FD Dental Technology Foundation Degree (Level 5)

Dental technicians manufacture, modify and repair custom-made dental appliances (such as braces, bridges, crowns, implants and prosthetics). There is an increasing demand for skilled dental technicians, with work requiring close attention to detail, colour and manual dexterity. This new course provides the skills and theoretical knowledge required to succeed in this profession. The Foundation Degree has been developed with industry input and is designed to fully comply with General Dental Council requirements. This award is validated by The Open University. Students will be able to acquire competency in areas such as: Oral anatomy and physiology Biomaterials science Dental appliance design and manufacture Professionalism, ethics and legislation are covered, together with reflective skills and analytical decisions-making. New HE Science Centre Our £1.2m science and innovation centre opened in September 2022, offering purpose-built higher level technical facilities for students studying in the fields of biology, chemistry, forensics, pharmaceuticals and dental technologies. A suite of brand new industrial grade machinery and equipment, including a bench-top NMR scanner, a high performance liquid chromatogram, UV, IR and Mass spectrometers, and for Forensic Science, bespoke ​‘crime scene houses’, a blood spatter room and state-of-the-art finger print analysis equipment, have been made possible thanks to a grant from the Office for Students of over £1m. This is a huge investment in science-related facilities and resources and ensures our science students have access to the very best, industry-leading equipment and tools available. Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes.

A relevant full Level 3 qualification (eg a BTEC Extended Diploma in Dental Technology). You must be employed in a Dental Laboratory or have some form of placement in order to carry out the work based learning modules. The General Dental Council state that all Dental Care Professionals are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and all criminal convictions need to be disclosed prior to registration. This may affect the ability to register as a DCP.

Modules include: Dental Technology Techniques Oral Biomedical Science Professional Practice Dental Biomaterials Science Design of Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics Integrated Studies and Work Based Learning Modules

Coursework is assessed continually through a variety of individual and group assignments; such as practical activities and investigations, research projects, written reports and presentations. Some modules include assessment by examination to help prepare you for further study.

Career opportunities are available to graduates of this course in the NHS, commercial laboratories, private practices, dental manufacturing companies, or they could progress to further study with the option to continue studying for a full BSc (Hons) in Dental Technology.

Alternative career options include Clinical Dental Technology, Research and Development, Teaching and Education, or Medical Sales.