Supporting newly qualified dental therapists into practice: a longitudinal evaluation of a foundation training scheme for dental therapists (TFT)

Bullock, Alison Deborah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3800-2186, Barnes, Emma J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6447-6647, Falcon, H. C. and Stearns, K. 2013. Supporting newly qualified dental therapists into practice: a longitudinal evaluation of a foundation training scheme for dental therapists (TFT). British Dental Journal 214 (8) , E21. 10.1038/sj.bdj.2013.425

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Abstract

Objectives Focused on the dental therapists foundation training (TFT) scheme run by the Postgraduate Dental Deaneries of Oxford and Wessex (NHS Education South Central – NESC) the objectives were (1) to evaluate the TFT 2010/11 scheme, identifying strengths, areas for development and drawing comparisons with the 2009 evaluation; and (2) to follow-up previous cohorts, reporting current work and retrospective reflections on the scheme. Methods Data were collected from 2010/11 ('current') trainees (n = 10) through group discussion, questionnaire and portfolio extracts. Eleven past-trainees from 2008/09 and 2009/10 took part in a structured telephone interview or responded to questions via e-mail. Results Data from 2011 consolidated that collected earlier. The scheme was highly valued. Current participants thought the scheme should be mandatory and all past-participants would recommend it to others. Trainees attributed an increase in confidence and ability in their clinical skills to participation in TFT. Current trainees' concerns about finding therapy work were echoed in past-participants' post-scheme employment. Conclusions At the point of qualification, trainees do not feel well-prepared for starting work as dental therapists. Opportunity to develop confidence and skills in a supportive environment is a key benefit of the scheme. Maintaining ability in the full range of duties requires continued use of skills and the opportunity to do this remains an ongoing challenge.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Cardiff Unit for Research and Evaluation in Medical and Dental Education (CUREMeDE) Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education R Medicine > RK Dentistry
Additional Information:	Summary of: Supporting newly qualified dental therapists into practice: a longitudinal evaluation of a foundation training scheme for dental therapists (TFT), by K. A. Eaton, available: British Dental Journal 214, 410-411 (2013), Published online: 26 April 2013, doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2013.404
Publisher:	Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:	0007-0610
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2022 08:26
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/56606

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