Upgrades to its Melbourne city campus-based dental lab has sharpened RMIT’s approach to dental education to better prepare students for the future of digital dentistry.
The refurbishment – thanks to more than $100,000 in funding from the Victorian Government – includes the installation of a new wet mill machine that will pioneer the creation of cutting-edge dental prosthetics.
The funding also supports infrastructure for ongoing maintenance of the new equipment, as well as facilities preparation for installation and staff training, and will enable the delivery of the Diploma of Dental Technology and Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics.
The new machine sits alongside the RMIT’s existing digital dentistry equipment and gives students the chance to use the latest technology to deliver dental treatment with the help of computer-aided tools. Access to the new technology will help boost the skills of RMIT dental students and equip them to work in modern dental laboratories and clinics, says Program Manager, Dental, Myotherapy and Massage, Laura Yeomans.
“This equipment provides our students access to the latest digital tools in dentistry and allows them to get hands-on experience that will future-proof them for the workforce,” Yeomans says.
“They begin using the conventional analogue tools, before we integrate more digital tools and software. This allows them to thrive in the workforce.”
The wet mill machine offers multiple advantages in in digital dentistry, including:
- Enhanced accuracy and precision to ensure optimal function and fits for dental prosthetics
- Greater material compatibility, including ceramics and glass-ceramics, commonly used in high-quality dental restorations
- Improved surface finish for a smoother surface on milled restorations
- Cooling and lubricating effects that extend the lifespan of the milling tools, leading to more efficient, cost-effective operation
- Real-world application experience for students to prepare them for professional practice.
Supporting disadvantaged communities
RMIT plans to incorporate the new equipment and focus on dental technology and prosthetics into its long-standing partnership with Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV). The partnership helps build a workforce of dental assistants and technicians, while also serving the needs of vulnerable dental clinic clients.
Since the Royal Dental Hospital began operations in Melbourne’s Carlton in the early 2000s, RMIT and the University of Melbourne have been instrumental in designing technical spaces and have occupied dedicated areas within the building.
Mish Eastman is RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Vocational Education and Vice President and says the important collaboration offers dental students a wide range of experiences.
“Partnering with DHSV expands our students’ repertoire to give them a breadth of experience, beyond what they can learn with a local dentist,” Eastman says.
“RMIT’s College of Vocational Education is constantly exploring new ways for our students to have industry-linked and ‘real world’ learning opportunities.
“Translating knowledge and skills to real industry practice, makes sure our students graduate ready for the workforce.”
