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 Dental School 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.
Note for 2021 applicants
Clinical Care
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the clinical care elements of the programme, you will be required to see patients entirely within your own workplace, so it is important that you have the ability to access a full range of special care patients.
Attendance requirements
There are 6 study days in Aberdeen as part of the programme (3 x 2 day sessions), it is possible that this may need further amendment depending on the pandemic. There will also be several online sessions (10-12 days ) and you will be expected to participate in these sessions.
There are 4 compulsory courses worth 15 credits each.
15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this courseStudents will get the opportunity to focus in more depth on specific patient groups.
The PgDip is made up of four 15 credit courses.
There will be a choice of two clinical courses and two compulsory background courses.
Assessment:
Courses 1 and 2 will be assessed via a research project submission regarding evidence based service planning for a specific special care group. The other two courses would be assessed via a review of patient log book with evidence base. Students would be expected to keep a log of their own relevant patient activity or have sessions arrange at Aberdeen dental Hospital if required.
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 owm discipline.
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:
15 Credit Points
with regard to learning disability this course will explore
the definition,prevalence,aetiology, relevant biological science, relevanrt behavioural science,
the effect on oral health and dentition, the management of the condition for optimal oral health and treatment planning
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
With regard to medically compromising conditions this course will explore the definition , prevelance , 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
View detailed information about this course15 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
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this courseThis would be achieved by completion of a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits. Each student would be allocated an appropriate supervisor for the project chosen which would ideally follow on from the developments in the certificate and diploma.
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.
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. Applicants who have applied for the January 2021 intake will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of November 2020.
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 - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; 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.
Fee category | Cost |
---|---|
All Students | £925 |
Modular fee programmes - Tuition fees for 2020/21 academic year. This programme is charged on a modular basis. The fee quoted is per 15 credits. | |
Indicative Programme Fee | £11,850 |
Indicative programme fee based on studies beginning in the 2020/21 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 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 of Nutrition and Health.
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.