Abstract:

The Bachelor of Dental Technology is a 4 year program which is taught mainly in the Faculty of Medical Technology at the University of Tripoli. The aim of this program is to educate and train students to become part of the dental team for the planning, designing and fabrication of intra/extra-oral appliances. Laboratory training in dental technology requires the application of a wide range of knowledge and experience in an integrated manner for the provision of appliances for patients. Modules describe fairly specific areas of learning and development of laboratory skills. The main aim of this paper is to produce a modern and up-to-date dental technology curriculum that to be applicable to other Libyan universities that offer the same program. This requires the appropriate balance of emphasis on educational content and educational process. The paper outlines the design considerations underlying the development of Bachelor of Dental Technology (B.D.Tech) curriculum at the University of Tripoli. The curricula of the bachelor of dental technology from ten universities developed over years worldwide were the basis of this study. These curricula have been studied, evaluated and compared to the current dental technology curriculum of the University of Tripoli. The new curriculum uses a subject-based approach, with student-centred modes of learning as the principal learning style. The final curriculum model provides technology relevant education in basic sciences and scientifically based education in dental technology. The curriculum has a focus on outcomes and on preparation for dental technology practice. Importantly, it has an open and transparent structure, and each component is linked explicitly with the competencies expected of the new dental technology graduate.

Keywords:

Dental Technology Education, Curriculum Design, Bachelor Degree.