An appraisal of options of the training and education of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry

Key Points The training and education of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry (PCDs) has received increasing attention following changes in the requirements for registration and the permitted roles of PCDs. A review of training and education programmes for PCDs throughout the world was undertaken. Programmes of training for PCDs can be said to vary along four dimensions: the role which the learner trains for; the nature of the qualifications required for entry to the training pathway; the method of training; the location of training. An educational model of the training and education of PCDs is proposed based upon these four dimensions, which seeks to maximise the benefits of the elements whilst minimising the disadvantages. The training and education of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry (PCDs) has become a topic of close scrutiny and much debate in the recent past, particularly with the introduction of enhanced duties and compulsory registration of some groups. This paper will describe the background to, the conduct of and the findings from a workshop held to explore innovative approaches to the education and training of PCDs in the United Kingdom. Existing systems of training and education of PCDs will be reviewed through the exploration of published literature and through the collection of primary data from interviews with key personnel both in the UK and internationally. An option appraisal is described which identified the elements common to all training approaches, used the elements as the basis for innovative training options, and explored the perceived advantages and disadvantages of each option through focus group discussions at a one-day workshop. A model for the training and education of PCDs is described that maintains existing PCD roles, but offers a broader range of entry points to training, settings for training and that builds upon existing skills to facilitate progression through the PCD roles.