Dental Technology — Foundation Degree

The Foundation Degree in Dental Technology is a three-year, part-time course that has been developed and built to match the requirements of dental technicians, employers, professional bodies, and also meet the statutory regulator's requirements for recognition of the higher technical skills required by modern dental technicians. These are steps needed to gain the knowledge, understanding and competence students will require to develop as a Dental Care Professional (DCP).

The Foundation Degree recognises the practical skills training provided by a workplace mentor in one of the disciplines of dental technology, and formal credit will be given for the developed competence and integration with other members of the dental team.

This programme is intended to provide students with an opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and real work based competence to effectively operate as a dental technician and also to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a dental technician.

The Foundation Degree in Dental Technology is validated by The Open University.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

Foundation Degree Dental Technology Programme Handbook (2024-25)

This programme is validated by The Open University. To access the OU Regulations and OU Students' Guide, please follow the links below:

OU Regulations

OU Students' Guide

Modules studied

Modules are currently under review. Updated modules will be available on this course information page. They are likely to include:

Year 1:

• Dental Anatomy 1
• Professional Practice 1
• Introduction to Dental Technology

Year 2:

• Dental Materials
• Work Based Practice A
• Dental Technology Techniques 1

Year 3:

• Professional Practice 2
• Dental Anatomy 2
• Work Based Practice B
• Dental Technology Techniques 2

How will I be taught?

The knowledge and skills acquired on the programme link directly to the vocational context and diversify into a range of skills required by the dental manufacturing industries. These include (but are not exclusive to) Removable Prosthodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics and Removable Orthodontics and business and enterprise competence.

Teaching and Learning methods include formal lectures and seminars which underpin the creative and technical practical workshop-style sessions with relevant historical and cultural reference.

Practical modules take place in the laboratory environment with tutor support and guidance, and extra independent learning sessions timetabled to allow access to specialist equipment and resources. Specialist skills such as CAD/CAM are developed.

Within the course, there is opportunity for students to attain a level of professional practice. Strong links to the GDC and other dental programmes facilitate industry-related briefs and real scenarios that provide an opportunity for students to acquire professional work ethics, time planning skills and working within a dental laboratory. Learning is supported through a series of external manufacturers and suppliers who give hands-on training in any new technologies as they are introduced.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed through the submission of written essays, reports, a series of project-based practical assessments, assessment of laboratory practice, a final project completed in the workplace in years 2 and 3 and the submission of clinically acceptable dental appliances.

Practical Exams are required for DT1402 Introduction to Dental Technology Techniques, DT2405 Applied Dental Laboratory Techniques 1 and DT3508 Applied Laboratory Techniques 2 to prove a safe beginner level has been achieved.

Formative feedback will support student progression in both written work and technical outcomes. Students complete a portfolio of cases and receive formative ongoing feedback and summative feedback once the case has been completed. Self and peer assessment in convener/critique situations is an essential element of all projects and the feedback from these will enhance student achievement and progression. Feedback is provided on formal coursework submissions to enable you to learn and develop throughout the course. This includes feedback on draft or formative assessment work at least once per module.

Who is the course intended for?

This course is designed for trainees working full time in a dental laboratory who wish to register with the GDC as a Dental Care Professional and use the Protected Title of Dental Technician.

Additional Costs

Students may be required to purchase their own materials for any specialist projects they undertake as part of the course.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.

Qualifications

Within the scheme, there is opportunity for learners to attain a level of professional practice. Strong links to the GDC and other dental programmes facilitate industry-related briefs and real scenarios that provide an opportunity for students to acquire professional work ethics, time planning skills and working within a dental laboratory. Learning is supported through a series of external manufacturers and suppliers who provide hands-on training in any new technologies as they are introduced.

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.