CANDIDATES GUIDE
CANDIDATES GUIDE TO THE DIPLOMA OF FELLOWSHIP OF THE FACULTY OF GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE (UK) Contents
Section 1 - An Introduction to the Diploma of Fellowship of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) A. Preface - The Final Hurdle? B. The Fellowship, its History and Place within the Career Pathway C. The Fellowship Practitioner Recognising Achievement D. A Brief Outline of the Fellowship E. The Fellowship Mentor F. Mentor and Candidate Pairing G. Selection of Mentors and Fellowship Assessors
Section 2 - Preparing for the Fellowship Assessment; A Step-by-Step Guide Step 1. Step 2. Step 3. Step 3a. Step 3b. Step 4. Step 5. Step 6. Step 7. Step 8. Step 9. Step 10. Step 11. Step 12. Eligibility First contact with your Mentor The Practice Questionnaire Patient Records Practice Survey Clinical Competencies Audit The Reflective Commentary Mentors Visit to the Practice After the Practice Visit Submission of Evidence Before the Assessment The Assessment Discussions The Review. The Final Step? Not Really!
Section 3 - Appendices A. Guidelines for Selection and Suitability of Cases as Evidence for the Clinical Competencies B. Reflective Commentaries on the Clinical Cases C. Summary of Mentor Tasks D. Mentoring Problems E. Mentor Payment and Expenses. F. Letter to Patients from the Faculty G. Administrative Arrangements for the Assessment H. Submission Checklist for Candidates
B. The Fellowship, its History and Place within the Career Pathway
History 1. Like the MGDS and the DGDP(UK) (now MFGDP[UK]), the FFGDP(UK) was created with specific aims: To improve patient care. To give dentists the opportunity to evaluate themselves and their practice against criteria of best practice. To give patients evidence of a dentists skill and dedication. To provide a structure to achieve the above. To provide a clinical qualification pertaining to, and for those in, general practice as opposed to secondary care. 2. Whereas the MGDS and DGDP(UK)/MFGDP(UK) were summative assessments to mark attainment of a certain level of ability, the Fellowship was developed to ascertain that, having obtained a high level of skills in all areas of dental practice, these skills were being provided routinely to the benefit of all patients, staff and colleagues. The Fellowship is thus an assessment of clinical dental practice as it pertains to the individual dentist, their practice, and their patients. 3. The Fellowship Assessment is an evaluation of the evidence provided to confirm that a given list of competencies is being achieved and that the candidate possesses a thorough understanding of the underlying principles. 4. It seeks to assess the dentist working in a primary care environment, evaluating all aspects of the dentists practising life, both clinical and non-clinical. 5. The process of assessment rather than examination was chosen to make the process as approachable as possible to dentists, staff and patients. It allows for a gradual process of attainment, improving each area of practising life at a speed that suits the individual. A mentoring process, together with the opportunity for assessment and re-assessment, facilitates this. The Career Pathway and the Fellowship 6. The Career Pathway aims to provide general dental practitioners with lifelong learning and career-long support leading to the attainment of the Fellowship. The Fellowship is the third stage in the Career Pathway framework. The Career Pathway Regulations say of the Fellowship Assessment: The Fellowship Assessment will demonstrate that all that has been learned is being put into practice for the benefit of patients. With the advent of a Career Pathway for general practice, the raison dtre for the Fellowship has become evident. It does not mark the end of a process of selfimprovement, as this is a process that should continue throughout a professionals working life. Rather, it indicates the attainment and continuing 5
practice at a level of mastery across all aspects of that individuals practising life). The Fellowship Assessment: As Part of the Career Pathway 7. As part of the Career Pathway, the Fellowship Assessment needs to fulfil its aims whilst promoting the concepts of learning and personal development within the Career Pathway. 8. As part of the Career Pathway, the Fellowship Assessment will: Be based upon a regularly updated list of competencies. Assess all aspects of a dentists practice. Assess to a level appropriate to Stage 3 of the Career Pathway. Not reassess those areas/competencies that have been previously assessed to the required level. Exemption from assessment of certain competencies may be given where appropriate, provided evidence is forthcoming of satisfactory assessment as part of an approved postgraduate programme. Assess equally candidates who have progressed to Stage 3 of the Career Pathway by the taught or experiential routes. The requirements for both these groups, in terms of evidence required and opportunities for exemption from any competencies, is the same. Assess all aspects of patient care.
