Table of Contents.doc

MSc in Restorative Dentistry Two-Year Programme

Course Handbook

School of Dental Sciences

Faculty of Medicine

2004-2006

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 3

School Information 4

Introduction to Prospective and New Students 5

Map of School and Hospital 7

Teachers on the MSc Course 8

Aims and Learning Outcomes 10

Curriculum 11

Teaching and Learning 12

Student Assessment 16

Student Support and Progression 20

Teaching and Learning Resources 22

Quality Assurance and Enhancement 23

Benefits of the MSc 24

Appendices 25

MSc IN RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY - Course Handbook 3

School Information

The School of Dental Sciences

University of Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4BW

Faculty of Medicine

Graduate School Office 0191-222-7002

MSc in Restorative Dentistry 0191-222-8195Programme Director

Dental Postgraduate Dean 0191-222-8925

University Switchboard 0191-222-6000

Fax Number Medical School 0191-222-6521

University Telex Number 53654 (UNINEW G)

Hospital Switchboard 0191-232-5131

Student Counselling Service 0191-222-7699

Student Advice Centre 0191-222-6367


Introduction to Prospective and New Students

Welcome to the School of Dental Sciences and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The object of the handbook is to give you practical information on the MSc in Restorative Dentistry. This is a two-year programme, which is normally full-time, but exemption may be given to allow part of the course to be taken whilst working in general practice or as a specialist registrar (see regulation 4, p 29).

The aim of the course is to enable dentists to acquire advanced skills and knowledge in the field of Restorative Dentistry. The course is designed to provide the foundations for:

Enhanced general dental practice Specialist practice (overseas) Specialist training in Restorative Dentistry Clinical academia

In order for it to be considered as part of an approved UK specialist training in Restorative Dentistry, candidates must be employed as a specialist registrar in Restorative Dentistry with a training number.

The MSc in Restorative Dentistry has been incorporated as part of the first two years of our 4 year mono-speciality training programmes in Endodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics. These programmes were approved by the Specialist Advisory Committee in Restorative Dentistry in February 2003. (see also p.22). It is important to note that the MSc programme also stands alone as a two year programme. Most applications are for the two year rather than the four year programme.

Students are selected on the basis of the quality of their applications, which should demonstrate commitment to postgraduate dentistry. There is no formal interview but prospective students are welcome to arrange an informal visit to view the facilities and discuss their studies.

Prospective students for whom English is not their first language are asked for documented evidence of IELTS or TOEFL scores. The minimum scores necessary for admission are: IELTS of 6.5; TOEFL 575/Computer TOEFL 233. The IELTS must also include the Test of Written English. Where scores are borderline, advice is taken from the Language centre as to the need for a pre-sessional English course or in-course support (e.g. tuition in thesis writing). Successful completion of any such pre-sessional course would be a condition of entry to the MSc programme.

Students accepted on the course will receive information from the University Accommodation Bureau and a Student Welfare Handbook, which provides information about a variety of welfare agencies and facilities, which are available in the University. It describes the University Student Office and introduces agencies such as the University Counselling Service, the


Chaplaincy and the Student's Union Advice Centre. For students from overseas there is also a separate section on the International Office and other organisations specifically concerned with overseas students.

The Programme Director is there to facilitate all aspects of the course including academic, clinical and student welfare matters. If a student is having difficulties the Programme Director should be the first person to consult. You will also be allocated a personal tutor who would normally be your research supervisor.

The two year course is intensive and covers three broad areas:

Theoretical training

Patient management and laboratory skills

Planning, undertaking and writing up a research project

These areas have a similar weighting and it is important to ensure that one aspect does not flourish at the expense of the others. A timetable is set out in appendix 1 to show the various deadlines and how the emphasis changes throughout the course.

Study skills and time management are essential. The Student Welfare Handbook gives useful hints on these and other aspects of academic life, which may have been forgotten since undergraduate days.

