your patients.
Our team is warm, welcoming and committed to Foundation Dental training, providing exciting opportunities for gaining experience and learning.
In addition to your routine patients, you will also have the chance to:
- attend paediatric and special care GA sessions
- treat patients under Inhalation sedation – with the option to work towards CDS-accredited inhalation sedation training.
- shadow and learn from our wider team including: specialists in oral surgery, endodontics and periodontics; and consultants in paediatric, restorative and special care dentistry.
- attend domiciliary care visits
- potentially get involved with our epidemiology surveys
- shadow or work on our mobile dental unit
The Area: Luton is an exciting and diverse place to work and easily accessible via the M1 and Thameslink rail network. Liverpool Road has secure car parking and is also within short walking distance to Luton train station.
Other Points of Interest: Community Dental Services - CIC is a large social enterprise, we pride ourselves on delivering quality, patient-centred dental care.
See what one of our previous FDs thought about their experience with us:
FD 2021-2022: “I believe that completing my FD training at CDS was the best decision I made. The team at CDS were not only welcoming, but very supportive and kind. I felt very comfortable asking for help and I was allowed to progress at my own pace. My ES’ were very supportive and hands on, ensuring all my concerns were identified and listened to.
CDS offers FDs unique opportunities such as working with specialists, special care dentists, attending and assisting in GAs and providing inhalation sedation to suitable patients. All materials are available and there are no restrictions to providing treatment and gaining experience.
Thank you for an amazing FD year. I have made lifelong friends and could not have chosen a better practice to work at. I have also developed an interest for community and special care dentistry and would definitely come back after DCT if the opportunity arises! "
To future FDs, have fun and enjoy your year!”