Welcome to our University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) MSc in Clinical Implantology Patient Information Page.
Here you can find out all about our post graduate training program for dentists and find out what it means for you as a patient.
For any queries regarding our UCLan MSc Training Program, please call or email the practice and ask for Amy or Terri. They’re our UCLan experts and can answer any questions you may have.
What is UCLan?
UCLan is short for the University of Central Lancashire. The University was founded in 1828 and like most universities, caters for a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate students wishing to train in a specific field. It has several campuses around Preston City Centre and Internationally.
However, training in implantology, like a lot of courses relating to healthcare, needs to be provided in a healthcare environment where specialised equipment and suitable patients are available for the students. That’s where we come in.
Halesowen Dental was selected and accredited as one of the training centres for the students of the MSc in Clinical Implantology course back in October 2018, and we welcomed our first cohort of MSc students to begin their clinical training in March 2019. We provide knowledgeable staff support and a fully equipped, safe environment in which the students can learn their new skill, under the watchful eye of a dental surgeon who has been placing implants for more than 15 years.
What is the UCLan MSc Training Program?
The training scheme is there to help both our students and patients alike. As students, they need patients for whom they can provide implants, and for patients, it’s always nice to receive a bit of a thank you for putting yourself in the hands of our students. the program can help you to access advanced treatment at a reduced cost with the reassurance of a high level of supervision and attention to detail from our experienced clinicians. You will also be helping to train the next generation of specialists.
Please be assured that, first of all, the “trainees” are all fully qualified and registered dentists with postgraduate experience and have either completed, or are about to complete an implant course. They are being trained to carry out implant treatment as an additional skill and they are working towards attaining the UCLan postgraduate Master of Science in Clinical Implantology. The clinical aspect of their training is held at centres across the country and we are delighted and proud to be one of them, as we believe it is a great value and service for our patients.
At no point will the students be placing any implants without Supervisor, Manoj Bhatia, being present. He’s our implant guru and has been placing implants for over 20 years. Manoj is involved in training and mentoring clinicians in Dental Implant placement. He has mentored and trained many dentists in Surgical Implant Placement and restoration. Currently, he is a Clinical Supervisor and a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Implantology at the University of Central Lancashire and is the Clinical Supervisor for their MSc program at our practice. He is also an accredited Implant Mentor for the Cambridge Academy of Dental Implantology and VSSAcademy UK. You can read more about him here.
In addition to Manoj, both Amy Lewis, our Practice Co-Ordinator and UCLan Training Co-Ordinator and Terri, our sedation, implant, decontamination lead, and head nurse are always on hand to assist our delegates. So, you’re in very good hands.
Sign up today!
As this is a training program, not every case will be suitable because the level of complexity of the treatment needed may be too high for the trainees. We will therefore triage everyone who is interested to ensure suitability and to answer any questions you may have. There are also a limited number of patients who can be accepted on the course based on the number of trainees.
This presents a great opportunity for you to be able to have your implant treatment at a reduced fee. Please do let us know if you are interested in participating in this exciting program by calling Amy or Terri on 0121 550 6958 or email at info@halesowendental.co.uk
FAQ about our UCLan MSc Program:
There are always a lot of questions surrounding our UCLan MSc Training Program. Please read below to see if we can answer any of them, and if not, please give us a call.
Why is this program available?
The program aims to train dentists in a post graduate skill. All the students on the course are looking to expand their dentistry skill set and have chosen to learn how to place implants. Most Universities do not have the facility to enable the students to carry out the clinical aspect of this training, which is why they must come to an already established practice to carry this out. As we have the skills in Manoj, Amy and Terri to make this happen, we were able to put forward our name to become one of the training centres. So here we are! The University subsidises some of the cost of the implants to make them more affordable for our patients. Plus, the discount is a little thank you for letting the students train on you. We know that it takes a lot of trust and patience to put yourself into the hands of a student.
What does accredited mean?
