Course summary

Dental technicians manufacture, modify and repair custom-made dental appliances (such as braces, bridges, crowns, implants and prosthetics). There is an increasing demand for skilled dental technicians, with work requiring close attention to detail, colour and manual dexterity. This 3-year part-time course leads to a Level 5 Foundation Degree (Fd) and provides the skills and theoretical knowledge required to succeed in this profession. The Foundation Degree has been developed using input from industry stakeholders and designed to fully comply with General Dental Council (GDC) requirements. This award is validated by The Open University. About the course Students will be able to acquire competency in areas such as: -Oral anatomy and physiology -Biomaterials science -Dental appliance design and manufacture -Professionalism, ethics and legislation are covered, together with reflective skills and analytical decisions-making. Level 4 modules include: -Dental Technology Techniques -Oral Biomedical Science -Professional Practice -Dental Biomaterials Science -Fixed Prosthodontics -Removable Prosthodontics (Complete) -Integrated Studies Level 5 modules include: -Fixed Prosthodontics -Removable Prosthodontics (Partial) -Fixed Prosthodontics (Bridges) -Removable Orthodontics -Integrated Studies Assessment Coursework is assessed continually through a variety of individual and group assignments; such as practical activities and investigations, research projects, written reports and presentations. Some modules include assessment by examination to help prepare you for further study. Compulsory Work Placement It is essential that applicants are employed in a Dental Laboratory or have some form of placement in order to carry out the work based learning modules. A total of 400 hours of logged work-based activities is required together with constructed appliances in a portfolio. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 The General Dental Council state that all Dental Care Professionals are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Essentially, this means that all criminal convictions need to be disclosed prior to registration. This may affect the ability to register as a DCP. Your career and progression Career opportunities are available to graduates of this course in the NHS, commercial laboratories, private practices, dental manufacturing companies, or they could progress to further study with the option to continue studying for a full BSc (Hons) in Dental Technology. Alternative career options include Maxillofacial Technology, Clinical Dental Technology, Research and Development, Teaching and Education, or Medical Sales.