A longitudinal qualitative multi‐methods study of new dental graduates' transition journey from undergraduate studies to professional practice

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionNew dental graduates' (NDGs) transition to professional practice is an important landmark and developmental stage in their career and in the UK it is supported by a formal educational transition process through a one‐year salaried practice‐based programme. However, little is known about graduates' experiences during this period. As part of a larger mixed‐methods project, this study aimed to explore NDGs' experiences during their transition to professional practice, represented by Vocational Dental Practice.Materials and MethodsSixty‐six NDGs from one dental school were invited to participate. Two rounds of in‐depth interviews were conducted: Interview 1 upon NDGs' graduation and then Interview 2 was a follow‐up interview after they had spent six‐nine months in vocational dental training (VDT). At Interview 1, a subset of participants agreed to record longitudinal audio‐diaries (LADs) and continued these for 6–9 months into VDT. Data from the interviews and LADs were analysed together using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsEleven of the 66 invited NDGs agreed to be interviewed at Interview 1 (16.6%), seven at Interview2 (10.6%), and six (9.2%) recorded LADs. Four topic summaries were developed around NDGs transition experiences: (1) conceptualisation of the process; (2) responses to the transition, (3) challenges and support and (4) relationships with stakeholders.ConclusionNDGs' transition to professional practice was perceived as exciting and rewarding on personal and professional levels but carried challenges. VDT and related stakeholders play a vital role of supporting NDGs into their new professional life.