REFLECTIONS OF A COURSE PARTICIPANT 1989-1990

I qualified in 1983 and was looking forward to my career in dentistry, promising myself that I would not go through the mammoth task of finals or any equivalent examination again-as far as I was concerned my education career was over! However, after about 5 years working hard at the 'tooth face' in a busy NHS practice, and having practised most aspects of dentistry, I began to feel mentally and intellectually unchallenged. So I began to consider the MGDS examination. But where to start? I needed help and guidance! Enter Ruby Austin, Dental Practice Adviser and Senior Tutor of the Central London MGDS course who recommended applying, and promised excellent support once accepted. I contacted a very helpful and friendly Catherine Saldanha at the Department of Community Dental Health of University College London, who provided all the necessary information and application forms. A small course fee of 180 pound covered the administrative and catering costs (most of which is recouped from the FHSA at the end of the course).