DRAFT JOB DESCRIPTION

							                           Postgraduate Deanery for London
                      DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE DENTISTRY

                                       JOB DESCRIPTION


JOB TITLE:                                   Vocational Training Adviser

PAY SCALE:                                   Dental Educator

GRADE:                                       DE01

SESSIONS:                                    Three sessions per week

DEPARTMENT:                                  Dental Education

REPORTING TO:                                Regional Vocational Training Adviser

ACCOUNTABLE TO:                              Postgraduate Dental Dean



JOB PURPOSE

The VT Adviser in General Dental Practice will be responsible to the Dean of
Postgraduate Dentistry (London Deanery), through whom communications with
outside bodies must be channelled. The VT Adviser will work closely with the
Regional Advisers, and the Associate Dean.

MAIN JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Organise and attend the relevant VT Scheme.

2. Sit on the appropriate trainer selection committee/s and assist with the recruitment
   and selection of trainers and training practices, including practice inspection visits;

3. Sit on the appropriate VDP selection committee/s. Assist with the recruitment and
   selection of VDPs.

4. Monitor the professional development of the VDPs (trainees) during their
   vocational training period, including visiting training practices during the year, and
   liaise with trainers on a regular basis regarding VDPs’ progress towards
   unsupervised practice.

5. Carry out an assessment of the VDPs in accordance with the processes set out by
   the Postgraduate Dental Dean.

6. Ensure that the Dental Foundation Portfolio is completed as set out by the Dental
   Dean.

7. Quality manage the training and assessment process performed by the trainers on
   the scheme, including undertaking annual appraisals of the trainers.
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8. Assist, where necessary, in the organisation of intensive courses for trainers and
   teachers in general dental practice, and undertake such training towards
   professional development as prescribed by the Dean.

9. Establish and maintain good relations with colleagues both within the Department
   of Postgraduate Dentistry, and generally within the medical and dental
   professions; which includes attendance at meetings of London Deanery VT
   Advisers, and other London committees as determined by the Dean.

10. Represent the Dean of Postgraduate Dentistry (London Deanery), when required,
   and to present the views of the Dean’s office to outside bodies.

11. Other duties as delegated by the Dean of Postgraduate Dentistry (London
   Deanery).


EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
To perform the duties in a manner that supports and promotes the London Deanery’s
commitment to equality and diversity.

APPRAISAL
To participate in annual appraisal and those with line management responsibility to
additionally carry out annual appraisal of direct reports.

OBLIGATIONS
In the course of his/her duties the postholder will acquire knowledge of many confidential
matters; the constant exercise of discretion and tact and the maintenance of confidentiality
are therefore crucial.

GENERAL
The above list is not intended to be exhaustive. The postholder may be required to cover
other necessary duties appropriate to his/her level and skills. You must conduct your duties
in a manner that safeguards the health and safety of both yourself and your colleagues.
Managers have special responsibility for assessing and minimising risks to staff. All staff
must report accidents and near misses, dangerous practices, equipment and building
defects.

You must handle personal and other electronic and manual date in accordance with the Data
Protection Act 1998, the Deanery Data Protection Policy and the IT Acceptable Use Policy.
Data will be stored and handled confidentially and securely, utilised for only agreed purposes
and be subject to the access rights of individuals.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above may vary over time and are subject to
management review and amendment. The post holder will be provided with any relevant
training to carry out their duties and responsibilities effectively.




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          LONDON POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL AND DENTAL DEANERY

                                      PERSON SPECIFICATION

     POST:                               Vocational Training Adviser

     DEPARTMENT:                         Dental Education

                                                                             Evidence Sought From
QUALIFICATIONS                                                              Application
                                                                               Form      Interview
•   A UK-registrable qualification
•   Registered (Full) with the GDC.
•   To be a member of a protection society
•   A demonstrable commitment to postgraduate dental education
•   The possession of, or intention to obtain, a post-graduate
    qualification appropriate to primary dental care
• Currently working in an NHS/mixed dental practice within London
                                                                            Application   Interview
SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE
                                                                              Form
• Experience using group skills, particularly: presentation,
  counselling and negotiation
• The ability to impart knowledge and promote learning by creating
  an appropriate environment
• Demonstrates effective leadership and influencing skills
• To promote a professional attitude amongst trainees
• The ability to provide specific guidance to a new graduate where
  necessary
• An effective listener who is able to demonstrate appropriate
  empathy and sensitivity as required
• The ability to communicate, in particular in relation to:
  (a) handling difficult situations, (b) explaining, (c) questioning, (d)
  give and invite criticism, (e) tolerance
• The ability to influence behaviour
• The ability to demonstrate: (a) honesty and integrity, (b)
  impartiality, (c) flexibility
• Ability to provide trainees with career advice
• To be aware of the need for self-assessment
• The ability to exercise self –discipline and self-awareness
• Be an efficient and effective administrator




     JD- PS -Dental VT Adviser December 2009 London Deanery.doc                                       Page 3 of 4
EXPERIENCE                                                             Application   Interview
                                                                         Form
• Successful experience as a vocational trainer either currently or
  recently (last 3 years)
• A wide range of dental experience
• Experience of small group teaching

PERSONAL QUALITIES                                                     Application   Interview
                                                                         Form
• An effective listener who is able to demonstrate appropriate
  empathy and sensitivity as required
• The ability and desire to work as part of a team
• An aptitude for problem-solving
• Be an efficient and effective administrator
• To convey an enthusiasm for general practice
OTHER REQUIREMENTS                                                     Application   Interview
                                                                         Form
• The ability to make time for vocational training – 3 sessions per
  week, one of which is a Friday (until further notice), but not
  always necessarily condensed into specific sessions
• The possession of group skills, particularly:
  (a) presentation, (b) counselling, (c) negotiation, (d) tact
• To be available for VT - usually all day on the study day, and one
  other session (half day) during the week
• To be available on occasional other days for specific events given
  reasonable notice
• To satisfy published practice criteria required for a training
  practice
• Demonstrates continuing professional development
• To establish and maintain good communication with outside
  bodies, and represent the views of the Dean where necessary
• A willingness to alter working practices to fit in with VT




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