Dentists with Special Interestsare we interested

1
Dentists with Special Interests-are we interested?

• Brian Grieveson BDS MFGDP(UK) MGDS
• Postgraduate Dental Dean (Mersey)

2
DwSis-what is the concept?

• An enhanced practitioner, sub-speciality level
  but retaining primary care generalist profile
• recognition of existing levels of special skills
  through portfolios of evidence and/or taught
  diplomas and certificates

• Local PCT selection after needs assessment
• Tony Jenner-April 2005

3
DwSis- General Principles

• Used in clinical areas where delivery and health
  needs require a local solution.
• Contractual arrangements between PCTs and
  primary dental care practitioners to provide
  specialist skills within the PCT area.
• PCT appointment to nationally agreed selection
  criteria.
• Type of contract to be decided locally, normally
  sessional or salaried.

4
DwSis-Why?

• Drivers for change are-
• Better services for patients,dentists and the NHS
• Increased choice for PCTs
• Increased choice for patients
• Location of the clinician
• Dentistry will join other health care
  professionals in having a special interest scheme
  with the same principles

5
So where are we up to?

• First identified clinical areas are
• Orthodontics
• Minor oral surgery
• Periodontics
• Endodontics
• Special care dentistry

6
National development group

• Acts as QA of Competency frameworks for each
  clinical area.
• Frameworks will provide guidance to PCTs on
  identification and accreditation of DwSis

7
Competency working groups

• Consists of
• Reps from FDS, FGDP(UK), Specialist Societies,
  Academia, SHA lead, PCTs, patients plus an
  educationalist
• Role- to develop the Competency and QA frameworks
  for use by PCTs in assessing potential DwSis
  and their working environment.

8
Lets look at an example

• Endodontics-
• Clinical standards-will be required to practice
  to a standard consistent with that expected from
  establishes specialists who work in this area of
  expertise.
• Diagnose,assess and treat endo cases of moderate
  difficulty to agreed clinical standards.
• Recognise their limitations of knowledge and
  competence
• Be better than average Joe Bloggs!

9
The Evidence!

• Generalist skills- portfolio of the 7 key skills
  in general dental practice-
• Endo skills- Portfolio of training and current
  practice, with case reports showing competence
  plus testimonials from patients, colleagues, and
  Audit of activity
• CPD activity-50hrs in specialist area

10
So-What next?

• Competency frameworks and appointment guidelines
  published
• Step by step guide for PCTs
• Patient leaflet published
• First wave DwSis appointed

11
And the future?

• Recognition of skills
• Foundation for future specialist training?
• Credit towards specialist training?
• Any questions?