Employability Skills Development

This assignment delves into the crucial role of employability skills development within higher education institutions. It examines various training methods employed to enhance these skills, discusses evaluation strategies for assessing their effectiveness, and analyzes the overall impact on student success in the job market.

Prospects in establishing a viable dental
laboratory in the London borough of
Barking and Dagenham
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Background......................................................................................................................................3
Literature review..............................................................................................................................4
Research methodology.....................................................................................................................5
Implementation Plan........................................................................................................................6
TASK 2: FIELD RESEARCH..............................................................................................................7
TASK 3: REPORT AND PRESENTATION........................................................................................8
Recommendations and Conclusion................................................................................................11
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................12
APPENDIX........................................................................................................................................14
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TASK 1
Aim:
The major aim of present investigation is to examine prospects in establishing a viable dental
laboratory in the London
Objectives:
 To identify a feasibility of establishing dental laboratories in the London.
 To determine the demand of dental services in borough of Barking and Dagenham
 To analyse key challenges faced by dental laboratory businesses in London.
 To recommend effective ways through which dental laboratories businesses can operate
effectively in market of the London.
Introduction
Current study is proposed in order to attain idea regarding the prospects in establishing a viable
dental laboratory in the London. For this concern, borough of Barking and Dagenham in the London is
taken into consideration. Dental services are one of the critical aspects in the current era as number of
citizens are attracted towards diverse dental therefore, dentists require effective collaboration with
dental laboratories to provide better care (Appleby, 2011). However, it can be said that dental labs
provide direct services to dentists which are indirectly transferred to patients by dentists. Borough of
Barking and Dagenham is destination located in East London which is also considered as an outer
London and connected with the Thames Gateway. Dental laboratories are refereed as the organisation
that provides variety of customized products in order to render support to oral health care and dentists.
(Steel, 2012). The research herewith is going to prospect in establishing a viable dental laboratory in
the London borough of Barking and Dagenham Dental Laboratory which is aiming at providing
dentists with restorations of superior quality and value. With an assistance of present investigation,
precise idea regarding concern subject can be attained in an appropriate manner. It will also facilitate in
effective accomplishment of research questions.
Background
With the changes in time period, needs of customers in context to dental care have been
changed in a diverse manner. It is significant for dental laboratories to understand the key trends of
sector in most suitable manner so that better services can be provided to the customers. Oral health care
services are considered as one of critical aspects on health and social care sector (Ozkirimli, 2013).
Further, studies have identified that the impact of dental services on community which has provided
great assistance to learning in context of health and social care. Participation and contribution of dental
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laboratory services in development of health care sector are high. Dental laboratories work in a
participation with dentist and other Dental Care Services providers so that they provide patients with
effective services. Collaborative working between dentists and dental laboratory leads to boost
profitability of the health care sector of UK (Hope, 2012). From an investigation into the area, it has
been seen that there are number of dental care homes who are successfully providing dental service to
patients to the people of borough of Barking and Dagenham, however they need further assistance
from dental laboratories and relative services/ product so that they can provide service to patients.
Moreover, past studies have provided the information about customer perception, market trends
and technological factors in context to dental services affects a lot to the demand of dental labs. These
studies have less explored the prospects in establishing a viable dental laboratory which can be said as
a gap to present investigation. Current research will also help in gaining idea about the factors that
actually affect the establishment of a viable dental laboratory. With an assistance of this research,
proper examination of the demand of dental laboratory and respective products and services in borough
