MSc Primary Dental Care (FT)

Course in Brief  

The MSc in Primary Dental Care is not just an academic program; it provides comprehensive training for dentists who aspire to expand their scope of practice and deliver high-calibre dental care. It is designed to address the growing demand for Level2 care dentists capable of procedural and/or patient complexity requiring a clinician with enhanced skills providing comprehensive specialty care ensuring predictable treatment outcomes. As dentistry continues to evolve, there is an increasing necessity for practitioners who can integrate advanced knowledge and skills in various domains. This master's program effectively meets this demand by offering an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses crucial areas such as 3D imaging, occlusal diagnosis and treatment, aetiology, and diagnosis of oral diseases.

This program blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students benefit from an immersive clinical training experience, engaging directly with actual patients to apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. This hands-on component not only reinforces the academic aspects of the course but also builds confidence and competence in performing complex procedures, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.

For dentists looking to elevate their practice into the postgraduate realm, this MSc provides an exceptional platform. It equips graduates with the necessary tools to address the multifaceted challenges faced in modern dental care, including understanding advanced diagnostic techniques and employing innovative treatment modalities.  

Course Overview  

 The MSc Primary Dental Care is a comprehensive programme of clinically based general dentistry taught to an advanced, level 2 care procedural and/or patient complexity, requiring a clinician with enhanced skills and experience at a specialist level of practice, incorporating the latest digital and AI technologies. It covers the depth and breadth of dental practice, from clinical care of infants(Paedodontics) to end-stage care and management of the elderly (Gerodontology).This qualification is ideal for dentists with at least two years’ (on commencement of the Programme) continuous postgraduate clinical experience in clinical practice as qualified dental practitioners, intending or engaging in the delivery of multiple specialities, such as orthodontics, implantology and aesthetic dentistry. 

Dentists engaging in the delivery of multiple specialitytreatment plans should be aware of their limitations, ensuring that thetreatments they provide are evidence-based and appropriate. The boundariesbetween what was traditionally delivered by the general dental practitioner andthe specialist are becoming increasingly blurred. With the advent of digital dentistryand the predictability of implantology combined with increasing patient expectationsfor more advanced elective cosmetic procedures, general dentists are providingmixed specialist types of dental treatment. This programme is intended to give dentiststhe contemporary core knowledge and clinical skills essential for the safedelivery of competent, high-quality multidisciplinary dental care withpredictable treatment outcomes. Upon completing this programme, you will beable to confidently treat and identify suitable cases within your scope ofcompetency.

The programme has been carefully planned to ensure that modulesprovide a scaffolded approach to learning, with earlier modules underpinninglater ones and the contents of one module complementing another taught in theacademic year. For example, after having spent 90 hours in the 1stsemester doing practical work in the dental manikins’ Dental Skills Laboratorysimulating the clinical environment, you will enter the clinical trainingenvironment and begin working with patients. Apart from the well-established, in academia, written assessments(exams, reports, etc.), this Programme includes other more contemporary typesof assessment that are also being used by other organizations, like the RoyalCollege of Surgeons and the General Dental Council (GDC). The broad range ofassessment types in the Programme aims at consolidating your learning. Somesuch assessments’ type examples include Observed Structured ClinicalExaminations (OSCEs), professional discussions.

Highlights

• Consolidationof safe clinical practice principles in accordance with the Safe PractitionerFramework recently published by the GDC
• Comprehensiveface-to-face teaching in the theory of clinical dentistry from a broad range ofperspectives
• 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.
• Contemporarytypes 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 inattaining MFDS
• Small grouplearning opportunities and access to the very latest  digital and AI modalities
• Opportunitiesfor personal and professional development in primary dental care
• Contributionto the research base of primary dental care, encouraging research amongstpractitioners
• Reflectivepractice through the self-appraisal of own levels of competency
• Gain a degree from the University of Greater Manchester, accredited by the BritishGovernment, 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 to 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 GreaterManchester is recognised globally as a stamp of professional achievement, andsuch postgraduate qualifications are used worldwide by many countries as thebenchmark standard for advanced practice at a specialist level. An MSc  confirms the acquisition of advancedcompetencies fundamental for a dental career within either primary or secondarycare. It is recognised by many licencing authorities as conferring eligibilityfor specialism.

What you can do with your qualification  

On attaining this MSc, you can put theaward after your name, an endorsement of your professionalism by a UKgovernment university that is internationally recognised. Possession of apostgraduate qualification, such as the MSc, will play a role in demonstratingsuitability for specialist training. The MSc programmes prepare and supportstudents for the Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery MFDSexamination offered by the Royal College of Surgeons. It demonstrates a deeperunderstanding of both the knowledge and application.

Alternative Careers     

 An MSc is a prerequisite in many teachinginstitutions and entry qualification to academia, opening up teaching andresearch opportunities. You can become a recognised expert and opinion leaderat the forefront of your speciality. 

Teaching and Assessment  

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

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

The assessment strategy for the programmeis designed to help you achieve the overall aims of the curriculum, as well asthe learning outcomes for individual modules. As well as assessing yourachievement, it helps to organise and develop your learning. Assessmentfeedback can help you build your skills and an understanding of your strengthsand weaknesses.

The types of assessment you'll be requiredto 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 ofthe learning that has been achieved. Formative assessment will take place viatutorial discussion, clinical assessment during training placement, groupworkshops including peer and tutor review, and guidance on work in progress.Formative feedback will be provided face-to-face via discussion, online or inwritten form. Summative assessments consist of both practical and appliedtheoretical work. These will include a range of assessments, including groupactivities (group role plays), professional discussions, OSCEs, Vivas, reports,written exams, portfolios of clinical cases, Power Point presentations and aDissertation.

Module

1. MultidisciplinaryPatient Assessment and Risk Management (DDT7014)
   
2. Three Dimension Digital Imaging Techniques,Interpretation and Technology (DD7015)
   
3. Occlusal Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (DDT7017)
   
4. Aetiology and Diagnosis of Oral Disease (DDT7021)
   
5. Multidisciplinary Care and Advanced Reflective Clinical Practice (DDT7016)
   
6. Research Methodology (DDT7012)
   
7. Dissertation (SPR7052)