Dental therapists play an increasingly important role in the delivery of primary care dentistry. The structure of this course is exciting and innovative in that it is integrated with both the BDS Dentistry and the BSc (Hons) Clinical Dental Technology courses.
There is a great emphasis on clinical experience and initially you will be based in our purpose-built Dental School in Preston developing clinical skills and supporting knowledge, as well as an understanding of how the human body works in health and disease. You will have the opportunity to work with actors to develop your communication skills.
Towards the end of the first year, you will go to one of the four primary care Dental Education Centres (DECs). The DECs are clinical training centres where you’ll treat patients, under supervision, and gain first-hand experience within the communities you are most likely to serve after graduation.
The DECs are based locally within the community, and have been equipped with brand new surgeries, and study facilities dedicated to student teaching. In Years 2 and 3 you will continue to spend your time at the DEC, putting your learning into practice by treating patients. In Year 3 you will gain additional clinical experience at an Enhanced Training Practice.
Why study with us
- Dentistry at the University ranked first in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2022).
- You’ll be taught alongside both BDS and Clinical Dental Technician students, allowing you to train as you will practice in the future, as part of the whole dental team.
- You’ll have the opportunity to gain early patient contact during your studies.
What you’ll do
- You’ll learn clinical skills in one of the most modern phantom head rooms in Europe, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.
- Small class sizes allow for a close and friendly atmosphere with interactive learning opportunities.
- You will gain a broad range of clinical experience, including enhanced skills such as administering Inhalation Sedation, removing sutures (after the wound has been checked) and tooth whitening.
Module overview
?Year 1
Compulsory modules
• DG1001: Foundation Clinical Skills
• DG1002: Foundation Clinical Knowledge
• DG1006: Pre-clinical Dental Sciences
• DG1007: Foundation of Professional Practice
• DG1008: Clinical Skills 1
• DG1009: Clinical Knowledge 1
Year 2
Compulsory modules
• DG2007: Health Promotion and Population Studies Part 1
• DG2013: Oral Disease and Integrated Practice
• DG2014: Professional Practice 1
• DG2015: Clinical Skills 2
• DG2016: Clinical Knowledge 2
Year 3
Compulsory modules
• DG3004: Health Promotion and Population Studies Part 2
• DG3008: Professional Practice 2
• DG3009: Enhanced Clinical Practice
• DG3010: Dissertation
Course delivery
Following the pandemic, we have found that some courses benefit from a blended learning and teaching approach. Therefore, the majority of your teaching will be face-to-face on campus, with some online teaching where we have learnt it works best.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Future careers
As a graduate of the BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy course you can register with the General Dental Council as a dental therapist. You may also be eligible to apply for entry into the Graduate BDS course.
You will be eligible to apply for a place on a Dental Therapy Foundation Scheme (DTFT) which are designed to support new or recently qualified Dental Therapists during their transition into the Primary Dental Care workforce.
As a Dental Therapist you will work as part of the dental team providing preventive and routine dental care to children and adults. You can work in general practice (NHS/Private), community or hospital settings.
Dental Therapists work either under the prescription of a dentist or directly without the patient having to see the dentist first (within Scope of Practice), they can also open their own practices and employ other members of the dental team.
There are increasing opportunities for postgraduate education for registered Dental Therapists.
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