An Evaluation of the Foundation Training Scheme for Dental Therapists

The dental therapists scheme is designed to support consolidation of skills and aid transition to work.

Background

There is considerable scope to delegate routine treatments to dental therapists.  In the UK the full extent of permitted duties is not widely used in practice.  Under-use of the skills of therapists affects their confidence and risks de-skilling.  Similar to foundation training for dentists (DFT), the dental therapists scheme (TFT) is designed to support consolidation of skills and aid transition to work.

Aims

Two evaluations of this scheme have been undertaken. The first provided a formative evaluation of the new TFT programme in its first year of operation (when it was referred to as TVT), identifying strengths and areas for development. A follow on evaluation updates that earlier evaluation, drawing comparison between the 2010/11 and 2008/09 cohorts and providing a longitudinal review from contact with previous cohorts, reporting on their current work and retrospective reflections on the value of the scheme. Suggestions for further development are included.

Data sources

Both evaluations drew on interviews with the Associate Dean and Scheme Adviser; questionnaire to all course participants (n=9) distributed face-to-face on a study day and group discussion; extracts from portfolios on treatments undertaken. The first evaluation included interviews with the trainers (n=9) and the follow-on evaluation contacted participants who had completed the programme in 2009 and 2010.