title: Supporting newly qualified dental therapists into practice: a longitudinal evaluation of a foundation training scheme for dental therapists (TFT).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Focused on the dental therapists foundation training (TFT) scheme run by the Postgraduate Dental Deaneries of Oxford and Wessex (NHS Education South Central - NESC) the objectives were (1) to evaluate the TFT 2010/11 scheme, identifying strengths, areas for development and drawing comparisons with the 2009 evaluation; and (2) to follow-up previous cohorts, reporting current work and retrospective reflections on the scheme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from 2010/11 ('current') trainees (n = 10) through group discussion, questionnaire and portfolio extracts. Eleven past-trainees from 2008/09 and 2009/10 took part in a structured telephone interview or responded to questions via e-mail.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data from 2011 consolidated that collected earlier. The scheme was highly valued. Current participants thought the scheme should be mandatory and all past-participants would recommend it to others. Trainees attributed an increase in confidence and ability in their clinical skills to participation in TFT. Current trainees' concerns about finding therapy work were echoed in past-participants' post-scheme employment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At the point of qualification, trainees do not feel well-prepared for starting work as dental therapists. Opportunity to develop confidence and skills in a supportive environment is a key benefit of the scheme. Maintaining ability in the full range of duties requires continued use of skills and the opportunity to do this remains an ongoing challenge.
authors.affiliation: Cardiff Unit for Research and Evaluation in Medical and Dental Education (CUREMeDE), Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, Glamorgan Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3WT, UK. bullockad@cardiff.ac.uk
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Bullock
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Falcon
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stearns
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D032022:Delegation, Professional; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D004651:Employment; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods*; D007600:Judgment; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D006113:United Kingdom