New Dentistry Curriculum Will Produce Experienced, Problem-solving Team Players

This September will see the launch of The Manchester Dental Programme at The University of Manchester's School of Dentistry, its new Batchelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme which has been two years on the drawing board.


The Programme has been specifically designed to 'break down the barriers' between dentists' pre-clinical and clinical experience, with basic scientific and clinical knowledge and skills being taught in parallel from year one along with transferable skills like ICT, communication and professional conduct.


Professor of Dental Education in the School Iain Mackie said, "We are bringing clinical dentistry forward into the first year of the course and getting students to start seeing patients much earlier; running theory alongside clinical practice right through the five years. So when students learn the theory they will also be reinforcing it with clinical practice from day one."


The Programme has the sub-title 'an integrated, enquiry-based curriculum,' and an enquiry-based learning approach spans its five year duration. Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics Dr. David Bearn, who is leading the introduction of the Programme, said, "There is no doubt we all learn best through enquiry and problem-solving. The Manchester Dental Programme has been designed to incorporate these aspects throughout, helping students get a better understanding of dentistry and how its scientific basis supports clinical practice.


"This approach builds on the University's experience and expertise in enquiry-based learning, crystalised in the recent launch of a dedicated Centre for Excellence in Enquiry-based Learning."


Finally the Programme places a strong emphasis on teamwork, reflecting the emphasis on this in the working structure of the profession. Each student will belong to a team made up of students from each of the five years of the Programme, plus a BSc Oral Health Sciences student and a BSc Dental Technology student at the neighbouring Manchester Metropolitan University.


Professor Mackie continued, "These teams will reflect the full team in dental practice, as well as helping students develop the skills highlighted in the recent General Dental Council publication 'Principles of Dental Team Working'. For example, the final year student within each team will need to take on a leadership role, which will be invaluable experience when they go into practice."


The School is the first to incorporate all these features into its BDS curriculum, based on an evaluation of the requirements of both future patients and employers and a commitment to enhancing the student experience. The new Programme aims to create dentists who can rise to the challenges of the ever-changing demands of the profession.


"We're also keen that our current students are able to take advantage of the new features, as well as those joining this year," concludes Dr Bearn, "so we've taken the radical step of introducing the key principles to years one and four of the programme simultaneously. This will ensure that both our current and future students reap the benefits, and as many new dentists as possible enter the field with rounded skills, knowledge and experience."


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