of Barking and Dagenham is expected. It will also facilitate in identifying effective ways through
which dental laboratories businesses can operate effectively in the market of London.
Research questions
 How feasible is the market of dental laboratories in London?
 How is the demand of dental services has changed in modern era?
 What are the key challenges that dental laboratories businesses are facing in borough of
Barking and Dagenham?
 What are the ways through which dental laboratories businesses can operate effectively in
market of the London?
Literature review
This section considers theoretical and conceptual interpretation of the concern subject so that
basic idea about the same can be attained in an appropriate manner. With an assistance of this,
proposed research objectives can be accomplished in the most suitable manner. In this, number of
sources will be accessed by researcher to attain information regarding dental services within London.
Factors influencing dental services
As per the view of Reeson (2013), it can be said that there are number of factors that can
influence the operational activities of oral health care sector. Classification of factors can be as
customer's needs, ratio of oral diseases, changes in health care sector and use of technological tools
(Reeson, 2013). Hargens (2012) has stated that the now a days customer's are more attracted towards
quick health care services at very low in order to accomplish their key needs. Changes in customer's
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expectations forces dental laboratories to develop treatment procedures as per customer's needs
(Hargens, 2012). Drago (2014) has also asserted that the junk food consumption has also increased
which is increasing the ratio of oral diseases. It forces organisations to structure treatment activities in
such manner that issues can be overcome in effective manner. In the support of this, it can be said that
if ratio of oral diseases increases that means the work culture of dental laboratories will also get
influenced in diverse manner (Drago, 2014). Moreover, Duailibi (2015) has said that the health and
social care sector is more focused towards use of various technological tools. It changes rapidly as per
the demand of market so it is necessary for dental laboratories to invest on technological tools that can
overcome diverse issues in most effective manner.
Trends in oral health care sector
According to Duailibi (2015), it can be said that the opportunities for oral health care sector is
increasing in modern era. It has been spotted that the UK covers high ratio of old age people who are
suffering diverse oral health issues. This clearly indicates that the opportunities for dental laboratories
in UK are optimistic and it can lead sector to impressive level of success (Duailibi, 2015). Specialist
also expecting that by the year 2030 the elderly age people ratio will get boosted by 19 percent. Ismail
(2012) has also critically said that the children's are now a days more attracted towards junk and fast
food which increases the dental issues among them. It also creates an better opportunity for dental
laboratories within London.
In the support of this, it can also be said that the customer's of UK are now expecting paediatric
dental benefits with an consideration of affordable care act. It means it is also necessary for dental
laboratories in London to ensure that they are providing good quality services to customer's at
economic prices (Ismail, 2012). Azarpazhooh (2012) has contended that the technological equipments
are also playing an key role in development of health and social care sector. It has been spotted that the
dental laboratories are investing more on technological tools that can boost the effectiveness of dental
treatment process (Azarpazhooh, 2012). Classification of technological tools can be as Velscope,
Digital e-rays, Invidalign, Laser dentistry, Dental implants, Healozone, Diagnident, etc.
Customers behaviour towards dental services
As per the view of Azarpazhooh (2012), it can be said that the consumers are now more
attracted towards dental services as it helps them in reducing the ratio of oral diseases. It has been
spotted that it is necessary for organisations to have proper interaction with its customer's. In the
support of this, it can be stated that the changes in pricing and provision on the utilization as well as
evaluation of dental services impacts the consumers behaviour in diverse manner (Azarpazhooh, 2012).
Reeson (2013) has also critically concluded that the consumers are now a becoming more attracted to
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purchase of health care services which provides better value to their spending (Reeson, 2013).
Research methodology
In order to conduct research, it is significant for researcher to set out the investigation path with
an assistance of diverse tools and techniques. With an improved focus on research tools and
techniques, researcher can accomplish desired goals in an appropriate manner. By considering this,
present research will employ descriptive research design. It will provide great support to the researcher
while identifying the feasibility of dental laboratories in the London (Singh, 2010). Key challenges that
impact the operational activities of oral health care sector can also be determined in an appropriate
manner. It will also allow researcher to concentrate on diverse factors that can influence the dental
services. It is also beneficial to have specific identification that can provide optimistic outcome from
