Discover Dentistry (FutureLearn)

Join Dr Christopher Stokes on a learning journey to explore the dental profession and the impact dentistry has on all our lives.
Throughout this course you’ll hear from, and interact with, experts from all corners of the dental professions to discover dentistry.

What topics will you cover?

• The public perception of dentistry in modern societies.
• Definition of dental team roles, including the dentist, nurse, hygienist/therapist, dental technician and practice manager.
• Key aspects of tooth anatomy, morphology, development and disease.
• How to carry out dental charting and the systems used in different countries.
• Dental specialisms, including dental pathology and radiography, paediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery.
• The types and properties of dental materials.
• Design and manufacture of dental restorations and prostheses and how they have changed over time.
• Dental public health and the morals and ethics of dental treatment.
• Exploring the latest research in dentistry at The University of Sheffield.

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

• Explore the history of dental treatment.
• Identify the roles within the Dental Team and compare (or apply) the UK model to their own experience.
• Identify the key features of tooth morphology and dental restorations and how they are recorded in dental records.
• Compare the roles of dental specialists, including their training and responsibilities.
• Apply knowledge of tooth morphology and dental materials to the process of making dental prostheses.
• Evaluate the evidence for or against a dental public health intervention.
• Reflect on learning gained throughout the course, including current areas of research, to develop their own research priority, with justification.