Exploring postgraduate dental training in clinical settings: a review of facilitators and barriers

This literature review explores the systemic facilitators and barriers that influence the quality and effectiveness of postgraduate dental training in clinical and hospital-based settings from a global perspective. A narrative search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted for English-language publications from 2000 to 2024, and findings were thematically synthesized into six domains. Key facilitators included structured mentorship programs, access to modern equipment and diverse clinical cases, supportive interprofessional learning environments, competency-based regulatory frameworks, and funded training pathways. Conversely, recurring barriers such as inadequate supervision, resource constraints, excessive service burdens, siloed training, bureaucratic overload, and financial inaccessibility undermined the learning experience. These findings highlight the need for strategic investment, policy reforms, and institutional commitment to optimize training environments. In particular, establishing protected time for supervisors and expanding government-funded training posts are recommended to enhance faculty engagement and ensure equitable access to postgraduate dental education. Future research should explore the longitudinal impact of these interventions on trainee outcomes, especially in under-resourced settings. Comparative studies examining diverse regulatory models across regions further inform global best practices.