Health Education North West and the Wales Deanery have each partnered with Colgate Oral Health Network to host an event answering dental professionals' questions on what direct access means for them and how they can work together to further enhance patient care.

The first event was held at Old Trafford in Manchester and the second at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; both were significantly oversubscribed.

Each event was chaired by the local Director of Postgraduate Dental Education, Nicholas Taylor for Health Education Northwest and Jon Cowpe for Wales Deanery, and the presenters delivered an update on the implications of direct access in primary dental care. Current topical questions including the NHS GDS contract, NHS regulations, patient group directions, scope of practice for radiography, and 'how to make the financial model work' were also addressed. This was followed by facilitated group work considering various scenarios.

Delegate feedback indicated that the majority of attendees learnt a great deal and would as a result change their professional practice.

More events are planned for this autumn.