Extent and Limitations of the FFGDP(UK) 9. Within the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), the award of the Fellowship is seen as the highest accolade the Faculty can award one of its dentist members. 10. The FGDP(UK) is the collegiate home for those dentists in general dental practice. This includes those dentists working in other primary care environments such as: The armed forces. NHS dental practices. Community service practices. Dental practices owned by corporate bodies. Practices where the range of treatments offered are restricted by the special interests of the dentist.
11. Dentists from all these groups are eligible to develop through the Career Pathway and present for Fellowship Assessment. 12. The Fellowship has been developed as an assessment of clinical practice within a primary care environment. As such, the range of competencies that are assessed reflects the breadth and depth of skills required to provide care to the highest level.
13. It is therefore appropriate that all candidates are required to provide evidence that they satisfy all the competencies as laid down in the Facultys Fellowship Curriculum. This documentation gives guidance as to how best the evidence for each competency may be provided. 14. The evidence may be written, verbal, photographic, artefact or patientbased, depending on the competency. The assessment is an ongoing process undertaken by the candidate and the mentor during preparation for the Fellowship, together with final assessment discussions undertaken on submission of the required evidence. 15. Exemption from the provision of evidence is not given. However, alternative evidence may be accepted such as the satisfactory completion of clinical cases as part of a previous assessment to the required standard. As the Faculty considers it unnecessary to re-examine to the same level of attainment, evidence provided in this manner will not be reassessed. 16. However, the Faculty does require validation of evidence to ensure the current, continuing and consistent provision of dental care to the required level. 17. Programme organisers may apply to the Credit Transfer Committee (working in conjunction with the Fellowship assessors) to request that candidates who complete their course satisfactorily are granted an allowance in the presentation of clinical cases. 18. As an outcome of their particular Career Pathway, many who submit for Fellowship Assessment will have exceeded the required level of evidence for some of the competencies. However, this does not earn exemption from the need to reach the required standard in all competencies and to provide the necessary evidence, based on the individuals clinical practice.
practitioner, referral practitioners, the internet, friends, etc.) in a manner that will allow the patient to select a solution most appropriate to their needs and preferences. 9. Will play a responsible and proactive role in the profession and the community, promoting good oral health and professional philosophy and standards. At a MANAGERIAL LEVEL, the practitioner will demonstrate ability and experience in establishing and running an appropriate professional practice environment and leading a clinical team. Such a practitioner will: 1. Have a knowledge and understanding of the issues to consider in establishing, designing and equipping a practice. 2. Have a knowledge of legislation and guidelines that have a bearing on Establishing and running of a business, Employing staff, including colleagues and DCPs Good clinical practice.
3. Have acquired appropriate business and management skills. 4. Demonstrate the creation and updating of systems and protocols for the appropriate running of the practice, including clinical procedures, reflecting the demands of current legislation and current best practice. 5. Have a commitment as an employer to providing a high standard of teamwork and good working conditions. 6. Have a commitment to continuing personal and professional development which includes other members of the practice team. 7. Have a commitment to the provision of the highest standards of clinical care and patient services. 8. Monitor performance through audit, patient satisfaction surveys and other forms of feedback, making appropriate changes in the light of the findings of such exercises.
