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24 INTERVIEW Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa Edition | 3/2018 Tipton Training UK and CAPP Dubai: Helping young dentists get ahead Modern dentistry is presenting unique challenges for young professionals. In this article, Professor Paul Tipton, Clinical Director, Tipton Training and Dr. Conor O'Loughlin (Tipton Alumni) share their experience of preparing for a successful career in dentistry. By Tipton Training Time To Differentiate Young dental professionals that want to reach the pinnacle of the industry must act to ‘differentiate’ themselves in an increasingly com- petitive jobs market. That’s the message from Tipton Training, a dental training centre that has fast-tracked the careers of many ambitious dentists. “I think it’s important that newly qualified dentists recognise that they’ve just been taught the basics,” explains Professor Paul Tipton, Clini- cal Director at Tipton Training. “University is there to get dentists qualified. But it’s important that young dentists realise that there is so much more to learn. “It’s a little like passing a driving test. Doing so allows a person to drive on the road - but they only become an accomplished driver with hands-on experience. The same principle ap- plies in dentistry, which is why we help dentists navigate this process.” Real-world Knowledge Gaps Conor O’Loughlin is one young den- tist that Tipton Training has helped. Inspired by his father to enter the world of dentistry, Conor opted to study the field at university. “I had always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps as a dentist. He was passionate about dentistry, but my lack of self-confidence held me back,” explains Conor. “It wasn’t until my mid-20’s when I had a burning desire to take ac- tion and send myself off to univer- sity. When I finished my studies, I thought I had all the tools under my belt to make a real impact in my cho- sen profession. “But this wasn’t the case. I felt my fundamentals were somehow not refined enough, simply because I was seeing dental work fail. I then decided to speak to the profession- als and find out where things were going wrong and how I could correct them.” Investing In Training This led to Conor enquiring and reg- istering for a series of Tipton Train- ing courses. Specifically, Conor en- rolled onto The Restorative Course in 2016. “I wanted a solid grounding in re- storing teeth. Where better than The Restorative Course? I soon realised how naive I had been in my early years. Professor Paul Tipton opened my eyes to occlusion and how the mouth works as a whole,” says Conor. “Rules and ideas which I overlooked were explained precisely. Some things can be learnt from a textbook - but to actually get involved in chats and seminars was a much better way for me to learn.” The Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Restorative Dentistry explores the theoretical, scientific and engineer- ing principles behind restorative dentistry. Consisting of six units over 14 days, delegates learn through a combina- tion practical sessions, lectures and demonstrations. “The most important topic we cover on The Restorative Course is occlu- sion,” adds Professor Paul Tipton. “Most newly qualified dentists are unfamiliar with the concept because universities don’t tend to teach it. However, occlusion is the major fac- tor which determines whether resto- rations succeed or fail. It’s this kind of learning that helps many dentists, just like Conor, start to deliver treat- ments that exceed expectations.” Further Practical Learning After successfully completing The Restorative Course, Conor wanted a means of testing his knowledge in a practical environment. With this in mind, he enrolled onto The Phantom Head Course in 2017. The course consists of six units de- livered over 10 face-to-face days and two days of e-learning. “I wanted some hands-on experi- ence before putting my knowledge into practice. The Phantom Head Course was just perfect,” says Conor. “The days spent drilling teeth over and over again were exhausting - but what better way to improve? Practice really does make perfect! I can safely say my preparations improved ex- ponentially. “Plus, I had a lot of fun along the way. I was very lucky to have some great colleagues and mentors to make the days exciting! I now consider them lifelong friends.” An integral part of The Phantom Head Course concerns two-handed tooth preparation, a skill which Pro- fessor Paul Tipton views as essential. “Most dentists don’t know how to ‘prepare to prepare’. I know that may sound trivial, but most dentists don’t know the best means to prepare teeth. “For example, I see a lot of dentists prepare with just one hand. Tipton Training teaches two-handed tooth preparation, which involves holding the turbine in both hands. “The Phantom Head Course also ex- plores how to use the speed increas- ing handpiece, select the right type of burs, correctly use a mirror and adequately prepare a dental nurse.” Improved Confidence & Treatment Delivery The skills Conor learnt on The Restor- ative Course and The Phantom Head Course were immediately applied in his practice setting - meaning he could complete complex cases con- fidently. “Doing The Restorative Course and The Phantom Head Course has im- mensely improved my self-confi- dence,” explains Conor. “Within months, I was producing beautiful restorative work from vari- ous crowns, onlays/inlays, veneers and many variations in bridgework. Literally days after a course, I was able to apply my new-found knowl- edge to everyday problems. “I’ve had several makeover cases where I’ve combined veneers with crowns, implants and bridgework - and patients have cried in happi- ness!” What’s more, Conor has found that his ability to take on more complex cases has more than covered his orig- inal course fees. “I would recommend Tipton courses - 110%. My courses, one year later, have paid for themselves,” says Conor. “Of course, revenue is important, but now I can go to work and really look forward to more challenging cases. “Who wants to spend the next 30 years just drilling and filling? The job’s not worth doing without sat- isfaction - and that is exactly what I have now.” Postgraduate Certificates & Diplomas As an approved EduQual centre, Tipton Training gives delegates an opportunity to learn advanced den- tistry principles through engaging theoretical and practical sessions. Successful completion leads to Mas- ter’s level National Vocational Quali- fication (known as a Level 7 qualifica- tion), which can help dentists stand out in a competitive jobs market. Plus, these Enhanced CPD compliant qualifications give dentists the skills to provide first-class treatments to patients, maximising their earning potential. Dentists who want to establish a clear career path should consider registering for one of Tipton Train- ing’s Postgraduate Certificate or Di- ploma courses. CAPP-Tipton Dental Academy offers 3 Diploma programmes in Dubai UAE, namely: 1. Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry Certificate & Diploma www.cappmea.com/capptipton 2. Clinical Endodontics Certificate & Diploma www.cappmea.com/endo 3. Clinical Implantology Certificate & Diploma www.cappmea.com/implant For more information visit the above mentioned websites or Call/ WhatsApp +971528423659 or e-mail: p.mollov@cappmea.com