First launched in 2004 with the aim of offering a universal educational approach to quality assurance in primary dental care, the course teaches the skills necessary to effect and manage change, and trains participants to carry out assessments to a recognised standard. The programme is open to all members of the dental team with an interest in quality assurance and is delivered by two highly experienced clinicians and appraisers, Pat Langley and Jerry Watson.
Russ Ladwa, dean of the FGDP(UK), comments, ‘More than 270 clinical and non-clinical dental professionals have gained the Certificate in the Appraisal of Dental Practices over the last six years and 14 cohorts. This programme is a cornerstone of training and education in this area, reflected by the requirement of the NHS dental services that all dental reference officers complete the course. The FGDP(UK) is delighted to be broadening access to this course to those in the north of England and Scotland.’
Participants on the course undertake three practice appraisals between the initial two contact study days and the third nine months later, with a reflective portfolio forming part of the assessment. By the end of the course, participants are able to conduct practice visits with professionalism and sensitivity, and have the skills and knowledge to develop quality assurance programmes based on accurate advice on legislation, statutory requirements and good practice guidelines.
Keith Hayes, a current participant, says ‘The course has helped me to understand that part of the value of a successful appraisal visit is to open the channels of communication in order to develop a favourable environment for team solutions.’
Applications are invited from all dental professionals and should be received by April 23, 2010. The course dates are May 7 and 8, 2010, with a third day to follow on February 4, 2011. Successful completion of the programme gives 20 ‘management credits’ towards the FGDP(UK) Career Pathway. For more information, contact fgdp-education@rcseng.ac.uk or call 020 7869 6760.