Online expert joins Dental Institute

Professor Frank Rennie, of the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands, has been made a Visiting Professor at the Dental Institute.

Professor Rennie, an expert on the use of online education, is helping to develop an international virtual dental school (IVIDENT). The Dental Institute is leading the £2.3 million UK Government project to help students who are studying dentistry.

Professor Pat Reynolds, Deputy Director of Education for Flexible Learning at the Dental Institute, who leads IVIDENT, said ‘We are delighted that Professor Rennie will bring his wide range of e-learning skills and experience to the IVIDENT (International Virtual Dental School) project which will become UDENTE (Universal Dental E-learning) at launch in May 2010.

'Professor Rennie’s expertise in creating and researching global learning opportunities, especially in remote areas, resonates with key aims of the IVIDENT project. His advice will further enable us to develop, research and provide innovative dental healthcare education to a global audience through flexible learning. He joins international leaders from dental, publishing and business worlds on the International Advisory Board of IVIDENT.’

Dr Isobel Madden, head of the Inverness-based University of the Highlands and Islands School of Oral Health Science, is also working on the IVIDENT project.

Posted on 27 January 2010