discuss management of peri-implant health and disease
get practical guidance on hygiene instrumentation and recall intervals
take part in case-based discussions and shared learning
Both events take place from 6-8pm at Rock Dental, a specialist referral practice in Wolverhampton, and attendees will be able to bring along their own cases for peer discussion and advice from its multi-disciplinary team in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The evenings will be led by Dr Minas Leventis DipDS, MSc, PhD, who manages complex cases in oral surgery, bone grafting, and implantology. After qualifying as a dentist from the University of Athens in 1999, he completed an MSc in Oral Pathobiology in 2003, a Specialty in Oral Surgery in 2004 and a PhD in Bone Grafting and Growth Factors in 2010. A faculty member at the University of Athens since 2002, he has practised in the UK since 2013 while continuing to lead experimental and clinical research projects internationally. Lecturing worldwide, he delivers postgraduate training in implantology and bone regeneration and has co-authored over 30 papers in PubMed-indexed journals. He is a Fellow and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, President of the Scientific Board of Blue®m, and a scientific consultant for several biomaterials companies.
The two Study Club evenings, each of which comes with 2 hours’ CPD, are sponsored by Wrights UK. There are ten places available at each evening; these are free for College members, with a small fee applying for all other dental professionals.
To find out more, and to book your place, click the button below:
The College has announced the topic and speakers for its next annual study day in Glasgow.
2026 CGDent Scotland Study Day speakers (l-r): Dr Noland Naidoo, Dr Helen Kaney FCGDent, Professor Murali Srinivasan and Professor Gerry McKenna FCGDent
Delivering lectures under the title “Digital dentistry for the dental team: you say you want a revolution” will be four speakers: Dr Noland Naidoo, Dr Helen Kaney FCGDent, Professor Murali Srinivasan and Professor Gerry McKenna FCGDent.
The annual study day, organised by CGDent Scotland, takes place at Glasgow Science Centre on the first Friday in December – 4 December this year. With six hours of CPD, the day is attended by up to 400 dental professionals from across the UK, and finishes with a drinks reception which marks the start of the festive season for its many regular attendees.
Dr Noland Naidoo practises prosthodontics and endodontics in Edinburgh and Kelso, and previously co-led a private prosthodontic practice in Johannesburg. He qualified BChD from the University of the Western Cape in 2005 and was awarded a PDipDent in Implantology in 2007. He later completed an MDent in Prosthodontics, thereby qualifying as a specialist within South Africa, at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he later practised in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation. He relocated to the UK in 2022, joining University College London’s Eastman Dental Institute as a clinical lecturer on postgraduate prosthodontic programmes, and then to Edinburgh in 2024, where in addition to his practice he has taught on postgraduate prosthodontic and endodontic programmes at Edinburgh Dental Institute. He is a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI), an alumnus of Future Leaders in Prosthodontics (FLiP) and serves on the board of the Shaping the Future of Implant Dentistry (SHIFT) leadership programme. He has contributed to international professional organisations, including the International College of Prosthodontists, and acts as a peer reviewer for leading journals.
Dr Helen Kaney FCGDent is Head of the Dental Division at the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS). She qualified BDS from Glasgow University in 1987 and spent many years in general dental practice as well as working as a clinical assistant in conservative dentistry and prosthodontics at Glasgow Dental Hospital and at Guy’s Hospital in London. She developed an interest in law and ethics early in her career before training and working as a solicitor for a number of years, acting for doctors and dentists in clinical negligence claims, regulatory matters and Fatal Accident Inquiries in Scotland on the instructions of UK indemnity providers. Her first dentolegal role started in 1999, working for a large insurer in Surrey, and she has since accrued significant experience in advising and assisting dentists in the UK and Ireland and in several other jurisdictions, including during 14 years working for Dental Protection, latterly as Head of Dental Services in Scotland. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Diploma in Legal Practice, and completed an MBA at Strathclyde Business School in 2013. A Fellow of the College of General Dentistry, she was an elected member of its Council from 2019-25.
