Sustainable basic training in emergency dental care. Moving to Phase 2 - Training the Trainer in East Africa

In: Williams , J , Weil , K & Wilson , K 2015 , ' Sustainable basic training in emergency dental care. Moving to Phase 2 - Training the Trainer in East Africa ' , AMEE conference 2015 , Glasgow , United Kingdom , 7/09/15 - 9/09/15 .

Open Access

Abstract

Sustainable basic training in emergency dental care. Moving to Phase 2 - Training the Trainer in East Africa Julie Williams*, School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol Kiaran Weil, Educational Supervisor, HENW Katherine Wilson, Newcastle School of Dental Sciences Background: Bridge2Aid, a charitable organisation based in Tanzania, runs dental volunteer programmes (DVP) , where UK dentists train rural-based health workers (RHW) to provide emergency dental care to their communities. To date 337 workers have been trained and supplied with basic dental kit, once competent. Summary of work: A pilot programme aimed at providing senior Tanzanian district dental officers (DDO) with the skills necessary to train RHWs in emergency dental care, was conducted. A curriculum and assessment programme was developed and delivered by senior Bridge2Aid mentors in 2 phases : - 2-day pedagogical theory and practical training, using video clips and small group teaching - 9-day clinical training delivered to 7 RHWs with one-to-one mentoring by Tanzanian and Bridge2Aid trainers. A further 9-day programme, training 7 more RHWs was conducted to assess trainer skills retention and programme effectiveness. Summary of results: 4 DDOs and 2 Bridge2Aid Trainers successfully provided training for 14 RHWs to Bridge2Aid's standards. Trainers retained sufficient skills to lead the second programme. Feedback was positive from RHWs, patients, trainers and mentors. Discussion: Training the trainers proved effective but it is essential to have full support from local Government to release trainers from clinical duties to attend the course. Conclusion: Despite no previous experience senior dental personnel developed the necessary skills to lead a training programme effectively. Take home messages: Over 75% of the world's population has no access to emergency dental treatment. Emergency dental treatment training for medically qualified rural health workers can provide sustainable access for rural communities.