MSc Periodontology and Implantology

Course in  Brief

The MSc in Periodontology and Implantology is a comprehensive program designed to provide dentists with advanced knowledge and skills in periodontal care and implantology, blending theoretical learning with extensive practical experience. The curriculum aims to equip students with the expertise required to deliver high-quality, sustainable treatment outcomes in the field of periodontal health. 

Key to the programme is the clinical training offered at the Queens Dental Sciences Centre, where students engage with actual patients to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. This hands-on experience allows them to refine their clinical skills while managing complex periodontal cases, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of professional practice. 

A distinctive feature of the MSc is its holistic approach to implantology. Unlike many programmes that focus primarily on the surgical placement of dental implants,this program emphasizes both the placement and the long-term management, particularly concerning the prevention and treatment of periimplantitis. This focus on managing complications is critical for ensuring the long-term successof implant therapies, enabling graduates to provide comprehensive patient care. 

The course incorporates critical knowledge from various disciplines, including 3D imaging,occlusal diagnosis, and the aetiology of periodontal diseases. The use of 3D imaging technology is especially significant, as it enhances the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, an understanding of occlusal diagnosis is vital for appreciating the impact of malocclusion on periodontal health and the success of implants. By integrating these areas of study, the programme fosters a multifaceted understanding of the interrelated factors in periodontal and implant care.

Course Overview

The MSc in Periodontology and Implantology enables dentists to navigate the complexities of periodontal care and implantology competently. It not only enhances clinical skills but also prepares practitioners to meet the multifaceted restorative needs of periodontally compromised patients effectively. A key challenge faced by clinicians is the intersection between extensive restorative rehabilitation and underlying periodontal disease. Patients presenting with both concerns require a holistic approach that emphasises integrated care to ensure the long-term success of dental treatments especially dental implants. By addressing periodontal conditions concurrently with restorative procedures, dental professionals can achieve more long term outcomes and enhance overall patient satisfaction.  

The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates various essential elements of periodontology, with a particular focus on the effective management of soft tissues for aesthetic restorations and the nuanced treatment of peri-implantitis, a significant concern in contemporary dental practice. The programme is structured to incorporate cutting-edge digital technologies and innovative treatment modalities. Students will gain practical experience with these technologies, empowering them to adopt evidence-based practices that not only elevate the quality of care but also ensure patient safety.  

The curriculum also fosters a strong ethical foundation, teaching students the principles of providing safe, effective, and patient-centered care. Graduates will be equipped to manage complex restorative cases with significant periodontal components confidently. They will also possess the skills necessary to handle implantology procedures comprehensively, extending beyond the placement of implants to encompass their maintenance and the management of complications such as peri-implantitis. 

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       

1. Consolidation of safe clinical practice principles in accordance with the Safe Practitioner Framework recently published by the GDC
2. Comprehensive face-to-face teaching in the theory of clinical dentistry from a broad range of perspectives
3. Clinical training placement supervised by recognised clinicians in the field
4. As interns, you will be treating actual patients at our purpose-built and outreach centres.
5. 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
6. Small group learning opportunities and access to the very latest digital and AI modalities
7. Opportunities for personal and professional development in primary dental care
8. Contribution to the research base of primary dental care, encouraging research amongst practitioners
9. Reflective practice through the self-appraisal of own levels of competency
10. Gain a degree from the University of Greater Manchester, accredited by the British Government, whose degrees are recognised internationally.
    

Key Features

1. Course materials are available online, allowing you to prepare work at home and make the most of the highly interactive in-class tuition.
2. This course is based at the University of Greater Manchester’s campus in the North West of England.
3. 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.
4. If the outcomes and standard of your major research project prove appropriate, we will support you to reformat your project into an academic paper for submission to an academic journal, ready to seek publication. 
5. Opportunities for progression after completing this master's degree include PhD programmes.
6. Preparation for MFDS examination Royal College of Surgeons
7. 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 in either primary or secondary care. It is recognised by many licensing 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 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, clinical 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 are 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 programmeis 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 assessment 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 inwritten 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, Power Point presentations and a Dissertation.

Modules

1. Multidisciplinary Patient 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 Periodontal Disease (DDT7022)
   
5. Multidisciplinary Care and Advanced Reflective Clinical Practice (DDT7016)
   
6. Research Methodology (DDT7012)
   
7. Dissertation (SPR7052)