Educating leaders of the future: a template for dentistry

*SUBJECT TO FUNDING*

The development of effective leaders is currently a key focus for the UK dental profession. The General Dental Council’s requirements for undergraduate dental education include the development and demonstration of leadership skills as one of four core domains. Leadership skills are now an educational imperative for all stages of the dental education and training pathway and this research project is timely and important.

The purpose of this study is to provide a national level template to inform undergraduate and postgraduate leadership training for future generations of dental professionals.

The aim of the study will be to use qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore the views of General Dental Practitioners and dental students on leadership in dentistry and specifically their knowledge, understanding and experience of the leadership role; the challenges of leadership; leadership skills required to meet these challenges and the role of education in meeting theses needs. The study will also aim to capture the views of dental policy and decision-makers on leadership education.

The study will involve desk-based research on current evidence; formative qualitative research with a target group; finalising and piloting of a leadership education template accordance with MRC guidelines for developing complex interventions.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/StudyatQueens/InternationalStudents/EnglishLanguageRequirements/

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/