| 0182 Supporting Return to Practice: Evaluation of a New Advisory Service | ||
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V.R. FIRMSTONE1, A.D. BULLOCK1, J. BEDWARD1, and J. FRAME2, 1University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, 2Postgraduate Office, Birmingham, England, Uk Introduction: Workforce concerns and a requirement to comply with mandatory continuing education have heightened the importance of supporting dentists wishing to return to practice following a career break. Objectives: This study (supported by the Department of Health, England) explored the role, up-take and user reaction to the new Retaining and Returning Advisory Service. Advisors (RRAs) were appointed in all 12 English regions. Methods: Three main data collection techniques were used over a 12-month period (2002/03): interviews, record forms and questionnaires. All 12 RRAs were interviewed twice. All completed a record form for each one-to-one contact with users of the RRA service (n=217). Views of users were elicited through questionnaires (n=82) and case study interviews (n=10). Results: Key activities of all RRAs in the first 12-months were to raise awareness of their role and provide one-to-one support for users (n=217). Some were also involved in the organisation and delivery of courses for dentists out of practice. Most one-to-one contacts were with female dentists on career breaks of varying length. Other groups that were supported included those experiencing ill-health, under-performing dentists, refugee and overseas trained dentists and Professionals Complementary to Dentistry. Support took the form of (i) planning continuing education; (ii) specific advice on job applications and requirements; and (iii) general careers guidance. Feedback from users was positive: their confidence was increased and they valued the targeted, hands-on courses. The ten case studies demonstrated the need for proactive support from the RRAs and the difficulties experienced in returning to work. Postgraduate Dental Deans have been supportive in integrating RRAs into their wider activities. Conclusion: The RRA initiative provided valuable support to potentially vulnerable groups of dentists. There is scope to recognise formally the breadth of enquiries addressed by RRAs and to consolidate their role within regions. | ||
| Seq #38 - Innovations and Socio-demographic Issues 9:00 AM-10:30 AM, Thursday, 10 March 2005 Baltimore Convention Center 312 | ||
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