Module Outline

This module is designed to prepare students for clinical practice and develops knowledge and understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks required by the GDC and other UK regulatory bodies. The module incorporates the learning outcomes for a Safe Practitioner. The various factors linked to safe practice, predictable outcomes, assessment, and treatment planning are comprehensively discussed, keeping a patient-centered approach. 

Patient management, including risk management, is at focus during the delivery of this module. Fundamental principles for professionals in the health sector are analysed, namely obtaining valid patient consent, ethical principles, and integrity, amongst others. The module also focuses on developing self-reflective awareness, which is at the core of every health practitioner. Potential multi-factorial complications that arise in treatment are highlighted, enabling you to develop risk assessment strategies to avoid or minimise complications in multi-disciplinary therapy. 

The practice of predominantly elective treatments is one of the most challenging as it often entails in-depth knowledge of more than one specialty, each having its own unique set of complications that need to be identified and effectively managed. As it is not possible to prevent all complications, this module also considers essential management strategies and the ethical issues of professional duty of candour and managing patient expectations. 

A considerable amount of scheduled teaching time will be spent in the dental manikin laboratory, which simulates the clinical environments you will be working in during the delivery of your training placement modules. The content of this module is current as a large part of it is based on the new GDC framework “The Safe Practitioner," a framework of behaviours and outcomes for dental professional education. The learning is consolidated by applying taught in-class theory knowledge to the dental manikin environment. The different assessment components reinforce one another, as the first two are interlinked being based on role-play, while they set the foundations to sit the written examination at the end of the module delivery. 

Learning Outcomes  

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to: 

1. Critically assess complex clinical situations and challenges systematically and creatively Critically apply knowledge and understanding of patient assessment to treatment modalities to develop a treatment plan 
2. Critically evaluate clinical and environmental factors to create a comprehensive risk assessment 
3. Demonstrate integrity and adherence to the Safe Practitioner framework 
4. Demonstrate effectiveness in obtaining valid patient consent. 

Learning And Teaching Strategy   

This module will be delivered through a combination of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, practical classes in the dental manikin laboratory and tutorials. Delivery will be supported by online discussions and activities posted on the VLE. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading. 

Formative Assessment Strategy  

Formative assessment is employed to support your learning on the module, allowing you to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. It takes a variety of forms, including group activities, discussions, and tutorial work, and does not contribute to the final module mark.  

Summative Assessment Strategy  

The summative assessment strategy is underpinned by three items of assessment. The first item is a group role play and script, which takes place early in the module delivery, while the second item is a viva based on the performance and content of the role play and script. The third item is a 120-minute written examination.

Module Outline 

The module introduces intra- and Extra-oral scanners and Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) through a series of practical training sessions on three-dimensional imaging systems and their underlying principles. This module will develop the skills of navigation, manipulation, and interpretation of three-dimensional images. Through this module, you will learn the fundamentals of scanning technologies, their advantages, and their limitations. 

You will also be taught about the operating and legal requirements applicable to the safe and effective use of radiographic equipment, plus health and safety issues related to ionizing radiation. The content of this module is current as it focuses on the latest developments in scanning technologies and treatment modalities that require that type of radiographic analysis and assessment. 

One of the two methods of assessment also follows the equivalent one utilised by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons intercollegiate examinations. The learning is consolidated by applying taught-in-class theory knowledge to the training placement environment. All module components reinforce one another efficiently, as the taught in-class theory sessions running in parallel with clinical training prepare the students appropriately for their OSCE assessment while also informing them of appropriate directions they are required to follow for the development of their written report. 

Indicative Content 

1. The technology of 3D scanning and computerised tomography 
2. Scanning and cone beam CT and spiral CT imaging technologies 
3. Scanning and CBCT as part of initial assessment, treatment planning, formulation of workflows and planned guided surgery 
4. Regulatory requirements and legal aspects of CBCT 
5. Results interpretation and report writing  

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to:  

1. Critically identify and implement the most appropriate scanning or combination of scanning  protocols for the development of a treatment plan 
2. Critically apply knowledge and understanding of scanning, CBCT scanning and 3D imaging technologies
3. Critically assess and manipulate 3D images and draw conclusions 
4. Synthesise knowledge to develop an effective analysis of radiographic findings               

Learning And Teaching Strategy  

This module will be delivered through a combination of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, training placement and tutorials. Delivery will be supported by online discussions and activities posted on the VLE. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading. 

Formative Assessment Strategy  

Formative assessment is employed to support your learning on the module, allowing you to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. It takes a variety of forms, including group activities, discussions, and tutorial work, and does not contribute to the final module mark. 

