Blood, sweat and teeth – a comparative analysis of the student experience in dental and legal clinics at two UK-based universities

This paper reports on a collaboration between the Law School at Northumbria University and the Dental School at the University of Newcastle. Faculty members from the respective institutions made reciprocal visits to each others’ clinics to observe students in-role and to discuss the teaching, learning and assessment methodologies adopted. The oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic at the dental school provides a free drop-in service for patients with acute dental problems which often require tooth extraction. Under the supervision of experienced practitioners, third year dental students perform a medical assessment, administer anaesthetic, extract teeth or provide other treatment and give follow up advice. The contrast with the law clinic is at first glance extensive and the authors will seek to identify the key distinctions between the aims of the two clinics and explain the impact of the differing needs of patients and clients. They will also address areas of similarity and common challenges so that delegates have the opportunity to consider universal components of professionalism and reflect on the achievement of these in their own clinical projects.