The Graduate School Office is situated on the ground floor corridor of the Catherine Cookson Building, which runs from the main entrance of the William Leech Building. Please do not hesitate to enquire at this office if you require any help with registration and documentation. You will be provided with shared office accommodation within the School of Dental Sciences where your mail will be delivered.

I hope you find this handbook helpful and wish you every success in your dental course.

Dr R W Wassell

Programme Director

The MSc programme is subject to a continual process of quality assurance and enhancement through its Curriculum Committee. To the best of our knowledge the contents of this guide are correct at the time of going to press. Occasionally it is necessary to make changes to the course (e.g. as a result of staff turnover). We reserve the right to make these changes, which will be notified immediately to participants. Permanent changes will be incorporated in the documentation for the following year.


Map of School and Hospital

MSc IN RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY - Course Handbook

Oral biology teaching lab Oral biology

Prosthodontic teaching laboratory

Cllinical skills laboratory

Conservation Periodontology

Conservation Conservation

Restorative dentistry Staff rooms

Initial treatment clinic

Prosthodontics

Nutrition and epidemiologyTeaching labStaff rooms

Child Dental Health

Radiology

Oral surgery

Hospital entrance

Examination and waiting area

Records and hospital administration

Child Dental Health

Oral pathology

Refectory

School entrance

Central sterile supply unitStaff changing

Immunology Electron microscopy

Admin.

Dental School Office

Deans Office

Student changing

Lecture theatre block

Dental materials Science labs

Photography and staff rooms

Ground floor

First floor

Second floor

Third floor

Fourth floor

Fifth floor

Dental students common room

7

Teachers on the MSc Course

Department of Restorative Dentistry

Mr. G.R. Allen

Mr. S.C. Barclay BDS, MSc, FDS RCPS (Glas), DRD, MRD RCS

Mrs M Corson BDS FDS RCPS MSc

Dr. J.E. Ellis BDS [Ncle], PhD [Ncle], FDS RCS [Ed]

Dr. N.M. Girdler BDS [Brist], BSc [Nottm], PhD [Lond], FDS RCS [Eng], FFDRCS [Irel]

Dr. P.A. Heasman BDS, MDS, PhD [Ncle], FDS RCPS, DRD RCS [Ed]

Mr. D.J.Jacobs BDS [Ncle], FDS RCS [Ed], DRD RCS

Dr. N.J.A. Jepson BDS [Lond], PhD [Ncle], FDS RCS

Mr J. Lillico

Professor J.F. McCabe BSc, PhD [Birm], DSc [Ncle], FADM

Dr G.I. McCracken BDS, MFDS, PhD

Dr. F. Nohl MBBS [Lond], BDS [Lond], FDS RCS [Eng], MSc, MRD

Dr P M Preshaw BDS FDS RCS

Professor R.A. Seymour BDS [Lond], PhD [Ncle], FDS RCS [Ed]

Dr. S. Sidhu BDS [Sing], PhD [Lond], MSc [Lond]

Mr. D.G. Smith BDS [Liv], FDS RCS [Ed], DRD RCS [Ed], FDS

RCS [Eng]

Dr. J.G. Steele BDS [Dund], PhD [Ncle], FDS RCPS [Glas]

Dr. J.M. Thomason BDS [Ncle], PhD [Ncle] FDS RCS [Ed]

Professor A.W.G.Walls BDS, PhD [Ncle], FDS RCS

Dr. R.W. Wassell BDS, MSc [Lond], PhD [Ncle], FDS RCS

Dr. J.M. Whitworth BChD [Leeds], PhD [Edin], FDS RCS [Ed]

Oral Biology

Professor R.R.B. Russell BA [Dub] PhD [Melb] FDSRCS


Oral Pathology

Dr. A Nolan MB Bch BAO [NUI] BDentSc[DUB], FFDRCSI

Radiology

Mrs. W.M. Hogg DCR [R]

