During the last decade the work of the Faculty of Dental Surgery has expanded through new diplomas, European and overseas initiatives and Continuing Professional Education. It is not possible to centrally organize all that requires to be achieved in a greatly expanded and demanding postgraduate market and Regional Advisers require to be resourceful, have initiative and enthusiasm and be prepared to commit themselves to a very important task. The job is demanding, and appointments will normally be made for a three year period, with the possibility of annual renewal. The principal functions of a Dental Regional Adviser (Adviser) are as follows:

1. To represent the Faculty of Dental Surgery in his/her region and conversely report the views of Dental Fellows and trainees within the region to the Faculty of Dental Surgery. The essential intention of the appointment of an Adviser is to improve and maintain communication between the College and its Dental Fellows, Members and Affiliates.
2. To be a source of information on Dental Faculty and College activities and be fully conversant with current dental examination regulations and procedures.
3. To initiate and organise activities to promote the Faculty and College, including ensuring, if at all possible, that all dental undergraduates and Vocational Trainees in the region have an opportunity at least once in their training, to attend a Dental Faculty event and meet with senior members of the Dental Council.
4. To be prepared to be a mentor for a dental specialist diploma (or the MFDS). Should this prove to be impractical, to make all necessary local arrangements to ensure that a candidate has a mentor from whom specialist guidance and advice may be sought.
5. The Adviser should act as a tutor counselling dental surgeons who have proved unsuccessful in the dental examinations. In this respect, the College (in strictest confidence), is prepared to give details of examination performance to Advisers, when requested to do so by failed candidates. This will ensure that the Adviser is in possession of the relevant facts when formulating advice.
6. The Adviser should give advice to young Dental Surgeons concerning careers within dentistry and should, when requested, advise employing authorities on the suitability on posts for training.
7. The Adviser should wherever possible be a member of the Regional Specialist Training Committee.
8. In acquiring the final part of the MFDS a candidate will have made a Collegiate Decision. The candidate will be encouraged to choose the Edinburgh College if guidance during the early post graduate years has been available.
   
   Advisers should further the process of affiliation by initiating local activities such as Study Groups, Workshops and other training measures, all of which would require to be self financing.
9. A meeting of Advisers will be held in the College or at a venue approved by the College, through Dental Council, at least once a year to discuss issues and to keep Advisers informed of any developments and changes in College policy.
10. Travel Policy: Overseas Advisers attending the Annual Meeting of Dental Regional Advisers are entitled to claim up to £400 flight costs and up to two nights’ accommodation at Ten Hill Place or a College approved hotel. This agreement is subject to annual review.

Regional Advisers List

Download the list of Regional Advisers (pdf document).