The British Dental Association (BDA) has ‘objected to several of the points made’ in the recently updated guidance for disability and autism training.
The Oliver McGowan draft code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training was updated on 4 September 2023. The document dictates the minimum amount of disability and autism training that all health and social care providers must receive.
Following a consultation, the BDA concluded that the code was ‘unclear, repetitive, and needs further guidance for providers to follow it’.
The framework laid out in the draft code of practice introduces three tiers of training. Most dental professionals would be required to undertake the second tier, which requires a one-day course. The BDA felt this requirement was ‘disproportionate’.
It said: ‘We feel that this amount of time away from the practice, the impact on patients, and the financial implications are disproportionate for the level of involvement most staff have in the care of these patients.
‘In our view, tier three training would only be required for dentists working in the community dental service, or special care dentistry.’
‘One-size-fits-all’
In particular, the BDA criticised the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that the guidance takes to different types of professional. It considered this to be ‘outdated’ and said it ‘creates barriers to training and does not recognise the differences in the size of health providers’.
It also called for a more individualised approach, adding: ‘It is vital that any training takes account of the setting the care is delivered in. High street dentistry is very different to medical care in a hospital.’
The proposed solution was a less prescriptive method. This might include guiding and supporting practices to determine the appropriate level of training for their individual case.
The BDA emphasised the willingness of dental professions to learn about disability. However, it felt that ‘the strictness of the code risks blunting enthusiasm’.
The association also issued a reminder to prioritise the interests of disabled patients. It said: ‘It is vital to not lose sight of the original aim to improve care for people living with learning disabilities and autism.’
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