the research (Creswell, 2013).
Inductive research approach will be taken into account as it will assist in effective
accomplishment of objectives for the present investigation. It will also facilitate in effective collection
of data with considering small range of results and factors. In support of this, it can also be said that
interpretivism research philosophy will be adopted by researcher to attain detailed information in
respect to factors that are related to the working of dental laboratories (Bak, 2011). Current demand of
dental laboratory services within London can easily analyse with the use of interpretivism research
philosophy. Moreover, researcher will also adopt qualitative research in order to accomplish research
objectives. With an assistance of qualitative research, in-depth aspects of oral health care sector can be
easily examined (Johnson, 2010). It will also assist in attaining information regarding feasibility of
dental laboratories within London.
Other than this, in order to have effective data collection, researcher will focus on primary as
well as secondary sources. In support of this, it can be said that for effective accomplishment of
primary research, researcher will use questionnaire. It will provide the responses of various dentist and
dental care providers which are operating their business in borough of Barking and Dagenham
(Srivastave, 2011). Moreover, sources like books, journals, articles, etc will provide assistance to
secondary research. Researcher will consider sample size of 5 in order to attain better outcome of the
investigation.
In order to have effective evaluation of gathered data, researcher will focus on thematic
approach of data analysis. It will render great support in the interpretation of qualitative information by
considering diverse themes which will be designed as per the questionnaire (Smith, 2014). Other than
this, current research also has some limitations which may influence the effectiveness of overall
outcome. One of key limitations is lack of time for the investigation.
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Implementation Plan
Activity/Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Draft of research proposal
Analysis of literature
Drafting of final research objectives
Writing of literature review
Secondary data collection
Interpretation of secondary data
Establishment of research approach
Selection of research methodology
Formation of research questionnaire
Arrangement of survey
Implementation of survey activities
Information collection
Determining the outcome
Evaluation of the data
Concluding other chapters
Writing outcomes of chapter
Writing submission and awaiting feedback
Review of draft
Printing and binding
Resubmission
TASK 2: FIELD RESEARCH
Research Design: In order to attain better outcome the researcher has focused on descriptive
research design as it effective identification of prospects in establishing a viable dental laboratory in
the London (Singh, 2010). In the support of this, the research objectives can also be accomplished in
appropriate manner.
Research approach: Current research is more focused on inductive approach as it regulates the
framework which is beneficial to attain objectives in appropriate manner. Present investigation
outcomes can also be interpreted in suitable manner as subject covers small range of variables and
outcomes (Creswell, 2013).
Research Philosophy: Present report considers application of interpretivism as it assist in
detailed information gathering which relates with diverse factors affecting establishment of dental
laboratory and respective services. With an improved focus on this philosophy the investigator can
assess the prospects in establishing a viable dental laboratory (Bak, 2011).
Research type: Researcher has also considered a qualitative research technique for current
investigation as it provides valid and reliable outcomes (Johnson, 2010). Qualitative research is also
beneficial to have in-depth investigation into the prospects of diverse factors affecting establishment of
dental laboratory and respective demand in the marketplace. Various external aspects can also be
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examined with help of qualitative research technique.
Data collection and Sampling: In order to have effective data collection the researcher has
concentrated on both primary and secondary research. In respect to secondary research, number of
secondary sources has been taken into account to gather information such as books, journals, articles,
etc. (Srivastave, 2011) On the other side, in regard to primary study, the researcher has used
questionnaire to acquire responses from the dentists who are operating business in the London,
especially to the area. Questionnaire will facilitate in accomplishment of research objectives and
provide examination of prospects in establishing a viable dental laboratory. Moreover, researcher has
also focused on sample size of 50, hence, 50 dentists operating in London borough of Barking and
Dagenham and nearby location are chosen as respondents of research.
Data analysis: In order to have effective evaluation of gathered data the researcher has focused
on thematic approach of data analysis (Smith, 2014). It provides better assistance in analysis of
qualitative information by assigning diverse themes on the basis of questionnaire.
TASK 3: REPORT AND PRESENTATION
Theme 1: Age
Age Number of
Respondents
8
Below 18 18 to 30 30 to 45 45 and Above
0
5
10
15
20
25
5
20
10
15
Number of Respondents

