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Objective The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a rapid shift to the use of virtual consultations in both primary and secondary care. The aim of this study was to assess patient experience of virtual consultations (telephone and video) in the Oral Medicine department during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods A validated survey was developed with the Patient Experience Team in Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. A combination of previously validated questions and newly validated psychometric questions were used to design the patient feedback questionnaire. The survey was administered to all patients following their virtual (telephone or video) consultation. Data were synthesised and electronically analysed. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results A total of 115 surveys were completed. Over 82% rated their experience as good or very good and 69% preferred a virtual consultation for their next consultation. Thematic analysis of individual comments identified positive themes including convenience and positive/helpful clinical experience. Areas for development identified from thematic analysis included accessibility and clinical limitations in not undertaking a physical examination. Conclusion Overall, the patient experience of virtual consultations in Oral Medicine was positive.

In this commentary, we discuss the short‐term and long‐term implications of COVID‐19 on postgraduate dental training in the UK, specifically Dental Core Training (DCT) and Specialty Training. Although this commentary focuses on the authors’ experiences within Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) in London, we hope that our viewpoint will resonate with dental postgraduate trainees across Europe and may guide further discussion in this area. We also reflect on adaptations that may be required if there are any future disruptions to dental postgraduate training in the UK.

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