Foundation Degree Dental Technology - Higher Apprenticeship Integrated EPA

Program Overview

The Level 5 FdSc Dental Technology - Higher Apprenticeship Program from the University of Bolton combines university education, work-based learning, and professional development. Aiming to equip apprentices as qualified dental technicians, the program includes blended learning, on-site training, and ongoing support for professional registration and career progression. Graduates possess the skills and knowledge to design, manufacture, and repair dental appliances, meeting industry standards and patient needs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The University of Bolton's Level 5 FdSc Dental Technology - Higher Apprenticeship Integrated EPA programme is designed to provide employees with a combination of university education, work-based learning, and ongoing professional development. The program aims to equip apprentices with the skills and knowledge necessary to practice as qualified and registered dental technicians.

Objectives:

• To develop the professional skills and knowledge required to operate effectively as dental care professionals in a commercial environment.
• To provide apprentices with a recognized foundation degree-level qualification.
• To support apprentices in achieving professional registration with the General Dental Council.
• To attract and retain talented employees through career progression opportunities.

Description:

The program is aimed at individuals with experience in the dental technology sector, as well as those new to the industry. It is an ideal route for dental care professionals to progress their careers and maximize their value to their organization. Graduate dental technicians are responsible for designing, manufacturing, modifying, and repairing custom-made dental appliances. They work with minimal supervision and are accountable for the quality of their finished work before it is released to the dentist and patient.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods: Essays, reports, oral presentations, employment journals, portfolio entries, practical manufacturing tasks, and exams.
• Weighting: Written assessments are weighted more heavily than exams in terms of grade value compared to the dental technology undergraduate degree program.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Blended learning, work-based training, on-campus face-to-face sessions, online remote delivery software, and the University's virtual learning environment, Moodle.
• Faculty: Highly qualified professionals from the health, dental, and engineering disciplines.
• Unique approaches:
• Quarterly and annual reviews involving the apprentice, workplace assessor, and a member of the university team to assess progress.
• Regular visits from university tutors.
• Individual learning plans to progress the apprentice's professional body membership.
• Individual learner record (ILR) completed monthly.
• University staff evaluate practical abilities in the working environment.
• Work-based mentors play a key role in skill development.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: Dental Technician (Integrated) (ST0108) apprenticeship standard.
• Opportunities: Upon graduation, apprentices will possess a comprehensive understanding of oral anatomy and physiology from a dental perspective, both in terms of appliance design and the methods and technologies used to construct dental appliances to meet the patient's needs.
• Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration as a dental care professional with the GDC.
• The course has been developed following consultation with employers and industry bodies, including the Dental Laboratory Association and the Dental Technicians Association.
• Apprentices will be encouraged to develop team working, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Apprentices will have access to specialist industry-standard equipment and the latest dental technology in state-of-the-art, purpose-built dental laboratories.
• The program is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.
• The program is designed to meet the Dental Technician (Integrated) (ST0108) apprenticeship standard.