Summative Assessment Strategy  

The summative assessment strategy is underpinned by two items of assessment. The first item is an Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) with 2 components, while the second item is a 2000-word report 

Module Outline  

This module's aim is to present an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of various developmental and occlusal disorders, linking current scientific concepts of basic developmental anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathology of the jaws and temporomandibular joint with specific diagnostic and treatment protocols based on sound clinical data.  

The module is underpinned by theory consideration during patient assessment so that effective decisions about appropriate occlusal therapies can be made, developing the corresponding treatment plans, and putting patients' interests first. Where lack of data or rapid changes in a particular discipline do not allow for evidence-based conclusions or recommendations, the module highlights the areas of agreement and disagreement to expose the deficiencies in the present knowledge base.  

Finally, comprehensive risk assessments are also considered and developed according to the developed treatment plans, ensuring patients' safety. The content of this module is current as its methods of assessment follow the equivalent ones utilised by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons intercollegiate examinations.  

The learning is consolidated by applying taught in-class theory knowledge to the training placement environment. All module components reinforce one another efficiently, as the taught in-class theory sessions running in parallel with the training placement prepare the students appropriately for their OSCE assessments and written exams. 

Indicative Content  

1. Occlusion and its significance to function and dental stability  
2. Terminologies, skeletal and occlusal classifications  
3. The anatomy of the temporomandibular joint and muscles of mastication  
4. Occlusal assessment and diagnosis of occlusal abnormalities  
5. The consequences of malocclusion on restorative stability, function, and oral health.  
6. The diagnosis and treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and occlusal parafunction  
7. Management of malocclusions and dysfunction 
8. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, its aetiology, skeletal and dento-alveolar factors  
9. Development of treatment plans informed by occlusal assessment, diagnostic data, prognosis, analysis of the known associated risks and shared decision-making 
10. Development of risk assessments associated with the finalised/agreed treatment plans.

Learning Outcomes    

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to: 

1. Critically assess complex clinical situations and challenges in occlusal diagnosis and analysis systematically and creatively 
2. Critically apply knowledge and understanding of patient assessment to occlusal treatment modalities to develop a treatment plan. 
3. Critically evaluate clinical and environmental factors in occlusal treatment to create a comprehensive risk assessment. 
4. Critically evaluate the long-term durability of the proposed restorative solution with respect to occlusal factors

Learning And Teaching Strategy   

This module will be delivered through a combination of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, training placement and tutorials. Delivery will be supported by online discussions and activities posted on the VLE. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading. 

Formative Assessment Strategy   

Formative assessment is employed to support your learning on the module, allowing you to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. It takes a variety of forms, including group activities, discussions, and tutorial work, and does not contribute to the final module mark.  

Summative Assessment Strategy    

The summative assessment strategy is underpinned by two items of assessment. The first item is a Professional Discussion - 1 component, while the second item is an Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) -2 components. 

Module Outline 

This module will allow you to critically reflect on the key causes of oral pathologies, their identification, diagnosis and appropriate evidence-informed treatment modalities. You will identify and critically appraise evidence and theory relating to the diagnosis and management of oral diseases. The module is underpinned by the application of theory to patient assessment so that effective diagnostic decisions and appropriate treatment modalities can be selected, developing the corresponding treatment plans, and putting patients’ interests first. You will also consider potential complications and synthesise risk assessment strategies to avoid or minimise complications. You will appraise the progress of the selected treatment modality and amend it as appropriate. The content of this module is current as its methods of assessment follow the equivalent ones utilised by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons intercollegiate examinations. The learning is consolidated by applying taught in-class theory knowledge to the training placement environment. All module components reinforce one another efficiently, as the taught in-class theory sessions running in parallel with the training placement prepare the students appropriately for their clinical practice viva assessment and written exams.

Indicative Content

1. Introduction to oral pathology of soft and hard tissues (including those of the dento-gingival complex, dental decay, oral cancer and pulpal diseases), treatment modalities, indications, biomaterials and maintenance regimes
2. Assessment of the patient's systemic health and the importance of obtaining a full medical history
3. General pathologies and impact on oral health and general health
4. Communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals
5. Management strategy for patients with systemic diseases
6. Diagnosis and assessment of oral diseases and implementation of an appropriate treatment plan
7. Making accurate assessments of disease progress and prognosis
8. Development of appropriate maintenance strategies as indicated to manage conditions long-term
9. Development of risk assessments associated with the finalised/agreed treatment plans

Learning Outcome

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate clinical data, taking account of contributory environmental factors to diagnose oral disease
2. Identify and diagnose oral pathology and implement treatment systematically and effectively 
3. Critically apply knowledge and understanding of patient assessment to oral disease treatment modalities to develop a treatment plan and prescribe medication as indicated
4. Synthesise clinical data, communicate effectively with other health care professionals and make appropriate referrals.