Professor Murali Srinivasan is a specialist prosthodontist, Director of the Clinic of General, Special Care and Geriatric Dentistry at the University of Zurich and an honorary professor at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. He is a past President of the European College of Gerodontology, former Head of the University of Zurich’s Centre for Dental Medicine, and is currently President of both the International Association of Dental Research’s Geriatric Oral Research Group (IADR-GORG) and the Swiss Society of Gerodontology and Special Care Dentistry. He qualified BDS in India in 1996, completed his Master of Dental Surgery in prosthodontics in 2001 and also holds both a Master of Advanced Studies in reconstructive dentistry and a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Geneva. Formerly practising in Dubai, he moved to Switzerland in 2011 on an ITI scholarship, after which he became a Lecturer, later Senior Lecturer, at the University of Geneva. An active Fellow of the ITI, he has published numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals. His current research encompasses implant dentistry, geriatric dentistry, prevention and the clinical applications of CAD-CAM technology in removable prosthodontics.
Professor Gerry McKenna FCGDent is a Consultant in Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry at Queen’s University Belfast, where his clinical work is focused on fixed and removable prosthodontics, including managing older adults in both hospital and private practice. He also leads oral health research within the university’s Centre for Public Health, focussing on optimising treatment options for older adults. After qualifying BDS from Newcastle University in 2004, he worked in a number of dental hospitals, spent time in dental practice, achieved a PhD on the impact of a tailored dietary intervention coupled with oral rehabilitation on the nutritional status of older adults, and completed specialist clinical training at University College Cork. A Vice President of IADR-GORG and past President of both the IADR’s Irish Division of and the European College of Gerodontology, he is an adjunct Professor at University College Cork, King James IV Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and a Fellow of both the College of General Dentistry and RCS Edinburgh. He has recently published the book Clinical Cases in Gerodontology.
The CGDent Scotland Study Day is open to all dental professionals, and can be attended in person or virtually. Fee discounts are available to College members in all team roles.
Breakfast rolls, a two-course lunch, refreshments throughout the day and evening drinks are all included in the attendance fee, and there will be an accompanying trade exhibition to visit.
Professor Jim McCaul, lead maxillofacial surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, delivering his lecture, ‘Oral Cancer, what you need to know and what you need to do’, to attendees at last year’s CGDent Scotland Study Day
Other discounts to the full rate are available to Foundation Dentists / Vocational Trainees and their trainers, recent graduates and members of the Glasgow Odontological Society and the Royal Odonto-Chirurgical Society of Scotland.
Patricia Thomson FCGDent, former Council representative for North and West Scotland, reviews the College’s recent annual study day in Glasgow.
On Friday 5 December 2025, dental professionals from across Scotland and elsewhere met at Glasgow Science Centre for the CGDent Scotland Annual Study Day. This event was established at the founding of the former Faculty of General Dental Practitioners in 1992, and has been held in Glasgow annually since then, this being the fifteenth year that we have been hosted at the Science Centre.
Our main speaker was specialist periodontist Dr Ian Dunn FCGDent, whose series of lectures was titled ‘Passionate Perio for the Dental Team’. The final lecture, the annual Caldwell Memorial Lecture, was delivered by Professor Jim McCaul, lead maxillofacial surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, on ‘Oral Cancer, what you need to know and what you need to do’.
Over 400 delegates joined us for the day, 361 in person and a further cohort online. The numbers comprised dentists of all levels of experience, many of whom are regular attenders, 87 final year BDS students from Glasgow and Dundee Universities, 113 Vocational Dental Practitioners, and gratifyingly, approximately 30 Dental Hygienists/Therapists.
In addition, we were joined by 12 fourth year BDS student volunteers who assisted with registration and scanning of delegates into each lecture. We were very grateful for their assistance, and they reported that they had all enjoyed the day thoroughly and looked forward to being in the audience at the 2026 Study Day.
We were delighted to host Dr Gillian Leslie, who had been recently appointed the new Chief Dental Officer for Scotland; warm congratulations were conveyed to her by our delegates who were enthusiastic at the prospect of a general dental practitioner having been selected for the role.
Also present was Thomas Lamont, Associate Postgraduate Dean for Workforce Development at NHS Education for Scotland (NES). Thomas has been working to create collaboration between NES, the Royal Colleges in Scotland and CGDent Scotland to better support our colleagues in the first five years in practice, and we were gratified that he attended the day to witness and support our community of practice.
