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Dental Deans' reflections

The changing landscape of dental education - Glasgow Dental School

British Dental Journal volume 233, pages 427–429 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Glasgow Dental School was set up in 1879, and since that time, dental education has been changing and evolving into the current landscape we recognise today. Changes in demographics and numbers of dental students have led to a more diverse community of students from wide and varied backgrounds. The years have also seen the development of educational theory and practice, and in more recent times, the introduction and expansion of digital and technology-enhanced learning and teaching have revolutionised the delivery of the dental curriculum. One of the most notable changes in the dental programme is the incorporation of student support, health and wellbeing. The modern dental course takes a more holistic approach to education, with the provision of training in generic and life skills, as well as the clinical skills required in an ever-expanding field. The demands and pressures of studying dentistry in the setting of modern, fast-paced life cannot be underestimated and the course must be ever-changing to reflect this. However, the one thing that has not changed is the enduring Glasgow Dental School community.

Key points

  • There have been marked changes in applicant and student demographics and numbers over the years, resulting in the enrichment of the student body and dental community.

  • The evolution of educational methods and the development of digital and technology-enhanced learning and teaching has had a significant and positive impact on the delivery of the dental programme.

  • Student support, health and wellbeing, as well as acquisition of generic and translational skills, are a key feature of the modern dental curriculum.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Head of Glasgow Dental School, Professor of Oral Surgery and Dental Education, Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

    Aileen Bell

  2. Director of Dental Education and Clinical Senior Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Glasgow Dental School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

    Alison Cairns

  3. Deputy Director of Dental Education and Clinical Senior Lecturer in Dental Public Health, Glasgow Dental School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

    Vivian Binnie

Authors
  1. Aileen Bell
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  2. Alison Cairns
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  3. Vivian Binnie
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Contributions

The article was written by Aileen Bell, Alison Cairns and Vivian Binnie. The writing was led by Aileen Bell with written contributions and revisions by all three authors. Information and examples were provided by all three authors.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Aileen Bell.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Cite this article

Bell, A., Cairns, A. & Binnie, V. The changing landscape of dental education - Glasgow Dental School. Br Dent J 233, 427–429 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4902-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4902-6

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