Bateman, H., Thomason, J. M. and Ellis, J. (2015), Patient non-attendance: utilising clinical time. The Clinical Teacher. doi: 10.1111/tct.12405.

This article outlines one of the innovations the School of Dental Sciences have implemented in response to patient non-attendance during undergraduate student clinics. Although we work hard to minimise patient non-attendance, the reality is that on occasion it does happen, so having a range of alternate learning opportunities is important.

Close contact teaching and learning activities (CCTLS) are short, skills-based tasks which students can undertake in the clinical environment utilising the resources usually associated with that session. A selection of the range of activities we have is described, together with general principles underlying their development; this hopefully allows others to develop similar activities tailored to the demands of their individual programmes.

The CCTLs we have are directly observed, formative activities with structured assessment criteria. They focus on tasks which develop understanding and skills and can also reinforce protocols, so they are potentially most appropriate for early-stage clinical students. We believe these activities can contribute to maximising the potential of clinical attachments.

Miss Heidi Bateman, School of Dental Sciences