Community and Research Projects.
During the DFT year we will be offering you a choice of various programmes which have been chosen to give you some experience of providing dental care in an innovative way outside of primary practice, or for those with an academic interest, there is a research programme running too.
Some of these programmes are starting early on in the year so you will be asked to make a decision on the ones you would like to be involved with and sign up to the dates when announced, having first checked with your Educational Supervisor that it is possible to have the time out of practice.
DFT/DCT Trainees should only sign up to events that take place on their week in practice.
Registration will be managed by the Dental Support Team (dentalsupport.yh@hee.nhs.uk) who will also monitor attendance.
There are different of projects, some with limited places. The maximum number of days you should sign up for is 4 days but we would expect most FDs to do one or two. Once you have signed up for a project it is essential that you attend.
Time commitment: 1 day
This is a venture working in partnership with Dentaid to provide dental care to the homeless and those unable to access dental care for social reasons.
This is an opportunity for FDs to work for a day alongside a DFT/DCT 2yr trainee and a qualified dentist in various venues near Dewsbury operating from a mobile dental unit.
As with all dental pioneering work the value is not only in the benefit to the patient but also in understanding project development.
These will be booked on a first come, first served basis. Dates will be released throughout the year and can be booked via Maxcourse, Dentaid runs 10 days per year funded by HEE YH but there are other general days you can attend as well.
Time commitment: 1 day
Lead Contact: Ian Wilson
Bevan House is a flagship medical practice based in Bradford which provides a range of integrated medical and social care to refugees, asylum seekers and unregistered patients. It is a medical outreach centre where FDs support the practice by providing dental education, basic prevention and screening following a medical examination for those refugees and asylum seekers just entering the country.
You have the opportunity to see how this type of integrated medical and dental care works in the interest of patients.
Number of FD volunteering opportunities is under discussion but around 20 -30 is expected.
Dates to be confirmed.
Time commitment: 1 day
Lead Contact: Julie Fountain
The Teeth Team programme is now a well-established and nationally recognised child oral health improvement initiative which is managed by a charity based at 543 Dental in Hull.
There are opportunities for all FDs to participate in these projects at various schools across the region. You will be involved in the schools programme which includes education, supervised brushing and fluoride application. It is an opportunity to learn first-hand how prevention works within a population in a cost effective and evidence based way.
Attending a Teeth Team assessment day will increase your confidence with mixed dentitions, the ability to communicate effectively with children of all ages and helps deprived communities.
Dates throughout the year. Please contact Dental Support for further details.
Time commitment: Advised by your Practice
Lead Contact: Margaret Naylor
Several practices across the region are already involved in their own community programmes providing care for elderly residents in care homes or other school based programmes (e.g. ROCS and Smart Smiles).
You are expected to support your own practices with these projects but may also be involved in the Teeth Team programme in order to be able to evaluate a comparison model.
Dates and venues are organised by the Practice not via Dental Support.
- Increased understanding of these services
- Access to other volunteering projects
- Increased understanding of commissioning issues, patients with high needs, social issues, complex medical histories, equality and diversity, fairness in society, working within other teams, working in other spaces, ethics, dentistry outside ‘practice’, management and leadership opportunities.
- Access and pain relief for the most needy ; improved care
- Interaction with local schools for works experience for up and coming dentists
- All the benefits of volunteering