Tacit knowledge and the role of the dental educator

Introduction: This article seeks to explore tacit knowledge in the context of the practice and the role of a dental educator in a workplace learning environment. Material and Methods: The key theoretical ideologies which underpin the definition of tacit knowledge have been outlined and practical examples to enable conceptualisation. The role tacit knowledge plays in procedural knowledge, performance of a skill and diagnosis and decision-making has been explained in further detail. Approaches to maximise the educational output of learning opportunities by using tacit knowledge and how an awareness of tacit knowledge can complement reflection have been considered. Results: It is acknowledged that workplace learning is of mutual benefit to the dental educator, trainee and clinical team and that the development of the educator to make tacit knowledge explicit, can be achieved through peer observation, amongst other methods. Conclusion: Tacit knowledge is a key element underpinning learning in the workplace; the use of this knowledge can be applied in an advantageous manner, from both an educational and a personal developmental perspective.