Introduction

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's first Diploma examination in Implant Dentistry is starting to receive completed applications for October 2009. This new implant qualification (D. Imp. Dent. RCSEd) is the first of its kind to allow for self-directed study, providing an independent, robust assessment of knowledge, skills and competence in the clinical and theoretical aspects necessary for independent implant practice.

Left to right: Emma Shackell, Dr Kristin Ohrn, Jacqui Elsden, Professor Ken Eaton, Tony Griffin & Marina Harris

Paul Stone, Chairman of the Advisory Board in Implant Dentistry, has reminded potential applicants that the first diet of the exam has a restricted number of places and a closing date in August. For further information and guidance to candidates visit www.rcsed.ac.uk, email e-mail: information@rcsed.ac.uk or telephone 0131 668 9222.

The first research day for dental care professionals (DCPs) hosted jointly by the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy (BSDHT) and the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP) and sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, took place in London recently.

Chaired by Marina Harris, BSDHT President, the programme included key speakers on primary dental care research and DCP research around the world. In the morning, Jacqui Elsden described her contributions to research projects in general practices and was followed by Tony Griffin outlining the research topics dental technicians could investigate.

Dental hygienist Kristin Ohrn described her international research and was followed by Professor Ken Eaton, President of the International Association for Dental Research's Network for Practice-Based Research and one of the FGDP's two National Research Facilitators presenting ideas for research.

The 50 delegates, who included Dr Russ Ladwa, the recently appointed Dean of the FGDP, then participated in a further plenary session before Marina Harris closed the workshop.