Dental Therapy

A three-year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits and each 20 credits (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study, which comprises of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study.

Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time will be detailed within your module descriptors, and will depend on your option choices.

Traditional lectures and tutorials will develop your knowledge, as well as problem based learning (PBL), where you will work as part of a group to develop an integrated knowledge of how the body functions in health and disease. We use a variety of methods for assessment such as short answer, single best item, written assignments and portfolios and clinical assessments.

During Years 2 and 3 you will be based at one of four local community-based Dental Education Centres (DECs). The DECs are clinical training centres where you will treat patients, under supervision, and gain first-hand experience within the communities you are most likely to serve after graduation.

By placing you at the heart of community dental services within Cumbria and Lancashire, we aim not only to attract local candidates, but also foster long-standing relationships with those communities, leading ultimately to an increase in the numbers of newly qualified dental therapists who will remain in the area to continue their professional career.

As a Dental Therapy student, you will learn clinical skills in one of the most modern phantom head rooms in Europe, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. We employ a number of teaching methods to ensure you learn the various aspects of therapy. There is a great emphasis on clinical experience and initially you will work on simulators in phantom head to develop clinical skills. You will also work with actors in order to develop your communications skills.

In the first year of the programme you’ll be based in the Dental School at Preston. The course focuses on developing clinical skills and supporting knowledge as well as being a professional. Towards the end of the first year, you will go to one of the four Dental Education Centre’s Centres (DECs) located in Accrington, Blackpool, Carlisle and Morecambe Bay. The DECs are based locally within the community, have been equipped with brand new surgeries, tutorial and study facilities dedicated for student teaching. In Years 2 and 3 you will continue to spend your time at the DEC putting your skills into practice by treating patients, returning to Preston for some lectures and education.

The University and the DECs are linked via IT for learning and teaching, with individual student access to the relevant intranets.

Human Anatomy and Resource Learning Centre (HARLC)

An understanding of anatomy is essential for dental professionals. HARLC is the focus for you to learn about the workings of the human body, particularly the head and neck region. The resources in the centre include anatomical models, guides and videos of professional dissections. You will have access to the centre from 7.30am until 8.00pm. By using the resources in the HARLC we aim to give you the ability to learn anatomy, which you can apply to your clinical practice.