Train as a therapist

Outline of course

The 2 year diploma course in Dental Therapy will lead to qualification as a Dental Therapy Practitioner (DTP).

A DTP will be trained to: 

  • Examine and diagnose basic dental problems
  • Provide advice on available care and refer if necessary
  • Teach oral health education at individual and community level
  • Place temporary fillings
  • Provide tooth cleaning
  • Extract decayed or broken teeth under local anaesthetic

Further illustrations of the teaching material can be found in the Oral Health Manual by Rankin & Lennon, produced by Teeth Relief and can be downloaded here.

Upon graduation graduates will be registered to practice with the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC).

 

Course curriculumAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Therapy

Programme Description

The associate of applied science degree in Dental Therapy is a professional programme offered by Cuttington University in collaboration with Trinity Dental Clinic at ELWA Hospital. The programme offers a rigorous, intensive, science-based curriculum delivered through integrated lectures and clinical experience. Students are trained to provide service in clinical settings with a commitment to community dentistry. Upon successful completion, students will demonstrate proficiency in dental therapy, with critical thinking skills, ethical and professional requirements of the dental profession. TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 68

First Year 

First Semester 
Course #Course TitlePrerequisite Credit Hours
ENG101Fundamentals of Communication I 3
MATH101
Principles of Mathematics
 3
ADP101
Dental disease
 3
ADP111Head and neck anatomy
 3
ADP112Oral anatomy
 3
ADP119Communication and consent
 3
    
Total 18
   
First Year 
Second Semester 
Course #Course TitlePrerequisite Credit Hours
ADP117Dental treatment and Procedures I
 3
ADP121Health promotion and community (field) dentistry 3
ADP122Local anesthesia and dental pharmacology 3
ADP130Oral conditions
 3
ADP141Preparing for Practice I
 3
COM101Introduction to computers 3
    
Total 18
    

Second Year 

First Semester 
Course#Course TitlePrerequisite Credit Hours
ADP219Dental Trauma
 1
ADP221Preparing for practice II 3
ADP237Dental treatments and procedures I 1
REL221Introduction to moral ethics  3
ADP239Clinical dentistry I (clinical practice) 8
    
    
Total 16
    
Second Year 
Second Semester 
Course #Course TitlePrerequisite Credit Hours
ADP240Treatment planning and clinical decision making  4
MGT204Entrepreneurship 4
ADP247Clinical dentistry II (clinical practice) 8
    
Total 16

 Student  sponsorship

All applicants for the diploma course to become a Dental Therapy Practitioner (DTP) are required to have a sponsor.

The Sponsor will usually be an organisation e.g a government hospital, a church, or a company rather than an individual. However, individuals will be considered on a case by case basis.

The Sponsor will agree to:

  • Supply full or partial financial support for the student (this will include tuition fees and accommodation costs).
  • Monitor progress of the student, providing accountability.
  • Assist in placement provision for the student upon their graduation.
  • The sponsor will receive the Dentaid field kit and, alongside the DTP, be responsible for its care.

Following acceptance onto the training course, there will be:

  • a written agreement between the sponsor and the student outlining the various responsibilities and commitments.
  • a written agreement between the sponsor and Cuttington University.

Admission requirements

Details of the admission requirements can be found here.

Guideline of Fees and costs

  • LDTS Admission Exam: USD $35.00
  • Tuition per Semester (Liberian Citizen): USD  $450.00
  • Registration Fee (All Students): USD  $56.00
  • Housing (Semester): USD  $160.00
  • Graduation Fee: USD $ (pending)
  • Admission Package (All Candidates) FREE Download (USD $10 Printed)

Details of the tuition fees and other costs may be found here.

How to apply

Applications can be made online via the Cuttington University website- click here to apply.

To download an application form, follow the link on the admission requirement page here.