Technology Associated With Dental Prosthetics and Learning Experiences

Abstract

Design and manufacturing of dental restorations has evolved to embrace digital technology. So too has the paradigm of learning and teaching dental prosthetics. Once a didactic teacher-driven process, it has become student-focused, reliant on collaboration and directed toward employability. This chapter describes the stages, processes, and experiences of developing a collaborative partnership to “internationalize” dental technologist curricula which led to a model for developing shared digital resources and enhanced work-integrated learning. The discussion is supported by reflection of dental technology student learning experiences from Oslo and Akershus University College and Griffith University. Issues, controversies, and problems are explored through a descriptive analysis of experiences that aim to encourage other academics to rethink curriculum design, delivery, and assessment to create international partnerships. International collaboration in higher education can provide academics with a platform to share digital resources and create flexible, transferable qualifications.