Overview Of Professional Standards Flashcards
Key regulatory bodies include
General dental council GDC
Care quality commission CQC
What is the GDC
Regulator for dental professionals
When was GDC established
Under dentists act 1984
With objective of protecting the public
Why is the GDC important
Maintains public confidence in dental professionals by setting and enforcing standards for education conduct and performance
GDC responsibilities
The GDC maintains a register of all dental professionals who are legally allowed to practice in the UK
How does GDC registration work
Registration is not a one time process, dental professionals must renew their registration annually.
This process involves a declaration of healht. Character and the completion of continuing professional development CPD requirements
The GDC sets out clear standards for education and training that all dental professionals must follow
Where are these found
In the document ‘ standards for the dental team ‘ which outlines ethical and professional behaviour expected from dental professionals
What regulatory body handles fitness to practice concerns
The GDC is responsible for investigating concerns or complaints about dental professionals fitness to practice
If a complaint is made the GDC conducts a thorough investigation, if necessary the case if referred to a fitness to practice panel which can impose a range of sanctions
What is the primary aim of the fitness to practice process
Protect the public
What body quality assures dental education
The GDC accredits dental schools to ensure both initial training and ongoing professional developments are of high quality
GDC standards for the dental team
- Put pt interests first
- Communicate effectively with pt
- Obtain valid consent
- Maintain and protect pt info
- Have a clear and effective complaints procedure
- Work with colleagues in a way that is in pt best interest
- Maintain develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills
- Raise concerns if pt are at risk
- Make sure your professional behaviour maintains confidence in you and dental profession
Purpose and objective of the CQC
CQC is an independent regulatory body responsible for monitoring, inspection and regulating health and social care services in england
CQC primary mission is to ensure that health and social care services provide safe, effective compassionate and high quality care
This includes oversight of dental practices
CQC ensures healthcare services meet fundamental standards of quality and safety
When was CQC established
Established under health and social care act 2012
How does CQC regulate
Conduct regular inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with these standards
What is the CQC aim
Protect the public by identifying and addressing areas where care may be falling short
The CQC provides public information about the quality of care provided by different services
This helps pt make informed choices about where they receive their care
Key roles and responsibilities of CQC
All dental practices in england must be registered with the CQC to operate legally
The registration process ensures that practices meet necessary legal requirements and standards before they can offer services to the public
The CQC caries out inspections of dental practices to assess performance - safety / effectiveness / care / responsiveness / leadership
Following inspections, practices are given a rating
If a practice is non compliant, CQC can take action - conditions of practice owners registration / suspension / cancelling reg
CQC works with practices to develop improvement plans and ensure that issues are addressed
CQC provides guidance and resources to help them meet regulatory requirements
Key areas of focus of the CQC
- ensure dental practices have procedures to protect pt from harm
- assessing effectiveness of care provided (how practices manage tx plans, pain management / pt outcomes)
- evaluate how well dental practices communicate with pt (obtain informed consent / address feedback)
- review how well dental practices are managed and led
CQC - public reporting and transparency
After each inspection the CQC publishes a detailed report that outlines the findings - (areas of concern / recommendations for improvement)
- reports are accessible to public allowing them to make informed decision abt their care
Practices are rated depending on their inspection outcomes
- displayed on CQC websites
Why is promoting continuous professional development important
Encourages to engage in lifelong learning
Adhering to standard allow for reflective practice
Why is upholding ethical principles important
Professional standards ensure dental care is provided in an ethical manner
Helps prevent conflict of interest eg financial considerations
Facilitating quality assurance and improvement
Professional standards provide benchmarks for assessing and improving practice performance. Regular evaluation against benchmarks helps identify areas of improvement.
Following standards supports quality improvement
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Essential for dental professionals to ensure they maintain their competent, stay up to date with advancement in the field and provide high quality care
Who sets the CDP requirements
THE GDC
CPD requirements
- completed CPD activities over a 5 year cycle
- the GDC mandates that dental h&t must complete a minimum of 75hrs of verifiable CPD within this cycle
= 15hrs per year (hours can be distributed unevenly across cycle - within the 75hrs there are specific recommended and highly recommended topics to be covered
The remainder can be in supplentary areas relegated to individuals practice / interest
Types of activities that can count as CPD
Formal education (courses workshops seminars)
Self directed learning (reading journals etc)
Reflective practice (peer discussions)
Highly recommended CPD topics
Certain topics are recommended and must be included in the 75hrs req
- Medical emergencies - 10hrs
- Infection control - 5hrs
- Radiation protection - 5hrs
- Safeguarding
- Record keeping
Recording and reflecting on CPD
Must keep detailed records of CDP activities
Must be available for audit and review by GDC
Reflective practice - key component of CPD
- consider how CPD activities have improved their skills knowledge and patient care
CPD compliance and audit
Who monitors compliance
The GDC monitors compliance with CPD requirements through periodic audits
Failure to meet CPD requirements = sanctions
Eg restrictions of practice / removal from dental register
CPD - setting up a tracking system
Establish a CPD log
Date
Title / description of activity
Type of CPD eg workshop
Duration
Provider
Learning outcomes / objectives
Reflection on how it contributes to professional development
Gibbs reflective cycle
Descriptions / feelings / evaluation / analysis / conclusion / action plan
Kolas experimental learning cycle
Concrete experience / reflective observation / abstract conceptualisation / active experimentation
