Training Bottlenecks in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Insights from a UK Trainee Survey

Background
Recent findings from the British Medical Association reveal a national doctor unemployment crisis, with training bottlenecks exacerbating workforce underutilisation. In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS), extended training pathways and limited specialty training (ST) posts may heighten career uncertainty. Previous studies in BJOMS have highlighted training delays, gender disparities, and retention challenges, and the State of Play Report highlighted key issues including loss of agency, financial instability, and need to reform the current training pathway.

Methods
An online survey was distributed to OMFS trainees across the UK in July 2025. Questions explored current training stage, career intentions, application outcomes, job satisfaction, geographical mobility, perceived training bottlenecks, and wellbeing impacts.

Results
Fourteen responses were received. The largest group were undertaking a second medical degree, followed by FY2 and FY1. The most prevalent concerns were financial (78.6%), necessity to relocate (71.4%), and failure to secure CST posts (71.4%). Eight respondents feared not securing any post at all, while seven cited elongation of training as a worry. Wellbeing was moderately impacted in 42.9% and significantly impacted in 28.6%. Several respondents reported accepting less-preferred posts or altering application strategies due to recruitment pressures.

Conclusions
OMFS trainees are experiencing high levels of career uncertainty, relocation demands, and financial strain, with measurable wellbeing effects. These findings align with broader UK-wide concerns over training bottlenecks and underemployment. Urgent action is required to expand training capacity, improve recruitment transparency, and provide targeted support to maintain retention and morale in our speciality. The recruitment crisis facing the NHS workforce in 2025 further emphasises the need for significant meaningful changes highlighted by the State of Play Report.