Teaching
The programme will be taught through lecturers, seminars, e-learning,
workshops and work based learning (WBL). It also includes practical project and
portfolio work by students. It is important that the programme provides a
foundation of skills; knowledge and understanding which students can carry on
through to other programmes. Opportunities for learning across the programme
will be provided through in-class sessions supported by online resources,
exercises and tutorials. The resources provided through class room delivery will
form the basis for meeting the learning outcomes supported by further
reading.
Essential resources will be available through the online learning platform,
as will the formative assessments, in the form of quizzes and short answer
questions. Links to videos and other learning resources will also be available
through the online learning platform.
A number of custom-made components or devices will be used to develop
understanding of the laboratory manufacturing processes. The development of
skills in manufacture and application will be based initially around simple
devices, fixed restorations and models and orthodontic appliances thus enabling
the development of a range of skills related to dental technology.
Students will be required to complete a total of 400 hours of work based
learning across the programme. This may be achieved through a minimum of one
work placement for the duration of the programme. It is the student’s
responsibility to find an appropriate work placement at a Dental Laboratory in
the public or private sector. Students are allocated a work place mentor and a
work placement officer. It is the work placement officer’s responsibility to
formally assess the work placement logbook and the work place mentor will
confirm the suitability of each appliance for presentation to the customer.
Lectures and tutorials will be used to underpin the practical components with
the relevant theory, leading to greater comprehension of the skills being used.
Transferable skills will be developed through the modules and embedded into the
delivery for the work based modules. The work placements will be supported by
work place mentors and college assessors.
Learning in the work-based environment is complemented by practical and
technical skill development in the college laboratories where students are
supported to achieve the required level of competence from basic to advanced
skills, requiring development of professional judgement.
Assessment
Wide variety of assessment types, including practical assessment and
examinations, coursework assignments, reflective practice and portfolio work,
project work, presentations, case studies and reports.