Learning And Teaching Strategy

This module will be delivered through a combination of learning and teaching methods: lectures, seminars, training placement and tutorials. Delivery will be supported by online discussions and activities posted on the VLE. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading.

Formative Assessment Strategy

Formative assessment is employed to support your learning on the module, allowing you to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. It takes a variety of forms including group activities, discussions and tutorial work and does not contribute to the final module mark.    

Summative Assessment Strategy

The summative assessment strategy is underpinned by two items of assessment. The first item is a viva based on the presentation of selected clinical cases, while the second item is a 90-minute written examination.

Module Outline

This module encourages you to critically reflect on your professional clinical and managerial practice to explore questions that are fundamental to your professional development and patient care. It requires you to critically evaluate the value of your existing knowledge base, identify any omissions, and recognise and clarify the important connections between what you already know and what you intend to learn. It encourages information literacy, using contemporary and seminal sources to compile a critical evaluation of specialist practice and to allow you to develop strategies to enhance practice. 

The content of this module is current as its focus is on the development of self-reflective skills, which are considered the most appropriate means of continuing professional development for healthcare professionals, in line with the requirements set by the General Dental Council. The learning is consolidated by reflecting on the skills and experience acquired during the training placement that took place since the start of the Programme. All module components reinforce one another efficiently, as the write-up of the logbook presenting the clinical cases informs the reflective written report. 

Indicative Content   

1. The characteristics of critical reflective thinking 
2. Questioning professional assumptions, values and beliefs  
3. Reflective writing and critical thinking 
4. Finding resources to support your critical reflective writing 
5. Deepening critical reflective writing   
6. The identification or creation of a reflective question based on critical evaluation of practice and theory 
7. Revisiting professional experiences  
8. Justifying actions, clinical outcomes and treatment plans with strategies to enhance practice  
9. Exploring the impact of actions on professional practice  

Learning Outcomes   

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to   

1. Critically evaluate the treatment requirements from a multidisciplinary perspective 
2. Reflect on the various appropriate treatment options to identify patients that require multidisciplinary input and team approach to their treatment  
3. Present complex cases evidencing the development of detailed treatment plans, including timelines and sequencing, based on the critical appraisal of patient assessment outcomes. 
4. Critically evaluate your clinical practice and skills and formulate strategies for self-development 

Learning And Teaching Strategy  

This module will be delivered through a combination of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, training placements, and tutorials. Delivery will be supported by online discussions and activities posted on the VLE. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading. 

Formative Assessment Strategy  

Formative assessment is employed to support your learning on the module, allowing you to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. It takes a variety of forms, including group activities, discussions, and tutorial work, and does not contribute to the final module mark.  

Summative Assessment Strategy  

The summative assessment strategy is underpinned by two items of assessment. The first item is a portfolio of clinical cases, while the second item is a 2500-word self-reflective report. 

Module Overview 

This module provides a robust platform for acquiring critical research skills essential for postgraduate dental studies and research. This module prepares students for future success as researchers, educators, and practitioners. It focuses on attributes such as creativity, innovation, influence, and impact, further empowering students to contribute meaningfully to the orthodontic field, ensuring their work not only advances their professional careers but also enhances patient care outcomes. Research skills developed during this module will be used in a range of dental experimental project case studies. Students will learn to design a research study, prepare specimens, and test them using the appropriate apparatus. They will gain knowledge on software tools for statistical analysis and presentation of results, while linked workshops will help them apply knowledge. 

A major part of this module is dedicated to the Research Proposal. Students will learn how to develop and structure a Research Proposal, including how to develop research questions, aims, objectives, and hypotheses, but also the corresponding research methodology. Taught lectures will broaden understanding of research methodologies, applying them to real-world dental experimental projects and case studies. Mastery of these concepts is crucial, as they enable students to critically evaluate existing literature and the evidence supporting various treatments and emerging technologies. As future health practitioners and researchers, they will be required to not only understand the results of research studies but also to communicate them effectively to influence clinical practice. This module offers practical learning experiences, where students will engage in the design of research studies, the preparation of specimens, and the testing of these specimens using suitable apparatus. These hands-on experiences are invaluable, as they translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills that students will utilize in their careers. Understanding how to conduct experiments and utilize appropriate methodologies to collect and analyse data is essential for generating reliable findings that can influence orthodontic practices and patient outcomes. Furthermore, the module emphasizes the importance of presentation skills, empowering students to confidently present and defend their research proposals. Effective communication is an underrated yet essential aspect of research. Professionals must convey their findings to diverse audiences, including peers, academic committees, and non-specialists. Developing strong presentation skills enhances a student's ability to influence and impact their field positively, as well as to advocate for evidence-based treatments that ultimately lead to improved clinical practices. 

