May 2009

Extensive distance learning programme in dental implantology

Last year, Nelson Croom started work on an extensive distance learning project for the Association of Dental Implantology UK (ADI). Consisting of 13 online courses and around 500 to 600 hours of learning, Ark is a new educational resource that has been created to provide a comprehensive postgraduate education programme in implant dentistry.

Ark (Application, Resource, Knowledge) brings together leading experts in the field of implant dentistry to provide the most informed, up-to-date and dynamic educational experience possible. Delegates at the Biennial Implant Team Congress, held at the ICC in Birmingham from 7th to 9th May 2009, were given a sneak preview of what to expect. An interactive demo course has been created using material from the first course Foundation of Implant Dentistry so that potential learners can sample the course materials before signing up. There have been over 100 registrations of interest already - with potential learners opting for either the whole programme (to be studied part time over 2 years) or individual courses (around 40 hours of learning each) designed to teach skills in specific areas of implant dentistry.

Each elearning course is part of a blended learning programme combining the online element with study days, directed reading, experience-based learning, mentoring and a learning portfolio. The course authors are some of the leading exponents of implant dentistry, providing a perfect blend of academic and practical skills and experience ensuring that Ark is a programme that is a learning tool with clear pragmatic applications.

"The launch of Ark is the culmination of 3 year's hard work and the realisation of something of a personal dream. The original idea for Ark was born from my personal experience, that a busy GDP cannot always afford the time to learn, when trying to build a new practice. Although the Masterclass events and single ad hoc study days organised by the ADI are valuable in their own right, I felt there was a place for a more structured and in-depth modular training programme. The importance of training in implant dentistry is of great significance and I think it is fitting that the ADI is at the forefront of this provision, with this truly unique programme" says Phil Bennett, Director of Education, ADI.

"There's a lot of enthusiasm about Ark in the industry and it was really well received at the Congress, we were rushed off our feet with enquiries. A lot of our experience at Nelson Croom is in either bringing existing qualifications online or helping professional bodies take their first steps with elearning. This project is both immense and rewarding - it's great to see it starting to take shape ready for the launch in October and we're really pleased that there's so much interest for Ark already" comments Nicola Dann, Project Manager, Nelson Croom.

Notes for editors

1. About Nelson Croom
   Founded in 2000, Nelson Croom has rapidly grown into a leading developer and publisher of online learning. Nelson Croom works in partnership with professional associations, companies and voluntary organisations to provide flexible, relevant and creative CPD, training, distance learning and compliance programmes. For more information visit: www.nelsoncroom.co.uk
   
   
2. Programmes
   The Foundations of Implant Dentistry, Cemal Ucer, BDS, MSc, PhD, Oral Surgeon
   
   Essential Treatment Planning for Implant Dentistry, Koray Feran BDS MSc(Lond) FDSRCS(Eng)
   
   The Fundamentals of Biology for Implant Surgery, Professor Nick Donos DipDS Thessaloniki; MS Aarhus; PhD Aarhus with Maria Retzepi DipDS, MSc, CertClinSpec(Perio)
   
   Implant Surgery in Practice, Ashok Sethi BDS DGDP(UK) MGDSRCS(Eng) DUI(Lille) FFGDP
   
   Understanding Soft Tissue Management, Jonathan Lack DDS
   
   Removable Implant Prosthetics, Professor Mark Thomason BDS FDS RCS (Ed) PhD
   
   Fixed Implant Prosthetics, Stephen Jones BDS MSc MGDSRCS MRDRCS
   
   Understanding the Essentials of Bone Augmentation, Dan McKenna BDS(QUB) MGDSRCSI MFDGDP(UK) FDSRCS(Ed) FFGDP(UK) FICD DipImplantDentRCS(Eng)
   
   Legal and Ethical Considerations of Dental Implant Treatment, Kevin Lewis BDS LDSRCS FDSRCS(Eng) FFGDP(UK)
   
   Medical and Pharmacological Considerations, Nigel Robb, TD, PhD, BDS, FDSRCSEd, FDS (Rest Dent), FDSRCPS, ILTM
   
   Managing and Marketing a Successful Dental Implant Practice, Simon Hocken ACC
   
   Complications, Failures and Maintenance of Dental Implants, Edwin Scher BDS(Lond) LDSRCS Eng DGDP RCS Registered Specialist in Surgical Dentistry and Prosthodontics
   
   The Role of the Implant Laboratory, Mark Oborn MDTA LBIDST Dip Mgmt (open)
   
   
3. Cost
   Each individual Ark course is available at a cost of £750 (no VAT payable). The total programme of 13 courses is available for £8995 (no VAT payable). All courses include: elearning, directed reading, study days, experience-based learning, learning portfolio.
   
   
4. About the ADI
   The ADI is dedicated to improving the standards of implant dentistry by providing continuing education and encouraging scientific research.The body represents clinicians, consultants, oral surgeons, technicians, hygienists, nurses and individuals from the healthcare sector dedicated to the highest standards in patient care. The Association was formed in 1988 and today has an active membership of over 1,000.
   
   
5. About implantology
   Almost all dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloy. All common forms of tooth replacement, such as bridges or dentures, can be replaced by dental implants. Treatment times can vary between 6 weeks and 6 months. More detailed patient information can be found on the ADI site: www.adi.org.uk
   

To find out more about this story contact:
Victoria Clarke
T. 020 7582 3309

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