Teaching and education

We are all rightly proud of the dental profession and the important service it provides to the general public. However there is some concern, within the profession, that clinical ‘de-skilling’ is a growing problem. Perhaps it is time for an honest debate on the core skills a dentist needs to be an effective UK dental practitioner. This debate should include the views of local education training boards (LETBs), undergraduate dental schools, foundation training practitioners, and other state and private educators.

It is also worth reflecting on the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey which included the views of patients, on their relationship with their dentist at their last visit. Of those surveyed 20 per cent gave at least one negative response. The main areas of concern included: inadequate involvement with discussions, problems with respect and dignity, not receiving answers to questions and a lack of confidence and trust in the treating dentist. This is something that the dental profession ignores at its peril.