Richard Fairchild

What are your career goals after graduating?

Following the completion of my MSc in endodontics, my goal is to continue providing high-quality general dentistry while developing a particular focus in endodontics. My aim is to manage all endodontic needs for my patients with the intention of preserving as many natural teeth as possible and establishing a strong, healthy foundation for any future restorative or prosthodontic work. Additionally, I hope to support my colleagues by accepting endodontic referrals, allowing me to help a wider range of patients.

Tell us about the teaching environment and lecturers on your course.

The teaching environment has been very friendly and open, with people being encouraged to discuss and learn openly, with no fear of asking a silly question. All the lecturers and teaching have been to a very high standard.

Tell us how the course has helped you to develop your skills for your current/future career.

Throughout the course so far, we have had extensive teaching on the foundations of endodontics, from diagnosis to the intricacies of treatment. The teaching has been fantastic, and I can very confidently say that my knowledge, ability and confidence has improved more than I could have expected. I feel significantly better equipped to look after my patients to the best of my ability.

What are the best things about your course?

The course has been well structured, and the information layered in a very coherent way which has allowed us to develop our knowledge at a comfortable pace throughout the course and apply it as we’ve progressed. The teaching has been to a great standard and has helped me understand concepts to a much deeper degree. Furthermore, the residential week was excellent - not only was it very informative, but there was also a great sense of camaraderie between all the candidates. Being in the beautiful location of Switzerland was a real luxury and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Why did you choose to study your current course?

I wanted enrol on an MSc in endodontics to deepen my knowledge and ability in this area as I have always thoroughly enjoyed it and its underlying problem-solving nature. I have also always found it very rewarding and a very real, tangible way of being able to help my patients.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?

I wanted to study at the University of Birmingham (UoB) as this was where I did my undergraduate training, and many of the individuals involved in the course I knew from my previous training. I therefore wanted to carry that relationship through and do my MSc with UoB. I was also drawn to this course by the online nature, which has been absolutely fantastic and has really helped me get the most out of the course. I would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of endodontics in a way that is easily accessible and flexible.