The Society recently contributed to the consultation of the GDC learning outcomes and the development of the Framework of Behaviours and Outcomes for Dental Professional Education published 9th November, 2023.
The consultation was very welcome and timely, whilst there has been much improvement the Society has mixed opinions on the final iteration and had hoped there would have been a futher round of consultation prior to the final publication. The Society was keen to see a change in language and context in the hope of futureproofing the workforce and giving greater opportunity within the scope of practice. We had also hoped that the focus would be on the practitioner being able to work safely, working towards a shift from the language of the blame culture.
Please click on the link to see the full document: https://www.gdc-uk.org/education-cpd/quality-assurance/learning-outcomes-review#safe
The Framework will be introduced in 2025 and will repalce the Preparing for Practice document. It is hoped that the working mapping documentation is made available and that the GDC engagement period goes beyond the amendment/adoption of documentation and that there is assurrance that the facilitation of learning becomes paramount and a smooth transition unfolds. Dental nurse education is unique in the way that it is provided and the general lack of oversight from NHS structures, with the exception of those trained in dental schools and hospitals. The vast majority of student dental nurses are employed in primary care settings and train on the job, whilst working towards a level 3 qualification. This uniqueness is often not a consideration and this should be an ideal opportunity to iron this out.
At a time when there is a need to rethink how we attract more potential dental nurse students to the profession and search for ways to retain those excellent members of the dental team, the Society question whether the domains go far enough to equip the modern day dental nurse for the workplace. The Framework on the one hand appears to provide clarity through the use of more concise language, but on the other appears to continue to constrain the opportunity for progression, flexibility and creativity. It is however pleasing to see that a wider range of the domains are aligned to those of the other dental care professional groups. The Society will meet again to discuss the published document further and in the meantime, be availble to support members of the teaching and learning teams where we can. Please follow this thread to stay updated.
