The Department of Medical and Dental Postgraduate Education at Cardiff University set up the Introduction to Practice (ITP) scheme for DCPs in autumn 2003. The ethos behind setting up the course was the recognition that a move towards a more team based approach in general practice was desirable and also a likely consequence of changes to the General Dental Services (GDS) system, with the advent of Personal Dental Services (PDS) and the new dental contract.

We wanted to organise a course which would give support and a protected environment to nurture DCPs in their initial months in general practice. This would be achieved by placing them in inspected, approved practices which would provide the right physical and educational environment to allow them to acclimatise to the particular skills required in practice. The structure of the course would come from a programme of study days on various relevant topics, backed up by a system of tutorials/reflective learning diaries to facilitate the interaction between the DCP and their trainer. Those familiar with the structure of the Vocational Training course for dentists will see we have modelled it on that proven system.

The course allows ongoing education whilst still working and earning and gaining experience but with a ‘helping hand’ structure running alongside.

At present we have a mixture of hygienists and therapists undergoing the programme and are always keen to attract more DCPs. Hygiene places commence in August and therapists in January. We have a maximum of 10 places throughout the year and have a wide choice of practices throughout Wales. These are advertised at the relevant times and brochures are published allowing potential applicants to select which practices they are interested in taking a look at. Participants need not be newly qualified but could be moving from another branch of dentistry eg community – or could be returning from a career break.

DCPs on a study day enjoying a break.

DCPs are employed by the training practice for three days per week allowing the balance of their time to be worked in other practices if they wish (or the training practice if this is mutually agreeable). This allows maximum flexibility and also provides an assured income free of targets, as well as sick and holiday pay.

The course also funds membership of the relevant professional organisation (BADT or BDHA) and registration with the GDC.

The entire study day programme is eligible for CPD and fostering the concept of lifelong education is an important part of the course, again laying the foundations for forthcoming changes relevant to the registration requirements for DCPs. We have a very active DCP section within the postgraduate department which will continue the educational relationship once the 12-month course has finished.

We feel that at the end of the course our ITP practitioners will have been provided with a good grounding in general practice and ongoing interest and contact with their colleagues.

Having a supportive network in place can avoid the isolation which is sometimes a feature of early days in practice.

We are very pleased to be involved in taking the steps towards raising the profile of the practice as a team concept and would be keen to provide further information as required.

For more information on the scheme contact: Mr David Hannington, ITP Tutor or Miss Kate Williams, ITP Secretary, Dental Postgraduate Department, Grove Mews, 1 Coronation Road, Birchgrove, Cardiff CF14 4QY Email: williamskl9@cardiff.ac.uk Telephone: 029 2054 4984

See Boxes 1 and 2.