For the first time in its history, the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) has opened its membership to dental students.
The news means the Faculty is the only academic dental institution in the UK to offer free membership to undergraduates in their final two years of study.
From July 2007, dental students will be able to join the FGDP (UK) as e-ssociate members, gaining access to an unrivalled set of resources and opportunities to broaden their skills and knowledge via the FGDP (UK)’s unique Career Pathway initiative.
The move is part of a series of plans to encourage and support lifelong learning and professional development from the outset of a career in dentistry, and to raise awareness among young dentists of the opportunities for career progression beyond initial qualification.
Among the range of benefits, e-ssociates will have free access to members’ online resources and FGDP (UK) journals, as well as discounts on publications and study days, and will become eligible to register on the Career Pathway.
Speaking on the launch of e-ssociate membership, James Wise, chair of the FGDP (UK)’s External Affairs Committee, said: ‘We are delighted to be making available the benefits of FGDP (UK) membership to students as they embark on their dental career. With the development of the new MJDF examination and increasing participation on the FGDP (UK)’s Career Pathway, there has never been a better time for undergraduates to make full use of all that the Faculty has to offer in promoting the highest standards in dentistry.’
FGDP (UK) Dean Richard Hayward added: ‘The Faculty recognises the need to engage young dentists in establishing best practice for the future of patient care. In opening its membership to undergraduates, the dental student now has an academic home within which to advance their career following graduation.’
The official launch of the e-ssociate membership will take place at the BDA Conference and Exhibition later this month. Visit the FGDP (UK) at stand KS11 to find out more. Further information on e-ssociate membership is available at www.fgdp.org.uk, or by contacting Amrita Narain on 020 7869 6750 or [email protected].
