First in restorative dentistry training for Peninsula

Tim O’Brien is the first the first speciality registrar in restorative dentistry to pass the Intercollegiate Speciality Fellowship Examination (Exit Speciality Training Examination) in Restorative Dentistry at Plymouth University Peninsula School of Dentistry.

Tim’s achievement firmly marks the School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise as a speciality training centre in restorative dentistry, complementing the already successful dental public health speciality training programme and the nationally-recognised academic clinical fellowship training programme for primary care practitioners.

His new qualification will allow Tim to apply for a consultant position in restorative dentistry.

Tim qualified at Guy’s Hospital in London and has worked in a range of practices, including one in Australia. He undertook specialist training at the Eastman Hospital in 1997, remaining there to teach dentists training to be specialists.

He joined Peninsula as an academic clinical fellow in 2012 and was funded by the National Institute for Health Research to undertake training in additional specialities and to participate in research – focusing on how to make dental care safer for patients.

He is an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and London and acts as an expert witness in legal cases and other matters under consideration by the General Dental Council.

Said Tim: “This examination success marks the near completion of my further specialist training at Peninsula. I look forward to continuing with my research interest and assisting with the development of much-needed training for dental specialists in the South West.”

Professor Christopher Tredwin, Head of Plymouth University Peninsula School of Dentistry, added: “My congratulations go to Tim for this superb achievement. His success bodes well for the future of our restorative dentistry training programme, and the provision and quality of restorative dentistry treatment in the region.”