DCP Advisory Board
The FGDP(UK) Dental Care Professionals (DCP) Advisory Board brings together all DCP groups and representatives from prominent DCP associations. Since it was established in 2002, the DCP Advisory Board has become a respected voice on matters relating to the dental team and is recognised as a valuable forum for consultation. Aims and objectives of the Board include:
- To use the knowledge of DCP groups for the improvement of patient care.
- To provide an organisation which can support DCPs in delivering a high standard of care through the provision of advice and standards for clinical care.
- To provide a vehicle for the development of quality education and training for DCPs.
- To provide a joint forum that will give added weight to individual DCP groups and associations.
- To facilitate open discussion of all matters pertaining to, and affecting, the work and development of DCPs.
- To assist with the development and advancement of continuing professional development (CPD) for DCPs.
- To contribute, where appropriate, to consultation documents from the Department of Health, General Dental Council and other bodies on issues relating to DCPs.
- To respond to requests for comment from the Board and its Committees and Divisions.
Highly proactive, the DCP Advisory Board aims to be a focus and benchmark for all DCP team matters and activities. This includes the accreditation of training, providing a journal of continuing professional education for the whole team, Team in Practice, with articles appropriate to the whole team, and producing training and education programmes and material.
The FGDP(UK) already runs diploma examinations in dental hygiene and dental therapy for the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Recently, the DCP Advisory Board has also overseen the establishment of a diploma in clinical dental technology for those with qualifications from the George Brown College in Toronto, and is also involved in a joint project with the Faculty of Dental Surgery to provide training and a registerable qualification in orthodontic therapy.
Recent activities of the Board have included:
- Responses to:
GDC Consultation: Draft Rules for the Registration of Dental Care Professionals, A step Towards Revalidation, and Compulsory CPD for DCPs, as well as Scope of Practice
DoH Consultation: Sharing the Challenge, Sharing the Benefits – Equality and Diversity in the Medical Workforce
QAA Consultation: Draft Benchmark Statement for DCPs
- An assessment visit to George Brown City College, Toronto
- Liaison with the GDC and DoH over registration requirements for dental nurses and clinical dental technicians
- Representation to the GDC concerning the fee for registration of DCPs.
FGDP(UK) members can view briefing notes on DCP Advisory Board meetings by clicking here.
Quotes
"The FGDP(UK) is entering a new phase of bringing the dental team together, providing a forum for discussion between the various team members. Its academic focus is placed firmly in providing career pathways that enhance the skills of the dental professional, entwined with its goals to deliver better patient care. I believe that as the membership grows, all members of the team will benefit from greater co-operation that the Faculty brings about."
John Stanfield - Dental hygienist membership representative
"The high level of co-operation between the different specialisms to form a dental team with the single interest of safeguarding patients' interests is very impressive. Patients can feel reassured that all of the professionals involved in their treatment are working together to deliver care of the highest possible standard".
Pamela Ormerod - Member of the FGDP(UK) Lay Advisory Group
"The Dental Technicians' Association (DTA) is delighted to be involved in the FGDP(UK) Advisory Board for Dental Care Professionals. We welcome the opportunity to input into this inclusive group and to accept a seat on the basis of equality amongst all members of the dental team. This initiative came at a time of great progress in dentistry and will, we feel, continue to contribute much to the success of DCP education in the 21st century."
Tony Griffin - Dental Technician membership representative and former president of the Dental Technicians' Association
"We have already developed a basic training programme within the industry and we look forward to working through the Advisory Body to ensure that our training is in line with the high standards set by the Faculty.'
Tony Reed, British Dental Trade Association
"The term 'dental team' has now become much more than a collective noun for those who are involved in the provision of dental services. In establishing the DCP Advisory Board, the Faculty provided a focus for all DCP activities and an 'academic home' for all members of the dental team. This was an excellent and forward thinking initiative by the FGDP(UK) which has been welcomed by DCPs."
Rosemarie Khan, Dental Hygienist and DCP member of the GDC
"It is essential that dental practice managers are enabled to lead the delivery of dental care in an environment with a strong commitment to a team approach. The approach of this advisory board and its objectives are extremely encouraging to both our association and the managers we represent."
Bridget Crump, Chairman British Dental Practice Managers Association
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