SKT turns out Denmark’s first further educated dental assistants
In January 2014 The School for Dental Assistants, Hygienists and Clinical Technicians (SKT) could congratulate the two students who have become the first dental assistants with a further education in odontological practice.
Birgitte Enemark Iversen and Ragnhild Søndergård are both employed in the Municipality of Vejen’s Dental Hygiene department, and they can now write the title of dental assistant with advanced studies in odontological practice on their business card.
“I am really pleased with my further education course at SKT. It has given me a professional boost and I have expanded my skills so they also cover other areas of expertise. I have received a great deal of knowledge that I am looking forward to using in my daily work and sharing with my colleagues,” says Ragnhild Søndergård.
In order to earn the title of dental assistant with a further education in odontological practice, you must complete and pass two compulsory modules, three elective modules and complete the final project. A total of six modules corresponding to 60 ECTS.
New opportunities and greater potential
“Dental assistants as a professional group have not previously had the opportunity to take a further education. But the need is there. That is clearly shown by the overwhelming interest, especially from the public sector,” says Helle Hornhaver, who is dentist and coordinator for further and continuing education at SKT.
For Ragnhild, the main attraction was the possibility of an academic update and upgrade in the company of like-minded students.
“When I was given the opportunity to take continuing education I did not hesitate for a second. It was exactly the right thing for me. And that has certainly been confirmed since. The lecturers are fantastically talented and inspiring, and I have found a brand new professional network among my fellow students,” says Ragnhild Søndergård. She is looking forward to putting her new competencies in areas such as health-promoting work and an appreciative approach to work in her day-to-day work in child oral health in the Municipality of Vejen.
Facts about the further education in odontological practice
- The education was established in 2010 and is offered at SKT in Aarhus and Copenhagen.
- The education was recognised as an academy education and was included in a joint ministerial order in 2012. In 2013 the education received its own ministerial order and was expanded with two modules.
- Two dental assistants have completed the entire study, while approximately 350 have completed one or more modules.
Read more about the study programme at SKT’s website (Danish).