Institute of Dentistry
Staff and students from the Institute of Dentistry give an overview of the teaching and research in the institute.
The MSc in Special Care Dentistry provides Dentists with the theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise to care for people with special care dental needs.
This MSc is aimed at graduated dentists who are looking to further their knowledge and experience of special care dentistry. The programme is designed to furnish dentists with a basic understanding of special care dentistry and the concept of patient centred care as well as provide guidance to develop critical thinking, care planning and delivery from evidenced sources. Participants will initially gain a background knowledge in research / service planning as well as conditions and disabilities and get experience treating patients with special care needs in a supported environment.
Dentistry is changing and there is a growing expectation of holistic care for patients with special needs. The University of Aberdeen Institute of Dentistry is well placed to assist dental professionals to build their expertise in providing care for people with special care dental needs with a robust, quality assured and flexible course. The programme gives the busy dental practitioner the freedom to choose whether they study for a PG Certificate, Diploma or full MSc. For students wishing to continue beyond the Certificate there is no expectation to complete the subsequent components in three consecutive years, however it is recommended that there is no more than a two year gap between finishing and commencing the Certificate, Diploma and MSc.
Attendance Requirements
The taught elements of the programme are delivered entirely online with no requirement to attend the Institute of Dentistry.
Year 1 – Certificate Stage - January to May
Year 1/2 – Certificate Stage – August to December
7.5 Credit Points
This course covers the basic principles behind appraising literature and undertaking research in order to assess and develop an evidence base for special care dentistry.
7.5 Credit Points
This course delivers practical experience in providing clinical care to a number of special care patients focussing on key skills and strategies required for the effective delivery of oral care. An understanding of risk assessment will also be covered.
7.5 Credit Points
This course explores the underlying medical, social and emotional effects of conditions which may cause disability and how this relates to special care dentistry.
7.5 Credit Points
This course explores models of disability and health belief in relation to oral care.
The legal and ethical frameworks covered are put in to the context of special care dentistry and oral care.
7.5 Credit Points
This course covers the basic principles behind appraising literature and undertaking research in order to assess and develop an evidence base for special care dentistry.
7.5 Credit Points
This course delivers practical experience in providing clinical care to a number of special care patients focussing on key skills and strategies required for the effective delivery of oral care. An understanding of risk assessment will also be covered.
7.5 Credit Points
This course explores the underlying medical, social and emotional effects of conditions which may cause disability and how this relates to special care dentistry.
7.5 Credit Points
This course explores models of disability and health belief in relation to oral care.
The legal and ethical frameworks covered are put in to the context of special care dentistry and oral care.
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Year 2 – Diploma Stage – January to May
Year 2/3 – Diploma Stage August to December
15 Credit Points
Fundamentals of research design provides the student with skills in both quantitative and qualitative design enabling the student to plan ethical research in a health context. Students are taken through each step - from formulating the research question, to study design, sample selection, methods for data collection to dissemination of results.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
7.5 Credit Points
This course covers, in relation to special Care Dentistry:
Health, Personal Health, Development and Stress
Maintaining good clinical practice
Local, National and International service planning
Team work and working with colleagues within and without your own discipline.
15 Credit Points
This course covers, in relation to special Care Dentistry:
Health, Personal Health, Development and Stress
Maintaining good clinical practice
Local, National and International service planning
Team work and working with colleagues within and without your own discipline.
Year 2 – Diploma Stage – January to May
Select ONE course from:-
Plus, select ONE course from:-
Year 2/3 – Diploma Stage August to December
Select ONE course from:-
Also, select ONE course from:-
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to medically compromising conditions this course will explore the definition, prevalence, aetiology, relevant biological science, relevant behavioural science and the effect on oral health and dentition, the management of the condition for optimal oral health and treatment planning.
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to physical disability this course will explore the definition , prevalence,aetiology, relevant biological science and relevant behavioural science.
The effect on oral health and dentition will be explored as well as the management of the condition for optimal oral health and treatment planning
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to learning disability, this course will explore the definition, prevalence, aetiology, relevant biological science, relevant behavioural science, the effect on oral health and dentition, the management of the condition for optimal oral health and treatment planning.
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to the older dental patient this course will explore the definition, prevalence, aetiology , relevant biological science and relevant behavioural science
All aspects of the older dental patient will be covered with particular emphasis on dementia, stroke and Parkinsons disease The effect on oral health and dentition as well as management of the conditions associated with aging will be addressed in respect of oral health and treatment planning.
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to mental health and phobiathis course will explore
The definition, prevalence,aetiology, relevant biological science,and relevant behavioural science
The effect on oral health and dentition, the management of the condition for optimal oral health care and treatment planning
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to medically compromising conditions this course will explore the definition, prevalence, aetiology, relevant biological science, relevant behavioural science and the effect on oral health and dentition, the management of the condition for optimal oral health and treatment planning.
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to physical disability this course will explore the definition , prevalence,aetiology, relevant biological science and relevant behavioural science.
The effect on oral health and dentition will be explored as well as the management of the condition for optimal oral health and treatment planning
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to the older dental patient this course will explore the definition, prevalence, aetiology , relevant biological science and relevant behavioural science
All aspects of the older dental patient will be covered with particular emphasis on dementia, stroke and Parkinsons disease The effect on oral health and dentition as well as management of the conditions associated with aging will be addressed in respect of oral health and treatment planning.
7.5 Credit Points
With regard to mental health and phobiathis course will explore
The definition, prevalence,aetiology, relevant biological science,and relevant behavioural science
The effect on oral health and dentition, the management of the condition for optimal oral health care and treatment planning
Year 3 January to December
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Fee category | Cost |
---|---|
All Students | £1,170 |
Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year This programme is charged on a modular basis. The fee quoted is per 15 credits. | |
Indicative Programme Fee | £15,000 |
Indicative programme fee based on studies beginning in the 2022/23 academic year. Fees increment annually. This fee is calculated on the basis of 180 credits of study over 3 years. |
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
A broad range of teaching methods are used throughout the course both online and on campus.
There will be both formative and summative assessments.
Formative elements
Summative assessment
You will be a qualified dentist with interest and experience of treating patients with a special care need. You should also be registered by the General Dental Council and have had appropriate clinical experience.
Due to the limited number of places on this programme we recommend that you apply as early as possible.
Please note that the next intake for this programme is the 2023/2024 academic year, commencing in September 2023. Applications for September 2023 will open in October 2022.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
BDS or equivalent dental degree.
Qualified for at least 4 years.
Application via CV and personal statement ( 500 words ) and reference from current or most recent employer stating suitability and support for attending course. (If self-employed the reference is not necessary).
Evidence of registration with the General Dental Council is also required.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
A post graduate qualification in special care dentistry could enhance your career prospects and employability. The public dental service will often look for a postgraduate qualification when looking to appoint senior dental officers.
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
A dedicated Medical Library on the Foresterhill Health Campus and the fantastic facilities in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at King’s College, are complemented by online access to the key medical and health sciences journals and textbooks.