Title
Optimising skill mix in dentistry: dental therapists, direct access and the future.
Principal / Lead investigator
- Prof Alison Bullock (CUREmeDE, Cardiff University)
Co-investigators / research team
- Professor Ivor Chestnutt (Cardiff University)
- Prof Jonathan Cowpe (Cardiff & Vale UHB)
- D Hannington
- K Moons
- Emma Barnes (Cardiff University)
- C Negrotti
Type of study
Realist evaluation using mixed methods
Summary
Urgent action is required to address problems arising from an ageing population retaining their teeth, high levels of avoidable tooth decay in children and poor access to NHS dental services in parts of Wales.
The study will inform the new NHS dental service contract and is the logical start to a programme of research on the effects (including cost-benefits) of contract changes.
The aim is to better understand how to make the best use of the dental team. We will find out what works, why and in what circumstance. We will develop practical training courses and a self-evaluation toolkit to help dental practices work out how ready they are for skill-mix changes and set action plans.
Who is the study sponsor?
Cardiff University
Does the study involve commercial partnership activity?
To follow
UKCRN portfolio number (if relevant)
To follow
Funder
Health and Care Research Wales RfPPB (Prudent Healthcare)
Total grant value
£207,651
Start date
01/10/2015
End date
30/12/2017
How could this research potentially benefit patients?
The intention of the study is to better understand how to make the best use of the dental team. We will find out what works, why and in what circumstance. We will develop practical training courses and a self-evaluation toolkit to help dental practices work out how ready they are for skill-mix changes and set action plans.
Further information (e.g. related web link)
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/150870-direct-access
Outputs generated (Reports / Publications / Impact)
Direct Access to Therapists Infographic.pdf
15 December 2015
An infographic showcasing CUREMeDE's optimising skillmix in dentistry project.
