Methods: At end of the DVT year a postal questionnaire assessing cognitive variables relating to clinical and non-clinical practice, continued professional development and vocational training was sent to all VDPs in Scotland, the Northern and North Western Deaneries, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Results: The questionnaire was returned by 226 VDPs giving a response rate of 81%; Scotland = 86%, Northern Deanery = 79%, North Western Deanery = 72%, Northern Ireland = 86% and Wales = 81%. In Scotland VDPs' confidence in their ability to perform surgical extractions (P < 0.01), complete molar root canal treatments (P < 0.05), perform apicectomies (P < 0.001) and design partial dentures (P < 0.01) was significantly higher than in other areas of the UK. VDPs in Scotland also reported feeling more confident about keeping track of new technology about clinical practice (P < 01), less under strain (p < 0.05) and less worried about their future in dentistry (P < 0.05). When considering attitudes to formal assessment VDPs in Scotland think it is useful (P < 0.001), comforting (P < 0.001) and beneficial (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: There is a difference in the self-reported cognitions of VDPs in Scotland when compared to VDPs in the rest of the UK. Further research is required to understand the reasons for and long term implications of this.