Dental nurses are being given the opportunity to study for a certificate in Higher Education Orthodontic Therapy with the launch of a new course at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Beginning in January, the new GDC-approved orthodontic therapy programme will allow dental nurses working in orthodontic practices to register as an orthodontic therapist with the GDC, as well as providing them with a recognised Higher Education award.
"The Certificate in Higher Education from UCLan will lead to a Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy from the Royal College of Surgeons upon completion of a final exam sat at the Royal College of Surgeons," explained Shahram Tabibi, Director of the Institute for Postgraduate Dental Education at UCLan, which developed the course .
Mr Tabibi added that the course has been designed to provide registered dental nurses with the opportunity to "study basic dental sciences" and "gain underpinning knowledge that can be applied in a training capacity in placement".
Students will be required to study full-time for one year, with all teaching and learning taking place in the Institute for Postgraduate Dental Education, based in Preston.
All clinical work involved will be largely carried out within the student's own workplace/practice.
Hemant Patel, Course Leader for the new programme, commented: "This is an exciting new programme for dentistry and for dental care professionals, which will ensure that the nurse can play a much more active role within the dental team, providing treatment under the supervision of the dentist ."
