The Dublin Dental Hospital, in association with the Diagnostic Imaging Department, School of Medicine and Medical Science, UCD has implemented a post-graduate Dental Radiography programme for practising dental nurses and dental hygienists. This Dental Council approved programme enables the successful student to legally take dental radiographs on successful completion of the course.
Central to the delivery of all dental care is the safety of the patient. This programme gives practicing dental nurses and dental hygienists the skills to expose dental radiographs safety.
The online programme aims to meet the needs of the dental community introducing flexibility to learning, thus breaking down geographical barriers that face students. It takes a blended approach to delivery, incorporating technology assisted learning along with face-to-face sessions. The virtual learning environment for this programme utilises Moodle (Open Source Software) as the learning management system, which aids learners in the creation of an online community of learners. Blending course delivery methods utilises the strengths of “technological innovation without having to sacrifice the strong points of the more traditional and consolidated modalities of a classroom setting.” (Ally, 2009)
The pilot programme commenced in January, 2010, and will be offered bi-annually. A maximum of 40 students will be enrolled.
The programme encompasses both the scientific study of dental radiology and the practical techniques in the exposure of both intra-oral (periapicals, bite-wing’s and occlusal) and extra-oral (panoramic and cephalometric) radiographs. Verification of skills and knowledge will be assessed within the Dublin Dental Hospital.
Professor June Nunn, Acting Dean of the Dublin Dental School when speaking about the programme said “We recognise the importance of a team approach to training, and its benefits, so the employing dental practitioners have been extended an invitation to attend the technique training session”. The support and mentoring of the employing practitioners is paramount during the programme, and especially in the completion of the Portfolio of Experience.
Continued professional development (CPD) for all members of the dental team, and undertaken as a team, is imperative to ensure professionals are kept up to date with advancements in dentistry. The provision of a high quality service is the responsibility of all team members, and CPD plays an integral part. Using technology to enhance programme delivery opens a variety of opportunity to learners and is used to enhance the learner’s educational experience as well as overcoming geographical barriers. |
