ABSTRACT
Vocational training for general dental practice has evolved in the last ten years to become an integral part of the professional career structure. It has remained as a one-year programme of study despite the fact that proposals for a two-year period of postgraduate training after qualification were first suggested as long ago as 1981 by the Dental Strategy Review Group. General professional training has been defined as 'the structured further development of knowledge, skills and attitudes common to all branches of the dental profession which will provide a basis for informed career choice and patient care'. The notion of 'flexibility' has been central to many experimental schemes and a one-year Vocational training programme has been an integral part of many schemes. Trainers should inquire locally if they are interested in participating in any pilots. The evaluations of the pilot schemes have been encouraging and it remains to be seen whether two-year general professional training will become a mandatory requirement.
