Experiences of dental core trainees and specialist registrars before and after redeployment during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Eastman Dental Hospital

Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in an unprecedented shut down of all elective dental services, with normal training activity being suspended. This questionnaire-based survey reports on the experiences of a cohort of dental trainees who participated in redeployment during the pandemic. Materials and methods The questionnaires were distributed via Survey Monkey to 47 trainees, before and eight weeks after redeployment. Results A total of 29 trainees completed the questionnaire before redeployment and 32 completed it eight weeks after redeployment finished. The majority of trainees, before the redeployment, reported that inadequate information was given about the redeployment and a minority reported that they were struggling to cope with the pandemic. The post-redeployment questionnaire showed that all trainees felt that they had been well supported, with structured induction and help being given by the hosting service. They also stated that they had learnt skills beyond what they would have obtained as part of their training, with 86% of trainees saying that they would be happy to be redeployed again. Conclusion This survey shows that despite the initial anxiety expressed by the dental trainees at the outset, they had an overwhelmingly positive experience, enhancing their personal development and overall training experience. The survey highlights the need to ensure that appropriate and timely information and guidance is available for trainees, to help support their general and mental wellbeing when unprecedented events occur.