Starting DFT: What I wish I knew before day one

A year ago, I was in your shoes - wrapping up finals, saying goodbye to dental school, and trying to imagine what life would be like as a real, working dentist.

Fast forward a few months, and I found myself in the deep end of Dental Foundation Training (DFT). It’s been a whirlwind, and I wanted to share some honest reflections to help you feel a little more prepared for what’s ahead.

The first few weeks are a blur (and that’s okay)

Starting DFT can feel like being strapped into a rollercoaster that you can’t quite remember queuing for. Everything was new - new team, new systems, new responsibilities. It was exciting but also overwhelming. I quickly realised that feeling a bit lost is completely normal.

One of the most disorienting things? The abbreviations. We’re used to dental abbreviations, but this is in relation to your new foundation training programme. They’re everywhere. Keep your DFT handbook close and don’t be afraid to ask what things mean or if you are unsure of something. No one expects you to know it all.

Organisation and curiosity will carry you

One of the best things I did early on was keep a daily diary. I jotted down what I’d done, what I’d learned, and any reflections I could use for my e-portfolio. It helped me stay grounded and track my progress when everything felt like a blur.

I also made a point of asking questions. If something didn’t make sense, I asked. Whether it was my Educational Supervisor, the nurses, or even reception staff, everyone had something to teach me. Staying curious helped me build confidence and understand how a real practice runs.

This is where you become a clinician

Dental school gives you the theory and technical skills, but DFT is where I started to feel like a real dentist. You learn how to manage patient care from start to finish, make decisions on the spot, and balance clinical care with time pressures and expectations.

It’s a steep learning curve, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You start to see how everything you’ve learned fits together—and you begin to shape the kind of clinician you want to be.

Expect the unexpected

One thing I didn’t anticipate was how much things change week to week. Some days feel smooth and productive, others not so much! That’s just the nature of the job. Being adaptable and open to change is key. Talk to your peers, lean on your supervisor, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Real life kicks in

Working full-time is a big shift. Early mornings, long days, and a constant stream of new information can be draining. I found it really important to keep some normality—whether that was going to the gym, seeing friends, or just watching a show you love.

Also, be prepared for the financial side. There’s often a gap before your first pay cheque, and new expenses can creep in. Budgeting carefully and planning ahead made a big difference for me.

Final thoughts

Starting DFT is a huge step, and it’s okay if it feels daunting. You’re not expected to know everything. What matters is that you show up, stay open to learning, and take care of yourself along the way.

You’ve worked incredibly hard to get here - and now it’s time to put that knowledge into action. You’ve got this.