The UK Mentoring and Support Programme (MSP) for those considering a career in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)

Abstract Background To improve information and create way-markers for OMFS trainees, in 2008 British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) created a website to Register OMFS Interest and from 2011a Mentoring and Support Programme (known as the JTP). This paper is aimed at reviewing the effectiveness and cost of these programmes. Register Your Interest in OMFS Website (RYIO) – 2008 to date Between 2008 and 2020, 1744 individuals used RYIO on 2715 occasions. Of these registrations, 1772 were by dentists, 193 dental students, 589 doctors and 161 medical students. 2354 were from UK and Ireland and 351 from the rest of the world. 188 registrants subsequently became UK OMFS trainees or specialists. All registrants valued the information with which they were provided. In response to trainee feedback the new ‘Taste of OMFS 2020’ programme was created. BAOMS Mentoring and Support Programme (MSP) – 2011 to date Originally called the Junior Trainee Programme (JTP) the MSP scheme provides a layer of mentorship/support which runs parallel to the medical/dental training post or period of study. Of 180 members of MSP, 72 have obtained specialty training posts in OMFS. There are 87 current members. Full information is available on the BAOMS website www.baoms.org.uk Conclusion Reviewing both programmes, feedback from participants is excellent and the results tangible.