Clinical skills of a new foundation dentist: the expectations of dental foundation education supervisors.

Abstract

Aim To investigate dental foundation (DF) educational supervisors' (ES) expectations of the level of clinical ability expected of a foundation dentist (FD) on entry into foundation training. Methods Following ethical approval, a pre-piloted online questionnaire was circulated to ESs across England and Northern Ireland (n = 959), requiring respondents to rate their expectations of their FDs' ability at the beginning of the training year, in relation to undertaking 104 clinical skills. A five-point scale and descriptors were provided, ranging from 'on own with confidence' to 'unable to undertake'. Respondents were invited to comment further. Data were imported into IBM SPSS (v20) and descriptive analysis was undertaken. Expectations were assigned values and a mean, 'skill rank score' was generated for each skill. A ranking score closer to five indicated high expectation; closer to one indicated low expectation. Results A total of 510 (53%) questionnaires were completed. The study highlighted a range of expectations which were used to identify 'upper-level' (core) skills expected of a new FD. The majority of expectations were in line with UG curriculum guidance; however, certain skills were identified as having overly high expectations and these may need to be modified to align with current guidance. Conclusions Understanding the expectations ESs have of a new FD is useful for both dental schools and those involved in DF training. Findings add to the existing evidence base and should generate discussion for those within the education continuum to enhance the successful development of the FD.