The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) (FGDP(UK)) and the Department of Health have announced the publication of detailed competency frameworks for Dentists with Special Interests (DwSIs).

The frameworks are intended for use by dentists and primary care trusts (PCTs) and set out competencies for the scope of treatment that can be undertaken by DwSIs. Frameworks are currently available in the areas of minor oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics and endodontics, with additional areas to follow.

The DwSI scheme provides PCTs with the flexibility to contract with dentists who have developed special interests in addition to their generalist role. This will help widen the choice available to patients in terms of the nature and locality of NHS dental care provided.

Dentists wishing to be accredited as a DwSI will be required by their PCT to demonstrate knowledge, skills and experience in their special interest area against the competency frameworks.

In addition to the frameworks, a Step-by-step guide to setting up a DwSI service takes PCTs through the process of assessing whether the commissioning of dental services from a DwSI would be appropriate, how such practitioners should be accredited and how a service might operate.

Nationally, the FGDP(UK) is able to advise on appropriate training to meet the generalist and special interest competencies, and provide help through its Career Pathway on demonstrating competencies through the production of an evidence-based portfolio.