Tipton Training transformed my early dental career
When I graduated from the University of Glasgow Dental School in 2023, I was excited to begin practising dentistry. I quickly found my feet during vocational training and began the journey toward becoming an associate.
While I was enthusiastic about treating patients independently, it soon became clear that dental school had prepared me primarily to be a safe beginner. From that point on, it was my responsibility to carve my own path toward clinical excellence and a higher standard of care than what is typically expected within NHS dentistry.
I quickly noticed that the nature of NHS dentistry places less emphasis on preventative and comprehensive care, often prioritising speed and efficiency over long-term outcomes. Treatments can feel rushed, and this approach did not align with the kind of dentist I aspired to be. I struggled with the idea that this might define the rest of my career. I wanted to offer my patients the highest standard of care, both clinically and through meaningful, patient-centred interactions.
Throughout university, Professor Paul Tipton’s name frequently surfaced in conversations. He is widely recognised as one of the most respected clinicians in the UK, so when I discovered that he offered structured postgraduate training across the country, I was eager to learn more. I eventually enrolled in the Restorative Postgraduate Certificate programme in Crieff, Scotland.
Rather than attending a short weekend course focused on a single topic, I was looking for a comprehensive and structured pathway to strengthen my understanding of restorative dentistry as a whole. The Tipton Training programme delivered exactly that. Over 12 modules, we explored key clinical areas – from direct composite restorations to veneers, crowns, root canal therapy, and implants – all underpinned by a strong and consistent focus on occlusion.
Completing the programme within a year and achieving my Postgraduate Certificate has made a profound difference to both my clinical confidence and my ability to provide higher-value dentistry. This, in turn, has significantly improved my earning potential. I now have a far stronger understanding of diagnosing and addressing the underlying causes of failure, rather than simply replacing failed restorations. This approach has enabled me to better educate patients about why problems occur, which builds trust; an essential element that is often overlooked in general dentistry.
One of the standout elements of Professor Tipton’s teaching is his emphasis on occlusion. More often than not, occlusion is a major contributor to treatment failure, yet it remains one of the least clearly taught areas in dental school. After the very first day of the course, I turned to Paul and said: “That was better than any training I had in dental school—better than all of it put together.” His teaching was clear, logical, and immediately applicable in practice. From that moment on, I began to see tangible improvements in both my clinical outcomes and patient trust.
As the course progressed, my confidence grew substantially. I found myself taking on more complex cases that I would previously have avoided. Now, I approach everything—from simple restorations to advanced crown, bridge, and implant work—with a far stronger foundation and greater confidence in my clinical decision-making.
Tipton Training has not only accelerated my clinical development but has also expanded my professional network. I am now part of a community of peers and mentors whom I can turn to for advice, support, and collaboration. This is not a one-off course; it is an entry into an ongoing alumni network of clinicians who share the same goal: delivering high-quality, long-lasting dentistry.
I have already enrolled in the Aesthetic Dentistry programme and look forward to continuing this journey. I can confidently say that every new graduate would benefit enormously from these courses. Tipton Training has shaped my early career in ways I never imagined were possible and I am genuinely excited to see where it leads next.
Tipton Training courses in Glasgow
For dentists inspired to follow a similar postgraduate pathway, Tipton Training will be running two year-long programmes in Glasgow this year, offering structured, comprehensive training supported by experienced clinicians and a strong peer network.
The Restorative Dentistry programme will run from March 2026 to February 2027, providing an in-depth foundation in restorative principles, occlusion, and predictable treatment planning across a wide range of clinical scenarios. Alongside this, the Aesthetic Dentistry programme will take place throughout this year focusing on contemporary aesthetic techniques and delivering confident, long-lasting outcomes for patients.
For full course details, entry requirements, and application information, visit the Tipton Training website: https://tiptontraining.co.uk/
Dr Conall Strickland is a Tipton Training alumnus and Junior Tutor on the Restorative and Aesthetic courses.