Foundation dentists supporting vaccination programmes in England. Br Dent J 2021; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3758-5

Dentistry provided under the National Health Service (NHS) has been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Additional measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission, staff shortages and mounting workforce pressures led to reductions in patient attendances for dental treatment. This posed training challenges for newly qualified foundation dentists (FDs). To support the NHS, a working group consisting of FDs from Yorkshire and the Humber was developed to aid COVID-19 and influenza vaccination programmes. FDs were trained and assessed before being invited to participate in vaccination programmes for one day per week over a six-month period (October 2020 to April 2021).

figure 1

© SOPA Images. Contributor/LightRocket/Getty

The experiences of redeployed FDs and stakeholders involved in the mobilisation of FDs were ascertained through surveys and interviews, resulting in a mixed-methods service evaluation.

In total, 106 FDs were trained in delivering vaccinations. The questionnaire of the FDs had a response rate of 89% (n = 94). Surprisingly, 40 FDs were not utilised for vaccination, despite being trained. A number of FDs attributed this to a lack of clarity regarding the role of the FDs within the vaccination programmes and logistical reasons (for example, being asked to vaccinate at short notice).

Interviews were undertaken to establish the views of stakeholders from six organisations including Public Health England and Health Education England. Eleven participants were questioned on their views of the value of utilising FDs as well as possible barriers.

Stakeholders reported positively on the value of opportunities for FDs to work in a different environment and learn new skills. A few expressed concerns about the lack of experience of FDs exacerbated by the pandemic. It was recognised that redeployment of FDs enabled primary care staff to focus on primary care work.

Eight participants reported motivating people to engage and resistance to change as potential barriers. Other reported factors included complex employer protocols, competency sign-offs, the absence of an existing framework, and a lack of understanding of the FDs' skill set and training to date.

A lack of understanding of the FDs' skill set was identified by both groups. This may be attributed to the detached delivery of dental training from other healthcare services. Overcoming this barrier may lead to better person-centred multidisciplinary care between healthcare professionals. Furthermore, this service evaluation has introduced the possibility of exploring dental care professional involvement in other aspects of healthcare and prevention (that is, vaccinations).

Although novel, the results of the evaluation would suggest that utilising FDs in vaccination programmes has been successful. Further efforts are required to combat identified barriers, including a lack of understanding about professional skill sets.