Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology

  • Total # of Credit hours
    122

Program Overview

Introduction:
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology is designed to prepare competent dental technologists who possess the knowledge, technical skills, ethical values, and professional responsibility required to support modern dental practice. The program provides students with a strong foundation in dental sciences, biomaterials, laboratory procedures, digital dentistry, and the fabrication of dental prostheses and appliances. Through a combination of theoretical courses, preclinical laboratory training, clinical exposure, and research-based learning, students develop the ability to design, construct, and evaluate dental restorations and appliances that contribute to patient oral health and quality of life.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology program is to graduate skilled, ethical, and innovative dental technologists who are capable of providing high-quality dental laboratory services in collaboration with dental professionals. The program is committed to excellence in education, practical training, research, lifelong learning, and community service, while promoting professional standards, patient safety, and the advancement of dental technology.
 
Goals of the program:
  1. To provide students with comprehensive knowledge of dental sciences, dental materials, laboratory procedures, and digital dental technologies.
  2. To develop competent graduates who can fabricate, evaluate, and repair fixed, removable, orthodontic, and maxillofacial dental appliances according to professional standards.
  3. To promote ethical practice, critical thinking, communication skills, research awareness, teamwork, and lifelong professional development.
The Educational Objectives of the Program are:
  1. To prepare graduates who are competent in applying scientific principles and technical skills in dental laboratory practice.
  2. To produce graduates who can work effectively as members of the dental healthcare team while maintaining ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities.
  3. To equip graduates with the ability to adapt to technological advancements, pursue continuing education, and contribute to research and innovation in dental technology.
 
Admission Requirements:
  1. High School Diploma with a minimum average score of:
  • 60% for Elite Track, or
  • 65% for Advanced Track, or
  • 70% for General Track, or
  • Equivalent in Standardized International Systems is required.
  1. English Proficiency Test:
  • IELTS Score: 5.0; or
  • TOEFL Score: 500 (or 61 in TOEFL iBT or 173 in TOEFL CBT); or
  • Equivalent other English proficiency tests approved by the MoE
  1. Passing a personal interview set by the College of Dentistry.
Graduation Requirements:
Students will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology (BDT) degree upon fulfillment of the following requirements:
  1. Completing successfully the required credit hours (122 Credit Hours), including the University requirement courses, with an Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) not less than C, otherwise students should take, during the following semester(s), clinical subjects as suggested by the academic advisor to fulfill this graduation requirement.
  2. Completing successfully the requirements as given in the syllabus.
Program Structure:
The BSc in Dental Technology program at AU-CoD is only delivered as a full time on-campus program. The program has a comprehensive mixture of didactic teaching, preclinical skills learning, clinical training as well as a research component. The dental students’ progress through the program in a phased manner.
 
 
 

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology program, graduates will be able to:
  1. Knowledge
K.1. Outline laboratory solutions using scientific knowledge that underpins dental technology and practice in relation to the different fields of dentistry.
K.2. Demonstrate competence in the knowledge and skills required for registration and recognition as a dental technician, and engage in further learning through professional practice or continuing dental education programs.
K.3. Discuss the various uses, properties, and biological compatibility of dental materials used in the laboratory, using an evidence-based approach to determine their optimal application in clinical situations.
K.4. Explain dental laboratory procedures using basic and clinical practice guidelines, including analytical methods, informed discussion, and the ability to solve complex challenges through flexible and innovative solutions.
  1. Skill
S.1. Practice cognitive skills and intellectual independence in analyzing diverse sources of information and utilizing evidence-based approaches to make decisions, solve complex problems, and design optimal technical solutions.
S.2. Utilize effective communication skills in interdisciplinary teamwork and professional collaboration to ensure high-quality laboratory solutions and optimal treatment outcomes.
S.3. Apply technical and creative skills to design and implement techniques, materials, and processes suitable for contemporary prosthetics in oral healthcare.
S.4. Combine best clinical practices and scientific evidence to adopt a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to the dental laboratory workflow while upholding ethical, clinical, and evidence-based standards in modern dentistry.
  1. Responsibility and Autonomy
R.1. Demonstrate self-direction, autonomy, and the ability to self-evaluate when analyzing and critically assessing complex concepts, while effectively discussing them with dental clinical professionals.
R.2. Develop into a responsible professional with practice management aptitude, and take responsibility for critical decisions and governance while considering social and cultural norms.
R.3. Reflect on performance feedback to identify and facilitate opportunities for learning, self-improvement, and professional development.
Competence:
Autonomy and responsibility
1.       Can take responsibility for developing innovative and advanced approaches to evaluating and managing complex and unpredictable work procedures and processes, resources or learning.
2.       Can manage technical, supervisory or design processes in unpredictable, unfamiliar and varying contexts.
3.       Can work creatively and/or effectively as an individual, in team leadership, managing contexts, across technical or professional activities.
4.       Can express an internalized, personal view, and accept responsibility to society at large and to socio-cultural norms and relationships.
Role in context
5.       Can take responsibility for the setting and achievement of group or individual outcomes and for the management and supervision of the work of others or self in the case of a specialization in field of work or discipline.
6.       Can participate in peer relationships with qualified practitioners and lead multiple, complex groups.
Self-development
7.        Can self-evaluate and take responsibility for contributing to professional practice, and undertake regular professional development and/ or further learning can manage learning.