Other esteemed guests included Professor Aileen Bell, Dean of Glasgow Dental School, and Billy Cameron, Assistant Postgraduate Dean for Vocational Training, both of whom have been strong proponents of CGDent Scotland.
The day started at 8am when we welcomed the first delegates with hot drinks and breakfast rolls. The early start presents the opportunity for delegates to visit the stands of our sponsors, who collectively allow us to deliver the day on this ambitious scale. As usual, I would like to reiterate our gratitude for their continuing financial contribution, as well as their enthusiasm and good humour, allowing us to deliver a successful and enjoyable day for the entire team. The exhibitors’ hall runs throughout the day, and we incorporate lengthy breaks between lectures to access the various trade stands as well as networking with colleagues and enjoying refreshments and lunch.
Once again, we welcomed Prof John Gibson, Emeritus Professor of Oral Medicine at Aberdeen University and winner of the CGDent President’s Award in 2024. John now devotes his time to running his charity, The Canmore Trust, which is dedicated to suicide prevention and postvention, and he and his wife Isobel remained with us throughout the day, manning their stand and enjoying social interaction with delegates.
In response to feedback, we opted to keep all students in the lecture theatre for the entire programme this year rather than removing them for a separate session in the afternoon. This proved very successful, and we feel that this has been a positive development to engender inclusivity, and introduce them to the community of practice that the College is endeavouring to foster.
It was with some trepidation that the organising committee elected to have most of the day devoted to periodontics. I am a part-time Teaching Fellow at Glasgow Dental School, and when I informed the final year students that the study day was going to consist of three perio lectures, they were not too impressed. However, I assured them that Ian Dunn is a superbly entertaining speaker with a deep passion for his subject, and that their apprehension was ill-founded. It was immensely gratifying to receive their overwhelmingly positive feedback the following week.
Ian used his warm Liverpool humour to guide the delegates through the concepts of disease aetiology and risk factors, and the S3 guidance with particular reference to the integration of the guidance into the SDR (the Scottish NHS payment system). He also discussed instrumentation and the use of antimicrobials, and he particularly emphasised the methods of patient motivation and the power of the oral hygiene phase. Ian had many amusing patient interaction anecdotes such as: “Madam, do you want a longer tooth, or a tooth no longer?”; and “would you wash your dirty car by rinsing it with a bucket of water and expect it to be clean?”. Apologies to Ian if I have not quite captured the essence of the messages. I did notice that many delegates brought out their phones to take note of these interesting motivational analogies to reuse when they returned to practice. I also have to acknowledge his persistence in repeating his patients’ mispronunciation “Cordosyl” throughout the entire day.
The feedback for Ian’s lecture set was absolutely superb, and many commented that they could not believe that he held their attention for such a long period on the subject of periodontology, several expressing a new enthusiasm for the topic.
We then received Professor McCaul’s Caldwell Memorial Lecture, Jim previously worked at Bradford Teaching Hospitals and the Royal Marsden Hospital, and his unit in Glasgow has one of the highest throughput of head and neck cancer and facial trauma cases in the world. He holds a PhD in Molecular Oncology, continues to work on clinical research for head and neck cancer, and is on the editorial board of numerous international medical research journals.
He was delighted to have access to our large group of dental professionals to deliver his message. His opening comment was that we should refer to him anything that raises suspicion of cancer. He assured us that we will not be considered time wasters if the referral results in a diagnosis of lichen planus, recurrent ulceration or any other benign condition, as he is delighted that nineteen times out of twenty he can deliver good news to patients. Rather, he was concerned that when the one out of twenty referrals that is a cancer diagnosis does not reach him at an early stage, the outcome becomes much more bleak.
He proceeded to use a combination of pictures and video to demonstrate the hugely invasive procedures that these cases undergo, but also showing that faces can be put back together again, and that patients can resume their altered lives if the surgery is successful. It was immensely reassuring to note that a person who carries out this level and complexity of surgery can establish a close bond with the patient and cares deeply about the outcome for the individual. Jim went on to discuss the disturbing fact that the incidence of head and neck cancer is rising significantly among the female population, and it is unrelated to the former recognised risk factors. Work is ongoing to establish a cause.
