FGDP(UK) Career Pathway
Jump to Section:
What is the Career Pathway?
Unlike the secondary care sector, where there has traditionally been a structure for the career development of dentists, the career paths available in the primary care sector have not always been so clear.
Devised and supported by the FGDP(UK), the Career Pathway is a career development framework that aims to support career-long learning and professional development by recognising postgraduate education and training undertaken by practising primary care dentists.
The Career Pathway is open to all dental practitioners, from vocational trainees to practice principals, and provides:
- A route to Fellowship of the Faculty (the FFGDP[UK])
- A structure for ongoing professional development
- A route to the FFGDP(UK) based on your experience in practice.
Completion of the three stages of the Career Pathway provides a route to Fellowship of the FGDP(UK) that should be achievable for all general dental practitioners. The Pathway has a structure that allows flexibility for the participant, allowing them to remain in practice whilst undertaking education and training at their own pace. It also supports the development of special interests in primary dental care.
 Find out more by visiting the Career Pathway FAQs
Following the Pathway will be a challenging but worthwhile experience.It is certainly demanding, and requires a commitment to postgraduate training and development for participants to complete the three stages successfully. However, it provides an approach to career development that is accessible for all primary care dentists, regardless of career stage, and enables practitioners to strive for the highest standards of patient care.
How does the Career Pathway work?
The Pathway works through the accumulation of credits gained by completing FGDP(UK) and accredited non-FGDP(UK) courses, diplomas and exams.
There are three stages of the Career Pathway, marking a route from competence in generalist primary dental care (stage 1 – Foundation Stage) through to the attainment of the FFGDP(UK) (stage 3). The FFGDP(UK) will enable practitioners to demonstrate that learning from a programme of structured continuing postgraduate education and training has been put into practice, and that the practitioner is delivering a high standard of patient care.
On route to the FFGDP(UK), practitioners will need to undertake a further clinical component and management component (stage 2). For further information on the three stages and how they may be completed, please see the Step-by-Step guide to the Career Pathway.
How to become a participant on the Pathway
The only requirements for registration on the FGDP(UK) Career Pathway are:
- A primary dental qualification (ie. BDS)
- Membership of the FGDP(UK).
Once registered on the Career Pathway, the FGDP(UK) will provide advice and support to help particpants progress through the three stages, and will provide updates on the latest Pathway developments.
To find out more about the support available, please see Support for Career Pathway participants.
For further information on the Career Pathway, please contact Anna Schüle on 020 7869 6772 or aschuele@rcseng.ac.uk.
Useful links and forms
Use the links on the left menu or below to visit other useful pages in this section:
You may also wish to view the following documents:
| 
