Since dental practices closed their doors to patients, most foundation dentists have either assisted their practices in triaging patients, been redeployed to NHS 111, or have been sent to other secondary care settings. Collectively there has been an impressive willingness by foundation dentists to be redeployed and contribute to the efforts to help mitigate the devastating effects of the pandemic.

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I worked with a team established in March 2020 to manage the increasing demand on the London Ambulance Service, GPs and funeral directors caused by the rising death toll in the community.

The team was assembled at short notice and was a testament to the organisation and dedication of the NHS. Comprehensive training was undertaken. The role required resilience balanced with sensitivity and empathy to support, day or night, families in shock immediately following tragic and often unexpected loss of their loved ones. Dealing with families experiencing the challenges of grief in unprecedented circumstances exposed and challenged communication skills that had only recently been tested in OSCE stations.

However, it was encouraging to find that my training had prepared me for far more than just clinical dentistry. Taking detailed histories and the safe application of PPE were familiar territory, but most importantly it was the frameworks of communication, such as the Calgary-Cambridge model,1 which proved invaluable for structuring difficult conversations with bereaved families. Attributes instilled throughout the foundation training programme such as professionalism, leadership and multi-disciplinary teamwork were widely transferable for my redeployment role, and critical to meet its demands. Although often perceived as 'soft skills', it is essential that these non-clinical competencies continue to be taught rigorously within the foundation training curriculum. We received continued support throughout the entire process; the bi-weekly mentoring from Health Education England and the supportive structure of foundation training meant we had supervisors and training programme directors readily available.

Since COVID-19 deaths in the community have dramatically reduced in London, I now return to foundation training reflecting on the robust support and varied opportunities provided to foundation trainees. Recent graduates should be confident in their training, and no doubt their redeployment experiences, that have contributed to their development as rounded healthcare professionals; the comprehensive education in wider non-clinical skills has proved indispensable in wholly unexpected circumstances.