The College of General Dentistry (CGD), in partnership with Colgate Palmolive UK, announces an important programme to build career pathways for all those working in a professional capacity in primary care and general dentistry. It will be rolled out in the coming months, following the opening of the College to membership on July 1, 2021.
The Career Pathways initiative brings together all roles in the dental team to create life-long career structures: to enhance professional standing, and to engage the confidence of patients in the skills and care they receive.
At a time when there has never been a greater need to retain and nurture a motivated workforce in dentistry, this programme aims to provide purpose and direction for careers across the whole team. It is an initiative developed for the dental professions, by the dental professions – but has attracted much wider attention at a time of special concern regarding oral healthcare and access to services across the UK.
The College will be structuring its membership to reflect important career stages for each and every member of the dental team. Membership is open to all registered dental professionals, and Faculties of the College will support each team member with their own career development and aspirations.
The Career Pathways programme is led by Janet Clarke MBE FCGDent, chair of trustees, and Abhi Pal FCGDent, its new president, together with Roshni Karia MCGDent, vice president, and Simon Thornton-Wood PhD, lead executive for the College.
An authoritative group of dental professionals have been brought together for the programme, in working groups led by Debbie Reed (Dental Nursing and Orthodontic Therapy), Emma Pacey (Dental Hygiene & Dental Therapy), Michael Brindle & Darren Ware (Dental Technology & Clinical Dental Technology), and Philip Dawson (Dental Practitioners).
More details of the programme can be found on the College’s website.
Janet Clarke said, “The CGD is now open, welcoming all members of the dental team. Our driving passion is to enhance the careers of dental professionals in the patient interest: there is an acute need for direction and support in primary care and general dentistry careers today. Together with Colgate, we are excited to be bringing forward new and accessible ways to develop skills and enhance the team, over the coming months.”
Dr Emanuele Cotroneo, scientific affairs project manager for Colgate in Northern
Europe, said, “Colgate is most proud of this exclusive partnership with the newly launched CGD, which enables the development of the College Career Pathways. This important partnership further supports Colgate's continuing mission in becoming a valuable partner in dental education and professional development. The Career Pathways will provide a structured guide for dental professionals to pursue their clinical interests as well as enhancing their skills.”
Dr Heather Mitchell, dentist and HEE clinical fellow engaged in the programme,
said, “The College’s commitment to prioritise a patient-centred approach to oral health care, as well as provide a much-needed structure for skills and career development, will serve to improve professionalism in dentistry. In turn, this will hopefully strengthen patient trust in their oral healthcare, benefitting the oral health of the nation. From my involvement in the programme, I can really appreciate what a great opportunity this has been to work on such an innovative project so early on in my career. I feel proud of what we have managed to achieve and am looking forward to sharing it more widely.”
Andrea Johnson, dental technician and a member of the Career Pathways
Programme Reference Group, said, “I am very excited to work with the College and with like-minded professionals from across dentistry to help define the dental college of the future that we all want and most definitely need. I urge all members of the team in oral healthcare, in the strongest possible way, to join the College and be proud to be part of something amazing.”