Jim also discussed the use of immunomodulation therapy, but he was wary to offer any certainty at this moment, as it appears to have some promise in a specific number of individuals, but not all.
The room was completely enraptured by Prof McCaul’s presentation, and again we received wonderful feedback; especially noted was the confidence to refer any suspicion of cancer to Jim’s department without fear of time wasting, and I would strongly encourage general dental colleagues across the UK to adopt the same approach.
We consider that we had two outstanding presenters this year, as confirmed by feedback, and we are indebted to them for coming to Glasgow to make the day such a success.
The day ended with our drinks reception, where the delegates mingled with colleagues, the dental trade, other stakeholders, and our speakers. The day concluded at 7pm with a huge sigh of relief from the organising team, including our superb events coordinator, Patricia de Vries.
We will endeavour to replicate the success of this day in December 2026, when the day will be devoted to digital dentistry.
Our speakers then will be: Dr Noland Naidoo, a prosthodontist and endodontist, originally from South Africa, who has worked in the UCL Eastman Dental Institute and Edinburgh Dental Institute, and who has an interest in dental technologies and biomaterials; Professor Murali Srinivasan, a specialist prosthodontist from Zurich University whose current research focus is among, other things, the clinical application of CAD-CAM technology in removable prosthodontics: Professor Gerry McKenna FCGDent, Consultant in Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry at Queen’s University Belfast; and Dr Helen Kaney FCGDent, Head of Dental Division at MDDUS .
We hope that our programme next year will attract a number of Dental Technicians and Clinical Dental Technicians, as well as the entire dental team, and that College members and others from across the UK will consider joining us as the organising committee endeavours to make the day as worthwhile, relevant and enjoyable as ever.
Further information and tickets are available via the button below.
Fellows and Associate Fellows of the College are reminded that they are eligible to enrol on a ‘top-up’ Master’s degree which can be completed during a single year of part-time distance learning. The next cohort starts in September 2026 and successful completion satisfies the Research & Publications domain of Fellowship.
Holders of ‘FCGDent’ and ‘AssocFCGDent’ status can enter via advanced standing into Stage 3 of the MSc in General Dental Practice offered by Aston University, with their attainment recognised as equivalent to 90 credits of relevant prior learning at level 7.
The arrangement applies regardless of dental team role or location, so long as the applicant meets the university’s standard postgraduate admissions criteria.
The course consists of a 30-credit taught module in advanced research methods followed by a 60-credit individual research project pertaining to clinical dental practice.
The programme develops competence in research skills including:
development of hypotheses
research design and execution
data analysis and interpretation
critical evaluation of literature
understanding of ethical issues
reporting of an empirically-based project
On completion of the taught component, students will be able to select and implement appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques for different research questions and designs, and will know how to manage their time and resources when undertaking research independently. They will then develop a suitable research question for their topic of choice within the field of general dental practice and plan a programme of research.
Led by Dr Stuart Ellis FCGDent, a former FGDP(UK) examiner and Clinical Director of a five-surgery general dental practice, the programme is delivered by the Cambridge Academy of Implant Dentistry. Learning methods include online lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group activity, independent study, assignments and reflections on assignment feedback. Assessment will be through a combination of continuous assessment, logbook, research proposal, presentations and a dissertation.
In meeting the requirements of the Research & Publications domain of College Fellowship, successful completion of the MSc in General Dental Practice would enable most Associate Fellows to take a step closer to full Fellowship, which requires the fulfilment of three of the five Fellowship domains.
For further information, and to register your interest, email [email protected], call 0121 204 3200 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm), or click the button below.
The Advanced Orthodontics course is a comprehensive, 120-credit, Level 7 programme leading to the award of the CGDent Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Orthodontics.
Delivered by IAS Academy, it is designed to give General Dental Practitioners the skills and knowledge needed to treat more complex malocclusions, including extraction cases, taking them up to just below specialist training level. It covers all appliance systems – fixed functional, aligners, lingual and Inman – and includes both the theory and practical aspects of orthodontic care.
