British Dental Association Launches Good Practice Scheme For Scotland

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 16 Jun 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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The BDA is pleased to announce the expansion of its highly successful Good Practice Scheme (GPS) with the launch of the Good Practice Scheme Scotland (GPS Scotland) at this year's British Dental Conference and Exhibition in Glasgow.

This dedicated Scottish version incorporates standards criteria specific to Scottish practices. As with the original GPS, GPS Scotland provides both dentists and patients alike with a clear standard of practice, complementing the NHS Quality Improvement Standards which apply to all practices. The Scheme also integrates new requirements in oral health assessment, decontamination, and sedation and emergency dental care, as well as links to further guidance.

The new Scheme gives patients in Scotland reassurance that the entire practice team is compliant with a high standard of care and sound clinical governance. Successful completion of the Scheme enables members to enjoy improved communication, teamwork and practice, and patients can rely upon up-to-date knowledge of the legal and ethical requirements necessary to achieve the Scheme's assurance of quality.

On launching GPS Scotland, BDA Executive Board chair Susie Sanderson, said:

"The expansion of the Good Practice Scheme with this new Scottish version builds upon the success and reputation of the Scheme since it began in 2001. GPS Scotland demonstrates the profession's commitment to high standards of care and provides a Scotland-specific benchmark for quality assurance in dental practice."

Becoming a GPS Scotland practice begins with completion and validation by assessors of achievement of the standard, leading to recognition as a BDA Good Practice. Membership renewal involves re-assessment every three years. A regional administrator supports and guides those going through the application process, helping them to comply with the requirements. Further details are available here.

Source
The British Dental Association