BDIA Introduction to Dentistry Module 1

BDIA Introduction to Dentistry Module one

Darryl Moore takes an in-depth look at the programme.

The BDIA Introduction to Dentistry programme has been designed by industry specialists for non-clinical sta to fast-track knowledge and understanding over 11 modules covering oral anatomy, dental treatment, equipment, and an appreciation of the work of the dental team and the profession. Introduction to Dentistry has been helping BDIA member companies develop and train their sta with the essential knowledge that is required to work in the industry for over 20 years. This article takes a closer look at module one of the programme, ‘Introduction to Dentistry’, that gives delegates of the programme a solid understanding of the following six areas:

1) The dental team 2) Regulations 3) The dental practice 4) Dental associations and professional organisations 5) Dental industry 6) Dental press Starting with the dental team section, it covers the six categories of dental care professionals (DCPs). Delegates are introduced to the various occupations ranging from dental hygienists and therapists, dental nurses, dental technicians, orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians, to practice managers, receptionists, and dentists. This part of the programme looks at the role and function of each occupation and further explains the di erent specialist areas of

Darryl Moore is the marketing and communications manager at the BDIA. focus a dentist can work in, for example, restorative dentistry and orthodontics.

The second section covers regulations and looks at various topics of regulation in dentistry from the General Dental Council (GDC) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to the requirement for dental professionals to maintain personal development plans (PDP) and participate in enhanced continuing professional development (ECPD). This section gives an understanding to course delegates of what is required of dentists and dental professionals to meet the regulatory obligations. In the third section of module one, delegates learn about the types of dental practises covering NHS practices, private dental practices, and corporate dentistry. This category covers a range of information and gives course delegates an insight into the UK market share of each type of practice. The fourth section is based on dental associations and professional organisations and gives course delegates knowledge of the types of di erent associations, their role within the industry and what they provide. Some of the di erent kinds of associations and organisations mentioned in this category include the British Dental Association (BDA) and the Oral Health Foundation. This section of module one gives delegates an essential understanding of these associations and organisations. The fifth section centres around dental manufacturers, dental dealers/wholesalers, the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the British Dental Industry Association (BDIA). In this part of the programme, delegates gain an understanding of how these organisations interconnect with one another and the relationships that exist between them. The section also provides statistical information on treatment figures, numbers of dental practices across the UK and data covering industry spending. The sixth and final section explains the role of the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in more detail and describes the di erent businesses that make up the dental industry, including dental manufacturers and dental dealers/wholesalers. Part of the section is also dedicated to GDPR and data protection and goes on to detail how these regulations are prevalent in not just the dental industry but many others too. The final section of module 1 gives delegates a list of dental press resources and looks at dental publications and websites that serve the UK dental profession. This section is a handy resource for delegates who want to stay up to date with the latest industry news and do further research into these organisations that provide dental press coverage. For further information about the BDIA introduction to Dentistry or to enrol, visit www.bdia.org.uk/education or email darrylmoore@bdia.org.uk

Rising Stars – Recent BDIA Introduction to Dentistry Programme graduates:

Congratulations to the following students for passing the BDIA Introduction to Dentistry Programme Congratulations to Leah Boccius for passing the final exam. Congratulations to Geo rey Allen for passing the final exam. Congratulations to Corina Harris for passing the final exam. Congratulations to Charlotte Iddom for passing the final exam. Congratulations to Oliver Miller for passing the final exam.