The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has previously successfully launched the UK's only Faculty of Surgical Trainers and is hoping to emulate that success with this first of its kind faculty, focused on promoting, recognising and rewarding teaching, training and education in dentistry.
The Faculty of Dental Trainers (FDT) has been created to enhance the quality of patient care and to ensure that patient needs are met safely. A survey carried out by the college showed that two thirds of respondents would be interested in joining such a faculty. The FDT will be a platform for the recognition of dental trainers both nationally and internationally and will provide a framework to promote and guide trainers throughout their educational careers; it will be open to anyone who can demonstrate their involvement in appropriate dental training, such as qualified dentists, dental nurses, dental hygienists and orthodontic therapists.
To improve the quality of patient care, the FDT will:
• Reward interest, engagement and achievement in dental training.
• Establish a faculty home for recognised dental trainers.
• Provide support and guidance for career development in dental training.
• Promote standards in training.
It will provide support and guidance for career development in dental training, as well as establishing a platform for recognised dental trainers. With a strong focus on patient needs, the faculty's aim is to spread the message that excellent dental training equates to excellent patient care. Sarah Manton, vice dean of the RCSEd’s Faculty of Dental Surgery and project lead for the FDT, says: “We are absolutely delighted to launch this new faculty, which will cater for the specific needs of those involved in the delivery of dental training and education. The FDT’s membership structure has been designed to be broad and inclusive. Not only does this reflect modern dental practice, but it also allows the new faculty to welcome and provide recognition for as many dental trainers as possible.”
Having three levels of membership (associate, member and fellow), the FDT aims to develop and identify standards to support career development and progression for those involved in dental training. Membership will be recognised by employers, which will benefit applicants who are applying for teaching and training posts, as well as those developing their careers.
Bill Saunders, dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, concludes: “In opening the Faculty of Dental Trainers, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh aims to create a professional home for recognised dental trainers, enabling those who join to demonstrate their commitment to training and education.
“Today, dentists and dental care professionals deliver patient care across many sectors and in multiple settings, from public and community services, hospital services, to Armed Services, colleges and universities. Our new faculty will help to establish clear and consistent guidelines that unify training standards across the breadth of modern dentistry."