Introduction
Our Dental Technology programme provides trainee dental technicians with the theoretical knowledge and technical experience to enable them to manufacture, repair and provide advice on custom-made dental appliances.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- Blended Learning
- Degree Qualification
- DipHE
- Duration
- 36 months
- Study Mode
- Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
A specialist programme integrating teaching of dental technology, on and off campus, with on-line learning which will educate and train students to be Dental Technicians. On qualifying with the DipHE in Dental Technology, you will be eligible to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) to practise as dental technicians and to use that title. Dental technicians manufacture, repair and advise on custom-made dental appliances under the prescription of a dentist or other qualified Dental Care Professional.
Upon completion of the programme you will understand the role of a dental care professional, the anatomy, physiology and human disease relevant to dental technology as well as biomaterials and technical aspects related to fixed and removable prostheses and orthodontic appliances. The programme offers you the opportunity to study whilst employed as a trainee dental technician in a registered dental laboratory. This facilitates learning and removes the need to re-locate.
Completion of the programme does not automatically confer registration with the GDC, students will be required to complete their individual registration to qualify.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
-
- Primary Dental Laboratory Skills
- Professional Practice
- Removable Partial Dentures
- Oral Anatomy and Physiology
Compulsory Courses
- Primary Dental Laboratory Skills (DE1001)
- Professional Practice (DE1002)
- Dental Technology OSPE 1 (DE10E1)
- Removable Partial Dentures (DE1501)
- Dental Technology OSPE 2 (DE15E1)
- Oral Anatomy and Physiology (DE1502)
-
20 Credit Points
The course introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology relevant to dental technology.
- Year 2
-
- Dental Alloy Techniques
- Removable Dental Prosthodontics 2
- Design Principles and Processes
- Dental Public Health, Leadership and Management
Compulsory Courses
- Removable Dental Prosthodontics 2 Complete Dentures (DE1004)
- Dental Technology OSPE 3 (DE10E2)
- Design Principles and Processes (DE2503)
- Dental Public Health, Leadership and Management (DE2504)
- Dental Technology OSPE 4 (DE25E1)
- Dental Alloy Techniques (DE1003)
-
20 Credit Points
The course introduces the student to the materials and manufacturing techniques used in the dental laboratory for the manufacturing of metallic dental appliances across all disciplines. Modern materials and techniques based on Computer aided design computer aided machining (CADCAM) are explored.
- Year 3
-
- Fixed Dental Prosthodontics 1
- Fixed Dental Prosthodontics 2
- Orthodontic Technology
- Fixed Dental Prosthodontics 3
Compulsory Courses
- Fixed Dental Prosthodontics 2 (DE2018)
- Dental Technology OSPE 5 (DE20E1)
- Fixed Dental Prosthodontics 3 (DE2506)
- Fixed Dental Prosthodontics 1 (DE2017)
-
20 Credit Points
The course introduces the student to the manufacturing theory and techniques used in the fabrication of single metallic restorations and substructures. The manufacture of temporary crowns is also undertaken. This course is the first of three in the Fixed Prosthodontic theme and the knowledge gained here is vital for further understanding of the subject.
- Orthodontic Technology (DE2505)
-
20 Credit Points
This course introduces essential knowledge required for the understanding of the theory and practice of manufacturing protective and removable orthodontic appliances. Core knowledge for Orthodontic Laboratory functions.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
A broad range of teaching methods is used throughout the course both online, on campus and within the student’s working environment.
- There will be regular supervised practical laboratory sessions held at the Institute of Dentistry.
- There will be supervised laboratory work completed within the student’s own dental laboratory and reviewed by programme staff and students workplace supervisor. This material will be used to build a portfolio of cases.
- You will have regular online lectures and seminars to attend
- There will be distance learning materials and tasks to complete at home.
Learning Methods
- Clinical Learning
- E-learning
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Each course is assessed and must be passed and there is no compensation between courses. Formative and summative assessment are used throughout the three years of the course. The latter tend to be the practical elements and relate to particular practical procedures.
Assessments are in the form of Observed Structured Practical Exams (OSPE), oral presentations, essay and short answer questions.
