The evaluation of an innovative dental nurse training pilot scheme

• Main Authors: Awojobi, O. (Author), Gallagher, J.E (Author), Jones, E. (Author), Movahedi, S. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 2018
• Subjects: academic success; adult; Adult; article; career; data analysis software; dental assistant; Dental Assistants; education; employability; evaluation study; evidence based nursing; full time employment; human; human experiment; Humans; job satisfaction; Job Satisfaction; Pilot Projects; pilot study; primary medical care; professional development; questionnaire; remuneration; responsibility; self report; Self Report; student; tooth; work environment; work-life balance
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 Introduction Dental nurses traditionally train in either hospitals or practices. A London pilot scheme provided exposure to both settings to explore the potential for dual training. This evaluation examined the motivation, experiences, career expectations and initial careers of trainees. Methods A questionnaire-based survey at two time points during the training. Descriptive and inferential analysis conducted using SPSS version 22. Results Overall training was rated highly (7-9) by 100% of trainees with positive views of the concept of dual training. There was also a preference for full-time work in primary care with career decisions strongly influenced by personal factors - financial stability, work-life balance and professional development. Rotating between settings proved challenging so did perceived low wages; lowest job satisfaction scores were for physical working conditions and remuneration. However, advantages included high levels of preparedness for team-working with most recognising the dental team has shared responsibilities. A high proportion of trainees were employed in primary care (57.8%) post-qualification. Strong interests in gaining further qualifications were reported (92.3%). Conclusion The outcome was generally positive with evidence of academic success, employability, commitment to a career in dental nursing and sufficient support for training in multiple settings to be introduced into future dental nurse training. © 2018 Nature Publishing Group. All rights reserved.