In addition to lectures, students will discuss multiple new cases, participate in hands-on practical sessions and receive one-to-one mentoring by specialists for ten treated cases. The syllabus, which is delivered across six 3-4 day training blocks as well as weekly online planning discussions, includes:
Records, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning
Treatment planning for Class I, Class II div1, Class II div 2 and Class III malocclusions
Radiography – Ceph/OPG/CBCT
Fixed appliances
Lingual appliances
Removable appliances
Functionals
Retention
Aetiology of malocclusion, growth & development
Development of the dentition and tooth movement
Dental material & biomechanics
Multidisciplinary care, including restorative, periodontics & surgery
Critical reading skills
Health education, health & safety, legislation and audit
This training block is specifically for candidates accepted onto the 2026-28 cohort of the diploma course and is limited to 12 places. To ensure enough case-flow and experience, the course is recommended for dentists who have treated at least ten fixed cases, are treating a minimum of ten orthodontic cases per annum, and are familiar with using fixed appliances.
The Advanced Orthodontics course is a comprehensive, 120-credit, Level 7 programme leading to the award of the CGDent Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Orthodontics.
Delivered by IAS Academy, it is designed to give General Dental Practitioners the skills and knowledge needed to treat more complex malocclusions, including extraction cases, taking them up to just below specialist training level. It covers all appliance systems – fixed functional, aligners, lingual and Inman – and includes both the theory and practical aspects of orthodontic care.
In addition to lectures, students will discuss multiple new cases, participate in hands-on practical sessions and receive one-to-one mentoring by specialists for ten treated cases. The syllabus, which is delivered across six 3-4 day training blocks as well as weekly online planning discussions, includes:
Records, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning
Treatment planning for Class I, Class II div1, Class II div 2 and Class III malocclusions
Radiography – Ceph/OPG/CBCT
Fixed appliances
Lingual appliances
Removable appliances
Functionals
Retention
Aetiology of malocclusion, growth & development
Development of the dentition and tooth movement
Dental material & biomechanics
Multidisciplinary care, including restorative, periodontics & surgery
Critical reading skills
Health education, health & safety, legislation and audit
This training block is specifically for candidates accepted onto the 2026-28 cohort of the diploma course and is limited to 12 places. To ensure enough case-flow and experience, the course is recommended for dentists who have treated at least ten fixed cases, are treating a minimum of ten orthodontic cases per annum, and are familiar with using fixed appliances.
The Advanced Orthodontics course is a comprehensive, 120-credit, Level 7 programme leading to the award of the CGDent Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Orthodontics.
Delivered by IAS Academy, it is designed to give General Dental Practitioners the skills and knowledge needed to treat more complex malocclusions, including extraction cases, taking them up to just below specialist training level. It covers all appliance systems – fixed functional, aligners, lingual and Inman – and includes both the theory and practical aspects of orthodontic care.
In addition to lectures, students will discuss multiple new cases, participate in hands-on practical sessions and receive one-to-one mentoring by specialists for ten treated cases. The syllabus, which is delivered across six 3-4 day training blocks as well as weekly online planning discussions, includes:
Records, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning
Treatment planning for Class I, Class II div1, Class II div 2 and Class III malocclusions
Radiography – Ceph/OPG/CBCT
Fixed appliances
Lingual appliances
Removable appliances
Functionals
Retention
Aetiology of malocclusion, growth & development
Development of the dentition and tooth movement
Dental material & biomechanics
Multidisciplinary care, including restorative, periodontics & surgery
Critical reading skills
Health education, health & safety, legislation and audit
This training block is specifically for candidates accepted onto the 2026-28 cohort of the diploma course and is limited to 12 places. To ensure enough case-flow and experience, the course is recommended for dentists who have treated at least ten fixed cases, are treating a minimum of ten orthodontic cases per annum, and are familiar with using fixed appliances.
The College is now accepting applications for the next cohort of its Postgraduate Diploma programme in Primary Care Orthodontics, starting in June.
The comprehensive Level 7 programme is designed to give General Dental Practitioners the skills and knowledge needed to treat more complex malocclusions, including extraction cases, taking them up to just below specialist training level. It covers all appliance systems – fixed functional, aligners, lingual and Inman – and includes both the theory and practical aspects of orthodontic care.