Why Study Dental Technology?
- You will gain a professional qualification that will provide opportunities for career progression.
- You will be able to put things into practice immediately the aspects of dental technology that you have learnt.
- You will have the opportunity for hands-on practice, under supervision, helping you to build confidence and gain practical knowledge of what is possible within a clinical laboratory
- Evidence-based content will give you the confidence to know that you are doing the best for your patients.
- You will have networking opportunities with others on the programme and in the institute building as well as the opportunity to learn from other dental professionals’ experience.
- The programme is delivered via a combination of in-practice and on-campus learning which is designed to fit around your work and life.
- Teaching takes place in a purpose-built, modern facility with easy access to specialist laboratory equipment.
Entry Requirements
All students must be employed as a trainee dental technician in an MHRA registered laboratory and have access to all three dental technology disciplines. Evidence of employment is required (normally in the form of contract and a reference from their employer). Entry qualifications for University-level qualification (access to University course), standard entry requirement, including specified subjects:
- Passes in two subjects at SQA Higher (C or above), which will include a science subject (or equivalent).
- You will need English at a SCQF Level 5 which in Scotland this would equate to a Nat5 (or equivalent).
- English should be the student’s primary language or IELTS6 equivalent.
- Satisfactory employer documentation and workplace visit.
Applicants will be invited to a MMI interview prior to confirming entry to the course.
As part of the application process, successful applicants will be offered a place on the course subject to a satisfactory workplace visit. The Programme Leader or nominated deputy will visit each student’s workplace to review the submitted workplace checklist, discuss with employers and mentors the requirements of the course, IT requirements and explain the vital role that they play as a supervising registrant. Following acceptance onto the programme, supervisors will sign an educational agreement with the University of Aberdeen and also receive mentoring support and training throughout the academic year, which will be eligible for CPD.
Applications and admissions process details are provided on the Institute of Dentistry website. Applications are now closed and will reopen in January 2025.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Dentistry degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fitness to Practice Guidelines
Students undertaking Education, Medicine or Dentistry programmes must comply with the University's fitness to practise guidelines.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Students Domiciled in Scotland | £1,390 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Students Domiciled Outside Scotland | £6,600 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Dental technicians work either in commercial dental laboratories or the community or hospital dental service. Dental technicians usually specialise in one discipline within dental technology:
- Orthodontics - creating plastic or metal devices, such as braces to straighten teeth
- Crown and bridge work - making crowns to restore extensively damaged teeth or to replace a number of teeth with a fixed bridge supported by teeth or dental implants
- Prosthetics - producing plastic or metal-based removable dentures which replace either some or all of the teeth.
Dental technicians work with materials such as porcelain, gold and plastic resins using both traditional techniques and more modern ones such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM). In a private dental laboratory, dental technicians work for a range of dental practices. In a hospital, dental technicians work with dental staff and patients, frequently this work is of a specialist nature. There are opportunities for dental technicians to progress their careers to senior technical and managerial positions.
Being listed on the General Dental Council’s List of Dental Technicians is the entry requirement for the current Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) courses in the UK. A CDT is a dental technician who has undertaken further academic and clinical study to enable them to provide some dentures and other appliances direct to the public. The CDT will undertake both the clinical and technical procedures required.
Dental Technology is also the starting point for Maxillofacial technicians. This is where the technician constructs splints and facial prosthesis for patients who have lost large areas of soft and hard tissue either through surgery or trauma.
Industry Links
Dental Technologists Assocation (DTA): www.dta-uk.org
Our Experts
Our Programme Coordinator, Jim Mackie, has worked in all disciplines of dental technology in both commercial laboratories and the Royal Army Dental Corps. He also teaches our Bachelor of Dental Surgery students all aspects of dental technology. Jim has experience of managing a large full service dental laboratory and is a former Chairman of the Dental Laboratories Association.
- Programme Coordinator
- Mr James Mackie, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
Library facilities
A dedicated Medical Library on the Foresterhill Health Campus and the fantastic facilities in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at King’s College, are complemented by online access to the key medical and health sciences journals and textbooks.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition
University of Aberdeen
Foresterhill
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZR