Dental Technology

In this module students will undertake a series of tutorials and lectures relating to the theory that underpins the practical aspects of dental technology. Students will also learn to identify good working practice and how to ensure quality in the production of dental appliances and restorations. Students will learn about a wide variety of production methods for a range of fixed restorations, removable prosthodontics and orthodontics. Students will have the opportunity to observe a range of production and design methods for each type of appliance or restoration.

In this module students will undertake a series of practical exercises supported by tutorials to identify good working practice to ensure quality in the production of dental appliances and restorations. Participants will learn about a wide variety of production methods for a range of fixed restorations, removable prosthodontics and orthodontics. Students will have the opportunity to use a range of production and design methods for each type of appliance or restoration.

Digital and advanced manufacturing technologies are now having a significant impact on clinical dentistry, so much so that the ongoing changes could now be considered revolutionary. There is therefore a need to educate dentists and dental technologists in subjects related to this rapidly evolving field, starting with the underpinning basic science and engineering concepts, and then examining their practical application in ways that include intra-oral scanning and advanced manufacturing techniques. This module will provide the student with both (i) insight into the existing 3D scanning and manufacturing technologies used in general healthcare applications, highlighting both traditional and innovative methodologies, and (ii) in-depth knowledge and understanding related to 3D scanning and manufacturing in dentistry.

This module introduces postgraduate students to a number of key themes and subjects at the heart of dental materials. The module illustrates the relationship between the science of dental materials, their properties, and the relationship between these and clinical performance. The latter includes consideration of the wider subjects of biomechanics and other host factors. Specific subjects covered therefore include the history of dental materials, and their physical, chemical, optical and mechanical properties. The full range of materials used in dentistry will be considered, including direct restorative materials, and materials for removable and fixed prosthodontics.

The aim of this module is to introduce the candidate to critical appraisal of the scientific literature, health informatics and presentation skills. Health informatics seminars will familiarise the candidates with the tools available for searching and accessing scientific literature. Students will learn to critically appraise the literature including scientific papers, develop a coherent argument and present their findings both verbally and in a written format. Candidates will also be required to attend the Dental School lunchtime seminar series.

In this unit the student will undertake a series of lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical classes in subjects that are allied to dental technology. Students will learn about the new and innovative ways in which dental technology is changing as well as how dental public health impacts upon dental technology, the law, ethics and professionalism expected of dental technicians.

Research methods are a key part of clinical dentistry. This unit will aim to introduce students to patient-centred research methods and will include evidence-based dentistry, critical appraisal, research governance and ethics, quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistical appraisal of research reports.

This module is to enable students to develop an understanding of both the research process and research skills required to undertake a supervised research project. The student will undertake a project within a research laboratory either in the Dental School or in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. They will be required to identify relevant information on a topic and critically review the research of others. Original research will be carried out under the supervision of one or more members of the academic staff. The student will carry out a comprehensive Literature Survey (reading of original papers and review articles) and further background reading on the research topic. Project assessment will involve project plan presentation, literature review, dissertation and an oral defence of dissertation.