An entertaining and illuminating course for everyone to explore the impact dentistry has on our lives.

59,349 enrolled on this course

A pair of wind-up toy teeth and a dental inspection mirror
  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

How important is a smile? Ever wondered what all those letters and numbers a dentist calls out during your check-up mean? How are broken teeth fixed, or how dentures are made? Join Dr Christopher Stokes on a learning journey to explore the dental profession and the impact dentistry has on all our lives.

Throughout this course you’ll hear from, and interact with, experts from all corners of the dental professions to discover dentistry.

Starting with the public perception of dentistry, to the sometimes gruesome history of the profession, we will explore the context of dentistry today. Through interactive exercises we will demystify the various roles and activities within a dental practice, and explore in detail how common dental diseases and problems are treated by talking to the experts and watching them work. We will investigate how false teeth and dental crowns are made, and take a glimpse into the future by looking at the latest technology of 3D printed teeth.

This course is for everyone. Whether you are an aspiring dentist, or want to learn about the interesting multidisciplinary world of looking after smiles, join us for an entertaining and insightful exploration of your mouth and the people who care for it.

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When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

Who is the course for?

This is an introductory course and anyone can enjoy it without expertise or prior knowledge of the subject. A basic knowledge of science will be helpful.

Who will you learn with?

Professor of Digital Learning and Dental Education in the School of Clinical Dentistry and Cross-Cutting Director of Digital Learning at the University of Sheffield

Who developed the course?

The University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is one of the world’s top 100 universities with a reputation for teaching and research excellence.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

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