Manchester dentist receives prestigious teaching award

A University of Manchester Dentistry lecturer is one of 50 lecturers and learning support staff to have been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship.

Professor Nick Grey, in the School of Dentistry, was chosen from nearly 200 nominations submitted by higher education institutions across England and Northern Ireland, and will receive an award of £10,000. The award may be used for Fellows’ professional development in teaching and learning or aspects of pedagogy.

Nick has a major role in developing all aspects of the teaching and learning agenda and his main role within the School of Dentistry is in teaching. His current theme is to explore various models of the delivery of teaching and learning for student dentists to enhance their experience. In addition, he is developing innovative ways to engage the student body using a myriad of methods of communication.

Nick has been heavily involved in the development of the new curriculum in Manchester, with an emphasis on learning outcomes in the delivery of teaching and learning. He has encouraged a team approach to learning to broaden the student experience across all dental care professions, evidenced by a recent collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, which teaches students of Dental Technology.

Nationally, he is an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons and a member of their Advisory Board in Restorative Dentistry. He has lectured nationally and internationally and co-authored one textbook.

In 2007 Nick was awarded ‘Teacher of the Year’ for his efforts in enhancing the learning experience for students. During his time as Head of School he oversaw the building of a state-of-the-art, clinical-skills facility and the refurbishment of the main undergraduate clinical treatment clinic, which placed Manchester at the forefront of high-quality teaching resources.

In 2009, Nick was promoted to Professor of Dental Education and also Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences and his aim is to nurture a happy and productive environment for all staff and students.

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) aims to raise the profile of learning and teaching in higher education and recognises and celebrates individuals who make an outstanding impact on the student learning experience.

NTFS is part of an overall Academy programme to raise the status of learning and teaching in higher education. It is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland (DELNI).

Professor Sue Law, Director of Academic Practice at the Academy, said: “I am delighted to congratulate our new National Teaching Fellows: their commitment and dedication to supporting learning, teaching and working to maximise student potential is most impressive. Good teaching is the cornerstone of a positive student experience; we at the Academy work to support HE teachers in delivering a world-class service to their students.”

Professor Colin Stirling, Vice-President, Teaching and Learning, at Manchester, said: “Nick has contributed enormously to the strategic development of teaching, learning and the student experience in his school, and across the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences where his expertise in assessment, feedback, and student communication have been of immeasurable value to other schools.”