9. Uphold an appropriate professional standard in the community through
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that needs to be assessed is listed down the left side and the recommended sources of evidence to help you demonstrate that you have achieved that level of competence are listed down the right side. 8. Candidates are required to provide evidence that they have achieved an appropriate level of attainment (see above) of all the competencies as laid down in the Fellowship by Assessment in General Dental Practice Curriculum. 9. However, candidates who have prepared clinical cases as part of a Faculty accredited programme, where these cases have been formally assessed may be eligible for full or partial exemption from this part of the Fellowship Assessment. 10. Candidates will have 1 (if no clinical cases need to be presented) or 2 (If clinical cases are being presented) discussions, each with 2 Assessors, where they will have the opportunity to confirm and elaborate their written evidence. Further, the candidate will be required to demonstrate a deep understanding of the processes involved in satisfying the Standards of Competence and the provision of the highest standards of patient care. 11. For further details, please refer to this document, the Regulations Relating to the Fellowship of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) and the Application for Accreditation of a Postgraduate Programme towards the FGDP(UK)s Pathway. The Curriculum and the Standards of Competence 12. Standards of competence in postgraduate dentistry can be described at 3 levels: Under supervision indicates that a competence is actively being developed; that the dentist still needs the assistance or guidance of a supervisor, having not yet fully attained the level of performance necessary for independent, unsupervised practice. Competent means that the practitioner has developed a skill to the level expected for safe, high quality, unsupervised practice. Mastery indicates a level of expertise beyond competence, where the dentist would serve as a role model of high quality practice and might, for example, teach and supervise junior colleagues, contribute to the literature in the field, give presentations or demonstrations, or demonstrate excellence in other ways.
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A GOOD CANDIDATE accepts such constructive criticism in the spirit it is given and acts upon it.
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5. If two or more candidates wish to prepare together, then they should inform the Faculty. As long as it is possible to place a suitable mentor with the group, the Faculty will do so. However, the Faculty reserves the right to place each candidate with a different mentor and recommends no more than four candidates take part in such a group. 6. All candidates, including those who prepare together are advised to consult the Facultys document concerning plagiarism. Payment of the Mentor 7. Part of the fees paid by the Fellowship candidate covers the cost of one practice visit by your mentor including travelling expenses. 8. If your mentor and/or you deem a further visit necessary, the candidate should recompense the mentor directly for their time. The Faculty recommend that a single session of the BDA guild rate should be paid in addition to travelling expenses. Please see Appendix E Mentor Payment and Expenses.
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The Fellowship Assessors 2. Fellowship Assessors are appointed by the Faculty from members who: Hold a FFGDP(UK) by Assessment. This excludes those awarded by the honorary process. Have mentored Fellowship candidates. Feedback from candidates will be collected after the mentoring process is complete and this will be taken into account. Remain actively involved in clinical dental practice.
3. Candidates and mentors can therefore be reassured that the assessors have been through the same rigorous process as they have and will have the same insight into the nature of general dental practice.
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Details of these routes are in the Regulations relating to the Career Pathway, the Fellowship and other associated documents. 2. The Assessment process is the same for all candidates from both routes, as is the mentoring process. 3. The following is a step-by-step guide to the process. You should read this in conjunction with the Fellowship regulations and associated documentation. If you have any queries regarding the process, please consult your mentor in the first instance for clarification. 4. You are advised to return to this document and the other Faculty Fellowship documentation at intervals during the process to ensure you are fully conversant with the process and that no misinterpretations occur. 5. Check the Faculty website periodically for notification of any changes to the process. 6. Also ensure you are aware of any legal and regulatory changes that affect your practice. It is your responsibility to respond to these and the assessors will expect you to have evidence that any changes required will have been introduced.
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Step 1: Eligibility.
A) As a prospective candidate, you will have submitted the following: 1. Proof of Eligibility Evidence to demonstrate that you have achieved 180 credits on the FGDP (UK) Career Pathway. You will normally be required to produce evidence that you have worked in a Primary Dental Care environment for no fewer than five years. You will also be required to confirm that you currently work in a Primary Dental Care environment and will continue to do so through the Assessment process.
