BA Hons; MSc

Research and Projects Interests

My research interests are in two distinct areas: dental education and young people’s health promotion. In terms of the dental education research, I am currently involved in several research projects within CRMDE. These include: the effectiveness of the Returning and Retaining Advisers Initiative in England; an Evaluation of a University of Birmingham MSc Programme for Dentists; and the Impact of Personal Development Plans (PDP) for Dentists in the West Midlands. This PDP work builds on a national study, completed in November 2002, which described the participation of General Dental Practitioners in Continuing Professional Development and its impact on their practice.

My interest in young people’s health promotion has developed from previous research undertaken for the NHS. From 1997, I conducted a 3-year study for Birmingham Health Authority which explored the effectiveness of a range of sexual health promotion interventions for young people in Birmingham. I am currently completing a PhD with the School of Education which is based on aspects of this research.

Publications (selection)

Mullineux J, Firmstone V, Matthews P and Ireson, R (2008, in press) Innovative sexual health education in general practice: an evaluation of the Sexual Health in Practice (SHIP) scheme. Education for Primary Care

Bullock AD, Firmstone V, Frame J and Bedward J (2007) Enhancing the benefit of continuing professional development: a randomized controlled study of personal development plans for dentists.  Learning in Health and Social Care 6 (1):14-26.

Firmstone V, Bullock AD, Frame J and Bedward J (2007) Supporting Return to Dentistry: a national evaluation of the Retaining and Returning Advisory Service. British Dental Journal 203 (7): 413-418.

Firmstone V, Bullock AD, Frame J and Wilson, M (2007) Temporary Registration in Primary Care for Dentists Moving to the UK from Outside the EU: an Evaluation of a National Pilot Scheme. British Dental Journal 203 (5): 251- 255.

Firmstone, V, Bullock, A, Bedward, J, Frame, JW and Hall, J (2004) Key Skills for Newly Qualified Dentists: An Evaluation of a West Midlands Initiative. British Dental Journal Educational Supplement: 25-32.

Firmstone, V, Bullock, AD, Fielding, A, Frame, JW, Gibson, C and Hall, J (2004) The Impact of Course Attendance on the Practice of Dentists.  British Dental Journal 196 (12): 773-777.

Publications 2001 - 2008 [complete, pdf]