title: The views of part-time clinical teachers regarding their role in undergraduate education at the University of Bristol Dental School.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  UK dental schools are reliant on part-time teachers to deliver the clinical educational component of the course, the majority with a background in general dental practice. Opportunities for promotion are limited, as is the support for obtaining educational qualifications. The aim of this study was to ascertain the views of such teachers at a dental school.
  
  
  METHODS
  An anonymous online survey was used to obtain both qualitative and quantitative views.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 80%. The school has n = 50 part-time clinical teachers, who have been teaching for, on average ten years, and for three sessions per week. Eighteen percent of teachers are recognised specialists. Forty-six percent of respondents have a formal teaching qualification, mostly at certificate level, and 55% thought it necessary to acquire a formal teaching qualification. Eighty-eight percent were happy with their role as clinical teachers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that despite the lack of support and prospect of career progression, the majority of part-time clinical teachers at this institution are satisfied with their role.
authors.affiliation: School of Oral and Dental Sciences, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Puryer
authors.affiliation: School of Oral and Dental Sciences, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McNally
authors.affiliation: School of Oral and Dental Sciences, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
mesh_terms: D004497:Education, Dental; D004739:England; D005179:Faculty, Dental; D006801:Humans; D024382:Professional Role; D012575:Schools, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires