We spoke to Thamer Alzahrani, Specialist Dental Training Program in Periodontics, who is halfway through his training at Folktandvården in Lund, Sweden. 

How was your first year of clinical training?  

Before I started the first year I was a little bit of uncertain as it was a new training environment, new colleagues and I would be communicating with a language that I just learned. But all my uncertainty disappeared once I started. The first year was great thank to a professional working environment, an experience and helpful supervisor and colleagues as they understood my needs and helped me to achieve my goals during my training.  

What was the most challenging during this period?

Challenges during clinical training are expected but the most important thing is how to overcome them. I think balancing the time between different requirements, courses and seminars and family needs is quite difficult, but it is a skill that we must learn and improve during our clinical training.  

In which aspects did the training meet your expectations?  

The flow of patients and variety of cases are two things that I wished to have during my training and what I see it is beyond my expectations. In additions to that, the availability of different equipment, material, and instruments is also a very positive aspect. Also, I am lucky to have my supervisor, she is full of enthusiasm and willing to share her experience and knowledge.  

How was the communication and daily contact with supervisor and colleagues at the clinic? 

I think communication is essential for building a positive relationship. I discuss my cases with my supervisor daily and during specific case discussion. There is also time to discuss cases with colleagues during therapy meetings. Besides patient cases we often talk about life, family and hobbies during coffee breaks and lunch time.