Through a combination of lectures, seminar and practical sessions, the syllabus includes:
Records, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning
Treatment planning for Class I, Class II div1, Class II div 2 and Class III malocclusions
Radiography – Ceph/OPG/CBCT
Fixed appliances
Lingual appliances
Removable appliances
Functionals
Retention
Aetiology of malocclusion, growth & development
Development of the dentition and tooth movement
Dental material & biomechanics
Multidisciplinary care, including restorative, periodontics & surgery
Critical reading skills
Health education, health & safety, legislation and audit
Marketing and practice management
During the programme, which is limited to 12 places, students will discuss multiple new cases, participate in hands-on practical sessions and weekly online planning discussions, and will be given one-to-one mentoring by specialists for ten treated cases. The 2026-28 programme is supported by six training blocks, five of three days and one of four days, which take place in June, September and December 2026, and April, July and November 2027.
To ensure enough case-flow and experience, the course is recommended for dentists who have treated at least ten fixed cases, are treating a minimum of ten orthodontic cases per annum, and are familiar with using fixed appliances.
The 120 credit programme, including ongoing informal and formal assessment, is delivered by IAS Academy, with a final examination held by the College.
It is led by Professor Ross Hobson, a specialist orthodontist, former Head of Orthodontic MSc/Specialist training at Newcastle University, and former Chair in Orthodontics at the University of Central Lancashire. He holds a Master’s in Dental Surgery and PhD from Newcastle, a Membership in Orthodontics at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, is a Fellow of the College of General Dentistry, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and was the first dentist to be awarded the Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Professor Hobson is also the presenter of the College’s Introduction to Orthodontics series, which explore the possibilities and limitations of orthodontic treatment with fixed braces and provide an insight into the postgraduate diploma programme. The webinars are free to view on-demand by College members, who can also claim free CPD certificates.
The College has revised its criteria and application process for Fellowship, and encourages experienced dental professionals to review the revised criteria with a view to applying.
Our landmark experience-based route to Fellowship, launched in 2022, offers recognition of the skills, knowledge and experience accrued by committed general dental professionals over the course of their careers. The revision, four years on, is designed to widen relevance across different aspects of professional achievement, and to further recognise, within the College’s community of practice, the diversity of contributions made to the profession in the service of patients.
As before, all those with at least ten years’ practice as a registered dental professional can apply. Applicants will need to provide evidence of meeting the criteria in at least three of the College’s five Fellowship domains, which are published openly and transparently so that prospective Fellows can easily check their eligibility and be confident in their application.
The previous distinction between ‘standard’ and ‘gateway’ criteria in each domain has been removed, and the application process has been further streamlined to suit the busy modern dental professional, with the submission of reflective statements and CVs no longer required in most cases.
Satisfying the Clinical & Technical (previously Clinical) domain of Fellowship now requires the applicant either to hold a recognised and eligible postgraduate qualification or diploma of membership, or to submit a clinical portfolio demonstrating equivalent training and capability.
For example, applicants holding a relevant Master’s degree or PhD; a recognised postgraduate diploma; a specialty membership of a UK Royal College; a diploma in a specific dental discipline from CGDent, FGDP or RCS England; a diploma or membership in a specific dental discipline from RCS Edinburgh; or the MGDS, MAGDS, MDS or MRACDS, all qualify in this domain, as do CGDent Certified Practitioners and Accredited Full Members of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
The Teaching & Assessment domain now requires applicants to either be recognised by an authoritative body in this field, to have a relevant postgraduate certificate together with three years’ qualifying experience, or to have eight years’ qualifying experience plus verified training.
For example, applicants can now qualify in this domain if they have eight years’ service as an NHS Educational Supervisor (for at least 200 hours per year), together with either 27 hours’ relevant and recent CPD or Fellowship of the Faculty of Dental Trainers of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
The Leadership and Management domain, now called Leadership, Management & Clinical Governance, is no longer satisfied through ten years’ experience as principal or partner in a practice of any size together with evidence of external validation such as a CQC inspection report. It now requires applicants either to hold an eligible diploma-level leadership qualification, to hold a certificate-level leadership qualification together with three years’ service in a relevant leadership role, or to have three years’ experience in a defined senior leadership role together with 10 hours’ relevant and recent CPD.
