Press release 18 February 2008
The introduction of The Diploma in Primary Care Orthodontics has been enthusiastically welcomed. It is a joint BOS/FGDP (UK) initiative which came about in recognition that, in some parts of the UK, there is a lack of availability of orthodontic treatment provision. There is a national shortage of orthodontic specialists and so some general dental practitioners carry out a significant amount of orthodontic treatment. It was felt that there was a need to establish an educational opportunity for general dental practitioners with an interest in orthodontics which would lead to a diploma. This was also an opportunity to establish clear standards of patient care.
The Diploma programme has been designed for primary care dentists wishing to enhance their skills in orthodontics; those wishing to develop a special interest in orthodontics and those with a special interest who wish to demonstrate their skills and competency.
Potential participants need to have already demonstrated a desire for recognition of their special interest; demonstrate some knowledge and competency in orthodontics and are likely to want to continue to work towards a recognised qualification, possibly as a stepping stone to specialisation.
The course is designed to give the opportunity for primary care dentists to extend their training in orthodontics. The programme syllabus covers; core skills; core orthodontic subjects; clinical orthodontic subjects; orthodontic techniques; treatment procedures and the management of oral health. It is intended that, Diploma holders will be able to achieve the following learning outcomes; an ability to critically appraise orthodontic literature; to diagnose dental and facial abnormalities; to formalise a treatment plan with support, as well as evaluate the need for treatment. They will know which patients to treat or refer and gain a knowledge of orthodontic computer based technology.
The structure of the three year Diploma programme breaks down as follows:
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3 year programme 120 credits
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Contact learning 15 credits
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Distance learning 55 credits
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Work-based training 50 credits
The contact learning element of the programme will initially be made up of 1 unit of 3 days, augmented by a further 11 units of 1.5 days throughout the course, which will encompass lectures, seminars, practical exercises and small group teaching.
The work based training will comprise at least one session per week of supervised teaching and observation with a specialist trainer. A minimum of 20 supervised cases must be treated from which two are required to present for the final exam.
Year 1
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Introductory 3 day typodont course
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Continued teaching through contact learning
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Ongoing clinical supervision in practice
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In year and end of year assessments
Year 2 and 3
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Continued teaching through contact learning
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Ongoing clinical supervision
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Year end assessments and final assessment
Assessments
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In year assessments – DOPs Mini-cex, CBD, assignments
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Year end MCQs, MSA assessments
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Two case presentations
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Structured case assessment
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Objective structure clinical exercises
The course has a number of admission entry requirements which include; a good command of English; sufficient patients for work based training; an NHS orthodontic contract or be part of an NHS contract; a nominated specialist trainer; training facilities which have been approved by the SAC in orthodontics with support from the FGDP; access to a computer with broadband and email internet access (to facilitate the distance learning element of the course); experience and postgraduate qualifications and a good CPD record.
The fee for the Diploma is £17,496 (£16,500 for BOS/FGDP members), which breaks down as a registration fee of £4,500 followed by six instalments of £2,166 or £2,000 over three years which need to be paid by direct debit.
In return, those accepted onto the Diploma course can expect supervised clinical teaching and observation in an accredited training environment; contact learning in good educational facilities with appropriate equipment and materials; a first rate distance learning component providing fully comprehensive learning materials and an interactive learning experience. On successful completion of the programme, the candidate will have the opportunity to sit an examination jointly set by the FGDP and the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the RCS, England to achieve a Diploma in Primary Care Orthodontics and the potential to progress to the Membership in Orthodontics and specialisation.
For further information please contact the FGDP (UK) Education Department on: 020 7869 6762 or email fgdp@rcseng.ac.uk.
ends
Background information
The two organisations:
The British Orthodontic Society aims to promote the study and practice of orthodontics; maintain and improve professional standards and encourage research and education. For more information visit www.bos.org.uk
The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) aims to encourage, foster and maintain high standards in primary dental care, whether through research, examinations, education or training programmes, and general dental professionals can develop new career pathways under the FGDP’s steerage.
Statistics:
| Country | Number of non-specialist providers | Number of specialist providers | Total number of providers |
| England and Wales | 664 | 805 | 1,469 |
| Scotland | 54 | 79 | 133 |
| Northern Ireland | 23 | 35 | 58 |
| UK | 741 | 919 | 1,660 |
Information presented:
Dr Nikolaus Palmer, Vice Dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice presented details about the programme to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) Practitioner Group at a recent study day in January. Following his presentation, Iain Hathorn DPCO course director and Tony Mills joined Nik Palmer to answer questions.
The Diploma Executive Committee:
The Diploma’s Executive Committee is comprised of:
Iain Hathorn (Course Director and Chairman), John Clark, Tony Mills, Shams Moopen, Professor Jonathan Sandy, Robin Thompson, Nick Palmer and Sharon Drake who have jointly developed the curriculum for the three year course.
Issued on behalf of BOS by Positive Communications. For more information and images please contact:
Tracy Posner 020 8566 8811 tracyposner@positivecomm.com
Catherine Domanski 07738 287764 catherine.domanski@positivecomm.com
