Becoming a Dentist (FutureLearn)

You’ll learn everything from the importance of oral health for patient wellbeing to what a typical day looks like for a dentist.
Explore career opportunities in dentistry and what it takes to succeed
On this course, you’ll be introduced to the dental profession through a unique, virtual insight into the daily work of dentists. You’ll learn what qualities a dentist needs and find out the key daily activities dentists perform.
Hearing from existing dentistry students, you’ll discover different topics you would study as a dental student, and hear what it’s like to be a dental student at university today.
Gain dentistry work experience online
Work shadowing in a dental setting would normally be a core part of your application to a dental course. However, due to COVID-19 and its unique impact on dentistry, this valuable experience is not an option.
This course offers you vital insight into not only the unique nature of dentistry as a career, but also can be used as evidence of your dentistry understanding and passion for the subject.
Learn from the the University of Glasgow admissions team and practicing dentists
This course includes contributions from the University of Glasgow admissions team who have detailed knowledge of the admissions process, as well as experienced practicing dentists in hospital and general practice.
By the end of the course, you’ll have enhanced your knowledge of what to expect from a dental course and what a dental career will entail, as well as gained valuable advice and experience around your dental degree or course application.

What topics will you cover?

• Understand the unique nature of dentistry as a career.
• Gain an insight into what the dental team does, how the team functions and the daily work of a General Dental Practitioner
• Discover the impact that COVID-19 has had on the dental profession and the care we provide to our patients.
• Discuss the impact of COVID-19 on sustainability within dentistry
• Learn all about the application process for dental school and hear from some dentists and students about the things they found most helpful when applying
• Find out what you’ll study as a dental student
• Discover the wide range of careers in dentistry open to you after you graduate from dental school
• Learn about the importance of oral health to your general health
• Join a discussion about why wellbeing and a good work life balance is so important for those embarking on a career in dentistry

Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of the main activities of a dentist and the dental team and the qualities a dentist needs to be able to carry out their roles
• Explain the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of dental treatment
• Understand the application process and the requirements for entry
• Understand what's involved in studying dentistry at university, what university study involves and explore this through the experiences of current students
• Explore the connections between oral and general health
• Explore what it takes to be a dentist, what you'll study as a dental student,what careers are open to you on graduate, how COVID-19 has impacted on dentistry and the connections between oral and general health

Who is the course for?
The course is designed for prospective dentistry applicants looking to study dentistry in the UK.
It will also be of interest to those intending to apply for courses in dental hygiene and therapy or dental nursing.
It may have a wider interest to school students, career advisors, and PSE teachers