2. Personal Details An up to date Curriculum Vitae, proof of attending 50 hours verifiable CPD within two years prior to application and a completed application form. The Curriculum Vitae should contain information on the following: a. Details of primary qualification including date, University, and whether LDS/BDS or overseas equivalent. b. Details of postgraduate qualifications held including clinical and non-clinical. Include details of awarding Institution and date obtained. c. Other education with details of when, where and qualification(s) received. d. Employment history with details of posts and dates. e. Membership of professional bodies/specialist societies. f. Publications g. Any other information of professional interest Note: Copies of certificates are required for a - c above. 3. Payment A first payment as indicated in the Faculty Examination Calendar is required at this time. Also see Appendix G Administrative Arrangements for the Assessment. B) Confirmation of Eligibility You will receive confirmation that you are eligible to proceed to Stage 3 of the Career Pathway. If not eligible, you will be informed of the additional requirements in order for you to proceed.
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C) Mentor
If not eligible, your payment will be returned, less a small administrative charge for processing your submission. This will be waived if you complete your eligibility within 3 months. You will be sent the name and email address of your Mentor.
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The Mentor is there to give advice and reassurance. You will have recently received a large amount of documentation and may have a lot of questions or may be a little daunted at the prospect of working through everything. Arrange for questions and answers to be sent via email. This will allow time to give a considered response. Please allow time for these replies. A written reply is less likely to be misunderstood or forgotten. Keep copies of all correspondence. These are useful for you both to refer to. Both parties should always use email unless very urgent. There will be occasions when the mentor may be uncertain as to the correct answer to give. Each mentor will be assigned to a Fellowship assessor who will be available to give advice (the candidate will remain anonymous). If there is still uncertainty as to the correct answer to a candidates question, the core group of assessors will be available for further advice. The mentor, not the candidate, will contact the core group. See also Appendix D, Mentoring Problems.
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2. Your mentor will advise that you start working through this document immediately. 3. It, along with the supporting evidence, also provides evidence to satisfy many of the competencies and helps to form the basis for the final assessment discussion. 4. Although in a yes/no format, written or photographic evidence is often required to support the answer. It is recommended that photographs are a minimum of 7x 5 (18x13cm). 5. The questionnaire covers the physical structure of the practice and compliance with legal requirements, record keeping, and best practice. Some of this will have been covered by Key Skills in Primary Dental Care at the entry to the Career Pathway and then developed further as best practice. 6. It is suggested that you obtain the current Faculty guidelines (which can be obtained as a package) as well as other practice guidelines such as those available from the specialist societies, where appropriate 7. You are advised to take your time and work though the questionnaire steadily, collecting the required evidence as you proceed. 8. If there are questions where you cannot provide the required evidence, you should mark these for Discussion and notify the Mentor before their visit. 9. The practice questionnaire should be completed as far as possible prior to arranging the mentors visit to your practice. 10. Copies of the completed questionnaire and supporting evidence should be sent to the mentor WELL IN ADVANCE of the practice visit to enable it to be reviewed and a written report prepared. Do not send original documents. 11. The mentor will send you a written report in advance of the practice visit, Through this, the mentor will review your initial evidence and advise on its suitability and make suggestions as to any additions or changes you may wish to consider. It also gives the mentor the opportunity to answer any questions you have concerning the questionnaire. This can then be discussed further at the practice visit. 12. The purpose of the visit is to check that the questionnaire is completed satisfactorily and supporting evidence has been assembled and is in place. It should not be necessary during the visit to search around the practice for evidence. 13. The mentor will produce a post-visit written report. It will highlight any changes and additions that the mentor advises should be made to the evidence collected so far. It is also an opportunity to give you further advice on any areas of uncertainty.
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Please refer to the FFGDP(UK) Curriculum: Standards of Competence documentation for full details of the clinical competencies. For ease of reference these are listed as A1-10,12-18, C1-3, D1,4,5,E4,5,F14,G1,3,6.
