Learning outcomes review
We have published our new learning outcomes for dental education with the aim of increasing patient protection and meeting current and future oral health needs.
The new learning outcomes – for all courses that lead to registration with the GDC – have been in development since 2009 and are designed, among other things, to:
• have a greater patient focus and put their interests and needs first;
• meet current and future oral health needs;
• cover the full range of skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to work in dental practice (i.e. clinical, professionalism, communication, and management and leadership);
• cover all registrant categories in one publication with a consistent approach;
• allow more flexibility for training providers.
It is planned that the learning outcomes will be incorporated into training programmes and assessments for the first time in the academic year 2012-13.
Workshops are planned for February 2012 to allow education and training providers to discuss with the GDC the implementation of the learning outcomes and the GDC’s new outcomes based quality assurance process.
Further information
The work is based on the recommendations in the Strategic Review Group’s Final Report to the Education Committee, April 2008.
Draft outcomes were developed in conjunction with a range of stakeholders.
These included:
- a strategic team with a strong background in and commitment to meeting current and future dental public health needs, plus an educationalist
- feedback groups for each registration category covering all the areas of subject and educational expertise
- Public and patients (focussed research with a wide range of patients).
A 12 week public consultation was carried out in Autumn 2010 on the draft learning outcomes. The consultation opened on 13 September 2010 and closed on 3 December 2010. It took the form of a web-based survey, accessed through the GDC website. Thank you to everyone who participated – all the feedback was gratefully received. The responses were well considered and provided some good detailed comments to take on board. They are being analysed and a report will be published on the GDC website later this year.
The GDC carried out further work on:
- the technical educational issues and guidance
- specific clinical issues
and has made changes to the guidance and outcomes in relation to the responses you have provided. The GDC involved stakeholders with appropriate expertise in judging what amendments are required. This continuing input is vital to help us get the guidance right.
The content of the final draft was approved at Education Committee on 4 May 2011 and was noted at Council on 20 May 2011:
Learning outcomes publication
Summary table of outcomes
This draft went to Council on 24 September 2011, with improvements to the design and presentation, for final approval.
It is planned that the learning outcomes will be incorporated into training programmes and assessments in the academic year 2012-13. The GDC will consult training and education providers directly on appropriate timescales. The aim is to facilitate a smooth transition to the new arrangements.
For further information please contact sarahcrossfield@gdc-uk.org