14 weeks to go.....

Posted on: 13 June 2019 by Emily Wilson in Centennial Curriculum

In 14 weeks time, Welcome Week will be nearing it's end, having introduced our first cohort to the Centennial Curriculum. With this in mind, we are busy finalising plans for our first year - further details of which, we want to share with you below.

Year One 

Our first cohort of BDS and BSc Dental Therapy students will be joining us in September 2019, totaling 73 students. The first year of study (as well as years two and three) will be identical for both programmes. Each year will be made up of a number of components, which together will enable learners to meet the milestones of the programmes. 

The following components will be taught in year one of the new undergraduate curriculum:

Understanding Clinical Practice

Understanding Clinical Practice will provide a broad overview of basic science in the context of medical and dental practice, which will underpin the development of clinical knowledge and skill in other components. The University's Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC), will also deliver lectures and practicals on general human anatomy, moving to focus on the head, neck and jaw in term two of study. 

Communications

Workshops will be held across the first year of study to instil in learners the principles of good communication with their patients and peers. These small group sessions will focus on verbal and non-verbal communication (including listening skills, communication barriers and electronic communication), as well as preparing students to manage difficult conversations. Actors will be used to provide students with the opportunity to role-play through different scenarios and reflect on their progress. 

Personal Development and Wellbeing

Through this component students will develop the skills and knowledge to successfully navigate their University degree programme and prepare for their future as a health-care professional. Through workshops and self-directed learning, students will cover teamwork; human factors training; mental health and wellbeing; and continuing personal development, in a context that is specific to their current stage of study. This component will therefore feature in all years of study and will work in partnership with the Academic Advisor scheme and Pastoral Care Team. 

Patient Care Observation

Students will have the opportunity to observe on clinics within the Dental Hospital in their first term of study. Through a reflective portfolio, students will be guided on areas to observe and recflect upon, which will prepare them to develop related clinical skills over the coming months. Observation sessions will continue throughout the curriculum, focusing on different clinics, treatments, processes, roles etc. as students progress. 

Integrated Skills Development

Integrated Skills Development (ISD) will enable students to practice skills on simulated patients while being supervised and guided by staff. ISD components will occur throughout the programmes, adding new skills to a student's treatment provision. Each new skill will be assessed before students are able to enter clinic and carry out this treatment on patients. 

In year one ISD will focus on: safety in the clinical environment; professionalism and ethics; teamwork; routine health and prevention management; and the removal of supra-gingival deposits on patients. 

Patient Care Provision

Providing that a student has been deemed safe in the Integrated Skills Development components, they will be able to treat their first patients in term two of their study. Students will spend most of their time in pairs, working as a team to assist one another with treatment. Students will be supervised and supported by clinicial tutors, nurses, dispensary assistants, clerks, receptionists and peers - continuing the team ethos which is central to this curriculum.  

Medical Emergencies

Medical Emergencies training will occur during each year of the curriculum, increasing in complexity until year three of the programmes. Medical Emergencies training in year one will involve Basic Life Support (BLS) and will also cover choking and faints. 

Drop-in sessions

We have decided to pause the regular Centennial Curriculum drop-in sessions, in favour of a more targetted approach next year. Drop-in sessions focused on specific topics will be scheduled as necessary, while the Project Officer (Emily Wilson) is always happy for those with a question to pop by her office (room 404). 

Drop us a line 

Any thoughts, questions or ideas are very welcome regarding the Centennial Curriculum or this blog. To get in touch please email Emily Wilson, the Project Officer.