Sustained Continuing Education: How a Masters Programme Makes a Difference to Primary Care Dentists

From Volume 36, Issue 6, July 2009 | Pages 358-364

Authors

Alison Bullock

BA, PGCE, PhD

Professor of Medical and Dental Education, Cardiff University School of Social Sciences (formerly Reader in Medical and Dental Education, University of Birmingham), UK

Articles by Alison Bullock

Vickie Firmstone

BA, MSc, PhD

Research Fellows, Centre for Research in Medical and Dental Education (CRMDE), School of Education, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK

Articles by Vickie Firmstone

Sarah Burke

BA, MA, PhD

Research Fellows, Centre for Research in Medical and Dental Education (CRMDE), School of Education, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK

Articles by Sarah Burke

Abstract

Courses that are part of a longer-term planned programme of continuing education are more likely to impact on the practice of dentists than short course interventions. This study assessed the impact of a part-time, five-year Master of Science (MSc) programme at the School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, designed specifically for general dental practitioners. Perceptions were sought from all 22 dentists registered on the MSc at the time of the study. The study provides evidence that a well-targeted masters programme for primary care dentists can make a difference to participants' knowledge and confidence and, importantly, generate change in practice.

Article