Degree Programme in Dental Technology: PHAMMS25

Descriptions

After completing the Degree Programme in Dental Technology, you can work as an expert in dental technical work as part of the oral health care team. You are responsible for the technical execution of individually customized prostheses.This requires good digital skills, manual skills, creative problem-solving skills, as well as planning and interaction skills.

The dental technician education is part of the national oral health care education cluster. This means excellent opportunities for multiprofessional and multidisciplinary cooperation during the studies. Cooperation is carried out with dental laboratory, dental hygienist and dental education as well as with health service organisations in the area.

Turku University of Applied Sciences is the only educational institution responsible for the education of dental technicians in Finland. Graduated dental technicians find employment in dental laboratories all over Finland. Students from all over Finland are also welcomed to study in Degree Programme in Dental Technology

Objective

Studies in dental technology consist of core competence and complementary competence, which include basic, professional and elective studies, practical training and a thesis. The core competence and complementary competence include the following modules:

* Biomaterial expertise in occlusion rehabilitation
* Aesthetic competence in occlusion rehabilitation
* Health technology competence
* Entrepreneurship, development competence and ethics

The work of a dental technician emphasises the management, processing, research and development of various dental biomaterials and work techniques needed in occlusion rehabilitation.

New automated manufacturing technologies are constantly being introduced in the industry. Today almost all dental work can be done digitally. Modern technology and rapidly evolving automated machines are being increasingly utilized by dental technicians. Knowledge of these skills is in great demand in the labor market.

A large part of the studies is carried out in simulation environments that correspond to the dental laboratory conditions used in working life. The exercises carried out during the training correspond to clinical patient cases. They are practiced using traditional manual methods, such as meticulously shaping teeth from wax. In addition, students practice digital methods, as well as automated additive and removal manufacturing, such as 3D design and manufacturing software, i.e. CAD/CAM software, CNC milling equipment, 3D printers and XR technology.

Your studies include practical training in the degree programme's own DenTech student dental laboratory as well as in private dental laboratories.

Development

A central part of the studies are the innovation competences of individual, community and network competence defined by Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Individual competence is reflected in the student's creative problem-solving skills, comprehensiveness and goal-orientation during their studies. Community competence is the ability to work in a professional group and take into account the perspectives of the members. Network competence refers to the ability to network and work in constructive cooperation with representatives of different professional fields also internationally.

At Turku University of Applied Sciences, students are able to act in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. Sustainable development is reflected in teaching and learning on a course-by-course basis, focusing on ecological, economic, social and cultural sustainability and the capital they generate. The aim is to secure good living opportunities for present and future generations.

Dental technology studies include joint studies at the University of Applied Sciences, professional studies, practical training, thesis skills and elective studies. The students use electronic learning environments and work in working life-oriented simulation environments that correspond to real dental laboratory. The studies combine the manufacture of individual dental equipment by precision craftsmanship with modern digital techniques. The exercises correspond to clinical patient cases in working life. Manufacturing techniques in the field are constantly evolving. Studies include increasingly learning about digital manufacturing methods and the use of equipment, such as computer-aided design and manufacturing and 3D printing.

Part of the education is implemented in multiprofessional teaching cooperation with the university's Department of Dentistry and with the University of Applied Sciences. Students can also complete studies included in their degree in international student exchange. The teaching utilises experts from international companies manufacturing dental technology materials.

Further information

The starting point for the assessment is the competence requirements of the degree. The assessment of students is based on competence and its development. The assessment focuses on both the learning process and the output of the student/student group. Diverse and interactive methods are used in the assessment, such as self- and peer evaluation, teacher/supervisor evaluation and feedback discussion. Continuous assessment supports the student's development, setting their own goals and identifying their own strengths and areas for development.

The assessment criteria are course-specific and they are drawn up for levels satisfactory (1-2), good (3-4) and excellent (5). The criteria for the assessment are described in the implementation plans. The course teacher is responsible for evaluating the course. To support the assessment, a preliminary assessment framework has been drawn up, which is applied on a course-by-course basis. The framework takes into account the stages of studies (beginner, advanced, expert) and both field-specific and general learning outcomes.