Breathing Space for Dental Students
While most students in most subject areas are usual under pressure due to student loads and finances, dental students have been given “breathing space” according to the BDA.
The British Dental Association has been looking for a solution to a difficult situation that has arisen, in which many dental students are entering dental courses without knowing just what kind of payments will lie in wait for future repayment.
A recent announcement however, has declared that entrants to dental courses for the 2012-13 year will be given a bursary to fully cover their 5-year course. The decision has been viewed in a good light by the BDA but the association has also acknowledged that it is only a short-term solution until a more long-term answer to the problem is found. In the mean time the bursaries have created an effective breathing space.
The solution however will only cover successful applicants of dental and medical students for the 2012-13 year and will not affect students beginning this coming September or those beginning their courses after the end of the 2012 to 2013 academic year.
While the decision has proved popular the British Dental Association has vowed to make good use of the year they have been given to find a long-term solution, as Dr Martin Nimmo, Chair of the BDA’s Student Committee explains, “The reprieve that has been announced this week is a sensible measure that allows prospective dental students to apply for 2012 entry secure in the knowledge that they understand the financial commitment they are making.”
“But this is only a short term measure and it’s vital that the breathing space this gives is properly utilised by the Departments of Health and Business, Innovation and Skills to talk to the professions concerned and broker an appropriate long term arrangement that is in line with the fair access agenda and that recognises the significant debts those studying for these degrees accrue.”
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