title: Key skills for newly qualified dentists: an evaluation of a West Midlands initiative.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper reports an evaluation of the West Midlands Key Skills initiative that provides a framework for learning during vocational training (VT).
  
  
  METHODS
  The 48 vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) who began their VT in August 2001 in the West Midlands were surveyed at the start and end of training (45 completed both surveys). They rated their confidence and experience in the 31 components of the Six Key Skills on visual analogue scales. Views were elicited in a survey of both VDPs (47 returns) and their general practice trainers (44 returns). Semi-structured interviews were also held with a stratified sample of 9 trainers and all four VT advisors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In terms of VDP progress, a statistically significant increase in confidence and experience was found in each of the 31 components. Six themes were identified in the views data. (i) Supporting the development of Key Skills; (ii) workload implications; (iii) the "right" six? (iv) links with the advanced diploma (MFGDP(UK)); (v) assessment of VT; and, (vi) consistency and quality assurance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VT successfully develops the confidence and experience of newly qualified dentists in the Six Key Skills and has been well received by the majority of VDPs, trainers and advisors in the West Midlands.
authors.affiliation: Research Fellow, Centre for Research in Medical and Dental Education (CRMDE), University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. v.r.firmstone@bham.ac.uk
authors.forename: V R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Firmstone
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Bullock
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bedward
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Frame
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D003792:Dental Records; D003797:Dental Staff / Q000193:education; D003815:Dentists; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D004630:Emergencies; D004739:England; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007858:Learning; D007879:Legislation, Dental; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy