A career break is generally defined as a period of unpaid leave from work lasting more than two months – often without a specific job to come back to afterwards. Around 90,000 people in the UK take some form of career break every year, and 32% of the working age population have had a career break at some point in their lives.[i]
There are many factors which could unexpectedly extend a clinician’s career break, for example in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic and overseas conflict.
Parents returning to a new workplace after a long break can find the process daunting, but especially so if they are also adapting to a new country and facing additional obstacles such as exams.
For example, Dr Clara Preethu qualified as a dentist in India in 2006. After a year in private practice, she moved with her husband to the UK, and took a career break to raise her two children. When she was ready to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE), COVID hit, meaning her progress was slower than she hoped, which affected her confidence.
International dentist, Dr Shameem Nisa Gulam Mohamed also struggled with her confidence after having to extend a career break. Following her qualification in India, she moved to the UK. However, soon afterwards, Dr Mohamed needed to take an extended career break to look after her severely ill son. Re-entering the profession after a ten-year gap, as well as practising in a new country, was a daunting experience.
Returning to work after a career break
For dental professionals, a career break from dentistry could represent an opportunity to dedicate time to professional development, raising a family, travel, pursuing personal interests or to benefit from an emotional reset. However, returning to a career after a long period of absence can require hard work, mentoring, flexibility, structure and support.
Resuming practice after a long pause can be especially challenging for overseas dental professionals who have not yet practised in the UK, or for those who have taken extended leave from practice due to challenging circumstances – like illness, caring responsibilities, or having refugee or asylum status. Those returning after addressing physical or mental health issues may also face additional worries about re-joining the profession.
More than a third of individuals returning to the workplace after a career break experience a dip in confidence. Women are more likely than men to take extended leave from their careers, and are twice as likely to feel less confident about returning to work.[ii] According to a 2022 survey, 64% of women have taken a career break, with 22% taking extended time away from work due to childcare commitments. Additionally, 60% of women say they were nervous about returning to work after taking time out to have children.[iii]
Those who have taken time away to deal with physical or mental ill health may lose confidence due to stigma associated with their illness, as well as possibly struggling with debilitating symptoms. Fearing judgement or discrimination, they may not wish to disclose their health condition to a new employer, meaning they miss out on reasonable adjustments and necessary support.
A lack of confidence can significantly impact performance and patient care, so alongside the relevant requirements,[iv] individuals are advised to take measures to address their emotional and mental resilience before returning to practice.[v]
Building confidence and returning to work
Dental professionals returning after a long career break benefit from mentoring and support as well as opportunities to work flexibly.[vi]
Rodericks Dental Partners works hard to accommodate the needs of those returning to practice after a career break. At the centre of the group’s culture is a philosophy that ensures colleagues are supported by dedicated mentors, that their clinical expertise is respected, and they are empowered to work as flexibly as they need. As Dr Preethu says: “I feel very lucky to have had a lot of support from encouraging and helpful mentors at Rodericks Dental Partners. It’s really helped me.” Dr Mohamed adds: “After a 10-year gap, I was afraid I wouldn’t get the support I needed, but I’ve got an excellent mentor – he’s given me back my confidence.”
Returning to practice after a long break requires courage, time and commitment. Those who are able to return within a supportive network and structured framework are much more likely to succeed and flourish in their renewed careers.[vii]
To find out more about what it’s like to work with Rodericks Dental Partners and to discuss current vacancies, you can visit https://rodericksdentalpartners.co.uk/careers
Author: Glenn Rhodes, Head of Marketing at RDP
[i] Shoobridge G. The Power and Purpose of Taking a Career-Break! LinkedIn. June 2023. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/time-take-career-break-gonzalo-shoobridge Accessed July 2024
[ii] Morgan K. Why career breaks hit your confidence so hard. BBC.com. June 2021. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210617-why-career-breaks-hit-your-confidence-so-hard Accessed July 2024
[iii] A new way to represent career breaks on LinkedIn. LinkedIn. March 2022. Available at: https://news.linkedin.com/2022/march/new-way-to-represent-career-breaks-on-linkedin. Accessed July 2024
[iv] Restoring your name to the register. General Dental Council. Available at: https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/your-registration/rejoining-the-register Accessed July 2024
[v] Returner toolkit: helping you back to work. Gov.uk. March 2023. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/returner-toolkit-helping-you-back-to-work/returner-toolkit-helping-you-back-to-work. Accessed July 2024
[vi] Returner toolkit: helping you back to work. Gov.uk. March 2023. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/returner-toolkit-helping-you-back-to-work/returner-toolkit-helping-you-back-to-work. Accessed July 2024
[vii] Returner toolkit: helping you back to work. Gov.uk. March 2023. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/returner-toolkit-helping-you-back-to-work/returner-toolkit-helping-you-back-to-work. Accessed July 2024