Please note that short profiles for the above teachers can be found at:

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/dental/staff/


http://www.ncl.ac.uk/dental/staff/

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The aim of the MSc programme is to enable dentists to acquire advanced skills and knowledge in the field of Restorative Dentistry. This education is built on a firm foundation of basic principles. With this in mind the learning outcomes of the programme are:

to aquire knowledge of the literature in relevant fields

to be able to evaluate research literature

to diagnose and formulate appropriate treatment options

to undertake laboratory and restorative techniques to advanced standards

to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge

to understand and be able to apply research methodologies

to acquire appropriate IT skills for data analysis and documentation

to realise that academic and clinical skills need to be constantly reviewed, challenged and updated

to treat patients with respect and without prejudice

to work in harmony with peers, support staff and teachers

to appreciate your limitations and to take advice or refer a patient when appropriate


Curriculum

In order to deliver the aforementioned objectives, the curriculum includes the following modules which run concurrently:

Fixed prosthodontics and Conservation (including laboratory techniques)

Removable prosthodontics

Endodontology

Periodontology

Dental materials science

Interrelated subjects

Research methods and statistics

Instruction in the use of personal computers

Detailed study guides are available for all but the last two modules. The Unit of Health Services Research may be asked to oversee research methods and statistics. With respect to personal computers help is at hand, but students are encouraged to attend the courses run by the Computing Centre. Maxillofacial Prosthodontics and obturator construction are considered separate specialities and would not normally be covered by the course.

Dates for Academic Year 2004-2005

Term 1:

Sept 22nd (first year students), Oct 4th (second year students) – Dec 17th.

Term 2:

Jan 10th – March 18th

Term 3:

April 4th – July 22nd

Students normally have access to library and research facilities out of term time.


Teaching and Learning

Introduction

Knowledge based objectives are met by a variety of teaching methods, including seminars, lectures, essays, a research project, computer assisted learning, practical classes (clinical skills and technical laboratories) and a log diary. In addition full-time students will be encouraged during their second year to consolidate their clinical knowledge by teaching undergraduates. These elements are described in more detail on the following pages. Skill based objectives, involving the treatment of patients, are developed in the clinical skills and technical laboratories before starting work in the clinical departments of conservation and periodontology. Patients are allocated to your care and you are expected to carry out some of the laboratory related work under supervision; such diagnostic skills are developed on these patients as well as on those seen on consultant-led diagnostic clinics. Those related to research, data analysis and the interpretation of research work are addressed by the course on medical statistics, seminars and by the experience of carrying out a research project. You prepare and process your own research project and log diary thus enhancing the skills of documentation and presentation. Attitude based objectives: an attitude of constructive self-criticism is engendered during seminars and clinical training. Although clinical work within the School of Dental Sciences is supervised, you are encouraged to decide on appropriate treatment strategies (which must be agreed with your supervisor), take responsibility for their implementation and seek guidance when appropriate.

Seminars

Most of the formal teaching is by means of seminars. The purpose of the seminars is to give you an opportunity to read, assimilate and criticise references from the scientific literature. A comprehensive list of seminar topics (see Appendix 2) has been devised so that the subject of Restorative Dentistry can be covered in depth. Seminars have also been arranged in other subjects that are of relevance to Restorative Dentistry, e.g. sedation, lesions of the oral mucosa. These are designed to give you a flavour of the current thinking in these fields.

A seminar leader has been allocated for each of the Restorative Dentistry subjects. He/she will provide you with a short reading list of key papers. You will be expected to trace these references (mainly from the library) and note the relevant facts on index cards. The reading lists will be kept purposely short to enable you to locate additional references relevant to the subject. This will normally involve following up references which crop-up during reading and a scan of the recent dental literature. Any new references found should be photocopied by you and the seminar leader provided with a copy.

