MSc Dento-Alveolar Surgery and Implantology

Course in Brief  

The MSc in Dento-Alveolar Surgery and Implantology is designed to meet the growing demand for dentists skilled in minor oral surgery, providing a pathway to deliver dental care with predictable outcomes. This innovative program integrates key components of implantology, creating a comprehensive framework that addresses the essential skills required in this critical area of dentistry.

A central focus of the curriculum is on tissue regeneration and augmentation, which are pivotal in ensuring the success of various dental procedures. The rapid advancement in 3D imaging technologies has revolutionized the way dental professionals diagnose and plan treatments. By incorporating such cutting-edge tools into the learning experience, the program equips students with the necessary competencies to evaluate and implement effective treatment strategies for a broad range of oral diseases.

Moreover, the emphasis on aetiology and diagnosis fosters a deep understanding of the underlying conditions affecting oral health. This knowledge is essential for practitioners aiming to provide comprehensive dental care, as it enables them to accurately identify and address the root causes of patients' issues beyond mere symptomatic treatment. 

The program bridges theoretical knowledge and practical experience through clinical training with actual patients. This hands-on approach not only consolidates the dentist's existing expertise but also enhances their confidence and proficiency in performing complex procedures. Graduates will have developed a robust skillset, allowing them to navigate the challenges of modern dental practices successfully.

Course Overview  

The MSc Dento-Alveolar Surgery and Implantology program is designed to enhance surgical capabilities by providing advanced skills in minor oral surgery.  This programme develops the competencies necessary to confidently handle a variety of dento-alveolar surgical procedures. The program is ideal for those looking to expand their surgical repertoire and incorporate more complex procedures into their practice. 

The curriculum goes beyond the basics of surgical sciences; it encompasses advanced techniques and procedures that are crucial for successful implant placement and site enhancement. Among these techniques are advanced bone augmentation procedures, which are essential in cases where there has been significant bone loss. Understanding how to perform these augmentations will enable graduates to create optimal conditions for successful implant placements, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

The programme has been carefully planned to ensure that modules provide a scaffolded approach to learning, with earlier modules underpinning later ones and the contents of one module complementing another taught in the academic year. For example, after having spent 90 hours in the 1st semester doing practical work in the dental manikins’ Dental Skills Laboratory, simulating the clinical environment, you will enter the clinical training environment and begin working with patients.

Apart from the well-established, in academia, written assessments (exams, reports, etc.), this Programme includes other more contemporary types of assessment that are also being used by other organisations, like the Royal College of Surgeons and the General Dental Council (GDC). The broad range of assessment types in the Programme aims at consolidating your learning. Some such assessments’ type examples include Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), professional discussions, etc.

Highlights          

• Consolidation of safe clinical practice principles in accordance with the Safe Practitioner Framework published by the GDC
• Comprehensive face-to-face teaching in the theory of clinical dentistry from a broad range of perspectives
• Clinical training placement supervised by recognised clinicians in the field. As interns, you will be treating actual patients at our purpose-built and outreach centres.
• Contemporary types of assessment, mirroring those utilised by the General Dental Council(GDC) for the ORE examinations and the Royal College of Surgeons, e.g. OSCEs·        
• Support in attaining MFDS
• Small group learning opportunities and access to the very latest digital and AI modalities
• Opportunities for personal and professional development in primary dental care
• Contribution to the research base of primary dental care, encouraging research among practitioners 
• Reflective practice through the self-appraisal of own levels of competency
• Gain a degree from the University of Greater Manchester, accredited by the British government, whose degrees are recognised internationally. 
  

Key Features

• Course materials are available online, allowing you to prepare work at home and make the most of the highly interactive in-class tuition.
• This course is based at the University of Greater Manchester’s campus in the North West of England.
• We offer opportunities for you to undertake advanced research into a variety of subjects. Whenever possible, we'll support you to focus on projects that are directly linked to your personal interests and career development needs.
• If the outcomes and standard of your major research project prove appropriate, we will support you in reformatting your project into an academic paper for submission to an academic journal, ready to seek publication.
• Opportunities for progression after completing this master's degree include PhD programmes.
• Preparation for MFDS examination Royal College of Surgeons
• By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North-West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline, and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.

Careers Summary  

An MSc from the University of Greater Manchester is recognised globally as a stamp of professional achievement, and such postgraduate qualifications are used worldwide by many countries as the benchmark standard for advanced practice at a specialist level. An MSc confirms the acquisition of advanced competencies fundamental for a dental career with either primary or secondary care. It is recognised by many licencing authorities as conferring eligibility for specialism.

What you can do with your qualification  

On attaining this MSc, you can put the award after your name, an endorsement of your professionalism by a UK government university that is internationally recognised. Possession of a postgraduate qualification, such as the MSc, will play a role in demonstrating suitability for specialist training. The MSc programmes prepare and support students for the Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery MFDS examination offered by the Royal College of Surgeons. It demonstrates a deeper understanding of both the knowledge and application.

Alternative Careers  

An MSc is a prerequisite in many teaching institutions and an entry qualification to academia, opening up teaching and research opportunities. You can become a recognised expert and opinion leader at the forefront of your speciality. 

Teaching and Assessment  

Our team of academic and professional staff will use a variety of teaching and learning strategies to help you gain and develop appropriate concepts, knowledge, and skills. You can expect lectures, seminars, practical classes in the dental manikin and skills laboratory, training placement, workshops and tutorials.

It's important to realise that the time spent with a tutor (or clinical supervisor) during formally scheduled activities is only a small part of the learning time identified for a module. We will also expect you to spend significant time in guided independent study, such as general background reading, preparing for seminar activities, and working on assignments. We're committed to supporting you throughout your learning journey and achieving your goals. Over time, our guidance will purposefully become less structured and prescriptive. This will encourage you to develop confidence and independence in your studies and take responsibility for managing your own learning time as you increase in professional autonomy.

The assessment strategy for the programme is designed to help you achieve the overall aims of the curriculum as well as the learning outcomes for individual modules. As well as assessing your achievement, it helps to organise and develop your learning. Assessment feedback can help you build your skills and an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

The types of assessments you'll be required to complete fall into two general categories: formative and summative. Formative assessments help in learning and developing knowledge and skills . Summative assessments, on which grades are allocated, reflect the quality of the learning that has been achieved. Formative assessment will take place via tutorial discussion, clinical assessment during training placement, group workshops including peer and tutor review, and guidance on work in progress. Formative feedback will be provided face-to-face via discussion, online, or in written form. Summative assessments consist of both practical and applied theoretical work. These will include a range of assessments, including group activities (group role plays), professional discussions, OSCEs, Vivas, reports, written exams, portfolios of clinical cases, PowerPoint presentations, and a Dissertation.

Modules

1. Multidisciplinary Patient Assessment and Risk Management (DDT7014)
   
2. Three Dimension Digital Imaging Techniques, Interpretation and Technology (DD7015)
   
3. Tissue Regenerative and Augmentation Techniques (DDT7018)
   
4. Aetiology and Diagnosis of Oral Disease (DDT7021)
   
5. Multidisciplinary Care and Advanced Reflective Clinical Practice (DDT7016)
   
6. Research Methodology (DDT7012)
   
7. Dissertation (SPR7052)