Training and education for the dental team

The changing face of dentistry and dental education was outlined by the General Dental Council (GDC) in their Developing the Dental Team document, originally published in 2004 and amended in 2009, and in Preparing for Practice: Dental Team Learning Outcomes for Registration, published in 2011. These documents recognise the role of the dentist has changed from the sole care provider to being the leader of a highly skilled and qualified team. They support the value of the extended clinical environment, outreach teaching and part-time teachers, state that dental care professionals (DCPs) should be educated as a part of the dental team and recognise the value of DCP educators. In its Scope of Practice document, published in 2013, the GDC recognised the opportunities for DCPs carrying out extended duties, providing they have received appropriate quality assured training and accreditation.