Key Points
-
Provides a description of the new vocational training scheme for dental therapists, an evaluation of strengths and identification of areas for development.
-
The scheme clearly provides a supportive practice environment for the further development of dental therapy skills in treating different patient groups.
-
The scheme increased the trainers' likelihood of employing a therapist.
Abstract
Commissioned by NHS Education South Central (NESC) Postgraduate Dental Deanery, this work provided an external, independent formative evaluation of the Dental Therapists Vocational Training (TVT) scheme in its first year of operation. Undertaken between March-September 2009, the evaluation engaged with all those involved in the TVT scheme: the newly qualified dental therapists (n = 9; group discussion and questionnaire; portfolio extracts) and interviews with their trainers (n = 9), Associate Postgraduate Dental Dean and TVT Scheme Adviser. Most of those on the scheme did not feel well prepared for work at the point of initial qualification and benefitted from enhancement of confidence and skills. Although the number of treatments undertaken by each of the trainees varied considerably, there was commonality in terms of treatment types. Benefits for trainers included the opportunity to work with a dental therapist and develop a better understanding of their role. They praised the trainees' skills with nervous patients and children and their preventative work. A therapist on the team released the dentist for more complex treatments. Challenges related to the recruitment of trainees and trainers, the relative lack of knowledge about the work of dental therapists, concerns about maintaining the range of therapy skills and issues about UDA (unit of dental activity) distribution. There was widespread support for a mandatory TVT scheme. This scheme could be improved by providing further guidance on the amount and type of clinical experience required.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
References
Evans C, Chestnutt I G, Chadwick B L . The potential for delegation of clinical care in general dental practice. Br Dent J 2007; 203: 695–699.
General Dental Council. Scope of practice. London: GDC, 2009.
Jones G, Evans C, Hunter L . A survey of the workload of dental therapists/hygienist-therapists employed in primary care settings. Br Dent J 2007; 204: E5.
Gallagher J L, Wright D A . General dental practitioners' knowledge of and attitudes towards the employment of dental therapists in general practice. Br Dent J 2003; 194: 37–41.
Ross M K, Ibbetson R J, Turner S . The acceptability of dually-qualified dental hygienist-therapists to general dental practitioners in South-East Scotland. Br Dent J 2007; 202: E8.
Harris R, Burnside G . The role of dental therapists working in four personal dental service pilots: type of patients seen, work undertaken and cost-effectiveness within the context of the dental practice. Br Dent J 2004; 197: 491–496.
Ward P . The changing skill mix – experiences on the introduction of the dental therapist into general dental practice. Br Dent J 2006; 200: 193–197.
Jones G, Devalia R, Hunter L . Attitudes of general dental practitioners in Wales towards employing dental therapists/hygienist-therapists. Br Dent J 2007; 203: E19.
The Steele Review. NHS Dental Services in England: an independent review led by Professor Jimmy Steele. London: Department of Health, 2009.
Department of Health. Implementing Local Commissioning for Primary Care Dentistry. Factsheet 6A Dental Vocational Training. Gateway Reference 7620. 2006.
Williams S A, Bradley S, Godson J H, Csikar J I, Rowbotham J S . Dental therapy in the United Kingdom: part 3. Financial aspects of current working practices. Br Dent J 2009; 207: 477–483.
Nilchian F, Rodd H D, Robinson P G . Influences on dentists' decisions to refer paediatric patients to dental hygienists and therapists for fissure sealants: a qualitative approach. Br Dent J 2009; 207: E13.
Dyer T A, Robinson P G . General health promotion in general dental practice – the involvement of the dental team. Part 2: A qualitative and quantitative investigation of the views of practice principals in South Yorkshire. Br Dent J 2006; 201: 45–51.
Gallagher J E, Wilson N H F . The future dental workforce? Br Dent J 2009; 206: 195–199.
Cotton C, Roberts A, Mackie I . Undergraduate perceptions of dental team working. ADEE Programme and Abstract Book 2009; F39.
Stewart F, Drummond J, Clarkson J, Young L . An investigation of job satisfaction of dental hygienist therapist tutors. ADEE Programme and Abstract Book 2009; F48.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by a grant from the NESC (Oxford and Wessex) Postgraduate Dental Deanery. We wish to acknowledge the contribution made by all the individuals who gave their time to this study. More broadly, this work was informed by studies undertaken at The University of Birmingham and the influence of Dr Vickie Firmstone in the approach to data gathering and instrument design is acknowledged.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Refereed paper
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bullock, A., Falcon, H., Mehra, S. et al. An evaluation of a vocational training scheme for dental therapists (TVT). Br Dent J 209, 295–300 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.818
Accepted:
Published:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.818
