The impact of inter-professional education in the dental curriculum on students’ views towards social accountability

Director of Studies:             Mr Robert Witton

2^nd Supervisor:                    Dr Nilu Ahmed (University of Bristol)

3^rd Supervisor:                     Dr Martha Paisi

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship, funded for three years (full-time) or four years (part-time). The studentship will start on 1^st October 2021.

Project Description

Healthcare education has a key role in developing a high-quality healthcare system and addressing inequalities. Despite increased adoption of social accountability values in health professional education, the impact of an inter-professional pathway in the dental curriculum on students’ views and attitudes has not been thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, the few studies that have been conducted in the field demonstrated that existing programmes have not been effective on improving students’ views towards social accountability.

This PhD which involves collaboration with the University of Bristol, offers the opportunity to take a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the impact of an inter-professional education pathway on dental, and dental therapy and hygiene undergraduate students’ views towards social accountability and their attitudes towards inter-professional teams and learning. It will involve a systematic review of the evidence, a prospective controlled and qualitative research OR a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Eligibility

Applications should have a first or upper class second honours degree, with a background in social sciences, dentistry, any other healthcare discipline or other relevant subject. A Master’s degree and experience of systematic reviewing or qualitative research are desirable. International students must also have an IELTS score of 7.0 or above (or equivalent qualification).

The studentship is supported for three years (full-time) or four years (part-time) and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £15,609 per annum (full time 2021/22 rate). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates (approximately £12,697 per annum).

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Mr Robert Witton, e-mail [Email Address Removed]. However, applications must be made in accordance with the details shown below.

For further information on research studentships at the University of Plymouth and to apply for this position please visit: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/research-degrees/postgraduate-research-studentships and select the studentship you would like to apply for. Please clearly state the name of the studentship that you are applying for on your personal statement.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact  [Email Address Removed].

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 21^st May 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in the week commencing 7^th June 2021. We regret that we are not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.