The seminars will usually be about an hour in length. It is inevitable that some seminars will be held out of office hours because of the heavy teaching, research and treatment commitments of the seminar leaders. You may use


the index cards as an aide memoir for discussion points on the various papers.

Undergraduate Lectures

You may attend suitable undergraduate lectures in Restorative Dentistry, e.g. Occlusion, Dental Considerations of the Ageing Population and Dental Materials Science. These lectures are not intended to set the level of knowledge required by an MSc candidate but to give an overview, which must be supplemented by further study.

Essay Writing

Regular essays will test the information discussed at seminars or presented at lectures. These will be set either as an assignment for private study or under test conditions. Essay topics will be chosen which examine your overall understanding as well as their fact retention.

Research Dissertation

The research dissertation consists of two components:

1. a critical literature review

2. a laboratory or clinically based research project.

You will be allocated a supervisor who will oversee both items of work. The literature review would normally lead into the research project and would be expected to comprise 15-25 pages of double spaced type. Occasionally, it may be desirable not to have the literature review and project related; for example if the project requires only minimal literature review or if it becomes necessary at a later stage to change the area of research. The literature review is submitted for scrutiny by an internal examiner at the end of the first academic year.

The research project is written-up as a paper for submission to a research journal. The manuscript and literature review are soft bound together and the completed dissertation scrutinised by the external examiner and a nominated internal examiner (project only)

Detailed laboratory research notes must be accurately documented throughout the period of study and submitted with the final research manuscript.

Computer Assisted Learning

This aspect of learning is attracting increasing attention in Restorative Dentistry and you are encouraged to use the programs available.

Pre-clinical Exercises

An operative technique course will be undertaken at the beginning of the year to familiarise you with "state of the art" techniques and materials. Practical work will be carried out in the clinical skills laboratory using a clinical


simulator, after covering the relevant topics in seminars. The Programme Director will be available to discuss and criticise the resulting preparations.

A partial denture course will run during the second term.

The members of the Prosthodontic Division will give close supervision of both planning and treatment for partial denture cases.

Some of the procedures, which are difficult to simulate on the clinical simulator, will be dealt with during the clinical component of the course.

Laboratory Technique Course – Fixed Prosthodontics

One of the most important aspects of Restorative Dentistry is a working knowledge of the materials, techniques and procedures used in the dental laboratory.

A dental laboratory course has been arranged under the guidance of a senior technical instructor. This will give experience in: die and model construction, waxing, casting and finishing, fixed and moveable bridge connectors and porcelain application. You will construct restorations for tooth preparations and the resulting "demonstration model" can be retained by you.

Laboratory Work for Patients

You will be expected to undertake some of the laboratory work for patients under your care. This will consist of procedures such as:

Mounting diagnostic casts on a semi-adjustable articulator

Trial occlusal adjustments and diagnostic waxing

Indirect temporary restoration construction

Fabrication of working models including copper plating and die trimming

Mounting working models onto the articulator

Programming the articulator (including construction of custom guide table)

Instructors or technicians will undertake most of the casting, porcelain and acrylic work, although you will be expected to wax-up the less straightforward type of restoration.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The emphasis of the course will be very much on treatment planning. Seminars on this aspect will be given after the clinical simulator course and you will be expected to attend diagnostic clinics.

Patients with treatment needs in excess of those normally encountered at undergraduate level will be allocated following the initial 2-3 months in the clinical skills laboratory. This will be done on a graded basis so that your confidence and competence can be developed.


All treatment plans will be discussed with the Programme Director who will keep a record of patients under treatment. Occasionally, it is inevitable that some treatments take longer than the duration of the MSc course. Treatment must be scheduled suitably to avoid leaving the patient in an unstable condition. The internal examiners will review a selection of treated cases in July of both years. This will include patients with both fixed and removable prosthodontics, non-surgical periodontal management and radiographic evidence of having completed satisfactorily, molar endodontics.

