COURSE DESCRIPTION
This residential programme is aimed at students intending to pursue the practist of Dental Hygienist in the European context equiping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Professional Dental Hygienists.
The programme aligning with European Dental education Standards, prepare graduates for careers across Europe. It offers a dynamic mix of theoretical and practical learning, with interactive lectures, hands-on training, and clinical placements
The course shall have two different cohort, i.e one cohort is taught the whole programme in Italian and another cohort shall be delivered completely in the English language. As explained below, the applicable entry requirements stipulated below, shall apply.
Autonomy and Responsibility: Graduates will be able to effectively collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, taking responsibility for the delivery of dental hygiene services in diverse settings. They will demonstrate professional conduct and ethical decision-making, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidelines.
Knowledge and Understanding: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of oral health theories, dental hygiene processes, and the principles of patient care. They will learn to apply this knowledge in clinical settings, ensuring the effective management of oral health for various patient demographics.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Learners will develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, including the use of dental instruments, ergonomic positioning, and the delivery of preventive care. They will also be trained in clinical decision-making, integrating research and evidence-based practices into patient care.
Competences: The course will enhance students’ clinical skills, such as scaling and polishing, applying fluoride treatments, and interpreting radiographs. Students will be able to assess, plan, and execute comprehensive dental hygiene care, addressing the needs of patients with diverse health conditions.
Skills: Upon completion, students will possess advanced communication skills necessary for patient interaction, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the promotion of oral health. They will also be equipped with the skills to manage clinical emergencies, perform basic life support, and ensure infection control within dental practice settings.
The programme is designed for students aged 19-30 who are interested in building a career in Dental Hygiene within the European context. It’s an excellent fit for those who wish to study in a lively, English-speaking environment close to Italy, offering a blend of cultural immersion and academic rigour
Applicants are required to have achieved their High School Diploma (HSD) as per the Italian educational system, or equivalent, at EQF/MQF level 4. In the Italian system the HSD is required for entry into undergraduate courses – please see click HERE
The HSD includes competence in Italian at native speaker level, and communicative competence in English as a foreign language.
For Italian applicants: Since the Award will be delivered in Italian, and the Award English language courses will start at a foundational communicative level so as to reinforce mastery before going on to the medical register, the Italian High School Diploma is fit for purpose as an entry requirement.
For International applicants: Applicants shall be in possession of:
- a qualfication at EQF level 4, which grants access to higher education.
- English EQF level 3, Grade C or better, GCE Advanced grade C or better, IELTS 6.5, or equivalent.
Every Year there shall be a capping of student admission into the course which shall be agreed upon between EIMS and the Teaching Hospitals (where the Clinial practice will be taking place*).
All applicants shall undergo an inteview at point of application, to be carried out face-to-face or by video-call. The purpose of this interview shall be a) to verify the documentation of the application, b) to ensure that the applicant and his/her family are fully conversant with the requirements of residential tuition in Malta, and c) to verify that the applicant has sufficient communicative competence in English to undertake the Award with profit and communicate in the Maltese social context.
NOTE: If the EIMS Admissions Board as per the EIMS QA Policy deems that an applicant has satisfied a) and b) above but not c) , it shall reserve the right to request the applicant to undergo an additonal fundational communication course in English, prior to commencement of the Award or concurrently in the first semester. This course can be by an accredited English Language school and/or leading to a recognized EFL qualification.
*pls note that all clinical practice will be taking place at affiliated teaching hospitals. The clinical practice is guided by the Clinical practice policy
the programme is undergoing *accreditation from the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA):
the final programme will be made available soon.
The programme pedagogy will be a mix of interactive lectures with theoretical and practical components. Lectures are typlically 50 minutes long, starting with a presentation of the lesson summary and completed with lesson synthesis and a Q&A session.
Teaching Methods
The course employs a blend of interactive lectures, practical sessions, and multimedia-supported instruction to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Teaching methods include:
- Interactive Lectures: These are typically 50 minutes long, starting with a summary and ending with a Q&A session to reinforce understanding.
- Problem-Based Learning: Discussions centered around real-world issues to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Multimedia Support: The use of multimedia tools to enhance the presentation of theoretical concepts.
- Practical Sessions: Practical components integrated with lectures, where students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Assessment Methods
Assessment in the course is designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
| General Assessment Methods
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The evaluation of each unit takes into account attendance, punctuality and attitude of the student in the classroom/during learning. Maximum marks of each unit are 100. Marks are allocated in one of two formats, as follows:
Assessment Format 1
For Units assessed in Format 1, 55 shall be considered the pass-mark, of which 50 marks needs to be come from the two multiple choice tests, each of 90 minutes. A high mark in attendance shall not compensate for joint mark of less than 50 in the two multiple choice tests. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are generally recognized as the most widely applicable and useful type of objective test items. They could be used to measure the most important educational outcomes – knowledge, understanding, judgment and problem solving, and are widely used in the assessment of medical courses. Typical types of MCQs for medical assessment are ‘single best option’, ‘extended matching item’ and ‘pattern recognition’. These will all be used in the AF 1 formal of the assessment of this course. In its QA function, the EIMS Academic Board shall request evidence from each course assessor that the range and level of difficulty of the MCQs being submitted are fit for purpose and in line with international dental course assessment requirements and practices.
Assessment Format 2
With respect to the marking of the practical test in Format 2, the grading shall be as per table below. A Grade of A to D is required for a Pass, whilst E shall be considered a Fail. For Units assessed in Format 2, 55 shall be considered the pass-mark; however a high mark in attendance shall not compensate for a Grade E in the practical test.
Research Projects: Are assessed with a written piece and viva-voce. All assessments, including for resits as per below, shall be approved by the EIMS Academic Board, as per the EIMS QA Policy. At the end of each semester there will be a Test Week in which the tests for the units in that semester shall be administered under strict examination conditions. Referring to the two scenarios mentioned in General Pedagogical Guidelines, in both scenarios the assessment will take place in Malta. However with Scenario B there is flexibilty to move the timing of the Test Weeks or individual tests to best suit student needs according to public health guidelines. The EIMS Academic Board shall certify that studeents have successfully completed theprogramme once they have passed (i.e. got a minimum of 55%) in all modules.
The EIMS resit policy for this programme is as follows: · Students who have failed units in the first semester shall have the opportunity of a resit in the examination week of the second semester. · Students who have failed units in the second semester of the first year shall have the opportunity of a resit in the examination week of the first semester of the second year. · Students who have failed units in the second semester of the second year shall have the opportunity of a resit up to three months after the examination week of the second semester of the second year. · All resits shall follow the same parameters as regular assessments. They shall be at an additional cost that shall be communicated to students at the beginning of the programme. |
Application form —
Matriculation € 250
Annual fees € 5750 in 10 installments
Final certificate fee € 250
Should you wish to express your interest to register for this educational programme you are kindly requested to contact us on info@eims.edu.mt. A student agreement inclusive of payment of registration and tuition fees should only be signed upon approval of accreditation of this educational programme, by the MFHEA.
*Accreditation is a form of certification in which the MFHEA will verify that an academic or vocational programme meets the minimum academic vocational standards. Accreditation ensures that the qualification a student works so hard to obtain meets quality standards, and that it will be recognized as such by other educational institutions and employers. The decisive stage of accreditation is the mapping of the programme to the Malta Qualifications Framework (EQF) – further information on the MFHEA and the MQF/EQF may be obtained from www.mfhea.mt.
