We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Christopher Stokes and Chris Black

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This is an introductory course and anyone can enjoy it without expertise or prior knowledge of the subject. A basic knowledge of science will be helpful. Due to the highly visual nature of dentistry, a small number of exercises in the course, unfortunately, won’t be accessible to learners with visual impairment. You can use the hashtag #FLteeth to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This is an introductory course and anyone can enjoy it without expertise or prior knowledge of the subject. A basic knowledge of science will be helpful. Due to the highly visual nature of dentistry, a small number of exercises in the course, unfortunately, won’t be accessible to learners with visual impairment. You can use the hashtag #FLteeth to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The public perception of dentistry in modern societies.
  • Definition of dental team roles, including the dentist, nurse, hygienist/therapist, dental technician and practice manager.
  • Key aspects of tooth anatomy, morphology, development and disease.
  • How to carry out dental charting and the systems used in different countries.
  • Dental specialisms, including dental pathology and radiography, paediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery.
  • The types and properties of dental materials.
  • Design and manufacture of dental restorations and prostheses and how they have changed over time.
  • Dental public health and the morals and ethics of dental treatment.
  • Exploring the latest research in dentistry at The University of Sheffield.

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Introduction to exploring dentistry as a career

According to students, this course provides a solid introductory overview for those considering a career in dentistry. Learners appreciate the way it covers a broad range of topics, including different dental roles, specialisms, anatomy basics, materials, and even public health and ethics. It is often cited as helpful in making a career decision. However, some learners found it too basic if they had prior science knowledge and felt it lacked depth in certain specific areas. Overall, it serves well as a starting point for discovering the field.
Covers many aspects of dentistry.
"I liked that the course touched upon so many different areas: anatomy, materials, surgery, ethics, and more."
"From tooth development to public health, the syllabus is quite comprehensive for an introductory course."
"Explores various dental specialisms, giving a good overview of what each entails."
"It provides insight into dental team roles, which was something I hadn't considered in detail before."
"Covers historical aspects as well as modern research, which was interesting."
Assists in deciding on a dental career.
"Taking this course definitely helped me decide whether pursuing dentistry was the right path for me."
"If you're unsure about dentistry, this course is a must. It clarifies the roles and daily work of the dental team."
"I was on the fence about applying to dental school, but this course solidified my interest and understanding of the profession."
"It provides insight into various specialisms, helping you see the different avenues available in dentistry."
"Helped me understand the reality of the profession beyond just treating teeth."
Great starting point for beginners.
"This course gave me a really good introduction to the different aspects of dentistry. Perfect for someone just starting to explore the field."
"As a complete beginner, I found the information very accessible and it covered a wide variety of areas without getting too technical."
"I wanted to see if dentistry was for me, and this course provided the necessary overview to understand the profession and its different branches."
"It covers a wide range of topics, from anatomy to ethics, giving a comprehensive look at what dentistry entails."
"The material is presented clearly and is easy to follow, even with no prior dental knowledge."
Can be too basic for some learners.
"While a good intro, I felt some topics could have been explored in more detail. It stays quite superficial."
"If you already have a strong science background or some healthcare knowledge, you might find parts of this course very basic."
"I was hoping for a bit more challenging content, but it is definitely aimed at complete newcomers."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or advanced techniques."
"Good overview, but don't expect to become knowledgeable in any specific area; it's just a taste."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Discover Dentistry. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Discover Dentistry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. It valuable resource for dental students, residents, and practitioners.
This textbook provides a practical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of prosthodontic problems. It valuable resource for both dental students and practitioners.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. It valuable resource for both dental students and practitioners.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. It valuable resource for both dental students and practitioners. It addresses most of the subtopics within the dentistry field.
Cornerstone for understanding restorative and preventive dentistry. It provides detailed, step-by-step guidance on fundamental procedures and is widely used as a textbook in dental schools. It is an essential reference for both students and practicing dentists.
This comprehensive textbook covers the principles and procedures of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including dental implants and anesthesia. It valuable reference for dental students and professionals, offering detailed patient evaluation and management guidelines. It is often a required textbook in oral surgery programs.
Considered a definitive resource in periodontology and implantology, this book offers comprehensive and up-to-date information on periodontal disease and its treatment, including implant therapy. It is widely used in academic settings and provides evidence-based information crucial for clinical practice.
This classic textbook delves into the science and clinical application of dental materials used in restorative dentistry. It covers fundamental concepts and recent advancements, making it essential for understanding the materials used in various dental procedures. It core text in dental materials courses.
A comprehensive guide to fixed prosthodontics, this book covers everything from diagnosis and treatment planning to fabrication and follow-up care. It includes detailed procedures and incorporates the latest technologies like CAD/CAM. key resource for students and practitioners focused on crowns, bridges, and veneers.
Provides a foundational understanding of dental radiography and radiology, essential for diagnosis and treatment planning in all areas of dentistry. It covers the principles of image acquisition and interpretation, making it a crucial resource for students and those new to the field.
This textbook focuses on the clinical and pathological aspects of oral diseases. Understanding oral pathology is fundamental to diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the oral cavity. key reference for dental students and practitioners in identifying and understanding oral lesions.
A fundamental text for understanding the structure and function of teeth and the masticatory system. Knowledge of dental anatomy, physiology, and occlusion is prerequisite for all clinical dental procedures. classic and essential for foundational knowledge.
Specifically addresses the unique dental needs of children and adolescents. It covers growth and development, preventive care, and treatment modalities for pediatric patients, making it vital for anyone focusing on or encountering pediatric cases.
A leading textbook in endodontics, this book provides comprehensive coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of pulpal and periapical diseases. It is an essential reference for understanding root canal therapy and related procedures.
A cornerstone text in implant dentistry, this book covers the surgical and prosthetic aspects of dental implants. It is an essential resource for understanding implant treatment planning and restoration.
This comprehensive textbook covers the principles, techniques, and contemporary topics in orthodontics. It key resource for understanding tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics, and various orthodontic appliances.
A widely used handbook focusing on the principles and techniques of local anesthesia in dentistry. This practical and essential resource for all dental practitioners to manage pain and anxiety during procedures.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser