About the BDTA Certificate: Introduction to Dentistry
The BDTA Certificate: Introduction to Dentistry is a training course designed by the BDTA to raise the level of understanding and give an appreciation of the work of the whole dental team.
It has ten modules providing a basic understanding of dentistry. The course is designed for either self-learning or supervised training and is ideal as part of a company induction programme. The course is estimated to take 20 hours of study to successfully complete the examination.
Designed for those new to dentistry and those who supply and provide a service to the dental industry, the BDTA Certificate: Introduction to Dentistry is written by specialists, providing step-by-step training in all facets of dentistry and dental equipment.
The modules included are:
Welcome to Dentistry
This module describes the structure and organisation of the dental profession and the services it provides. Individual members of the dental team and various dental organisations and associations are identified. The organisation of the dental industry and its contribution to the dental profession and general public is introduced.
Oral & Dental Anatomy and Physiology and Dental Charting
Module two provides the basic underpinning knowledge of dental anatomy, physiology, terminology and dental charting. The information contained in this module will provide the foundation of knowledge required to enhance the understanding you will need to gain in the following modules.
Oral Health and Disease
This module describes the most common oral diseases and conditions and discusses methods of prevention. It introduces students to the extent of oral health and dental disease in the UK and the impact of the changing patterns of dental disease on the dental profession in the future.
Diagnosis and Radiography
Module four describes the processes of a dental examination and the equipment used in dental radiography.
Restorative Dentistry
The aims of restorative dentistry are to restore teeth to prevent further advance of carious cavities and to return teeth to their original shape and function (or even better). Restoring teeth requires a variety of skills, provided by the dentist and the dental technician and a variety of techniques and materials. This module will explain some of the techniques and materials that are used routinely in restorative dentistry.
Dental Technology
This module covers topics which depend on the close co-operation between the dentist and the dental technician. The technician has many skills, working with materials and procedures to produce prostheses and restorations essential to good function and aesthetics. At the end of the module, students will be aware of the disciplines of dental technology and the various stages that take place in the provision of dentures, crowns and bridges, orthodontics and implants.
Laboratory Procedures
Module seven is concerned with laboratory procedures and will give the student an insight into the work of the dental technician.
The Dental Environment and Dental Equipment
At the end of the module, students will appreciate the basic concepts of the dental environment and surgery design and be able to recognise and describe the functions of items of dental equipment.
Infection Control in Dentistry
There is a risk of many diseases being transmitted in the dental surgery. Therefore, with the number of people and staff that pass through a dental practice on a daily basis and the range of equipment and types of treatments being carried out, the potential for cross-infection in the dental practice is high. To minimise or eliminate cross-infection in dental practices, rigorous standards and procedures must be implemented and adopted.
Minor Oral Surgery, Anaesthesia and Sedation
The last module describes the various minor oral surgical procedures that may be performed in either a general dental practice or hospital oral surgery department. The use of anaesthetics and sedation in dentistry is also discussed.