An example of a practice that has benefitted from this kind of change is Wallsend Dental Practice, an IDH practice in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear. It offers both NHS and Private dental care for patients in the area.
The idea of changing the mix of expertise in the practice came out of discussions with their IDH Area Manager. It was identified as a great alternative to help ease the burden on existing clinicians in the practice, without taking a new full-time clinician which would have increased the UDA burden on the practice overall. This means more experienced clinicians can be freed up for more complex cases and reduce patient waiting times.
In November, 2014, they took on a new therapist to work alongside and complement their existing clinicians, providing treatments such as extractions, fillings and other more routine treatments. In addition, new therapist Victoria Baguel is also available to undertake private air abrasion and hygiene work.
This has been so successful that Victoria is regularly booked out several weeks in advance, and as a result will be working an additional day a week at the practice from the end of February, 2015.
Paula Thompson, practice manager at Wallsend Dental Practice, comments:
"This has been a great solution for our practice. The benefit for us is that patients are no longer waiting as long for appointments to undertake minor and routine work. I think some of our clinicians were understandably sceptical when it was initially suggested, as they needed reassurances that the quality of work from anyone new would be up to their high standards. But once Victoria started she was able to build their confidence and trust very quickly when they could see the high quality of her work. It was essential that our other clinicians were on board in order to make this work. Patients also needed reassurance that they would not lose continuity with their existing clinician if they went to a therapist for less complex treatments. Victoria has been a terrific addition to the team and has helped improve the overall performance of the practice. We would definitely suggest other practices explore this route to see if it is right for them."
Victoria Baguel, therapist at Wallsend Dental Practice, comments:
"I am very glad to be part of such a great dental team! The practice has quickly recognised and incorporated my skills and knowledge into helping patients to receive dental treatment in shorter waiting times. It is satisfying to make a positive difference in dental practice which gives patients easier access to dental care.
As well as working for Wallsend Dental Practice, I also work at a few other dental practices around Tyne and Wear aiming to improve patient’s oral health as it has a profound effect on their general health."