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Clinical Cases - The Role of the Mentor. 1. Your mentor will help you: Ensure that you have selected the correct number of cases and have all relevant records, models, radiographs, photographs etc. Ensure adequate photographic evidence is available. Pre and post treatment photographs are considered essential. Advise you on the selection of cases as necessary. Ensure patient consent has been obtained. Advise you on the writing of a reflective commentary for each case. Arrange to review copies of the patient records and reflective commentary as soon as possible, singly if necessary. This is in order that the mentor can continue to advise on the suitability of the case. This is a high priority. Early action allows for an alternative selection of case(s) if deemed necessary. Before proceeding to write your reflective commentary, you should send brief details of each case for an initial assessment as to their suitability. Your mentor needs: To see the above paperwork prior to the practice visit. To ensure records are anonymised before submission. To see the patients selected to confirm that the evidence submitted is a true reflection of the patients condition and management.
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Validation by the Mentor 3. See page 13 of Section 1 - An Introduction to the Fellowship in General Dental Practice for an overview and Step 7 Mentors Visit to the Practice for more details of this process. As part of the validation process, the mentor is required to review cases as presented for discussion . Please note, although the mentors will advise on the suitability of cases, as well as validate the evidence submitted, they will NOT assess the clinical dentistry.
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5. Be aware that the clinical cases selected under Step 4 and presented as evidence for the clinical competencies will be used as a basis for the clinical discussion held with two assessors. It is not an examination of the visible dentistry but an assessment of the whole process of patient treatment and care. 6. Please review the separate section Appendix A for selection and suitability of cases, together with guidance on producing the Reflective Commentaries at Appendix B.
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Step 5: Audit.
1. You are required to present two audits completed within the last five years, with a summary of actions taken as a result. The audits may be carried out through the local LAPRAP committee, but independently arranged audits may also be shown. Whichever is chosen, the presentation style must accord with Faculty Guidelines. In particular it is important to ensure that a full audit cycle has actually been completed. 2. The mentor will: Advise on the suitability of subjects proposed for audit. Ensure that the audits comprise a complete audit cycle. Review two completed audits to ensure they are written according to the Facultys guidelines
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10. The candidate will have confirmed that a reflective commentary will be produced for any patients presented to demonstrate clinical competencies (Step 4, Option 2.). The Mentors Practice Visit 1. To gain the most from this visit, you are encouraged to have as much evidence as possible prepared and to send copies to your mentor in advance. See Summary of Action PRIOR to Mentors Practice Visit above. Remember, the help your Mentor can give you is limited by the amount of information you provide and your acceptance of their advice. 2. It is recommended that a minimum of half a day is set aside. Give yourself plenty of time as there is a lot to do - this cannot be rushed if you are to benefit from the visit. 3. The visit should be undertaken when clerical and nursing staff are available. This allows for easy retrieval of documentation and patient record cards whilst the candidate and mentor can focus on preparing for the assessment. The nurse can also act as a chaperone for patients. 4. Start with a tour of the practice to allow the mentor to gain further insight into your practising life. 5. In a quiet area, set aside for the whole session, the mentor can take you through the practice questionnaire and the evidence produced since you received the mentors written report. 6. All areas requiring further action or evidence can be discussed and the agreed action noted in writing. 7. The mentor must review specifically: Emergency resuscitation equipment and drugs. Practice/staff manuals including induction protocols for new staff. Areas of the practice covered by photographic evidence to ensure the photographs are a true representation of the Candidates practice. That clinical records comply with the Facultys Clinical Examination and Record-Keeping: Good Practice Guidelines
8. Using day sheets from the past month, the mentor should select a number of patients at random and review the record cards/computer records to ensure the Candidate is complying with the highest standards of record-keeping and that the patient records selected for submission reflect the standard of record-keeping as a whole. 9. Any areas where record-keeping does not match the Faculty guidelines should be reported by the mentor and alterations agreed and noted in writing.
