Learning Outcomes for the Level 6 International Diploma in Dental Technology 360 Credits – Three Years:

Year 1: Foundational Knowledge

By the end of Year 1, learners will be able to:

Introduction to Dental Technology

• Demonstrate an understanding of the dental technology profession, roles, and responsibilities.
• Explain basic dental laboratory procedures and workflows.
• Apply foundational knowledge to simple dental appliance fabrication tasks.

Human Anatomy and Oral Biology

• Describe the structure and function of the human oral cavity and surrounding tissues.
• Understand the biological principles relevant to dental treatment and appliance fabrication.
• Apply anatomical knowledge to laboratory procedures and clinical awareness.

Dental Materials Science

• Identify different dental materials and their properties.
• Understand the selection and application of materials in dental appliances.
• Apply knowledge of materials to practical laboratory tasks safely and accurately.

Fundamentals of Prosthodontics

• Explain the principles of prosthetic dental treatment.
• Demonstrate basic skills in constructing simple prostheses.
• Apply prosthodontic concepts to laboratory practice.

Basic Orthodontic Appliance Design

• Understand the principles of orthodontic appliances and their clinical use.
• Construct basic removable orthodontic devices in the laboratory.
• Evaluate design and function of simple orthodontic appliances.

Principles of Dental Laboratory Work

• Apply standard laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Demonstrate safe handling of dental instruments and materials.
• Develop accuracy, attention to detail, and quality control in laboratory tasks.

Dental Anatomy and Occlusion

• Describe dental anatomy and occlusal relationships.
• Apply anatomical knowledge to prosthetic and orthodontic appliance design.
• Assess and correct occlusal and anatomical errors in laboratory work.

Infection Control and Safety in Dental Laboratories

• Understand infection control principles and hygiene standards.
• Implement safe laboratory practices to protect staff and clients.
• Apply legal and professional standards for workplace safety.

Introduction to CAD/CAM Technology

• Demonstrate understanding of digital dental technologies.
• Apply basic CAD/CAM techniques to dental appliance design.
• Evaluate the advantages and limitations of digital workflows.

Communication Skills in Clinical and Laboratory Settings

• Develop effective verbal and written communication with dental professionals.
• Record and report information accurately in laboratory documentation.
• Apply interpersonal skills for collaboration with clinical teams.

Research Methods in Dental Science

• Understand basic research principles and methodology in dentistry.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret dental data accurately.
• Apply research findings to support laboratory and clinical decisions.

Professional Ethics and Standards in Dentistry

• Understand ethical frameworks and professional responsibilities in dental technology.
• Apply ethical decision-making in laboratory and clinical contexts.
• Demonstrate professional conduct aligned with industry standards.

Year 2: Intermediate Proficiency

By the end of Year 2, learners will be able to:

Advanced Prosthodontic Techniques

• Apply intermediate prosthodontic methods in appliance fabrication.
• Assess prosthetic design for functionality and aesthetics.
• Implement clinical feedback to refine prosthodontic work.

Crown and Bridge Fabrication

• Construct crowns and bridges using standard laboratory procedures.
• Ensure accuracy in fit, occlusion, and material selection.
• Evaluate laboratory processes for quality and efficiency.

Removable Partial Dentures

• Design and fabricate removable partial dentures.
• Assess patient-specific requirements and adapt designs.
• Apply finishing and adjustment techniques to ensure comfort and function.

Complete Denture Construction

• Construct complete dentures using established protocols.
• Apply anatomical and occlusal knowledge to optimise fit.
• Evaluate denture quality against clinical and laboratory standards.

Orthodontic Appliance Fabrication

• Produce functional removable and fixed orthodontic appliances.
• Interpret clinical instructions to guide laboratory work.
• Assess design and effectiveness of appliances for patient outcomes.

Dental Ceramics and Restorative Materials

• Work with ceramics and other restorative materials to produce aesthetic appliances.
• Apply correct processing, layering, and finishing techniques.
• Evaluate the durability and suitability of restorative products.