Log Diary

A log diary that documents the history, examination, diagnosis and treatment of a patient selected by you will be completed for submission as part of the examination requirements. You will be expected to produce your own colour photographs and appropriate records.

Undergraduate Teaching

One of the best ways of consolidating knowledge is to teach it to others. Full- time students (and part-time students with sufficient time available) will be encouraged during their second year to become involved in the teaching of undergraduates. You will be paired with an experienced clinical teacher and seminars on good teaching practice will be available.


Student Assessment

Continuous Assessment

Clinical simulator preparations

Laboratory work

Essays

Patient treatment (each treatment session is assessed and during July of each year the internal examiners review a selection of treated patients).

Timed Examination

A three-hour written examination will consist of four questions (first year, early July). In addition, there is a two hour short answer paper. The written examination must be passed before the student can enrol for the second year. Resits will be scheduled for either late August or early September.

Research Dissertation

The internal examiners will assess your literature review at the end of the first year. It must be handed in to the Degree Programme Director on or before 31st July.

The bound dissertation consisting of the literature review and research project manuscript must be handed in to the examinations office on or before the 1st August of the second year. (You should hand in two soft-bound copies and keep one copy for yourself). The pass list will not be published until the projects have been corrected, checked by the project supervisor and rebound.

Two copies of the laboratory/research records must also be submitted. This logbook must have dated entries and give a clear, detailed account of:

Experimental methods and adaptations,

Statistical analysis

Results/outcomes.


Vivas

The three vivas will be with the external examiner and selected internal examiners. The vivas will be scheduled during mid to late September of the second year.

Log diary and treatment of a patient selected by you (both diary and patient will be seen at examination). The external examiner may inspect an appropriate item of laboratory work, undertaken by you. In addition, radiographic and case note evidence of molar root treatment and non-surgical periodontal treatment may be inspected

General restorative topics

The research dissertation (literature review, manuscript and research records)

Regulations

The regulations for the degree are included in Appendix 3

Assessment Criteria

Clinical work will be graded as follows:

At the end of each session you will be given a grade for each patient treated. The grades are arrived at in joint consultation between you and your clinical teacher, bearing in mind the complexity of the task and the level of skill of the average student at a particular stage of the course. It should be born in mind that assessment criteria of postgraduate students will be set at a higher level than those for undergraduate students, as a basic level of competency should already have been attained in routine procedures. Furthermore postgraduate students will be expected to have not just knowledge of clinical techniques but of relevant science underpinning those procedures. Such knowledge would be expected to increase as the course progresses.

At the end of each term, the gradings are collated so that a composite assessment can be made for each student. Dr Wassell meets with students with below average gradings to discuss any problems and their possible solutions.

The grading structure is given on the following page:


Grade Clinical Grading Criteria

A A high standard of clinical work with minimal assistance from staff although advice may be sought. The ability to compile and follow accurately a treatment plan should be apparent. Efficient use of clinical time. Thorough knowledge of clinical techniques and relevant science. Accurate and legible documentation of case notes.

B A good standard of work although improvement (by the student) Is possible. The aim for the session must be achieved although some clinical assistance is permitted. An efficient use of time, good knowledge of techniques, relevant science and accurate case notes should be apparent.

C Average standard of work or a good standard but with a significant amount of assistance. The work may have been undertaken slowly with an inefficient use of time. The aim for the session is not necessarily achieved, but clinical advancement should be apparent. A good knowledge of techniques, relevant science and accurate note taking are required.

D A poor standard of work. Inefficient use of time or late finishing. Considerable assistance and guidance necessary. Poor treatment planning or a failure to follow a treatment plan. No clinical advancement made. Lack of relevant scientific knowledge

E Very poor standard of work which may have to be repeated. Failure to get stages checked or notes signed. Unaware of medical history. Lack of control in clinical operations. Inadequate cross-infection control. Lack of clinical knowledge. Illegible or inaccurate case notes.

