• The University of Sheffield

Discover Dentistry

Discover the fascinating world of dentistry and explore the impact dentistry has on our lives.

61,868 enrolled on this course

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

Discover Dentistry

61,868 enrolled on this course

  • 6 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn how to become a dentist and what that means

Are you fascinated by the world of dentistry? Try our 6-week course by the University of Sheffield and learn the essentials of dentistry from leading dental experts.

You’ll explore the intricacies of what dentists do, learn how to become a dentist and discover the rich history of dentistry.

Understand tooth anatomy and development

To start with, you’ll meet the dental team and receive a tour of the dental surgery. You’ll experience a dental check-up with experts and discover the basics of tooth anatomy and development by looking at 3D models.

Find out if you’ve been brushing your teeth the right way, and glimpse into the different dental specialities. Learn what an oral pathologist does and experience a virtual tour of a tooth.

Learn about dental treatments and different dental materials

You may be familiar with dental treatments such as dentures and crowns, but you’ll discover more about dental restoration in this course.

We’ll be thinking about dental materials that can be used to restore and replace teeth, including plastics, ceramics and metals such as gold and titanium.

Discover the future of dentistry and dental public health

In the final few weeks, we’ll be thinking about the future of teeth and how to care for the teeth of a population. From water fluoridation to diet effects, teeth are not immune to damage.

Spark your curiosity and take a look at current research in dentistry, such as nerve regeneration and tissue engineering. The future of dentistry holds many exciting possibilities.

To finish, you’ll get the chance to learn how to become a dentist and get a valuable introduction to studying dentistry degrees.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 9 seconds Discover Dentistry from The University of Sheffield is a unique and exciting opportunity to learn about something we all have experience of, but often know little about - our mouth and our teeth. Modern dentistry is a fascinating mix of the scientific and the artistic, but as we’ll learn, things started with something as simple as a stick for a toothbrush.

Skip to 0 minutes and 32 seconds I’m Chris Stokes, and on this course, we’ll explore dentistry from the past and look into the future. You’ll see dentistry in practise, talk to world-leading experts and work together to build a worldwide perspective on oral healthcare.

Skip to 0 minutes and 48 seconds We’ll even do some experiments in our kitchens.

Skip to 0 minutes and 52 seconds Have you ever wondered what the numbers mean that a dentist calls out during your dental check up? We’ll slow down the process and examine it step-by-step. We’ll also uncover what dentures have got to do with the Battle of Waterloo, how you can brush like a pro, and what makes it more likely that you’re going to have bad teeth.

Skip to 1 minute and 12 seconds We’ll explore and dispel some common myths and urban legends, and we’ll discuss the perception of dentists in our society. Is it just me, or do dentists in the movies always seem to be the baddies?

Skip to 1 minute and 26 seconds By the end of this course, you’ll understand the impact dentistry has on health and be able to relate it to your own real life experiences. You will know the reasons for the different dental specialties, and have a real sense of the ethical issues surrounding dental treatment. You’ll also be able to discuss and debate these issues with your fellow learners and experts throughout the course.

Skip to 1 minute and 51 seconds If you are considering studying dentistry, this course will be a great head start and an introduction to the basics. Or if you just want to learn more about this often entertaining and frequently mysterious subject, join us, and discover dentistry.

What topics will you cover?

  • The public perception of dentistry in modern societies
  • Definition of dental team roles, including the dentist, nurse, hygienist/therapist, dental technician and practice manager
  • Key aspects of tooth anatomy, morphology, development and disease
  • How to carry out dental charting and the systems used in different countries
  • Dental specialisms, including dental pathology and radiography, paediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery
  • The types and properties of dental materials
  • Design and manufacture of dental restorations and prostheses and how they have changed over time
  • Dental public health and the morals and ethics of dental treatment
  • Exploring the latest research in dentistry at The University of Sheffield

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.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore the history of dental treatment.
  • Identify the roles within the Dental Team and compare (or apply) the UK model to their own experience.
  • Identify the key features of tooth morphology and dental restorations and how they are recorded in dental records.
  • Compare the roles of dental specialists, including their training and responsibilities.
  • Apply knowledge of tooth morphology and dental materials to the process of making dental prostheses.
  • Evaluate the evidence for or against a dental public health intervention.
  • Reflect on learning gained throughout the course, including current areas of research, to develop their own research priority, with justification.

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone interested in dentistry or science and is designed to be enjoyed without prior knowledge.

It would be especially valuable for dentistry professionals, or anyone thinking of entering the profession.

Due to the highly visual nature of dentistry, a small number of exercises in the course, unfortunately, won’t be accessible to learners with visual impairment.

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.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$39.99

For your first month. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 16 Jan 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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  • 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
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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