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Confirmation that the alterations have become standard practice will be required at a later date. 10. If major changes in record-keeping are required, the mentor should advise the candidate that the Faculty will require a six month period to elapse and that a further visit will be required to review further record cards to ensure Faculty guidelines are being followed in full. This is for the benefit of the candidate and patients. 11. Reviewing Patients. The mentor (prior to the visit) should see copies of patient notes, other documentation and the reflective commentaries. The original documents, radiographs, models etc. should be available on the day. Patient consent should have been obtained. Patients should be asked to attend during the session where you and your mentor will review the case(s) together. It is the mentors role to: Advise the candidate of the suitability of each case for the purpose of providing evidence that clinical competencies have been satisfied. Confirm to the Faculty that the evidence submitted gives an accurate impression of the patients condition and the treatment provided. Advise the candidate of any potential problems and recommend alternative case(s) be selected if necessary.
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13. It is not the mentors role to assess the clinical cases. In signing the required declaration, the Mentor is merely confirming to the Faculty that the evidence submitted is accurate. While the mentor should advise the candidate on the suitability of the cases, it is the Fellowship assessors who will assess the evidence submitted to satisfy themselves that appropriate standards in the relevant competencies have been attained. 14. It is advisable that the mentor and candidate spend a brief period together prior to seeing the patients when the mentor can raise any specific points. These can then be addressed immediately on seeing the patients and the time the patients need to spend at the practice can be kept to a minimum. A nurse should be with the patient during his/her time in the surgery. 15. Please be assured that the mentor will maintain a professional approach throughout the time spent with the patients.
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At the end of the practice visit, the candidate and mentor should: Agree on any further action to be undertaken by the candidate, including the production of further evidence.
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Agree if a further visit is necessary to review any changes. If major changes to record keeping are required, the Faculty stipulates that a six month period should elapse and a further visit is then required to ensure new routines are firmly established. If further clinical cases are to be selected, it will be necessary for the mentor to see these patients at a further visit. Agree that the mentor will provide a written report with the action points listed. Agree on the evidence to be submitted for the assessment.
If a second visit is agreed to be necessary, the candidate should recompense the mentor directly for their time. The Faculty recommend that a single session at the BDA Guild rate should be paid, in addition to travelling expenses (See Appendix E).
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3. Once the mentor is satisfied that you have assembled all the required evidence for the Fellowship assessment, the mentor will sign the relevant declarations and you may then submit the complete portfolio of evidence to the Faculty Examinations Office. 4. The Examinations department will arrange for the Fellowship Assessment discussion(s) at the next available opportunity, subject to the examination office timetable. 5. It is advised you should keep a written record of all contacts with the mentor and all decisions made. This will act as an aide-mmoire later in the process. The record is for your personal use and should not be submitted with your portfolio of evidence.
4. Do not send originals of patient clinical notes, radiographs or other important documents in the post. These should, however, be brought to your Assessment as the Assessors must see the original records. 5. All patient and staff sensitive material should be anonymised.
6. The Faculty will acknowledge your submission and inform you of the date of your assessment. The exact timing of your assessment will be forwarded to you nearer the time when the exact scheduling is completed. 7. All outstanding fees should be sent with your submitted evidence.
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3. Check with your mentor any aspect of the process you may be unsure or concerned about. 4. On the day, allow plenty of time to reach the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The assessment day runs to a very tight time schedule and it may not be possible to accommodate late arrivals. If a candidate then has to return at a later date this will require an additional payment, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
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3. Depending on the number of cases submitted, the discussion will normally be between 30 and 60 minutes. It will be no longer than 1 hour. 4. The clinical competencies will be assessed primarily through the process of reviewing clinical cases submitted for this interview. Candidates should be aware however that these competencies may be touched upon during the natural course of the discussion by reference to other evidence submitted. Similarly, evidence provided for the clinical competencies may reflect on other competencies. Final Discussion 5. This is a discussion between the candidate and two assessors neither of whom has mentored the candidate or taken any other part in their assessment. The discussion will normally be between 45 and 60 minutes. It will be no longer than 1 hour. The candidates final portfolio of evidence will have been viewed by these assessors prior to the assessment and will form the basis of the discussion. 6. The discussion may include but will not necessarily be limited to: a. Submitted final portfolio of evidence including submitted practice documentation. b. Candidates practising philosophy. c. Patient/dentist communication. d. Visual photographic evidence. 7. This discussion will aim to cover all competencies linked in the Standards of Competence document that have not been covered by the clinical competence discussion. However candidates should be aware that some overlaps may occur as mentioned above.
