RACDS is seeking accreditation from the Dental Council of New Zealand to provide accredited training in Oral Medicine, Paediatric Dentistry and Special Needs Dentistry in Aotearoa New Zealand. If successful, the training programs will provide pathways to Fellowship and Specialist Registration with the Dental Council.
The RACDS Training Programs in Oral Medicine, Paediatric Dentistry and Special Needs Dentistry are three years full-time (or equivalent) in duration, primarily based in hospitals throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. It encompasses the following components:
- Clinical Research is an integral part of the training program. Engage in clinical research to foster critical thinking, evidence-based practice and innovation in patient care. Through research, trainees will develop the skills to critically evaluate scientific literature, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and apply new findings to improve clinical outcomes.
- Clinical Training is delivered by supervised training in teaching hospitals associated with the training centres. Trainees will receive hands-on training to improve their knowledge and technical skills under the guidance of experienced clinical teachers and supervisors who are skilled in their specialty and can deliver this training.
- Clinical Education is delivered in planned learning experiences. Trainees will benefit by means of demonstrations, tutorials, lectures, seminars, literature review, web-cases and will be directed towards self-learning.
Becoming a specialist in dentistry offers the opportunity to gain professional recognition and make a meaningful impact on patient care. Learn more about why becoming a specialist could be right for you.
If you wish to receive announcements when applications for selection are open, please submit your EOI here.
Curriculum
The Curricula have been designed to bring all of the competencies and elements of training together. They each comprise of three components; Broad Competencies, Foundation Modules and Advanced Modules.
Broad Competencies
The Broad Competencies of the Training Programs are based on the CanMEDS framework and outline what competencies trainees require to fulfil the goals of the training program. The roles are Dental Expert, Communicator, Collaborator, Leader, Dental Advocate, Scholar, and Professional. The Cultural Competency and Safety competencies are integrated throughout these competencies.
Foundation Modules
The Foundation Modules outline year one of the training programs. They are designed to have a degree of commonality across each of the three disciplines and include the requisite specialty-specific content.
Advanced Modules
The Advanced Modules each describe a specific area of the specialty and are organised to assist trainees with logical and sequential learning objectives. They are designed to assist and guide, but not restrict a trainees learning. The modules will be attained in years two and three of the training programs.
Examinations and Assessment
The Training Programs consist of two examinations: the Foundation Examination in first year of training and the Fellowship Examination in the last year of training. In addition, trainees will be required to satisfactorily complete six-monthly assessments, workplace-based assessments, such as Directly Observed Procedural Skills and Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise and maintain a logbook of all procedures.
Trainee Support
The Training and Education Committee, Director of Training and the various Supervisors of Training ensure trainees receive appropriate training, supervision, assessment and guidance throughout the duration of the Training Program. The College is committed to ensuring fair and equitable workplace practices and has a zero tolerance of all forms of harassment. Trainees are encouraged to contact the Training Programs dedicated Education Officer for assistance in meeting College requirements. Please refer to the Trainees Requiring Assistance Policy and Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination Policy for further information.
The College has partnered with Converge International, specialists in psychology and wellbeing, to give trainees access to confidential, personal coaching and counselling services that provide support for a variety of short-term, personal or work issues. This service gives you access to qualified professionals including psychologists, social workers and management coaches. All sessions are entirely confidential and are fully subsidised by the College. To access this service, call 0800 666 367 or to book a session online, visit the Converge International website.
Please note that your confidentiality is assured, and your details will not be passed on to anyone at the College.
Resources
Fees associated with the training programs will be available soon.
Important documents relating to the program will be available soon.
Key dates relevant to the training programs will be available soon.
Related forms to the program will be available soon.
If you have any enquiries, please contact: [email protected].