BSc (Hons) DENTAL THERAPY

The module provides the knowledge of human general anatomy, physiology, diseases / disorders along with relevant pharmacology which commonly impact general and oral health. The contents of this module has been selected and developed to equip students with the underpinning information which will resonate throughout the entire course. All clinical delivery is grounded on the knowledge of biological and chemical processes and thus here commences the skills to embrace biological advances and catalyse the skills of becoming a life-long learner.

The Foundations in Clinical Skills and Practice Module provides the introduction to the essential range of fundamental skills needed by the Dental Hygienist to deliver safe patient. Students will the knowledge and skills to undertake and deliver treatment safely in the dental setting. This module enters the student into the simulated clinical setting in conjunction with the knowledge of the policies and principles required by a dental professional.

This module provides an understanding of the structure and function of the craniofacial and oral anatomy. Developing a sound knowledge base of oral and dental sciences exploring the pathology of oral and dental disease. This knowledge will enable students to go on to develop a good understanding of the different dental specialties and pharmacology.

The Personal and Professional Practice 1 module introduces students to the fundamental skills required of a competent student dental clinician under the General Dental Council’s Communication and Professionalism domain. It encompasses knowledge of good communication, legal, ethical and professional aspects of dental practice relevant to a beginner student dental clinician. Students will develop skills for learning, working in a health care setting, self-development and well-being care.

Following the successful completion of Foundations in Clinical Skills and Practice students begin treating patients uniting their knowledge base and practical skills to manage patient’s needs pertaining to periodontal diseases and oral health management. This module also incorporates the additional skills of dental radiology and imaging, including clinical photography. Following successful completion of the simulated training in the adult and paediatric restorative dentistry, students will then be able to encounter patients covering the full scope of practice of the dental therapist. Students must comply with health and safety legislation and demonstrate professional conduct and clear communication methods with patients, staff and peers.

This module encompasses the various dental specialities incorporating both a patient and population focus, thus considering the wider context of providing the most appropriate care. Dental Specialities offers the opportunity of inter-professional learning and working with multi-disciplinary teams and offers access to the wider facets of the healthcare profession. Alongside this, students develop the skills and evidence base to promote and maintain health at the individual and population level. To achieve this end, students will analyse the needs of populations including the determinants of health and their impact. Health promotion principles and interventions will be critically evaluated according to their impact, ability to achieve health gain, and the limitations. This incorporates exploration of the wider context of health systems, dental care and policy. It will examine epidemiological methods in health and their application providing a baseline for the research module in Year 3.

Personal and Professional Practice 2 module builds upon knowledge gained in year one of the programme to enhance the personal and professional attributes required as a dental registrant. Advanced guidance on application of knowledge is offered in teamwork, interprofessional collaborative practice, legal and ethical requirements of a dental professional. Students will develop opportunity to exercise judgement in self-evaluation of performance, performing within a team and acting in the patients’ best interest while upholding the standards of the profession. Students will be guided through self-evaluating modes, theories and take responsibility for personal development, recording, planning strategies and quality improvement measures.

The Consolidated Clinical Practice module in Dental Therapy builds on the skills learnt in Year 1 and 2 to provide students with the knowledge and operative clinical skills to diagnose, treatment plan and treat adults and children within their scope of practice. This module provides a route for students to increase clinical competence and demonstrate proficiency in the breadth of skills applicable of a remit of a qualified Dental Therapist, therefore clinical activity is a core part of this module. Students will learn in a variety of settings including a combination of supervised clinical practice, outreach placements and classroom teaching which will cover the contemporary underpinning of theoretical knowledge required to meet the General Dental Council’s requirements.

Final year students will undertake an independent research project relevant to oral health. This module introduces students to the field of research and the experience to conduct ethical research. Students will source, select, and critically appraise relevant literature to produce a dissertation, poster and presentation. Experiences will include individual and group-based interactive activities, external engagement, and one to one supervision. The majority of this module is student-led relying on self-directed learning, motivation and project management skills.

Personal and Professional Practice 3 module incorporates non-clinical skills associated with delivery of healthcare. It explores leadership skills, resource management and quality improvement processes which are embedded in every student clinical session. It consolidates the student’s application of skills gained from previous two years in the General Dental Council’s (GDC) domain of Communication and Professionalism. Students become highly self-aware individuals, with a wide peripheral view of the healthcare environment and adopt an effective teamwork approach. This module will look at legislative impact on the dental health framework and prepares students for transition into a practising career.