Research in dental education is growing strategically, with much to learn and share on the many educational innovations being driven by the School of Dentistry. The research aims to promote and encourage, a scholarly, academic and reflective approach to dental education.
<h2>Postgraduate participation in the group</h2> <p>A number of postgraduate students have worked as part of the group as part of their research degree courses. We’ve also seen undergraduate students participating in research (with consent and ethical approval). These students have come both from the School of Dentistry and from the School of Psychology. Current postgraduate projects include research into:</p> <ul> <li>communication</li> <li>haptic technology</li> <li>management and leadership within dental education.</li> </ul> <h3>Communication</h3> <p>Led by Mr James Carey</p> <p>Patients understanding of their dental health and how to improve it is essential to good dental care. This work is exploring the relationship between dental students and their patients by examining the interaction, first with simulated patients and subsequently with real patients, to discover what makes communication between clinician and patient most effective.</p> <p>The research will include the use of video reviewing and evaluation of a communication skills checklist to qualitatively explore the interaction and to involve the patient in the decision as to what constitutes good communication by students and, ultimately, the graduate dentist.</p> <h3>Management and leadership</h3> <p>Led by Miss Margaret Jane Wardman</p> <p>Management and leadership is a key requirement of the educational experience of dental students, as defined by the <a href="http://www.gdc-uk.org/Pages/default.aspx">General Dental Council</a>. This work will explore the relationship between the experience of colleagues working in Primary Dental Care and their undergraduate experience with the aim of developing curricular change to accommodate the learning of identified management and leadership attributes. The impact of such interventional learning will be followed longitudinally.</p> <h3>Haptic Technology</h3> <p>Led by Professor Michael Manogue</p> <p>This is an exciting area of research and a current PhD student is investigating the relationship between virtual operative skill practice and student learning as well as exploring the predictive relationship between performance on virtual reality systems and fine motor skills.</p> <p>We will also compare traditional methods of training and skill acquisition (phantom head) and modern virtual reality systems, aiming to discover novel methods by which simulation can aid, improve and advance the way dentistry is taught for future generations.</p>
<p>To submit an application in this research area please complete an <a href="https://studentservices.leeds.ac.uk/pls/banprod/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon" target="_blank">online application form</a> and submit this alongside a research proposal, a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degrees certificates. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the Faculty’s minimum <a href="http://(https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/entry-requirements-1" target="_blank">English language requirements</a>.</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>
<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 8221.</p>