Digital Dentistry and CAD/CAM Applications

• Apply digital scanning and CAD/CAM design in appliance fabrication.
• Integrate digital workflows with traditional laboratory techniques.
• Analyse digital outputs for accuracy and quality control.

Quality Control and Laboratory Management

• Implement quality assurance processes in dental laboratory operations.
• Monitor workflow efficiency and compliance with industry standards.
• Apply problem-solving strategies to maintain high-quality outputs.

Advanced Dental Anatomy and Morphology

• Analyse complex dental structures for appliance design.
• Apply detailed anatomical knowledge to prosthodontic and orthodontic cases.
• Identify and correct morphological errors in laboratory work.

Patient Care and Clinical Support

• Understand patient needs and clinical requirements for dental appliances.
• Apply laboratory outcomes to improve patient comfort and satisfaction.
• Collaborate effectively with dental teams to support patient care.

Evidence-Based Practice in Dental Technology

• Interpret research and clinical data to guide laboratory procedures.
• Apply best practices to improve appliance quality and clinical outcomes.
• Evaluate new techniques and materials using evidence-based approaches.

Professional Development and CPD Planning

• Identify opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Reflect on personal skills and career goals in dental technology.
• Implement a structured CPD plan for long-term professional growth.

Year 3: Advanced Specialization and Application

By the end of Year 3, learners will be able to:

Complex Prosthodontic Cases

• Apply advanced prosthodontic techniques to complex cases.
• Assess and adapt appliance design for challenging clinical requirements.
• Evaluate functional and aesthetic outcomes to ensure patient satisfaction.

Implant-Supported Prostheses

• Design and fabricate implant-supported dental prostheses.
• Apply precise measurement and material selection for implant cases.
• Integrate laboratory and clinical knowledge to ensure success.

Advanced Orthodontic Appliance Design

• Produce complex fixed and removable orthodontic appliances.
• Apply detailed anatomical and functional considerations.
• Evaluate appliance performance and clinical effectiveness.

Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry Applications

• Design dental appliances with a focus on aesthetics and patient preference.
• Apply advanced materials and techniques to enhance appearance.
• Assess and refine work for optimal cosmetic outcomes.

Advanced Digital Dentistry Techniques

• Utilise CAD/CAM and 3D printing technologies for complex cases.
• Integrate digital workflows with traditional laboratory procedures.
• Evaluate accuracy, efficiency, and quality of digital outputs.

Dental Laboratory Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage laboratory teams effectively.
• Implement workflow organisation, quality control, and resource management.
• Apply leadership skills to improve laboratory performance and outcomes.

Advanced Restorative Material Applications

• Apply specialised materials for high-quality restorations.
• Evaluate material properties and suitability for clinical requirements.
• Implement finishing and adjustment techniques to meet professional standards.

Case Planning and Treatment Integration

• Develop comprehensive treatment plans in collaboration with clinicians.
• Integrate prosthodontic, orthodontic, and aesthetic considerations.
• Assess overall outcomes to ensure functional and aesthetic success.

Innovation and Technology in Dental Practice

• Apply emerging technologies and innovative techniques in dental laboratories.
• Evaluate technological advances for effectiveness and feasibility.
• Implement innovations to enhance productivity, quality, and patient outcomes.

Independent Project or Capstone in Dental Technology

• Plan and execute an independent research or practice-based project.
• Demonstrate mastery of laboratory techniques, materials, and clinical integration.
• Analyse results and present findings in a professional format.

Professional Ethics and Legal Considerations

• Apply ethical principles and legal requirements in dental technology practice.
• Manage challenging scenarios with professionalism and integrity.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and professional standards.

Advanced CPD and Career Development Strategies

• Plan long-term professional development and career progression.
• Identify specialised areas for skill enhancement and CPD.
• Reflect on practice to maintain professional excellence and adaptability.