Help

Help on using this website is provided where necessary. There are instructions on pages such as the application form, which will help you to use the site.

If you have any specific questions about using website or about our service then please check the list of frequently asked questions below. If they don't answer your question then please don't hesitate to contact us.

FAQ  (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here is a list of answers to some of the common questions we get asked:

Q. How do I apply for a course online?

For new students, select a category using the courses menu on the top left-hand side. You will see a list of courses relevant to that cateogry. Click the 'Apply' link next to the course you want to apply for and fill in and submit the online form. Additional help is given on the form if you have trouble filling it in.

For existing students, please log into your account by using the Login Form. Then click on 'Your Courses' and scroll to the bottom of the page. If you applied by post or you do not have a Student ID and password yet then please contact us.

Q. How do I login?

Go to the Student Login page and enter your Student ID and password, which are sent to you by email once your applicatiopn has been accepted. Your Student ID is a 5-digit number. You can change your password once you've logged in, to something more memorable if you wish. If you applied by post or you do not have a Student ID and password yet then please contact us.

Q. I cannot login. What am I doing wrong?

First of all, ensure you have the correct login details. You will receive these by email once your application has been accepted. If you have forgotten your login details then you can get a reminder emailed to you by clicking on the Forgotten Login link.

Secondly, ensure that your Internet browser has cookies enabled in your browser settings. If you need help changing your settings then please contact your Internet Service Provider or technical support person for assistance.

Q. When can I start my course?

Open Learning: If you decide to enrol upon a open (or home) learning course you are able to start this course at anytime. As soon as we have received your application form along with your deposit, your first unit will be sent to you, you will then need to activate your course.

Workshops: If you decide to attend workshops you will have to start the course at a set date. These dates are usually in January & September, however if we get demand for courses we will arrange for additional courses to begin around April. One-Day workshops and Higher Professional Diplomas are an exception to this; please see the course timetable for these dates.

Q. How do I download course materials and resources from the website?

If a course material or resource is available for downloading you will see a 'Download File' link next to. Different computers behave in different ways when downloading files depending on the software you are using, but there are generally 2 methods you can use:

• Click on the 'Download File' link. If you see a box pop-up click 'Save' and save the file to your 'My Documents' folder or similar by following the on screen prompts. Sometimes the file will attempt to open up straight away without prompting to save. In that case try the next step.


• Right-click on the 'Download File' link (use the right hand mouse button, or left hand one if you are using a left handed mouse.) Select the option 'Save Target As' or 'Save Link Target As' from the menu and save the file to your 'My Documents' folder or similar.

Click here for step-by-step instructions

Q. How do I view course materials and resources from the website?

We recommend you download all files to your computer (see above) and view them from there rather than opening them up via the website each time. Files will open much more quickly from your computer and you will have a copy available to you at all times should you not be able to access the website.

Most of our course materials are provided as PDFs (Portable Document Format) or PowerPoint presentations. You will probably already have the software to view these type of files installed on your computer, so you will be able to open up the files straight away. However don't worry if you don't; the software required to view them is available for free and you can download it from the Internet.

Click here to download the required software

Q. Why do I have to use a password to view course materials and resources?

Firstly, this allows us to ensure students do their course units in the correct order, which is better for them. Secondly it protects our course materials from unscrupulous competitors, who would just love to get their hands on them.

Q. If I do the open learning course will I have to attend any workshops?

No, the open learning courses are sent to your home, and there is no need to attend any workshops. However if you feel that you would benefit from the workshops for a particular unit we are able to arrange this for a small fee.

Q. What time do the workshops start?

Workshops start at 10am and usually finish around 4:30-5pm.

Q. How can I contact my tutor?

When you enrol upon a course, you will be assigned a tutor, who will give you their contact details. Each tutor can be contacted via telephone, email, post and fax. You can also get their contact details from the website.

Q. Where are the courses held?

There are two ways in which the courses are delivered you can either attend workshops which are held in Birmingham & London, or you can do the courses in open learning format, where you will be sent the course materials to study in your own time, you will be assigned a tutor who will support you through your course.

Q. What if I am unable to attend a workshop?

We are able to arrange for workshop students to study a particular day at home or to attend the workshop in the next set of classes if they are unable to attend a workshop date, however we need to have 14 days notice before the original course date. If we do not receive the notice then there will be a cancellation fee charged.

Q. How can I pay for my course?

We offer students the following methods of payment (All payment methods are interest free)

1. Full Course Fee, this can be paid at the beginning of the course
2. Half the course Fee at the beginning at the course, the remaining half after 6 months
3. Payments spread over 6 or 12 months (depending on course). These payments are interest free.
4. An invoice can be sent before each workshop.

Q. Is the deposit taken from the course fee, or is it additional?

The deposit is taken from the course fee, therefore you can reduce the course fee by £95 once the deposit has been paid.

Q. Are workshops and open learning courses the same fee?

Yes, each course is a set price. The Workshop students get the benefit of working in a group, and there will be venue costs to cover, whilst the home-learning students will receive additional course material, and will need additional tutor support.

Q. Is paying online secure?

Yes, we use the latest 128-bit encryption technology provided by WorldPay (part of the Royal Bank of Scotland) to ensure that your card details cannot be stolen. However if you are still worried you can post a cheque.

Q. How long will each course take to complete?

Each course has a set amount of time to be completed with, this is due to the BTEC registration, however in exceptional circumstances these can be extended, however time management is a large aspect of the courses.

• The BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma in Dental Practice Management is a TWO-year course
• The BTEC Professional Diploma in Dental Practice Management is a ONE-year course
• The BTEC Advanced Award in Dental Reception is a SIX-month course
• The BTEC Advanced Award in Dental Patient Education is a SIX-month course
• The ONE Day Workshops are 10am-4:30pm, one day courses.

Q. Are the courses CPD verifiable?

All courses are CPD Verifiable, ask your tutor for a CPD certificate and one will be sent to you.

Q. How can I get funding for course?

If your practice has an NHS commitment, contact your local PCT or Business Link, as previous students have successfully achieved funding, particularly if the practice is working toward the Investors in People award.

Q. Is there an exam at the end of the course?

No, all our courses do not require an exam at the end of the course; you will be marked on the course work that you complete throughout the course. You will be given marks from Pass to Distinction and your average mark will be the level that your qualification is awarded at.

Q. It has been a long time since I last did any formal studying, what do you recommend I do?

We would recommend that you take our short foundation courses first. These courses can be completed within a month and they will allow you to get back into education. You will be assigned a tutor who will help you through the course and give you useful tips on how to write essays. Once you have completed these courses you will receive a certificate and a discount from the next level of the course.

Q. Do I need to be a Practice Manager in order to enrol upon the Practice Manager courses?

No, the courses were developed for people with a good understanding of dental services to enable them to develop management skills. Whether you already in a management post or not, your tutor will be able to tailor the course to your learning needs.

Q. I have problems reading small print, will affect my learning?

No, we are able to provide you will large print workbooks; we also supply all open learning students with an audio CD. Workshop students can have these CD's made available to them. For more information please contact us, as we are keen to enhance your learning experience.

If you are using the website then most Internet browsing software, and software used to view course materials, allows you to 'zoom in' on the text. Please contact us if you need more help.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 0121 241 6693 or email admin@dental-resource.com