Study Plan

 
First Year: First Semester
 
 
Course code
Course title
Contact Hour(s)
Credit Hour(s)
Pre-Requisite(s)
Theory
Lab**
BDS101
English for Dentistry
3
-
3
xxx xxx
PHY111
General Physics
3
-
3
xxx xxx
CHM111
General Chemistry
2
2
3
xxx xxx
BDT101
Applied Oral Anatomy
2
2
3
xxx xxx
BDT102
Dental Materials I
3
-
3
xxx xxx
Total
13
4
15
 
 
First Year: Second Semester
 
 
Course code
Course title
Contact hours/week
Credit Hour(s)
Pre-Requisite(s)
Theory
Lab / Preclinical lab
BDT103
Dental Materials II
2
2
3
BDT102
BDT104
Dental Technology in Prosthodontics I
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
EMS112
Emiratis Studies
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
ENG113
Academic Writing (English)
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
Total
11
2
12
 
 
Second Year: First Semester
 
 
Course code
Course title
Contact hours/week
Credit Hour(s)
Pre-Requisite(s)
Theory
Lab / Preclinical lab
BDT103
Dental Materials II
2
2
3
BDT102
BDT104
Dental Technology in Prosthodontics I
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
EMS112
Emiratis Studies
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
ENG113
Academic Writing (English)
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
Total
11
2
12
 
 
Second Year: Second Semester
 
 
Course Code
Course Title
Contact Hour(s)
Credit Hour(s)
Pre-Requisite(s)
 
 
Theory
Lab**
 
BDT203
Digital Dental Technology I
3
-
3
BDT201
BDT204
Preclinical Training II
-
14
7
BDT202
Elective 2
Elective Course 2
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
THI212
Critical Thinking & Quantitative Reasoning
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
Total
 
9
14
16
 
Third Year: First Semester
 
 
Course Code
Course Title
Contact Hour(s)
Credit Hour(s)
Pre-Requisite(s)
 
 
Theory
Lab**
 
BDT301
Digital Dental Technology II
3
-
3
BDT203
BDT302
Clinical Cases I
-
30
10
BDT204
BDT303
Equipment Maintenance
1
2
2
xxx-xxx
Total
4
32
15
 
 
Third year: Second semester
 
 
Course Code
Course Title
Contact Hour(s)
Credit Hour(s)
Pre-Requisite(s)
 
 
Theory
Lab**
 
BDT304
Dental Technology in Implant Dentistry
3
-
3
BDT301
BDT305
Dental Technology in Orthodontics
3
-
3
BDT301
BDT306
Clinical Cases II
-
30
10
BDT302
Total
6
30
16
 
 
Fourth Year: First Semester
 
 
Course Code
Course Title
Contact Hour(s)
Credit Hour(s)
Pre-Requisite(s)
 
 
Theory
Lab**
 
BDT401
Advances in Dental Laboratory Technology
3
-
3
BDT304
BDT402
Clinical Cases III
-
30
10
BDT306
AIT111
Artificial Intelligence
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
Total
3
30
16
 
 
Fourth year: Second semester
 
 
Course Code
Course Title
Contact Hour(s)
Credit Hour(s)
Pre-Requisite(s)
 