Below 18 5
18 to 30 20
30 to 45 10
45 and Above 15
As per the above statics, it has been interpreted that the out of 50 respondents the 20 belongs to
age group of 18 to 30, it represents that most of the dentist in the region are in young age. 10
respondents belong to age group of 30 to 45. In the support of this, it can also be said that the dental
care professionals are mostly between 18 to 45. Professionals are also well skilled and it helps
businesses to accomplish goals in appropriate manner and there is a demand for dental labs due to high
technical
Theme 2: Gender
Gender Number of
Respondents
Male 38
Female 12
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According to above statics, it can be said that the most of the dental care professionals approx
38 are male and rest of 12 of them are female. It means the male professionals have better
opportunities in the dental health care sector.
Theme 3: Satisfaction with the services provided by existing dental laboratory
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Highly satisfied Moderately satisfied Dissatisfied
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
15
25
10
Number of Respondents

Satisfaction from existing
dental laboratory
Number of Respondents
Highly satisfied 15
Moderately satisfied 25
Dissatisfied 10
25 respondents among 50 are moderately satisfied with the services provided by existing dental
laboratory services. Most of the dentists have said that they are not fully satisfied with the dental
laboratory services provided by the existing labs in London however, this can be said as an opportunity
to operate in this region, while providing effective and competitive services to dentists at reasonable
prices.
Theme 4 Services that are expecting from a new Dental Laboratory
Services that are expecting from a
new Dental Laboratory
Number of Respondents
Crown and bridge 5
PFMs 4
11
Crown and bridge
PFMs
all-ceramics
removable full and partial dentures
dental implants
full-cast restorations
All of above
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
5 4 3
6 4 3
25
Number of Respondents

all-ceramics 3
removable full and partial dentures 6
dental implants 4
full-cast restorations 3
All of above 25
It has been identified in the research, that the most of dental laboratories in the borough of
Barking and Dagenham are providing wide range of services to the customer's. Classification of key
services are given in the above section. It was witnessed that most of the respondents wants to have all
the services that are provided by dentist lab, however, they must be effective in providing them.
Theme 5: Products from dental laboratories
Products from dental laboratories Number of Respondents
Mouthguards 20
Bleach trays 12
Oral devices to treat snoring and sleep
apnea.
10
Other 8
12
20
12
10
8
Mouthguards
Bleach trays
Oral devices to treat snoring
and sleep apnea.
Other

As per the responses from dentists it can be said that three major kinds of product are higher in
demand such as Mouthguards, Bleach trays and Oral devices to treat snoring and sleep apnea.
However, most of the dentists wants to have Mouthguards from dental labs, hence, demand of such
labs is high.
Theme 6: Focus on technological equipment's to provide better services
Technological equipment's to
provide better services
Number of Respondents
Yes 42
No 8
13
Yes
No
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
42
8
Number of Respondents

According to consideration of above statics, it can be said that the out of 50 respondents 42
have stated that they are focusing on technological equipment's to provide better services. Rest of 8
have critically stated that they are not in support of technological equipment's while providing services
to the dental patients. Hence, it can be said that there is a huge demand of technical equipments from
dental labs. It also indicates that technological factor plays a key role in success of dental laboratory
services and facilitate in meeting key needs of business.
Theme 7: Changes in pricing of dental laboratory services affects your demand of such services
Technological equipment's to
provide better services
Number of Respondents
Strongly agree 15
Agree 18
14
15
18
8
7
2
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

Neutral 8
Disagree 7
Strongly disagree 2
According to assessment of collected data, it can be said that the 33 of respondents are in
support of the statement “Changes in pricing of dental laboratory services affects your demand of such
services”. Rest of 9 perceive that the modifications in pricing of dental services does not impact
purchase decision of service users. Other than this, 8 respondents were neutral to the point, however.
The new laboratory can come with technical aspect among with competitive pricing.
Theme 8: Issues your business mostly faces in market
Issues faces in market Number of Respondents
15
0
2
4
6
8
10
12