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Please refer to the FFGDP(UK) Curriculum: Standards of Competence documentation for full details of the clinical competencies. For ease of reference these are listed as A1-10,12-18, C1-3, D1,4,5,E4,5,F14,G1,3,6.
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8.
It is anticipated that the candidate will take an active role in the discussion.
9. Candidates will be informed of the outcome of their assessment on the day of the discussion.
5. Candidates will not be reassessed on competencies deemed to be satisfactory at the first assessment. You would only be reassessed on competencies where further evidence was deemed necessary. You and your mentor will receive a written report from the Fellowship assessors listing their specific requirements and the competencies to be reviewed by the further submission. You should ask your mentor to review any further evidence required prior to its submission. If further evidence is required, you have not failed the assessment. The assessors just need more evidence for specific competencies before they can recommend you for the Fellowship. You are nearly there!
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Section 3 Appendices
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4. The purpose of the reflective writing is to give the assessors further insight into the thought processes behind the candidates patient care. These will form the basis for the assessment discussion, together with the other evidence submitted. 5 Plagiarism in any part of the Fellowship is prohibited and a copy of the Faculty plagiarism policy can be obtained from the Examinations Office on request.
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2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
Each page should be clearly labelled and numbered. An extensive index should be placed at the front of each folder.
9. For each folder OR if more than one folder is used, each should be labelled with:Candidates name Date of assessment A summary of the contents of the individual folder. Eg Practice questionnaire.
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10. Photocopies, photographs, copies of radiographs and computer printouts should: 11. 12. Be easily readable. Be firmly fixed to underlying page. Labelled clearly either on the front of the item or beneath it. Any item secured to an underlying page should also be labelled clearly on the Back in case it becomes dislodged.
Do not use more folders than necessary. Any submissions not adhering to these guidelines will be returned to the candidate. Candidates may find their assessment date put back to a later sitting if their submissions are returned.
Specific Guidelines for Individual Areas Practice questions Place evidence in the order of the questions. Label each with the question underneath.
Record cards Place all the evidence for each patient together. Evidence for all five patients may be in the same folder. Clinical cases Follow the earlier general guidelines. Keep the evidence for each case together and the cases separate from each other. They may be in the same folder.
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8. Validate the evidence to be submitted and sign the relevant declarations required by the Faculty prior to the candidates assessment discussions being arranged. 9. Ensure the candidate submits all the relevant documentation to the Faculty and is aware of what they will need to take to the College for the Fellowship discussions. 10. Stay in touch with the candidate during and after the assessment.
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Dear [name] On behalf of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), may I thank you for giving your time in supporting [dentists name] and agreeing to be examined by one of his/her colleagues, [Mentors name], on our behalf. [Dentists name] is in the process of preparing for the Fellowship of the FGDP (UK). This is the culmination of a career-long process of professional development and its achievement will acknowledge that every aspect of patient care provided by him/her is of the highest standard. An opportunity to review the clinical dentistry provided to you and other patients is an important part of this process, though it also looks at many other aspects of the dental practice. I am sure that once the process has been completed, [dentist] will inform you of his/her success and you, like us, will be very proud of his/her achievement, Yours sincerely,
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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Additional payment by the candidate to the mentor. Updating of evidence collected so that it remains current. Payment of additional fees to the Faculty if the cost of sitting the Fellowship is increased. 10. Initially the candidate will be requested to submit half the overall fee payable and the remaining half should be submitted eight weeks prior to the assessment date. Non-members of the FGDP(UK) will not be eligible for entry to the Fellowship. If Membership lapses after payment of the first fee, the candidate will loose the service of their mentor. This fee will not be refunded.
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12.
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