For example, applicants can now qualify in this domain if they have three years’ experience of leadership, oversight and accountability as principal or partner of a multi-chair practice with a minimum of six registrants, together with a relevant Level 7 postgraduate certificate or ILM Level 5 diploma.
The Research & Publications domain requires applicants either to have had at least fivepeer-reviewed articles published in relevant and recognised publications, or to have completed a relevant doctorate or master’s degree with a research dissertation.
The Law & Ethics domain requires applicants to have either five years’ experience in a qualifying role together with 10 hours’ relevant and recent CPD, or to have a law degree or relevant postgraduate qualification together with a year’s experience in a relevant role.
Anyone previously admitted as a Fellow of the former FGDP, of one of the surgical Royal Colleges in the UK or Ireland or their faculties of dental surgery or dentistry, of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgery, Royal College of Dentists of Canada or College of Dentistry of South Africa, or who holds Certification by the American Board of General Dentistry, is automatically eligible for Fellowship by equivalence without reference to the above domains.
Marking professional accomplishment, Fellowship celebrates both excellence in dental practice and commitment to the art and science of improving patients’ oral health. The community of Fellows lies at the heart of the College, providing leadership and collectively supporting the development of dentistry, as well as reflecting the values of the organisation and its focus on professionalism.
Those successfully admitted to Fellowship can use the postnominal designation ‘FCGDent’, and are eligible to attend our regular Fellows’ Receptions, where they can have their Fellowship formally presented by the President. As members of the College, they also receive quarterly print copies of the Primary Dental Journal and free or heavily discounted access to live CPD events, study days and other local and national networking opportunities.
Full details of the revised domains, and how to apply for Fellowship of the College, are available by clicking the button below:
Dr Shreya Sharma, an Associate Dentist based in Hampshire, was successful in the 2025 CGDent-GC Award. In this blog, she describes how her reflective practice, a key part of the award entry process, supports her professional development.
Dentistry is a profession defined by lifelong learning. No two cases are ever quite the same and with every patient comes an opportunity to refine our judgement, technique and communication. But true growth doesn’t just come from experience, it comes from reflection.
At university, feedback is constant. Every procedure is supervised, every decision discussed. Once qualified, that safety net disappears and suddenly, we’re left to evaluate our own work. For me, reflection has become a way to recreate that feedback loop, to stay accountable and to keep improving.
I realised this most clearly while preparing my case for the CGDent-GC Award for Foundation Trainees. The award places a strong emphasis on reflective practice, with a significant portion of the assessment criteria dedicated to it. Knowing this encouraged me to slow down, document carefully and truly understand the reasoning behind each decision. That’s where the most meaningful learning happened.
What it means to reflect and why it matters
Reflection isn’t just a tick-box exercise for an e-portfolio. It’s an honest look at your own decision-making: why something worked, what could have gone better and how you’ll approach it differently next time.
During my award case, analysing my own work, even small details like line angles, surface texture and the polish of restorations, helped me understand why they mattered and how they influenced the overall outcome.
One example was restoring the fractured UR1 to match the adjacent UL1 crown. I found the process far more challenging than expected, particularly when trying to recreate the same lustre and the way the light reflected off the crowned tooth. Even achieving the correct width proved difficult.
My successful case: pre-op and post-op photographs
To guide the restoration, I used a measuring gauge to record the width of the UL1 and mirrored those measurements for the UR1. Despite this, the restored UR1 still appeared wider than the crown I was trying to mimic. It was only through reviewing my clinical photographs that I realised the issue was not with the measurements, but with the line angles.
The position and width of the line angles dramatically affect how we perceive tooth shape. My initial line angles were placed too far apart, which made the tooth look flat, dull, and visually broader than it truly was. By adjusting their position and narrowing the distance between them, the restoration immediately appeared more natural and better harmonised with the adjacent central.
This experience highlighted how subtle morphological details can completely change the final aesthetic and how essential reflective practice and clinical photography are in developing that level of awareness.
As clinicians, we hold ourselves to incredibly high standards. Reflection helps balance that drive for excellence with curiosity. It allows us to pause, recognise small wins and identify where to grow next. It transforms experience into understanding and uncertainty into progress.
