Prospective dental students offered insight

Earlier this year, Cork University Dental School opened its doors to provide prospective dental students with an opportunity to participate in a one-day workshop.

The workshop, which was fully subscribed, provided secondary school students (transition year, and fifth and sixth year) with an overview of the dental undergraduate programmes offered by University College Cork – Bachelor in Dental Surgery, Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Diploma in Dental Nursing.

It was experientially based and addressed the following topics:
• Introduction to human dentition
• Patient management
• Infection control
• Specialties in dentistry
• Dental materials.

One of the main objectives of this workshop was to promote an appreciation of what professional dental clinicians actually do by providing an opportunity to meet with a dentist who runs a busy practice, and current students spoke about their undergraduate experiences.

The workshop was delivered by Dr Francis Burke (consultant/senior lecturer), Dr Sharon Curtin (behavioural science and programme co-ordinator), Prof. Robert McConnell (consultant) and Dr Noel Ray (material science).

Presentations were also made by Dr Gerald McKenna (clinical fellow), Dr Cristiane de Mata (SHO), Ms Siobhan Shakeshaft (dental nurse tutor), Dr Billy Waters (clinician), and undergraduate students Sally McCarthy and Peter Clune.

Professor Finbarr Allen, dean of the Dental School, stated that ‘the workshop provided an in-depth overview of dental programmes which may be of help to students in making important decisions regarding a career in dentistry.’

From the positive reaction to the inaugural workshop, the group hopes to organise further events to cater for the interest in dental undergraduate programmes at the University Dental School and Hospital.

Sponsorship was provided by UCC, Finbarr O’Riordan (Colgate), Elaine Tilling (Molar) and the Comic Company – health promotion resources.