Bristol University Open Learning for Dentists
BUOLD was the first and most successful distance learning dental qualification in the UK. More than 1 in 40 dentists now have gained their BUOLD diploma. It was first introduced in the 1990s. The world of dentistry and dental education has changed a great deal in the past 20 years. BUOLD21C has taken the best in BUOLD and built on it to create a series of new units, each of which makes the most modern of on-line teaching and learning resources in a dynamic interactive way.
BUOLD21C.
Is designed for the busy practitioner and allows you the opportunity to gain a certificate in one year,a diploma in two years, or a Masters in three years. Students will need to study three units per annum to achieve this. The units are designed to give students the current evidence based study of a topic and the academic accreditation that may be needed to offer your services as a Dentist with Special Interest. There is however the flexibility within the programme to extend the period for completion to five years
The units are on-line supplemented by study days, which will be held in the Bristol area. There are usually two per unit.
The units on offer in 2013 academic year will be:
- Law & Ethics
- Local Anaesthesia
- Surgical Skills 1
- Surgical Skills 2
- Anxiety management
- Endodontology
- Periodontology
This unique form of dental postgraduate education is designed to be attractive to busy practitioners. Each course provides a structured programme involving reading, writing and educational participation in academic study, as well as workplace activity. Written work forms an integral part for those who want to gain greatest benefit including credits towards the University Diploma.
BUOLD is a way of studying that is not led by teachers in a classroom, but is supported by tutors and administration at a distance from the student, offering the flexibility to suit your personal needs. The programmes are specially written for BUOLD and are designed to be interactive, giving participants the opportunity to think and learn for themselves. It is recommended that dental practitioners have three years practical experience before embarking on BUOLD.
Since BUOLD began in 1989, the programme has provided a popular, effective and satisfying way for dentists to update their knowledge in specific areas. Each year between 100 and 200 practitioners from all over the UK enrol.
Objectives of BUOLD
- Provide a greater depth of knowledge in a specific subject
- Update Registered Dental Care Professionals on new techniques and methods
- Increase interest, motivation, and curiosity in the subject
- Enable a greater quantity of information to be assimilated in a more digestible way
- Impart new information, knowledge and ideas
- Make the practitioner think and question
- Provide a personal dialogue with an expert tutor
How do BUOLD Courses work?
Each course is made up of a number of elements, these elements contain self-assessment questions and activities to stimulate interest, together with questions to be completed as a homework assignment.
A commitment to reading, writing and studying is essential. A minimum of 200 hours commitment is needed to complete a course; the maximum is up to you!
Study days
There are between 1 and 3 study days per course, usually held on Saturdays. The attendence at the first study day for each course is compulsory. These cover areas that do not lend themselves well to personal home study, such as ‘hands-on’ sessions. The study days are also an opportunity to meet your fellow BUOLDers and to discuss any queries you may have about the course. The study days are enjoyable occasions but are organised in a way to facilitate educational opportunities rather than as late night social occasions!
Study days are an integral part of BUOLD courses and attendance is compulsory if you want to gain a course credit.
CPD Hours
20-30 hours verifiable CPD are awarded for successful completion of a BUOLD course. The exact number of hours varies with each course.
You can just follow a BUOLD course for your own interest or to update your knowledge in a certain area. It is not absolutely necessary for you to complete all the homework or sit the examination, unless you would like a credit towards the Diploma in Postgraduate Dental Studies. However, the modules are designed as a package that needs to be completed if full advantage is to be gained.
Regulations - The Diploma in Postgraduate Dental Studies
All students are registered for the Diploma in Postgraduate Dental Studies [DPDS(Bristol)] and are therefore enrolled as students of the University of Bristol. The DPDS is a registerable qualification with the General Dental Council and is awarded to those participants who satisfactorily complete 6 BUOLD courses in a maximum of 5 years. You will be able to complete 3 courses in one year under the BUOLD21C structure. A copy of the regulations is available on request or at www.bris.ac.uk/cms/go/statutes/.
Each BUOLD course is very intensive and usually runs for a period of 3-4 months. Due to the very intensive nature of these courses you will only be allowed to enrol on 3 subjects in each academic year. Similarly, you are strongly advised NOT to undertake other academic commitments such as MFDS or DGDP at the same time.
Most of the BUOLD units are accredited by the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) as carrying credits towards stage 2 of the Career Pathway. For more information please contact the BUOLD Co-ordinator or the FGDP(UK).
The Fee Structure
Home and EU students
The fee for all Home and EU students for 2012-2013 was £2,975 for new students, and £2,000 for continuing students. Additional fees may be charged for overnight accommodation and on some courses for hands-on days, etc. See individual course summaries for more information about this. New students must also submit a University application form and references. The University will invoice you for payment of the fee before Christmas in the year you register for study.
Overseas students
The fee for overseas students for 2012-2013 was £17,000. Overseas students must have an English language ability equivalent of an IELTS score of 7.0.
Funding by sponsoring organisations:
If you are being funded for either all or part of your fee by a sponsor (such as a PCT or other employer) and wish them, rather than you, to be invoiced for this, then you will need to submit a sponsorship authorisation form with your application every year that you enroll on a BUOLD course. Please contact the BUOLD Co-ordinator to request a form.