Human resource 10
Client satisfaction 8
Technological aspects 12
Market demand 15
Other 5
As per the interpretation of above graphical statement, human resource and technological issues
and market demand are the critical aspects for the dental laboratories in the London and it may impact
the business of dental laboratory in the located. It has also been spotted that the Client Satisfaction is
also a key factor that affects business of dental labs.
Recommendations and Conclusion
From above study, it can be concluded that the dental laboratories play a key role in success of
health care sector and providing better assistance for dentists in providing effective services to dental
patients. From the investigation, it was found that in London borough of Barking and Dagenham there
are many dentists who are providing effective services to the clients as well as there is a huge demand
for Dental lab that can provide technical services and equipments to the dentists in reasonable prices.
Looking over the huge demand of dental laboratories in the borough of Barking and Dagenham, there
were found many opportunities for owners having plans of dental labs. In the support of this, it can be
said that the dental laboratories in the borough of Barking and Dagenham are on huge demand by
dentists. Major issues faced by dental laboratories are related to human resource, technological issues
and market demand that may impact the business of dental laboratory in the located.
Recommendations
 Dental labs shroud maintain proper communication which dentists which will allow businesses
to built healthy relationship with target market.
 New dental labs must focus on technological factors as these have key role in success of dental
laboratory
As per the above study, it can be recommended that further studies will also facilitate researcher
to attain better outcomes. In future researcher can carry out investigation to analyse the technological
developments within oral health care sector. Study on contribution of dental services in medical
tourism can also be advantageous for the researcher. Other than this, in order to overcome the issues it
is essential for management of dental laboratories to set out various standards that can boost
operational opportunities. Moreover, the effective recruitment system and proper allocation of
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resources is also one of critical aspect that helps in overcome issues.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Appleby, J., 2011. Improving health and health care In london.
Azarpazhooh, A.., 2012. The application of ozone in dentistry: a systematic review of literature.
Journal of dentistry. 36(2). pp.104-116.
Bak, O., 2011. The Role of Qualitative Research in a Mixed Methods Study - Assessing the e-Business
Enabled Transformation in a Strategic Business Unit. Qualitative Research Journal. 11(2). pp.76
– 84.
Chui, W., 2007. Research Methods for Law. Edinburgh University Press.
Creswell, J. W., 2013. Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th ed. SAGE
Publications, Inc.
Drago, C., 2014. Volumetric determination of the amount of misfit in CAD/CAM and cast implant
frameworks: a multicenter laboratory study. International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial
Implants. 25(5).
Duailibi, S.E., 2015. Bioengineered dental tissues grown in the rat jaw. Journal of dental research.
87(8). pp.745-750.
Hargens, A.R. ed., 2012. Tissue nutrition and viability. Springer Science & Business Media.
Hobkirk, J.A., 2014. Ceramics in implant dentistry (Working Group 1).Clinical oral implants research.
20(s4). pp.55-57.
Hope, C. K., 2012. Biofilm structure and cell vitality in a laboratory model of subgingival plaque.
Journal of microbiological methods. 66(3). pp.390-398.
Ismail, S., 2012. Efficacy of a novel light-activated antimicrobial coating for disinfecting hospital
surfaces. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. 32(11). pp.1130-1132.
Johnson, B., 2010. Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches. UK:
SAGE.
Ozkirimli, U., 2013. Dental impressions using 3D digital scanners: virtual becomes reality. Compend
Contin Educ Dent. 29(8). pp.494-505.
Reeson, M.G., 2013. Professional development for dental technicians; a pilot study.British dental
journal. 202(11). pp.685-689.
Singh, K., 2010. Research Methodology. APH Publishing.
Smith, E., 2014. Using Secondary Data in Educational and Social Research. McGraw-Hill
International.
Srivastave, T. N., 2011. Business Research Methodology. Tata McGraw-Hill Education.
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Steel, S., 2012. A study of Tuberculosis in an urban community with particular reference to dental
services. Doctoral dissertation, UCL (University College London).
Online
Quantitative,Qualitative, and Mixed Research. 2015. [pdf]. Available through:
<http://www.uk.sagepub.com/upm-data/38123_Chapter2.pdf >. [Accessed on 6 February, 2016].
Sampling Designs. 2013. [pdf]. Available through:
<http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/~jraymo/links/soc357/class8_F09.pdf >. [Accessed on 6 February,
2016].
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APPENDIX
1. Age
 Below 18
 18 to 30
 30 to 45
 45 and Above
2. Gender
 Male
 Female
3. Are you satisfied with the services provided by existing dental laboratory?
 Highly satisfied
 Moderately satisfied
 Dissatisfied
4. What kind of services are you looking from a new Dental Laboratory ?
 Crown and bridge
 PFMs
 all-ceramics
 removable full and partial dentures
 dental implants
 full-cast restorations
 All of above
5.What kind of products you want from dental laboratories ?
 Mouthguards
 Bleach trays
 Oral devices to treat snoring and sleep apnea.
 Other
6. Do you focus on technological equipments to provide better services to your dental patients ?
 Yes
 No
7. Do you think, changes in pricing of dental laboratory services affects your demand of such
20

services?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
8. What kind of issues your business mostly faces in market
 Human resource
 Client satisfaction
 Technological aspects
 Market demand
 Other
9. What recommendation you will provide to a new dental laboratory if its is planning for
establishing operation is London borough of Barking and Dagenham
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