College: Health Sciences

This major prepares students for careers in dental technology, with a focus on designing, manufacturing, and repairing dental prosthetics and appliances. Students develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge in dental materials, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and digital dentistry. Graduates are equipped to take roles in dental labs, clinics, and research institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of dental technology, materials, and techniques.
• Develop skills in designing and manufacturing dental prosthetics and appliances.
• Learn techniques for working with various dental materials and equipment.
• Explore principles of prosthodontics, orthodontics, and digital dentistry.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in dental technology and innovation.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills for effective dental technology practice.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Dental Technology
   • Overview of basic concepts and industry trends in dental technology.
   • Basics of dental materials, equipment, and techniques.
2. Dental Materials Science
   • Principles and properties of dental materials.
   • Techniques for selecting, handling, and manipulating dental materials.
3. Prosthodontics
   • Fundamentals of prosthodontics and design of dental prosthetics.
   • Techniques for manufacturing and repairing crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.
4. Orthodontics
   • Principles of orthodontics and design of orthodontic appliances.
   • Techniques for manufacturing and adjusting orthodontic devices and retainers.
5. Digital Dentistry
   • Basics of digital dentistry and computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies.
   • Techniques for digital scanning and the design and milling of dental restorations.
6. Dental Anatomy and Morphology
   • Principles of dental anatomy, tooth morphology, and occlusion.
   • Techniques for understanding and replicating natural tooth structures and bite plans.
7. Dental Lab Management
   • Fundamentals of dental lab management, operations, and quality control.
   • Techniques for managing workflows, inventory, and regulatory compliance in a dental lab.
8. Practical Training in Dental Technology
   • Real-world experiences in dental technology, including observations, internships, and practical projects in dental labs or clinics.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical dental technology scenarios.
9. Capstone Project in Dental Technology
   • A comprehensive project applying skills in prosthodontics, orthodontics, or digital dentistry.
   • Presentation of a polished project or case study in dental technology.

Assessment Methods:

• Reports on dental materials science, prosthodontic designs, orthodontic appliance plans, digital dentistry projects, dental anatomy studies, lab management plans, practical training reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internship evaluations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Dental Materials: Properties and Manipulation" by Robert G. Craig and John M. Powers.
• "Prosthodontics: Principles and Practice" by various authors.
• "Orthodontics: Current Principles and Techniques" by various authors.
• "Digital Dentistry: An Overview" by various authors.
• "Dental Anatomy and Morphology" by various authors.
• "Management of Dental Laboratories" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry, and manual dexterity. Suitable for students interested in dental technology, dental prosthetics, and digital dentistry.

Duration:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates may attain a degree in Dental Technology and pursue professional certifications such as Certified Dental Technician (CDT) or relevant fields.

Target Audience:

Aspiring dental technicians, dental prosthetics specialists, orthodontic technicians, and individuals seeking careers in dental labs, clinics, and research institutions. This major equips students with the practical, theoretical, and technical skills needed to excel in dental technology, supporting careers in dental labs, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and digital dentistry.