Interprofessional Education in an Orthodontic Outreach Training Centre

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Healthcare Collaboration
• Interprofessional Practice

Background:

• Orthodontic treatment in the UK involves a skilled team, yet training historically occurred in secondary care.
• Most dental care, including orthodontics, is delivered in primary care settings, creating a disconnect in training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an interprofessional education (IPE) model integrated into primary care orthodontic practice.
• To understand the educational environment and stakeholder experiences within this integrated model.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a realist evaluation methodology.
• Focused on a University-approved, primary care outreach training centre (Leamington Spa Orthodontics).
• Examined how all orthodontic team members learn together while delivering patient care.

Main Results:

• The study describes a quality-assured model of integrated education and patient care in primary care.
• The environment enhanced interprofessionality among the orthodontic team.
• Stakeholder perceptions of their experiences were documented.

Conclusions:

• The integrated primary care model enhances interprofessional collaboration in orthodontic training.
• This model offers a viable alternative for commissioning future dental education and clinical care.
• IPE in primary care settings can improve team-based orthodontic service delivery.