Dental nurses as trainers and assessors: vocational dental trainer attitudes

McKie, A.E. , Crowe, A., McCombes, W. and Freeman, R. (2010) Dental nurses as trainers and assessors: vocational dental trainer attitudes. European Journal of Dental Education, 14(4), pp. 235-246. (doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0579.2010.00616.x) (PMID:20946252)

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Abstract

Aim:  To explore the attitudes of vocational dental trainers (VDTs) working in general dental practice to the role of dental nurses as trainers and assessors of trainee dental nurses (tDNs), vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) and vocational dental hygienist/therapists (VDHTs). Method:  This research was conducted within the context of the development of a training and assessment qualification for dental nurses. A survey was sent to all 148 VDTs in Scotland. The survey assessed VDT attitudes as to the appropriateness of dental nurses to train and assess tDNs, VDPs, VDHTs with regard to their clinical, communication-based and administrative duties. The three sets of attitudes for tDNS, VDPS and VDHTs were assessed on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The data were subjected to one way and repeated measures of ANOVA. Results:  A total of 126 VDTs responded giving an 85% response rate. For clinical, communication-based and administrative activities, VDTs had significantly greater mean scores for the appropriateness of DNs to train [F(1,57) = 45.69, P < 0.001] and assess [F(1,57) = 76.94, P < 0.001] tDNs compared with VDPs and VDHTs. Conclusion:  Vocational dental trainers felt it was more appropriate for DNs to train and assess tDNs’ clinical, communication-based and administrative activities compared with VDPs and VDHTs. Over 80% of dental trainers, however, indicated there would be benefit to their practice in having a dental nurse educated in the principles and application of training and assessment.

Item Type:Articles (Other)
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Britten, Dr Amanda
Authors: McKie, A.E., Crowe, A., McCombes, W., and Freeman, R.
Subjects:L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:European Journal of Dental Education
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1396-5883
ISSN (Online):1600-0579
Published Online:14 October 2010

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