University of Bristol Dental School - UK

University of Bristol Dental School - UK
Bristol Dental School offers both the qualifying degree of Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS) and higher degrees in Specialist subjects.The Dental School and Hospital exist side by side within the same buildings, within easy walking distance of the main University of Bristol Campus.The two pre-clinical years of the five-year undergraduate course are based close-by at the main University Campus, with the final three clinical years being spent at the Dental Hospital and School.
Division of Restorative Dentistry
The Division of Restorative Dentistry is the largest of the Teaching Divisions in the Department of Oral and Dental Science. It has elements of teaching within all five years of the BDS programme, representing 70% of the total teaching in clinical dentistry to undergraduates. It also has overall responsibility for the School of Dental Hygiene. There are four specialist disciplines within the Division and these are: Biomaterials and Dental Materials Science, Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Prosthetic Dentistry.
The teaching of Restorative Dentistry to undergraduates in Bristol is firmly based on excellence in the basic dental sciences and the clinical teaching fully embraces the concepts of total patient care and the use of a realistically professional working environment from the first contact that students have with patients. To this end, the teaching comprises vertically developed themes which encourage the undergraduates to progress their skill acquisition and knowledge in a stepwise and integrated manner throughout the BDS programme. The aim of the Division in this respect is to produce graduate dentists who can practise Restorative Dentistry comprehensively at a primary care level and have the skill, knowledge and motivation to continue with lifelong development and learning.
The academic/academic-related staff in the Division currently comprises two Professors, three Consultant Senior Lecturers, ten Clinical Lecturers (two of whom are non-HEFCE funded), two Non-Clinical Lecturers, one Honorary Clinical Lecturer, a Science Support Officer and five Technical Instructors. There are two NHS Consultants, one Consultant in the Community Dental Service, a Specialist Registrar and eighteen part-time teachers, mainly general dental practitioners, who are employed by the Hospital. The School of Dental Hygiene has two full-time and three part-time tutors and one staff hygienist.
Research is carried out principally in the areas of Biomaterials and Clinical Trials. In Biomaterials there is international recognition of expertise in the finite element analysis of dental tissues and the behavioural characteristics and strengthening of denture base materials. The main research activity within the Division is, however, carried out by the Clinical Trials Unit. This investigates: mechanical and chemical plaque control; anti-microbial therapy for periodontal disease; dentine sensitivity; erosion, abrasion and attrition of dentine and enamel; stain production, prevention and removal; bleaching; the development and evaluation of plaque indices and the development of in vitro and in vivo models and methodologies. The Unit has an unparalleled record, over the last nine years of its existence in Bristol, in its research output and grant fund generation. The research activity within the Division provides the environment for postgraduate research and education and there is a regular throughput of MSc and PhD students.
Members of staff within the Division have a wide range of involvement with outside bodies and activities. These include: the British Standards Institute; the International Standards Organisation; the General Dental Council; the British Dental Association; the Royal Colleges; the panel of Assessors for the Research Assessment Exercise; the Quality Assurance Agencies for Education; Industry nationally and internationally; consumer and media advice agencies; European workshop groups. Members of staff in the Division also receive a significant number of invitations to lecture internationally.
Contact Information
Bristol Dental School
Stephen Prime, Head of School
Lower Maudlin Street
Bristol, BS1 2LY
Phone: +44 (0)117 928 9000
Email: Stephen.Prime@bristol.ac.uk