Partner:
Peninsula Dental School
Project:
Inner Strength Workshop
A workshop delivered to 1st year Dental and Dental Hygiene Therapy students to encourage them to explore their inner strength and the different ways they can further develop and improve this key skill and attribute.
Our Inner Strength workshop encourages 1st Year Dental and Dental Hygiene Therapy students to consider and explore their innate resilient qualities. The workshop is delivered as part of the induction process and supports students during this pivotal time as they transition into life at university.
The session is lively, engaging and fun. Students work in small groups to discuss and share thoughts and ideas, we use an interactive feedback platform called Mentimeter, which enables students to engage throughout the session. We also invite a guest speaker to take part and share their personal experiences which have helped them to develop as a dental health care professional.
Developed over the past 4 years, this enjoyable session brings together a variety of activities and tasks which is supported by a range of resources and aids available to students via the Digital Learning Platform.
This year the suite of resources has been further enhanced to include a card game called, ‘Brilliant Resilience’. We designed and created this resource using the feedback from previous workshops as well as our creativity, knowledge and expertise. The card deck is comprised of 4 sections: Lets Talk, Connectivity, Think Again and Quotes; students are encouraged to use the cards as opportunities to reflect and discuss previous experiences and understanding. This has proved to be a powerful aid, one which the students enjoyed using and is something we will continue to develop.
In May 2024, we were invited to present at an Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) ‘Community of Practice' Wellbeing and Resilience webinar. This was an opportunity to join colleagues and students from many different dental schools, from the UK and Hong Kong and Greece, to showcase the workshop and share our good practice and ambitions for the future.
We are also thrilled that an article was accepted as a special feature in the British Dental Journal in September 2024; click here to read the article.
We would like to thank Vehid Salih for his commitment, help and advice for this and all Well Connected projects and initiatives!
We are looking forward to continuing the development of the Inner Strength workshop and would be pleased to share more information with you.
Take a look at the video below which shows the highlights of this engaging workshop!
“Working with Well Connected to deliver this workshop is great, their understanding and knowledge ensures we create meaningful learning opportunities.
This workshop truly helps students as they begin to balance student life and personal wellbeing especially during the early days and weeks of their busy and intense healthcare course.
Thank you for your hard work and commitment.”
Dr Vehid Salih, Year 1 Programme Lead
“The workshop was really informative and eye opening. I really liked using Mentimeter.”
“Great session, loved the card game! It lead to interesting conversations and helped me to get to know others.”
“Hearing from the guest speaker was brilliant; I feel inspired.”
Dental Students, University of Plymouth
“I loved that it was so interactive; it made the workshop really enjoyable.”
Dental Hygiene Therapy Student, University of Plymouth