How can DCTs become involved in research?

Abstract

Academic DCT posts We currently work as DCT3s in Restorative Dentistry (Post 1) and Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology (Post 2) at the Leeds Dental Institute. As part of these posts, we have one day a week of protected time to develop our academic skills. Of the 77 DCT3 posts available in 2019, only two included specific academic duties within their roles. 1 We actively sought these posts when applying for DCT3, since the nature of DCT rotations and national recruitment make it very difficult to sustain an active role embedded within a large research project. Given the significant academic activity included in specialty training, as well as the drive to increase research undertaken in primary care, 2,3 we believe an increase in the number of academic DCT posts would benefit postgraduate trainees and the future wider workforce.

Do I consider a career in dental academia and if so how do I go about it?

“…3 Recent articles have further corroborated this, with current trainees discussing some of the limited availability of research within dental core trainee positions, while promoting the roles they do. 4,5 However, without more structured options for an early academic pathway, this option is not open for many new trainees who otherwise would be suited to such roles, and they may not even be aware that this is a pathway open to them.…”