Page 64 - RADC 2020

TRAINING
NEBDN Oral Health Education Course 2020
LCpl J Smith
Oral Health Educator has always been a role that I wanted to acquire. Being able to have one on one interactions with patients and to see the outcome of my advice
I thought would be extremely fulfilling. 2020 finally gave me the opportunity to enrol onto an oral health education course and I wasn’t going to let this magnificent opportunity past me by. At first, I was very nervous and had a lot of self-doubt in my capabilities, but I received a lot of support from my CoC which helped to boost my confidence significantly.
The Oral Health Education course consisted of two days of classroom based lessons, with PowerPoint presentations
by the course instructors, and a few
online webinars via Skype. Also, aspiring OHE nurses had to complete a Record of Competence (RoC) before 6 Dec 19 in order to be eligible to enter the OHE examinations. The Record of Competence consisted of
a minimum of 1 clinical session (am or pm) every two weeks, 7 patients witnessed by an OHE nurse/Hygienist/DO (4 of these must be seen on 2+ occasions), an exhibition, and a case study.
At the beginning of the course I had a few obstacles I had to overcome. The only surgery that was available for me to see OHE patients in went down and we had
a new Practice Manager posted in. Also, I was concerned that I might not be able to capture all the patient groups that I required to complete the Record of Competence. However, I was resilient, and I didn’t
let these minor setbacks stop me from completing the course.
After an extensive and determined four months, I had successfully completed the course and passed the OHE examinations. It was a surreal moment, tears bouncing off the surgery floor in happiness. Looking back, I can honestly say that I had a
delightful time on the course and it was worth the hard work over the four months.
I am now utilising my OHE qualification in the current COVID-19 climate by contacting hygienist patients and providing oral health advice consultations via telephone. This
is so that we continue to encourage our patients to look after their oral health and it shows patients that we are still committed to assisting them in these challenging times. Lastly, my OHE competency has given
me the skills and knowledge to conduct regimental level oral health education briefs for 7 Regiment RLC.
Oral Health Educator and Pilot Fluoride Applicator Course 8 July 2019-13 Mar 2020
Cpl S Gurung
DPHC LS ran an Oral Health Education (OHE) Course supported
by the Defence Post- Graduate Deanery and in association with NEBDN. This opportunity was
open to all DPHC Joint Force Military
and Civilian Dental Nurses. This training opportunity was initiated and led by Lt Col Winship, supported by Maj Porter. Lt Col Winship, Maj Porter, Capt Mckirdy, Dr. Jordan, and Sur Lt Cdr Oxley taught us theoretical aspects.
The OHE course consists of a series of consecutive theoretical training days which commenced 8-11 July 2019 in Dental Complex, Evelyn Woods Road, Aldershot. This was followed by a period of three months of practical experience where students were to manage their own clinics and complete various piece of coursework under the mentorship of their Dental Officer, CDP, or qualified OHE nurse. Coursework consisted of Record of Competence (ROC), Practical Competence Assessment Sheets (PCAS), Case Studies, and supplementary outcomes. The SDO/PM from each Dental Centre agreed to support the trainees to complete the necessary work. Thirty-four military and civilian dental nurses from different regions attended the OHE course.
There was also a network of education support created within each region led by nominated prefects. I represented the LS region as their prefect.
Most of us found the practical part tough, especially as there were certain patient age groups we had to provide OHE for which were not part of our military community i.e. the elderly, children, adolescences, etc. However, we managed to go to outside practices to see those patient groups.
The science behind delivering OHE was vast. Part of the OHE course was also to be involved in Oral Health Campaigns and preparing a report; this was a very good experience, learning to go out and talk
to a bigger community. The handwritten Record of Competence (ROC) was another challenge I personally experienced.
In about Oct 2019, the Pilot Fluoride Applicator course was added to the curriculum, run by Maj K Porter, which was an extra opportunity for us. Only about 10 of the OHE students enrolled in this Pilot Course as many had completed a Fluoride Applicator course previously. I found this course comparatively easier as its main content was covered in OHE. In addition, the Fluoride course had online-based ROC submissions using an application called PebblePad which was easy to use and needed little explanation of the procedure to be carried out.
We took our final exam on 13 March 2020 for both courses with the results being released on 6 May 2020. I believe the Oral Health Education course is not just about developing professionally from a registered Dental Nurse to an Oral Health Educator, but also growing both professionally and a personal level; developing self-confidence and self belief. I would like to say thank
you to DPHC, the tutors, and mentors for providing us with this excellent opportunity and supporting us throughout. I would also like to congratulate all those who attended this demanding course.
My Experience with OHE
LCpl Deana Burgess
As a Dental Nurse I have always put the patient first, but through my coursework in OHE I have learnt to tailor treatment plans to meet the needs of the patient. I have learnt to effectively ask the patient questions to build a picture of their habits and oral health routine. Initially this was difficult to identify because I didn’t ask the right questions. Over the time of the course I felt like I have largely expanded my connection with each patient, focusing on listening more to the patient and understanding their barriers when it comes to their oral health. The course has given me a sturdy foundation to which I can work. Thank You.
62 RADC BULLETIN 2020