An appraisal of options of the training and education of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry

Abstract

The training and education of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry (PCDs) has become a topic of close scrutiny and much debate in the recent past, particularly with the introduction of enhanced duties and compulsory registration of some groups. This paper will describe the background to, the conduct of and the findings from a workshop held to explore innovative approaches to the education and training of PCDs in the United Kingdom. Existing systems of training and education of PCDs will be reviewed through the exploration of published literature and through the collection of primary data from interviews with key personnel both in the UK and internationally. An option appraisal is described which identified the elements common to all training approaches, used the elements as the basis for innovative training options, and explored the perceived advantages and disadvantages of each option through focus group discussions at a one-day workshop. A model for the training and education of PCDs is described that maintains existing PCD roles, but offers a broader range of entry points to training, settings for training and that builds upon existing skills to facilitate progression through the PCD roles.