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An Introduction to: Governing Bodies, Professional Associations and Continuing Professional Development.
As Dental Nurses it is really important that we understand every aspect of our positions and that includes our Governing Body and the Professional Associations of our industry.
An Introduction to the: General Dental Council.
The GDC protects patients by:
Benefits to the public are:
• The public can check to see if their Dentist is suitably qualified. Also beneficial for patients looking for a new Dentist as they can check to see whether potential new Dentists are qualified.
Benefits to the public are:
• Maintaining high standards of dental education.
Benefits to the public are:
• DCP’s are highly educated and are constantly learning due to CPD.
Benefits to the public are:
• DCP’s are always updated with the latest education and developments enabling them to provide the best care for patients.
Benefits to the public are:
For more information, you can visit www.gdc-uk.org.
An Introduction to the: National Examining Board for Dental Nurses.
The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) was established in 1943 in order to provide Dental Nurses with a National Certificate in Dental Nursing. It consists of Dental Nurses and Dentists. The aim of the NEBDN is to “advance the education of Dental Nurses for the benefit of the public” by:
• Providing qualifications for Dental Nurses
Benefits to the public are:
• Publishing syllabuses of study.
Benefits to the public are:
• Dental Nurses are more likely to understand and pass the examinations resulting in a healthy amount of Dental Nurses armed with knowledge and ready to work.
Benefits to the public are:
• Patients can clearly identify qualified Dental Nurses and also see what post-graduate qualifications they have taken.
Benefits to the public are:
• In order to qualify, Dental Nurses must meet the standards required to deliver excellent care.
Benefits to the public are:
• Liaising with other appropriate bodies promotes the education and qualification of Dental Nurses resulting in excellent care of patients.
Qualifications that the NEBDN currently provide are:
• Certificate in Dental Implant Nursing.
For more information, you can visit www.nebdn.org.uk.
An Introduction to the: British Association of Dental Nurses.
The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) was formed at the same time as the NEBDN and is a professional organization committed to representing all Dental Nurses, qualified, unqualified and working in all areas of employment. The BADN negotiates and represents the interests of all Dental Nurses with regards to working conditions and remuneration. The BADN publishes a journal every 3 months which highlights various topics including issues in the workplace and letters of concern/praise. Reading the BADN journal keeps Dental Nurses up to date with the latest news and developments.
For more information, you can visit www.badn.org.uk.
An Introduction to the: British Dental Association.
The British Dental Association (BDA) is the trade union and national professional association for Dentists. The BDA aims to promote the interests of its members, advance every aspect of Dentistry and improve the oral health of the nation. The BDA follows the following beliefs and principles:
Benefits to the public are:
Quality oral health should be easily accessible to everyone.
Benefits to the public are:
• Quality oral care is best provided by co-ordinated teams led by Dentists and with well-trained support staff.
Benefits to the public are:
• Patients are aware that their care is co-ordinated by a team consisting of qualified, educated DCP’s and well-trained support staff.
Benefits to the public are:
• Patients will receive the best treatment available.
Benefits to the public are:
• Liaising with other bodies will improve and enhance knowledge and education in order to provide the best possible care for patients.
For more information, you can visit www.bda-dentistry.org.uk.
An Introduction to the: Faculty of General Dental Practice UK.
Continuing Professional Development.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a requirement that all DCP’s must fulfil. CPD is a life-long learning process throughout your working life. CPD is achievable in many different forms and does not necessarily involve formal studies. It is the responsibility of the individual to keep up to date with CPD, as Dental Nurses we must not look to our Dentist or Practice Manager to fulfil this for us- it is completely our responsibility. There are many benefits of CPD including, increased job satisfaction, increased knowledge and experience and greater career prospects.
Verifiable CPD must satisfy the following conditions:
• There must be proof from the activity provider/organizer in the form of a document. For example: a certificate with your name on it signed by the provider.
• The activity should have clearly defined anticipated outcomes so that it is evident what can be gained by taking part. For example: Again, post-graduate courses have an outcome!
Non-verifiable CPD does not need to satisfy the above conditions but it does need to be recorded. Non-verifiable CPD can include: reading journals, research and private study.
CPD activity needs to be logged and recorded from the time of registration. The GDC provides a GDC booklet which includes a form for logging your CPD. You can also do this online at the GDC website once you have registered your details. CPD can be quite time-consuming but needs to be completed properly. The following needs to be recorded:
• The number of hours spent.
CPD can be achieved in ways other than formal learning. Some examples are: