Student advice

The College of General Dentistry is the professional home for dental professionals at all stages of their career – from student or trainee to experienced clinician.

Written by dental students and dental practitioners, this series of advice and careers blogs is designed to support dental students and trainees during your studies and as you transition to real-life dentistry. We would love to hear from you if you’d like to share your experience and write a student advice blog – find out more and get in touch with us at [email protected]

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If you are an undergrad studying a dental qualification in the UK, you are invited to join us. You can join for free as a Student Affiliate, or upgrade to Student Member for £11, to unlock online access to the Primary Dental Journal and our online learning hub. Find out more and join here >

Student advice and careers blog

My life as a dental student

My life as a dental student

1684 min read
CGDent NextGen Ambassador and 2024 BDS graduate from the University of Manchester, Dr Naeema Munshi, reflects on her experiences and offers advice to current students.
An insider’s guide to making key investments during your Foundation Training

An insider’s guide to making key investments during your Foundation Training

2766 min read
CGDent NextGen Ambassador, Dr Choudhury Rahman, shares his advice about investing wisely in your FD year.
Communication with patients – what can it do for you as a dental student?

Communication with patients – what can it do for you as a dental student?

2844 min read
2024 BDS graduate from the University of Liverpool, Zaira Cantara provides her tips on effective patient communication at dental school.
Brush off the stress: 5 tips for success at dental school

Brush off the stress: 5 tips for success at dental school

3346 min read
Fifth year BDS students at the University of Plymouth, James Oakley and Dilan Patel, share their advice on getting the most out of dental school.
Managing holidays from dental school

Managing holidays from dental school

6014 min read
Third year BDS student at the University of Birmingham and CGDent NextGen Ambassador, Christy Ng, offers advice on getting the most out of your university holidays.
Our experience of the Certified Membership Scheme

Our experience of the Certified Membership Scheme

10429 min read
Poppy Dunton, a member of the Certified Membership Scheme, and Phill Brown FCGDent, a CMS Facilitator, share their experiences of the programme.
How to get the most out of your Foundation Training

How to get the most out of your Foundation Training

12364 min read
Foundation Dentist and CGDent NextGen Ambassador, Dr Choudhury Rahman, offers tips on how to make the change from undergrad to Foundation Trainee smoother and get the most out of the FD year.
Using self-directed learning at dental school

Using self-directed learning at dental school

7645 min read
Second year Dental Therapy and Hygiene student at the University of Portsmouth, Modupe Ilesanmi, advocates using self-directed learning to improve your performance at dental school.
A dental therapist’s unexpected journey

A dental therapist’s unexpected journey

9456 min read
Dental therapist and business operations manager, Poppy Dunton, reflects on her career in dentistry and how her mantra that “every day is a school day” has supported her development.
10 Top tips for starting your clinical placement

10 Top tips for starting your clinical placement

9966 min read
Fifth year BDS student at the University of Plymouth, Sona Dave, passes on her advice for a successful clinical placement.