Dick and Nick have both been down to Peninsula Dental School this week - on different days though and by different means; I flew in a couple of hours, Dr Nick went by train taking most of the day.
Peninsula Dental School is based in Plymouth in Devon near the seaside,a long way away from here. They have education centres all over the southwest for treating patients and learning. Their Dean is Professor Liz Kay, who worked in Manchester before taking up the post at Peninsula.
I was struck by the tranquility surrounding the building I went to and amazed that it took just 10 minutes to walk to from the airport down a country road - quite a contrast from Manchester and most other schools in the UK.
I was there for the Education group of the Association of British Academic Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABAOMS).
Hosted by Professor St John Crean, of Peninsula School (third from left), representatives from most of the UK schools worked hard in the heat, chaired by Justin Durham from Newcastle (far right) to look at teaching and assessment in oral surgery.
Dr Nick was there the following day for much more important business; I am sure he will tell you all about it.
The School of Dentistry in Manchester has, for a very long time, been engaging with the community to enhance the learning experience of their students.
Several “outreach” centres are kind enough to allow our students to gain invaluable experience and Ordsall Health Centre in Salford, is just one of many. In addition, to engaging undergraduate teaching, Salford Primary Care Teaching Trust has been very forward thinking, in that they felt the learning experience should not only be confined to undergraduates, but also to dentists who wished to further their knowledge and deliver the highest quality of care to patients in their area.
Dr Nick is involved with such a scheme and carries out a Thursday afternoon clinic with valued colleagues who work in a general dental practice setting:
Dr Ben Atkins
Dr Julie Cassidy
Dr Jim Hamilton
Dr Ravi Singh
Ordsall Health Centre is located a stones throw away from Regent Road.
It has recently been refurbished, dentistry is just but one of many health care activities that the centre carries out.
Here, we can see Paula and Miranda who are the driving force behind all the patient activity that goes on.
Ooh eer! - that may well be our very own Dr Ben Atkins catching up with life on the mobile inbetween patients….
One of the four surgeries, that has seen student dentists learn their skills over many years.
This is the corridor, off which, are the four surgeries to allow tutors easy access to their students.
Finally, Paula on the phone booking in patients for the gang.
The School of Dentistry is very grateful for the opportunity for their students to enhance their learning experience in a setting where they will most likely end up working.
Thanks to Salford and all the Outreach Centres that engage in the training of our future dentists!
Great news for the School is that the ground-floor clinic is to be refurbished over the summer break. Forty-five brand new state of the art chairs from ADEC will be installed with a number catering for left-handed colleagues.
This continues a multi-million pound upgrade over the last couple of years.
You can take a peep at the old ones as they won’t be there too much longer - imagine, they have seen much use and been the training ground for hundreds of dentists!
On Saturday, the School hosted one of its many Open days for would-be dentists. The filler and Dr Mellor were flying the flag for the School. It was held in the Chaplaincy along the road from University Place.
The filler and Dr Mellor did talks on admissions and what it is like to be a dentist - the lecture theatre was packed full - we have never had such a big turn out. After the talks some of our students took questions from the potential students, whilst Dr Mellor fielded questions from parents.
Thanks to our students for giving up their Saturday to help out - Mrs Teresa Smith was a host of all knowledge regarding admissions criteria etc…..
The parents session was so full I could not even get in to get a snap but you can just see Dr Mellor through the window on the left.
Let’s hope our popularity continues.
Every year the University have distinguished awards to reward outstanding prowess. These are given for undergraduate and postgraduate students, Teachers, Researchers and a general award for exceptional contribution.
This year Rachel Derby won student of the year and it gave Professors Grey and Mackie the wonderful opportunity to cheer her on (we were very proud).
It was a very special ceremony and here is Rachel and very proud mum being greeted by Professor Mackie.
Naturally, a family piccie had to be done.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell presented Rachel with her medal (very heavy I will have you know).
After the ceremony we enjoyed a lavish lunch at Christies - guess who popped in but our very own Louise to make up the family numbers!
Finally, all the medal winners together.
And here is the prize.
Rachel did herself very proud and the School offers a massive well done.
