20/10/2026 – FDDN – Study Day 4 – Challenging Learners – Motivating Your FD – Patient Types and Different Clinical Environments – GDC Standards

Course Information

Completion Time: 6.5 Hours

Venue: Specialty Schools Room, NIMDTA, 42 Beechill Road,Belfast, BT8 7RL

Speakers: Kegan Lewis, General Practitioner, Dungiven

Challenging Learners and Supporting Them

Objective

Provide efficient chairside assistance including the use of extended competencies to support the foundation dentist encouraging best practice during every patient case. 

Learning Outcomes

• Review Adult Learning Theoretical Principles in terms of motivation and reflective learning.
• Explore Learning Styles.
• Summarise practical steps in supporting clinical education in the workplace.

Motivating Your FD – Range of Clinical Cases and How this Progresses

Objective

Appreciate the challenges faced by the foundation dentist and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with both patient and colleague to ensure best practice.

Learning Outcomes

• List and explore the challenges faced by a foundation dentist.
• Describe expected clinical case complexity during DFT.
• Identify the developing role of the dental nurse in DFT.
• Explore motivational strategies.
• Recall effective communication principles.

Different Patient Types and Different Clinical Environments

Objective

Appreciate the challenges faced by the foundation dentist and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with both patient and colleague to ensure best practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify patient types commonly encountered in dental practice and recognise their needs, expectations, and challenges.
• Describe how different clinical environments (e.g., general practice, community, hospital, private) influence patient management and communication strategies.
• Demonstrate effective communication techniques for building rapport and ensuring patient-centred care across diverse patient groups.
• Reflect on how empathy, teamwork, and adaptability contribute to best practice and improved patient outcomes.
• Apply strategies to maintain motivation and professional growth when managing varied patient types and working in different clinical settings.

GDC Standards – Meeting and Maintaining These

Objective

Provide insight into reasonable expectations of a ‘safe practitioner’ and the pathway required for a foundation dentist to satisfactorily complete foundation training.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the key principles of the GDC Standards for the Dental Team and their relevance to patient safety and professional practice.
• Explain what constitutes a ‘safe practitioner’ in the context of Foundation Training, including competence, reflection, and ethical behaviour.
• Identify the pathway and stages for a Foundation Dentist to achieve safe, independent practice under supervision.
• Demonstrate strategies for maintaining GDC standards, including reflective practice, feedback, record-keeping, and professional communication.
• Recognise common challenges faced by Foundation Dentists and outline practical approaches to overcome these while maintaining patient trust and quality care.

GDC Development Outcomes A B & D

Resources

Dietary Requirements

Please advise the Dental Continuing Education Team dentalcourses.nimdta@hscni.net if you have any dietary requirements.