About the programme

Background

The Practice is a new project in which students undertake a course including preparatory work, networking events, and workshops, culminating with a work experience placement.

It has been generously funded by a University alumnus who is extremely passionate about supporting groups of young people to progress into professional careers.

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Eligibility

The Practice has been designed to support students from non-traditional University backgrounds into University.

Eligible students include those who

• have completed a pre-entry programme
• live in a target postcode area, such as a low participation area (search for your postcode to see if it fits this criteria) 
• attend a target school or college where attainment is typically below average
• have experience of being in care
• are estranged from their family (not supported by their family)
• have refugee status, or are an asylum seeker
• are responsible for the unpaid care and wellbeing of a dependant (eg a relative, partner, or friend).
• have parents who serve in the armed forces now or who have done so in the past (service children)
• are from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller background
• are White British males from a low participation neighbourhoods

This is not a prescriptive list. If you aren't sure whether you qualify, contact us for more information.

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Aims of the programme

Our Programme has been designed to increase levels of confidence as well as opportunities to develop teamwork skills, reflective and critical skills as well as a chance to consider whether or not Dentistry is for you.

We would like to display the many varieties of professions within the dental field, such as nursing, dental therapy, and the involvement in designing and building tools or biological research into disease and prevention.

With this work experience, we hope that you will then be able to make an informed decision about whether the dental profession is right for you, and take your experience into future applications for University courses, job applications and positive reflections on your CV.

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What we offer you

Students will be fully supported by the University and will be provided with opportunities to enhance their UCAS applications as well as to visit the campus. 

Students will be allocated a practice that will provide them with a range of experiences. They may be involved in a dental laboratory, be placed in practice dealing with NHS patients or gain an insight into the private sector. 

Students will be guided into reflection and critical analysis of their time out in placement through a range of pre- and post-placement experiences. This will then allow them to enhance their UCAS application, as well as preparing them for an interview at the School of Clinical Dentistry.