Dr Sheila Oliver

National Teaching Fellow 2012 Dr Sheila Oliver's career has progressed from specialist practise in Oral Surgery and Special Care dentistry to the provision of internationally esteemed dental education. She supports students beginning their dental course through to graduation and into postgraduate life. She inducts students to the course, emphasising holistic care using a range of pedagogy including clinical simulation. Sheila has a special interest in assessment and feedback, recognised by the School by appointing her Director of Assessment. Her research area is exploring staff assessment strategies, and an international longitudinal study of dental students learning characteristics that will have significant impact on student experiences into the future. As a founder member of the Dental Education Unit within Cardiff, Sheila has developed teaching modules to facilitate the development of vocational trainers across the principality, and leads on staff development within the School. She is active in raising the profile of educational excellence both nationally and internationally. Within her clinical specialities she has contributed to development of national guidelines and been invited to lead staff development by universities in Paris, Barcelona and Riga. Sheila also leads a special interest group for the Association of Dental Education in Europe (ADEE). Sheila was awarded the ADEEs Mature Educator Excellence in Dental Education Certificate in 2011 which acknowledged her longstanding pedagogical leadership, innovation and international esteem by her peers. Her commitment to students has also not gone unnoticed, having been runner-up at the Dental Teacher of the Year Award which requires nomination and support from undergraduates. The Student President said: "She creates an atmosphere that has let me to focus on dentistry without any undue pressure, but provides a level of support that gives me confidence." Sheila's commitment to lifelong learning is evident with recent qualification as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh). The Cardiff representative for the European Dental Student Association said: "Mrs Oliver is extremely approachable, friendly and understanding of any problems with students work or personal lives. Having attended ADEE conferences together, I was able to witness her admirable support and commitment to education. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated educator."