Oral Health Sciences BSc

Program Overview

The Oral Health Sciences BSc program equips students to excel as Dental Therapists, empowering them with knowledge and skills in preventive care, treating oral diseases, and working collaboratively within dental teams. The curriculum seamlessly integrates with 4D dentistry, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field and fostering critical thinking through simulated clinical environments and Discovery Week. Graduates are well-prepared to register with the General Dental Council and pursue careers in clinical practice, public health, research, or teaching.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Oral Health Sciences BSc program is designed to prepare students to become skilled dental therapists. The program focuses on the fundamentals of dental sciences and their application in clinical settings. Students learn to prevent and manage oral diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles and working as part of the dental team.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to:

• Prevent oral diseases
• Promote healthy lifestyles
• Treat gum disease and dental decay
• Communicate professionally with patients
• Understand patients' health issues
• Work as part of the dental team

Teaching:

The program incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Simulated clinical environments: Students practice their skills in realistic settings.
• Thiel cadaver work: The Thiel method of embalming allows students to work with life-like cadavers, providing valuable anatomical experience.
• Small group work: Students are encouraged to collaborate and problem-solve in groups, fostering critical thinking and teamwork skills.
• Discovery Week: Students explore a dental topic of their choice, gaining in-depth knowledge in a specific area.
The curriculum integrates with the 4D dentistry curriculum (Dentistry at Dundee, Driven by Discovery), meaning first-year students learn alongside dental students. This approach promotes a holistic understanding of the field.

Careers:

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to register as dental therapists with the General Dental Council (GDC). This opens doors to various career opportunities, including:

• Dental Therapist: Provide comprehensive oral healthcare services, including preventive care, restorative treatment, and management of gum disease.
• Public Health Dentist: Promote oral health in communities through education, outreach, and policy initiatives.
• Research: Contribute to advancements in dental science and technology.
• Teaching: Share their expertise by teaching future generations of oral healthcare professionals.

Other:

• The program is fully approved by the General Dental Council (GDC).
• Students are exposed to a variety of clinical environments, including working with patients.
• The curriculum integrates with the 4D dentistry curriculum, which is a unique approach to teaching and learning.
• Students can explore a range of topics during Discovery Week, which allows for personalized learning experiences.