Mr Martin Ashley, a Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry reflects on the success of their MCM Training.
For our MCM Training, the turnout was well supported with 41 colleagues from most of our hospital group attending. The varied group consisted of nurses, health care assistants, speech and language therapists. In addition, community nurses, dental nurses, dental hygienists, and dental consultants were present. Equally, a representative of the oral health product company SAGE, a representative of Health Education England and a representative of England’s Chief Dental Officer attended. Interestingly, even those present were already involved in oral health improvement programs in various specialist areas, they were very keen to attend to ensure that what we are working towards is as close as possible to the methods taught by Mouth Care Matters.
The course was expertly delivered by Almas Ataie and Sam King. They clearly have great experience. Especially relevant, each presentation of the course was supported by strong patient stories, excellent images and interaction with the audience.
Samantha King
Consequently, those attending agreed that being able to focus on this important aspect of patient care for two days, away from work, as essential to the benefit received from taking part. The opportunity to examine and clean each others’ mouths, they felt were unique and really useful.
A photographer captured images from the first day along with mini-interviews with many of those who attended. These will form part of a larger online oral health training course that we are in the process of making.
Especially relevant, the Mouth Care Matters training course has already had a positive effect on our Trust. Other colleagues are requesting cascade training from those who attended; patients are being referred to the Trust’s Mouth Care Matters team; incidents of inadequate mouth care are being reported and acted upon and wards are ensuring their oral hygiene supplies are in stock and the clinical records are completed as necessary.
All those colleagues who attended our course have been invited to a half day review meeting. The meeting will be held later this year within the Trust. This will be either to share good practice or offer support where challenges have been met.
In conclusion, thank you Mouth Care Matters for adding your enthusiasm and expertise to our work.