FdSc Dental Technology - SFA Funded Part-time

University of Bolton

Foundation degree

In Bolton

Price on request

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Description

  • Type

    Foundation degree

  • Location

    Bolton

  • Duration

    3 Years

Skilled dental technicians are increasingly in demand – with an FdSc in Dental Technology, you’ll have the opportunity to establish the vocational skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to compete in this sought-after profession.

Our Higher Apprenticeship for Dental Technicians has been developed with industry input. It's designed to fully comply with the requirements of the General Dental Council, building your competency in areas like oral anatomy and physiology, biomaterial science, dental appliance design, and dental technology.

You’ll also cover professionalism, ethics, legislation and regulation, as well as analytical, decision making and reflective skills. In addition, we’ll help you to develop your practical abilities in relevant disciplines like biomechanical design and production of dental devices. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment in our specialised laboratories and learning areas.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Bolton (Greater Manchester)
See map
Deane Road, BL3 5AB

Start date

On request

About this course

As a graduate of this programme, you should have developed a comprehensive understanding of oral anatomy and physiology from a dental perspective, both in terms of the appliance design, and the methods and technologies used to construct dental appliances to meet the needs of the patient.

The FdSc course is taught via a collaborative approach between biosciences, engineering and health academic staff. This enables delivery of a curriculum designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in the graduate job sectors of dentistry. The course offers experience in a broad range of disciplines within the laboratory and aims to enhance opportunities for both employment and further study.

What Can I Do With This Qualification?
Career opportunities are available to graduates of this course in the NHS, commercial laboratories, private practices, dental manufacturing companies and dental schools, or you could progress to further study.

Employment and progression prospects for current dental technicians are excellent. It is reported (Unistats) that 80% of traditional undergraduates enter into employment within the dental sector, with 20% continuing their academic development. With this new Higher Apprenticeship it is envisaged that 100% of completing apprentices will enter into employment, with the option to continue studying for a full BSc (Hons) in Dental Technology.

Alternative Career Options
Dental implantology
Clinical dental technology
Dental therapy
Teaching and education
Research and development
Nursing
Sales

You are expected to have successfully completed a Level 3 qualification in any subject, though your possession of a mathematics, English or science subject will confer an advantage; for instance, A-level Biology or BTEC Extended Diploma in Dental Technology.

You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent) including English, Mathematics and Science.

You’ll be required to attend an interview and undertake a manual dexterity test as part of the application process.

This programme was new for 2016 and has been provisionally accepted to commence delivery by the General Dental Council (GDC) following initial quality assurance processes. The GDC inspected the University provision in the academic year 2018/19 and have reported to the Registrar that the programme is fit for purpose to develop individuals for professional registration as dental technicians.

This programme offers a comprehensive overview of technical dentistry, including oral anatomy and physiology, biomaterial science, dental appliance design and dental technology.
The FdSc in Dental Technology provides business links for students, reinforced by industrial work placements.
Successful completion of the programme will ensure that you fully meet competency requirements of the General Dental Council.
Suitable for part-time students, this course is a vocational route into dental technology, completed over two years.

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I am a Nigerian lady residing in Ghana. A HND Dental Technologist with. I need an upgrade in my skills and knowledge as Dental Technology profession keeps advancing ...

Esther Ijeoma K., 08/01/2023

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Reviews

Subjects

  • IT
  • Dental
  • Technology
  • Skills and Training
  • Staff
  • IT Development
  • Part Time
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Design
  • Physiology
  • Anatomy

Course programme

Modules

Modules listed below are a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules as part of the course.
  • Dental Technology Techniques - Orthodontics
  • Dental Technology Techniques - Removable Prosthodontics
  • Dental Technology Techniques - Fixed Prosthodontics
  • Employment Practice (B) - Personal Development Plan
  • Research Methodology
  • Introductory Dental Biomaterials Science
  • Employment Practices (A) - Personal Development Plan
  • Basic Dental Technology Techniques
  • Oral Anatomy, Physiology and Basic Dental Appliance Design
  • Preparing for Practice and Study Skills
Teaching, Learning And Assessment

Our FdSc in Dental Technology course is taught via a blended method of face-to-face sessions and online learning through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. At lectures, seminars and tutorials you’ll have the opportunity to learn the theory of your subject and discuss issues directly with your tutor and classmates. In practical workshops, demonstrations and critiques, meanwhile, you’ll have the chance to build practical skills and apply the theory you’ve learned.

Practical abilities are evaluated at your work placement and during appraisal reviews – work-based mentors will play a key role in the continuing development of your hands-on skills. You’ll be guided in establishing technical processes through observation, evaluation and application exercises, which are designed to help you build skills in the construction of dental appliances. Practical projects will be set to provide you with insight into the professional environment and you’ll be expected to gain substantial experience in a dental laboratory setting.

Assessments include essays, reports, oral presentations, employment journals and portfolio entries, as well as practical manufacturing tasks and exams. In-keeping with the part-time nature of the course, written assessments are weighted more heavily than exams in terms of grade value in comparison with the dental technology undergraduate degree programme.

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up to date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.

See related categories

FdSc Dental Technology - SFA Funded Part-time

Price on request

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