Trainees’ perceptions of UK maxillofacial training

Training is a central component of the work of many units around the UK. Many changes to the way that junior doctors are trained have taken place over the past few years and maxillofacial surgery, of all the surgical specialities, has perhaps undergone the most far-reaching. A postal survey of 93 maxillofacial specialist registrars (SpRs) in all regions of the UK was carried out, of whom 81 (87%) responded. The aim was to seek their views on subjects directly related to the quality of, and access to, training. Information was gathered on age of trainees, entitlement to annual and study leave, certification for Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and office and research facilities.