Sony designs cutting-edge audiovisual solution for Dundee dental education centre

Basingstoke, UK. 13 July 2006. The Postgraduate Education Centre at Dundee Dental Hospital and School will have a specially designed  audiovisual system supplied by Sony Professional Services.

The Centre is a tripartite venture by NHS Tayside, NHS Education for Scotland and the University of Dundee and will provide world-class dental training facilities.

"We wanted to establish a flagship centre for dentistry training in Scotland and, as such, it was important that we provide state-of-the-art facilities. However, we needed to combine the latest in multi- media technology with ease of use", said Penny Crowe, Postgraduate Education Centre Manager.

Consultants from Sony Professional Services assessed key requirements before designing a solution tailored to the needs of the Centre. Sony Professional Services also oversaw the installation of state-of-the-art AV-IT systems into a lecture theatre and two seminar rooms. Equipment included projectors, built-in ceiling speakers, induction loops for the hard of hearing, a visualiser (showing a magnified image of items placed on it), and videoconferencing facilities.

A unique feature of the installation is a link to the Centre's Clinical Skills Laboratory, transmitting live demonstrations on model dummy heads direct to the lecture theatre.

"The link to the Clinical Skills Laboratory means that demonstrations can be viewed by a wider audience", said Crowe. "Ultimately we will be able to offer an improved training experience to more people."

All equipment is controlled centrally using a console that is discreetly built in to the lectern in each room. Although training has been provided to Centre staff, the touchscreen monitor is easy to use and intuitive so non-technical users will feel comfortable operating the controls without needing assistance.

"The technology supports the teaching experience rather than distracting from it," confirmed Crowe. "The equipment can be operated simply and without fuss, meaning there is minimal disruption to lectures."

Remote learning

Videoconferencing technology enables students and delegates to view and take part in lectures remotely, meaning that courses can be made available to people across the UK and overseas.

In the same way, a lecturer no longer needs to be present in the theatre. "This will give the Centre access to international expertise and opens up a range of exciting possibilities for global collaboration on research projects," explained Crowe.

Centre of excellence

As well as providing training for postgraduates and vocational courses for dental professionals, the Centre will host specialist events such as a series of planned master classes that will focus on hot topics in the dentistry world. It will also offer a prestigious conference venue for the wider business community of Dundee.

"We hope that the new Centre will further enhance the excellent reputation of Dundee Dental Hospital as one of the leading dental schools in the country," said Crowe. "Supported by cutting-edge facilities, we're looking to expand our portfolio of courses, providing world-class education to the whole dental team."

"Dundee Dental Hospital is typical of future-looking organisations in the health sector that are keen to harness technology to improve their operations and services", said John Bailey, Strategic Account Manager, Sony Healthcare Solutions.

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