The value of photography and case write-ups
Clinical photography has completely transformed the way I learn. It’s more than documentation, it’s a mirror that reveals what we might miss in the moment: a defective margin, a shade that could blend better or an open contact point. Reviewing those photographs later helps me see patterns and improvements in my work that are often invisible day-to-day.
A significant part of the CGDent-GC Award involves presenting clinical photographs that meet a high aesthetic and technical standard. Working towards this pushed me to refine my photography skills, pay closer attention to detail and critically assess the quality of my own work. Striving to meet that standard ultimately strengthened both my clinical outcomes and my ability to communicate them clearly.
Over time, these images have become a visual record of progress. They remind me that growth in dentistry rarely happens overnight, it builds with one small improvement at a time.
Case write-ups add another dimension to this process. Writing forces you to think through every stage of treatment, to justify your reasoning, material selection and workflow. While preparing my award case, I found myself analysing each choice, from composite selection to polishing technique. Putting those thoughts into words made my clinical reasoning clearer and my approach more deliberate.
Together, photography, writing and reflection drive ongoing development.
How the CGDent-GC Award nurtures reflection and growth
Entering the CGDent-GC Award deepened my appreciation of reflection. It wasn’t just a competition, it was a structured opportunity for learning.
Selecting a case
The process begins with choosing a case that you are about to start treating. Part of the competition is recognising, early on, that a forthcoming case has potential to showcase your skills and be developed into a strong entry. This shift in mindset encourages reflection from the very beginning: What might make this case a good learning opportunity? What challenges could it present?
It’s not about selecting a “perfect” patient or predicting a flawless outcome. Instead, it’s about identifying a case with learning value and approaching it intentionally, with the aim of documenting your decision-making and growth throughout the process.
Documenting the process
Clinical photography was essential here. Each image encourages you to pause, assess, and understand the nuances of your work. The lens doesn’t lie, it reveals subtleties that might otherwise go unnoticed, and the camera, in many ways became my most objective teacher.
Writing the case report
This was the most introspective stage for me. Writing about my case helped me connect my clinical decisions with their outcomes. It gave structure to what I had previously done instinctively and turned my learning into something tangible.
Winning the award
Winning the award was a huge honour, but the greatest reward was the insight gained along the way. Reflecting on my work, documenting the process and sharing it with others renewed my perspective on dentistry, something that’s easy to lose in the rhythm of daily practice.
Beyond the competition
The impact didn’t end when the results were announced. The experience continues to shape how I practice today. I take more photographs, analyse my outcomes more critically, and make time to reflect regularly. The competition gave me a framework for self-assessment and helped turn reflection from something occasional into something routine.
As part of the prize, I attended a two-day composite course in Belgium, where we learned advanced layering techniques and approaches to restoring fractured and discoloured teeth. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians, refine my practical skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
On GC’s composite layering course in Belgium, July 2025
Competitions like the CGDent-GC Award (and the Advanced Aesthetic Award for more experienced clinicians) don’t just celebrate clinical skill, they nurture the habits that make us better dentists. They remind us that growth isn’t measured by accolades, but by how much we learn from every case, every challenge, and every uncertainty.
How reflection builds confidence
Confidence doesn’t come from avoiding mistakes, it comes from understanding them.
During my award case, I had plenty of moments of uncertainty: shade selection, matrix placement, polishing protocol. At the time, those doubts felt like signs of inexperience. But revisiting them afterwards showed me that those questions were actually the foundation of growth. Each hesitation led to research, feedback and ultimately, better results.
That shift, from fearing mistakes to learning from them, has been one of the most empowering parts of early-career dentistry. Reflection has taught me to value curiosity over perfection and progress over pressure.
Closing thoughts
Reflection turns experience into understanding and everyday dentistry into a journey of lifelong learning.
For me, it has made my clinical work more intentional, my patient care more consistent, and my growth as a dentist more measurable. Dentistry evolves not only through skill, but through self-awareness. Every case, every success and every setback, has something to teach us, if we just take the time to look.
Dentists and dental therapists who qualified in 2025 or are enrolled on DFT are eligible to enter the 2026 CGDent-GC Award – entries are open until Friday 20 February 2026.
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