LiftUpp: an iPad-based assessment and student development tool in dental teaching clinics

Students who graduate from the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme at Queen’s are qualified to work as dentists following registration with the UK General Dental Council (GDC). The GDC’s regulatory processes require that graduates have met specific learning outcomes for registration.1 The BDS degree is a complex and intensive teaching programme, and dental students uniquely provide direct clinical operative care for patients during the majority of their degree programme. Dental students must complete a wide range of clinical procedures to gain sufficient experience and skill to be able to practise safely and independently after graduation. They must also develop and demonstrate high levels of clinical knowledge, communication skills and professionalism. This clearly requires a robust assessment and feedback model beyond the restrictions of traditional written and practical examinations.