This is an integrated programme leading to a qualification in dental hygiene and dental therapy. It is a collaborative programme funded via the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust and validated by the University.
The course is delivered at Birmingham Dental Hospital located in the city centre. Outreach clinical placements in the second and third years are located within the West Midlands and do not involve an overnight stay.
First year
In the first term the Professional Development module prepares you for studying at university. Clinical orientation in dental hygiene is a major component of this early part of the course and prepares you for seeing your first patient at the beginning of the second term by teaching skills of scaling and polishing teeth. The Biomedical Sciences and Oral Health Promotion modules prepare you for the study of disease, patient management and health education later on in the course. In the third term you will begin to learn how to manage dental decay and to restore teeth using manikins in the laboratory.
Second year
During your second year you will be managing and meeting your own list of patients and gaining confidence and competence in clinical skills. Applied pharmacology, general pathology and dental radiography are all taught in this year. In addition you learn the specialties of paediatric dentistry and the management of periodontal disease.
Third year
In the final year you will spend 60% of your clinical teaching at outreach clinics to broaden your experience and prepare you for life after graduation. Integrated clinical practice combines the dental hygiene and therapy skills into whole-patient care. Two terms will be spent undertaking a research project with relevance to your studies.
Innovative clinical projects are structured to bring together undergraduate dental students and dental hygiene and therapy students in shared learning experiences.
Teaching and assessment
From the beginning of the course teaching is fully integrated, combining basic clinical science topics with clinical and patient management skills. The course is delivered in 16 modules. Competence in each must be demonstrated for progression.
A variety of teaching methods are employed, including lectures, small group work, individual tuition, computer-assisted learning, and self-led learning. Practical classes provide the opportunity for one-to-one advice. Clinical treatment sessions are closely supervised by qualified tutors and each student receives immediate feedback on their performance.
Modular assessments include: written examinations; extended matching sets questions; practical examinations; objective, structured clinical examinations; continuous assessment; assignments and competency tests; and presentation of patients.
Career opportunities
Qualified students are able to apply to register immediately with the General Dental Council. Graduates work in general dental practice, salaried dental practice and in hospitals, where they form a vital part of the dental team working under the prescription of a dentist providing primary dental care and advice. There are good opportunities for full-time, part-time and flexible working hours.
Selection of students
The admissions panel looks for a commitment to working with people to improve their oral health and general well being. Communication and teamworking skills are therefore very important, as is the ability to undertake intricate practical tasks.
Candidates should demonstrate work experience in dentistry in the UK and evidence of good dexterity (for example, through playing a musical instrument, model-making, DIY work or art). All applicants who have been offered a place at Birmingham will be offered the opportunity to attend the department for a day of familiarisation with the programme.
Related links
School of Dentistry website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/dentistry/