 
Theory
Lab**
 
BDT403
Lab Management
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
BDT404
Clinical Cases IV
-
30
10
BDT402
INN311
Innovation & Sustainable  Entrepreneurship
3
-
3
xxx-xxx
Total
6
30
16
 
 
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 122 Hours
Core courses including University requirements: 116
University Electives: 6



Courses Descriptions

BDS101: English for Dentistry (3 Cr. Hrs.)
This compulsory course aims to empower and develop the skills and communicative competence of the students at the College of Dentistry. This will provide effective communication utilising the English language needed for real life situations in their majors and future careers as practicing dental technicians. The course is tailored to maximize student interaction and participation. The goal is to enable students to practice the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with increasing accuracy and confidence. Furthermore, lexical items, including abbreviations and acronyms related to dentistry and medicine, will be reinforced.
 
PHY111: General Physics (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
This course is designed to cover the basic concepts in most branches of classical physics including linear motion, Newton's laws, rotational motion, work-energy conservation, light, electricity, and thermodynamics. Some modern physics concepts applicable to X-Rays, lasers, radioactivity, isotopes lifetime, and applications of these concepts will also be covered.
 
CHM111: General Chemistry (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
This course presents the fundamentals of general chemistry. It includes two major parts: Part I (general) and Part II (organic part). The general part will introduce the student to basic aspects of general chemistry, namely, the atomic structures, electronic configuration, periodic table of elements, chemistry of metals, and the fundamentals of chemical bonds and chemical reactions. The organic part covers areas in organic chemistry, which include hydrocarbons, stereochemistry, as well as some functional groups.
 
BDT101: Applied Oral Anatomy (2 Cr. Hrs.)
 
This fundamental course introduces students to the stomatognathic system. Students learn to summarize the various stomatognathic hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity with comprehension of corresponding physiology and function. The laboratory component establishes critical manual dexterity as students reproduce the morphology of maxillary and mandibular natural teeth and supporting tissues.
 
BDT102: Dental Materials I (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
As the first introduction to materials science, this course outlines the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of dental materials and their association with material handling techniques. Students will recognize the types, uses, and methods of utilization of dental gypsum in the fabrication of dental prostheses/appliances. The curriculum expands to recall the types, uses, and methods of utilization of dental waxes in the fabrication of dental prostheses. Finally, students describe the types, uses, and methods of utilization of dental resins in the fabrication of dental prostheses/appliances.
 
BDT103: Dental Materials II (2 Cr. Hrs.)
 
Progressing to more complex material science, this course focuses on advanced materials and aesthetics. Students will appraise the use of colour science in dentistry and the utilization of optical properties of dental materials in the laboratory. The course outlines the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of dental ceramics and aids in the comprehension of methods of fabrication of crown and bridge prostheses. Furthermore, it explores the laboratory aspects of dental metallurgy and the fabrication methods of cast appliances and prostheses in detail.
 
BDT104: Dental Technology in Prosthodontics I (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
This course provides a study of therapeutic modalities rendered in the field of prosthodontics. The course is primarily tailored to insight and contextual understanding of all technical procedures involved in the fabrication, modification, and repair of dental prosthetics. This course will involve didactic and laboratory training on methods employed by the dental laboratory for the fabrication of complete and partial denture prostheses.
 
BDT201: Dental Technology in Prosthodontics II (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
Building on foundational prosthodontic principles established in the previous semester, this course advances into complex fixed and removable appliance fabrication techniques. The theoretical framework emphasizes complex material interactions, advanced anatomical considerations, and the technical progression into fixed partial dentures and highly specific, multi-step removable prostheses.
 
BDT202: Preclinical Training I (7 Cr. Hrs.)
 
This intensive laboratory course transitions students from theoretical knowledge to foundational hands-on proficiency. The curriculum focuses on developing the critical manual dexterity required for the fabrication of removable prosthodontics and foundational orthodontic appliances. Students will practice and demonstrate core competency in performing the requisite preliminary technical procedures, establishing a strong mechanical foundation in a controlled environment.
 
BDT203: Digital Dental Technology I (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
This course serves as the entry point into the digital dentistry workflow, orienting students to CAD/CAM fundamentals, digital scanning protocols, and introductory 3D modelling. Students engage with the software tools necessary for transitioning traditional laboratory tasks into a modernized digital workspace.
 