Basically it means we are at the top of our game! We comply with all the relevant healthcare legislations and regulations to a high standard. We have the resources and staff to be able to support the University, delegates and you, the patient!
When is it available?
We run the courses all year round, however we have specific intake times for when our delegates join us. As our delegates are with us for the full year, we need patients who will see them through the full year. If you are interested in putting your name down for an implant, then please get in touch and we will put you on the waiting list, and inform you of when our next intake will be.
What is an implant?
A dental implant is a permanent solution for a missing tooth or teeth. They act just like your natural tooth and can be restored in many different ways. They can be restored with a single crown, a bridge, and can also be used to retain dentures, for a more natural feel. They’re placed directly into your jawbone, where they provide an artificial replacement for the root of your missing tooth or teeth. They can support crowns or dentures, in a similar way that roots support natural teeth. Having missing teeth can really knock your confidence, as well as affect the way you eat and speak. Dental implants offer a long-lasting and discreet choice of treatment for replacing teeth. For more information on implants, please click here.
How much will my implant cost?
Each single, implant retained crown is discounted by £1000 – that’s a whopping 40% off! If you need more than one, then costs will be discussed with you at your consultation. You may also be required to go for a CT Scan, which is a 3D scan of your jaw, which will cost an extra £80 – £100, payable to the scanning centre. We will provide all details for this if and when needed. And if any extra costs arise, we will always discuss them with you beforehand.
How long does treatment take?
As you are being seen on the scheme, the treatment will take longer than if you were seeing Manoj on his own. We run one clinical day per month on the UCLan Program, and it is usually held on a Saturday. Depending on the complexity of your case, from start to finish, you may be looking at 6 to 10 months for treatment to be complete.
Where will treatment take place?
Our delegates travel from all over the UK to train at the practice, right here in Halesowen. So, you just turn up as if you’re coming to a normal appointment, and your clinician and all the equipment they need will be right here.
Who will carry out my treatment?
One of our students will carry out your treatment. This may not always be the same deligate, but they will see you for your initial consultation, treatment planning, implant placement, and fit the finished crown. As your treatment will form part of their portfolio, we will need to take x-rays and photographs of all stages of treatment, but none of them will include an image of your face unless you consent to it. The pictures will be of your teeth and implant site only. If you do not wish to have photos taken, please discuss this with your student at your first appointment.
Manoj and either Amy or Terri will also be present at the practice during all clinical days with the students. They are there to support you, and the students a like so if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask them. They usually don’t bite.
Manoj will also be present at the implant placement itself, so you will always be under his watchful eye. He will be able to step in if there are any problems or issues during treatment, and don’t forget, our students are fully trained dentists. They will have been practicing in general dental practice for some years prior to starting on this course, so you’re always in well trained hands.
What if I’m not suitable for the program? Can I still have an implant?
As our students are new to placing implants, some of the cases may be too complex for them to carry out. There’s very strict criteria on what they can and cannot do at this point. But if you’re not accepted onto the scheme, it doesn’t mean you can’t have an implant. It just means that Mr Bhatia may have to do it himself instead. But as he sees you before offering the UCLan program, he will be able to tell you during your initial consultation as to whether you are suitable or not.
Doesn’t this just make me a guinea pig to be tested on?
A little, I suppose. The students are in training, that much is true, but you are never out of the watchful eye of Manoj, Amy or Terri, so you’re always in good hands. They will always step in if they see an issue, so your safety will never be compromised.
What is the criteria?
Like any implant, we must make sure you are dentally fit and healthy before placing any implants. We must also make sure you have enough bone to support an implant. There are several factors involved and to be considered, but Manoj will be able to tell you at your consultation appointment as to whether you are a good candidate for the program.
I’m not one of your patients – can I still be on the program?
Absolutely, yes (providing you meet the criteria). Ask your dentist to send us a quick referral letter (link below and on our ‘For Professionals’ page) with your most recent x-rays and Amy or Terri will be in touch with you.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0121 550 6958 or info@halesowendental.co.uk.
Please Click here to download a referral form to give to your dentist.
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