This course has provided me with the essential foundation in oral pathology that I needed

Why did you decide to study the Diagnostic Oral Pathology master’s at the University of Sheffield?

“As a lecturer that is passionate about teaching, I realised my oral pathology knowledge was limited due to the absence of a specialised course in my home country. In my quest for a programme that not only addressed this gap but could also be funded with a scholarship, I discovered the MMedSci Diagnostic Oral Pathology course at the University of Sheffield. Remarkably, It is also the sole course in the UK that teaches this specialistic subject.”

What have you enjoyed most about the course?

“This course provided me with exactly what I needed. The experienced lecturers patiently explained everything from the basics, which was helpful considering my limited prior knowledge. I particularly liked the use of whole scanned image slides for histology, allowing us to learn from anywhere, not just in the lab. The course not only covers diagnosing histological findings but also imparts practical laboratory skills, which lays a solid foundation for those considering further studies like a PhD.

“Another memorable experience that I had during this course was the opportunity to participate in a 100-hour internship program offered by the School of Clinical Dentistry. This provided me with valuable learning opportunities and expanded my professional network.”

What knowledge and skills have you developed during your course?

“I've gained proficiency in describing histological findings and deriving final diagnoses for various oral lesions. The course provided me with crucial laboratory skills, such as tissue processing, HE and IHC staining, and other techniques, along with the essential skill of histological analysis using Qupath, all of which are vital for aspiring oral pathologists. Additionally, I've learned practical lab techniques such as DNA extraction, traditional PCR, qPCR, western blotting, and stem cell procedures, through hands-on experience and demonstrations.

“Beyond the technical aspects, the course has also sharpened my critical thinking and presentation skills through regular preparation of presentations.”

How do you think the course will influence (or already has influenced) the next steps in your career?

“Completing this course has provided me with the essential foundation in oral pathology that I needed, instilling the confidence to independently guide myself as an expert in this field in the future. Additionally, my department has entrusted me with the role of module coordinator for Oral Pathology practicals in the upcoming semester." 

Beyond acquiring knowledge, the course facilitated valuable connections with staff, PhD students, and Postdocs who were incredibly kind and helpful during my dissertation research, contributing to a robust professional network for the future.

Astari Puteri

What would you say to someone thinking about studying this course at Sheffield?

“I highly recommend this course for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of diagnostic oral pathology, as well as those looking for a solid foundation in basic laboratory skills before pursuing a PhD programme.”