Following graduation and completion of the ‘Wales Dental Therapy Foundation Training Programme’, a Foundation Therapist will:
Have more experience and better ability to:
- Undertake structured treatment plans in conjunction with their practice team
- Assess the limitations of their own knowledge and skills, and be ready and able to seek help from an appropriate source
Have:
- Acquired a thorough working knowledge of GDS regulations, enabling them to provide general dental services within the NHS
- Acquired the skills to work within a general dental team
- Acquired a knowledge and understanding of patient psychology as it relates to dental treatment
Will:
- Understand the need to continue and develop the capacity of self-education
- Be aware of the Acts, Regulations and guidance relating to the delivery of safe practice and health and safety at work, with particular reference to radiation, cross infection and the handling of materials used in general dental practice
- Demonstrate a satisfactory approach to the ethics of practice and an understanding of the need for confidentiality, including reference to the General Data Protection Regulation and access to patient records
In March 2013, the General Dental Council (GDC) introduced a direct access policy for the care of patients by a Dental Therapist, although at present, there is no inclusion of Dental Hygienists or Therapists on the NHS Performers List in the UK. Previously, Therapists provided care following referral from a dentist. However, the change in regulations has enabled patients to have direct access to care and treatment from a Dental Therapist within their scope of practice. Understanding of this context will be developed throughout the course.