From English to Italian: Aesthetic Restorative Course By Distance Learning

Aims  To provide a new online course translated into Italian entitled ‘Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry’ based on selected units from the e-MClinDent (Master of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics) of the University of London, UK. Materials and Methods  The M.Clin.Dent. (Prosthodontics) is intended for dental practitioners who wish to enhance their knowledge of fixed and removable prosthodontics. The online four year course is run through the External Programme of London University. http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/dentistry. To make the course more available to countries where English is not the first language, and as part of the Anglo-Italian Collaboration, a pilot short course selected 8 of the 72 modules of the degree. Copyright permission was granted from London University. Two units were translated by an Italian restorative specialist working in the UK and checked for accuracy by the Italian Director. The units were uploaded onto the virtual learning environment (WebCT) with rich media and references hyperlinked. Assessment is by online multiple choice questionnaires and online assignments marked by Italian staff. This poster describes the process and progress of the development of the short course. Results  Following initial consultations between the two Schools, four sections were identified:  Section 1 - Treatment options: Diagnosis, treatment planning and options,  Section 2 – Techniques: Tooth preparation, impressions, soft tissue management, temporary restorations  Section 3 – Materials  Section 4 – Optional hands-on training for credit rated certification  The first two Units have been translated, verified and uploaded. An online feedback questionnaire was devised to assess the educational, assessment and presentational issues. Initial response from prospective Italian students has been positive and the remaining Units are being processed. Conclusions  The planning, translation and production of the first two Units has brought a very positive response. Completion of the short course and launch in 2006 with translation into other languages such as Spanish is planned.