Indicative Content 

1. Descriptive Statistics and Infographics 
2. Statistical Theory and Models: Hypothesis Testing / Student’s T-Test / ANOVA (1-way / 2-way)/ Normality Tests / Power Analysis
3. Non-Parametric Tests  
4. Correlation and Regression Analysis 
5. The structure of the Research Proposal 
6. The literature review in the Research Proposal 
7. Development of research questions, aims, objectives and hypotheses 
8. Development of research methodology 
9. Development of the Research Proposal 
10. Dental experimental project case studies. Specimen preparation: range of experimental testing 
11. Experimental testing data analysis – Statistical Analysis 
12. Software tools for statistical analysis and presentation of results 
13. Presentation Skills 
14. Development Critical analysis and engagement with ethical guidelines in relation to the research proposal

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to: 

1. Develop a research proposal with appropriate aims, objectives and hypotheses
2. Critically review the literature for a research proposal 
3. Synthesise appropriate methodology in a research proposal  
4. Present and defend a Research Proposal

Learning And Teaching Strategy 

Blended teaching for this module will be delivered through a combination of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading. To complete the module successfully, you must allocate a substantial amount of time for independent study and self-directed research to steadily build your knowledge and complete, present, and defend the Research Proposal.

Formative Assessment Strategy

Formative assessment is employed to support your learning on the module, allowing you to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. It takes a variety of forms, including group activities, discussions, and tutorial work, and does not contribute to the final module mark.

Summative Assessment Strategy

The summative assessment strategy is underpinned by two items of assessment. The first item is the submission of a 3,000-word Research Proposal. The second summative assessment is a 20-minute oral assessment during which the presentation and defence of the Research Proposal will take place.

Module Outline   

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to undertake an independent, substantial, and in-depth investigation on a research topic of particular interest. There is flexibility in the type of research, which can be experimental, survey-based, or literature-based. Further activities will develop your critical thinking, critical analysis and problem-solving skills, as well as your working independence. You will develop your abilities to identify and set the correct research questions, aims, objectives, and research hypotheses for a research study of interest. The knowledge acquired from the taught modules and your experiential learning will aid in developing your research methodology, collecting and analysing the information and/or data, as well as interpreting and justifying your results, leading to your conclusions. 

You will receive the required support and guidance from your supervisor and the module leader to complete your research and produce your Dissertation. If your research is of suitable quality, you will be invited to re-format your project into an academic paper suitable for publication in an academic journal. 

Indicative Content  

1. Redevelopment /Finalisation of the Research Proposal
2. Ethical Considerations
3. Development of a comprehensive literature review
4. Identifying and setting research questions, aims, objectives and research hypotheses
5. Research Designing / Critical selection of appropriate research methodology
6. Development of complex problem-solving skills
7. Data management
8. Critical analysis of the collected Information/Data
9. Management of the writing and production of the 
10. Dissertation
11. Presenting and defending research findings verbally
12. Preparing for a Viva 

Learning Outcomes 

1. On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to: 
2. Plan and design an extended piece of work in critical research or professional enquiry to advance knowledge in your specialist area
3. Critically evaluate literature from a range of sources and synthesise it into a conceptual framework to guide critical research or professional inquiry.
4. Critically examine a range of data collection methods, exploring limitations to propose and justify an appropriate methodology for a research study.
5. Critically analyse, interpret, summarise, and synthesise information and data/information from arange of primary and secondary sources and use these to construct and justify robust conclusions. Communicate complex academic or professional issues.
6. Critically reflect on your project outcomes and personal development during the research process and defend ideas and recommendations. 

Learning And Teaching Strategy           

This module will be delivered through a combination of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Delivery will be supported by online discussions and activities posted on the VLE. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading.

Formative Assessment Strategy 

Formative assessment is employed to support student learning on the module, allowing you to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. It takes a variety of forms, including multiple-choice questionnaires or short quizzes designed to identify areas of knowledge and understanding requiring further attention. Formative assessment does not contribute to the final module mark. 

Summative Assessment Strategy       

The summative assessment strategy is underpinned by three items of assessment. The first item is the submission of a 10,000-word Dissertation. The second item is a 10-15 minute oral assessment. The third item is a Viva.