Principle 7 - Maintain, Develop And Work Within Your Professional Knowledge And Skills

Question 0

What are the three core principles of Principle Seven?

Answer 0

• 7.1 Provide good quality care based on current evidence and authoritative guidance
• 7.2 Work within your knowledge, skills, professional competence and abilities
• 7.3 Update and develop your professional knowledge and skills throughout your working life

Question 1

What do patients expect with regards to Principle Seven?

Answer 1

• To receive good quality care
• That all members of the dental team:
• – Are appropriately trained and qualified;
• – Keep their skills up to date;
• – Know their limits and refer patients as appropriate; and
• – Work within current laws and regulations

Question 2

What evidence must you find out about? (7.1.1)

Answer 2

• You must find out about current evidence and best pratice which affect your work, premises, equipment and business and follow them

Question 3

What should you do if you deviate from established practice and guidance? (7.1.2)

Answer 3

• You should record the reasons why and be able to justify your decision

Question 4

How must you work within you knowledge, skills, professional competence and abilities? (7.2)

Answer 4

• You must only carry out a task or a type of treatment if you are appropriately trained, competent, confident and indemnified
• Training can take many different forms
• You must be sure that you have undertaken training which is appropriate for you and equips you with the appropriate knowledge and skills to perform a task safely

Question 5

Under what circumstances should you deliver treatment? What should you do if you are not confident to provide treatment? (7.2.2)

Answer 5

• You should only deliver treatment and care if you are confident that you have had the necessary training and are competent to do so
• If you are not confident to provide treatment, you must refer the patient to an appropriately trained colleague

Question 6

What must you as a practioner work within? (7.2.3)

Answer 6

• You must only work within your mental and physical capabilities

Question 7

What must you do with Continuing Professional Development? (7.3.1)

Answer 7

• You must make sure that you know how much continuing professional development (CPD) activity is required for you to maintain your registration and that you carry it out within the required time

Question 8

What should you also take part in as well as Continuing Professional Development? (7.3.2)

Answer 8

• You should take part in activities that maintain, update or develop your knowledge and skills
• Your continuing professional development (CPD) activity should improve your practice