BDT204: Preclinical Training II (7 Cr. Hrs.)
 
Building upon the foundational skills acquired in Part I, this advanced preclinical course shifts focus toward the demanding laboratory aspects of fixed prosthodontics and progressive orthodontic technical work. Furthermore, this module serves as the student's introduction to digital dentistry. Students will begin incorporating introductory digital tools and software into their fabrication workflow, preparing them for the modernized technological demands of live clinical case execution.
 
BDT301: Digital Dental Technology II (3 Cr. Hrs.)
Scaling the digital concepts introduced in the previous year, this course delves into advanced digital design, virtual articulation, and complex full-arch rehabilitation planning. Students integrate digital milling and 3D printing parameters into their workflow, optimizing output for precision and aesthetic excellence.
 
BDT302: Clinical Cases I (10 Cr. Hrs.)
 
Marking a significant milestone, students transition to fabricating prostheses based on actual patient prescriptions provided by dental clinicians. This course emphasizes fundamental, real-world laboratory procedures, specifically focusing on acrylic partial dentures. Students will execute and master essential workflow steps under clinical constraints, including precise model pouring, accurate teeth arrangement, standard denture processing, and the technical fabrication of single crowns.
 
BDT303: Equipment Maintenance (2 Cr. Hrs.)
 
A practical operations course that prepares students to manage and sustain modern dental laboratory equipment. The curriculum focuses on the calibration, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of both conventional equipment (such as casting machines and ceramic furnaces) and advanced digital hardware (like 3D printers and milling machines).
 
BDT304: Dental Technology in Implant Dentistry (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
Focusing on one of the most advanced domains in dental technology, this course covers the laboratory aspects of implant-supported restorations. Students learn the intricacies of implant crown design, custom abutment design, implant overdentures, and the management of intricate implant components, aligning technical execution with anatomical and functional demands.
 
BDT305: Dental Technology in Orthodontics (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
This specialized course explores the biomechanical principles and laboratory fabrication of various orthodontic appliances. Students study the design, wire bending mechanics, and construction of space maintainers, functional appliances, and digital clear aligner technologies.
 
BDT306: Clinical Cases II (10 Cr. Hrs.)
 
Progressing in technical complexity, this course immerses students in more demanding patient scenarios. The laboratory curriculum challenges students to manage and execute the complete technical fabrication of full complete dentures. Additionally, students will apply fixed prosthodontic principles to successfully construct multi-unit restorations, specifically focusing on the technical execution of 3-unit and 4-unit bridges in strict adherence to provided clinical specifications. Removable orthodontic appliances and periodontal surgical guide fabrication will also be a part of this course.
 
BDT401: Advances in Dental Laboratory Technology (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
A capstone theoretical course exploring the absolute forefront of biomaterials, nanotechnology, and next-generation manufacturing in dentistry. The course prepares graduates to adapt to future technological disruptions and cutting-edge material innovations within the dental laboratory sector.
 
BDT402: Clinical Cases III (10 Cr. Hrs.)
 
As the first phase of the program's capstone practical training, students tackle advanced, multi-disciplinary patient cases. The focus remains entirely on complex laboratory execution, requiring students to expand their technical proficiency beyond standard prosthetics. Students will fabricate long-span bridges and navigate the technical intricacies of implant dentistry, specifically mastering the laboratory design and fabrication of implant crowns and precision surgical implant guides. Fixed orthodontic appliances and clear aligner fabrication will also be included within this course.
 
BDT403: Lab Management (3 Cr. Hrs.)
 
This comprehensive course covers the business and operational facets of running a commercial or in-house dental laboratory. Topics include quality control, regulatory compliance, workflow logistics, occupational health and safety, and team leadership, fully preparing graduates for managerial and entrepreneurial roles.
 
BDT404: Clinical Cases IV (10 Cr. Hrs.)
 
The culmination of the clinical training program demands absolute technical proficiency and autonomy. Managing the most challenging clinical prescriptions, students will independently execute the extensive laboratory procedures required for comprehensive full-mouth rehabilitations. The technical scope includes the precise fabrication of full-mouth implant bridges and complex implant overdentures as well as complex orthodontics and pedodontics appliances, ensuring graduates are fully competent for independent professional practice in advanced dental technology upon graduation.