Newly qualified after completing his course in Dentistry at Liverpool University, Dr Aidan Yates OB has won second prize in the national Dental Clinical Skills Competition. He was one of over 500 entrants, representing 50% of the final year dental undergraduate population of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Aidan, who aims to undertake further study to become a specialist dental surgeon, received an all-expenses-paid trip to Switzerland and membership of the Royal College of Surgeons as his prize.
The Dental Clinical Skills Competition was devised by the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and seeks to bridge the gap between academic studies and practical dentistry.
Winners of each heat, 18 in all, were brought together for this year’s final, held at the end of February in Edinburgh. Tasked with demonstrating their individual competency across nine different skill areas (restorative dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, laparoscopy, dental anatomy, digital scanning, oral surgery, implants and communication skills), the contestants were given just 12 minutes to complete each task. Once time had elapsed, assessments were made and contestants moved to the next task, in all demonstrating two hours of non-stop, practical dental skills.
Aidan said his education at St Joseph’s College had provided an excellent foundation from which to build his career.
Mrs Clarke, the Principal, added, ‘It is always such a pleasure for me and the staff to hear of the successes of former students. It comes as no surprise that Aidan is already making his mark on his chosen profession. We look forward to following his progress and that of his brothers, Francis, who left St Joseph’s in 2013, and Wilfred, who is currently in the Upper Sixth.’
Francis returned to St Joseph’s College earlier in the year to talk to students about the benefits of studying STEM subjects. He gave Sixth Formers a fascinating insight into the power of Artificial Intelligence now and its potential for the future. Having completed a Master’s degree in Engineering at Trinity College, Dublin, he has remained in the city to work in a technology start-up.
Wilfred plans to read Engineering at Sheffield. All three brothers were recipients of Nuffield Scholarships as St Joseph’s College Sixth Formers.
Aidan is pictured on the left with the first and third placed entrants, representing the Universities of Newcastle and Glasgow.
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