The Advancing Dental Care: Education and Training Review project was launched at the end of September.  Its remit is to review the roles, composition and training needs of the whole dental workforce (i.e. all dental registrants), and identify changes, where necessary.

The project will look at how to better meet future patient needs; provide greater workforce flexibility both for the NHS service and for individual registrants; improve job satisfaction and clarity of role for dental professionals whilst also ensuring value for money. A range of innovative ideas will be explored to test and explore the future direction for dental education and training, building on consensus to develop recommendations for potential reforms through engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.

It is recognised that any proposed changes are likely to be complex and implementation will be part of medium to long term plans.

The following Project Workstreams have been identified:

• Dental Training Pathways
• Post Foundation Training and Development
• Building on the Scope of Practice – the future dental team
• The Economic Model for Training
• Short Term Adjustments to Dental Education and Training

The Working Groups associated with these elements will feed into the overarching Advancing Dental Care Review project, leading to a further stakeholder event.  A final report with evidence-based recommendations will be presented to Health Education England’s Executive Team, also taking consideration of the strategic priorities of the Department of Health and NHS England.