F Iatrogenic and irreversible damage to the hard or soft tissues. Failure to attend a clinical session without good reason and/or notifying the school office or supervising member of staff. If a student attends in a condition unsuitable to practice dentistry an F grade will also be given.

O An O Grade will be given when a student attends a clinical session and no work is carried out for the sole reason that no patients attended, or when absent from a clinic due to illness or prearranged LoA. The reason for an O grade will be noted and any student with frequent non-attendance due to illness will be given pastoral advice and encouraged to make up lost sessions.

U A U Grade will be given if the student is considered not to demonstrate suitable professional conduct during their attendance on clinic. This grade will be given in addition to the clinical grade. Aspects of professional conduct considered include: dress, personal hygiene, rapport with the patient, rapport with the members of staff and the demonstration of a professional, working relationship with all auxiliary members of staff (nurses, hygienists, clerk receptionists).


Written work will be graded according to the following criteria bearing in mind that MSc students should be familiar with textbooks and relevant original studies.

Grade Criteria

A An outstanding answer displaying a thorough understanding of the subject, a high degree of relevance, cogency, clarity, and critical thinking. Evidence of reading beyond the core texts and originality of thought. Well written, grammatically correct and well presented.

A- A grade of ‘A’ represents the best that can be expected at this stage of the candidate’s career and not a perfect answer.

B A well organised, detailed and logically constructed answer showing a thorough understanding of the subject with some evidence of further reading.There should be no significant deficiencies in competence in the subject and

B- all major strands of the topic will have been addressed. Style and presentation of a high standard.

C A structured answer showing no deficiency in basic knowledge and understanding. All major, relevant strands of the topic will have been considered but at the lower end of the grade range there will be little, or no

sign

C- of reading beyond the core texts and some omissions of important, if optionalmaterial, will be evident. Style and presentation acceptable.

D A structured answer with essential elements correct but possible failure to develop one or more of the major strands inherent in the question. Detailedinformation and argument lacking. At the lower end of the grade range, a

D- tendency to irrelevance and a failure to argue cogently. Style and presentationadequate.

E Poorly structured answer with major omissions and decreasing evidence of understanding. Tendency to increasing irrelevance, lack of clarity and little

E- cogent argument. At lower end of range, failure to cover even core texts. Style and presentation inadequate.

F Failure to present work.


Student Support and Progression

Induction

In the induction during the first week of term there are formal induction sessions in the School of Dental Sciences as well as in the Robinson Library and Faculty Computing Department. All students are given a copy of the Degree Programme Handbook , and taken through the aims, intended learning outcomes, and other key features of the programme.

Support

The Programme Director should be approached first with regard to all aspects of teaching or clinical matters. The Admin. Assistant, Graduate School Office, may also be of help especially with problems of registration and documentation. Thereafter, further reference to personal tutors, other members of staff, Head of Department, Dean of Dentistry or Post Graduate Sub Dean may be made if necessary.

Problems or concerns of a more personal nature can also be discussed with the Programme Director or with your tutor who will also provide help, guidance or reassurance in respect of your research project.

Should you wish to change your personal tutor this should be discussed with the Programme Director or Head of Department, as appropriate. Students may be advised to attend or refer themselves to the Student Counselling Service.

Progression

You are required to make satisfactory progress in the programme of study. Progress will be reviewed at the end of each term through consultations within the Curriculum Committee, MSc in Restorative Dentistry. Whilst we recognise that almost all postgraduate students are highly motivated and conscientious it is worth emphasising that the following is taken into account when assessing a student's case:

failure to attend examinations or to satisfy the examiners in the examinations prescribed

failure to dress and behave in a professional manner

failure to attend regularly the programme of work

failure to attend appointments with the Programme Director, Head of Department or Dean to discuss progress

failure to perform adequately in work prescribed for the Higher Degree Programme


failure to submit work on time (whether or not that work counts for assessment purposes)

In addition, progression from clinical simulator exercises to clinical work is dependent on a satisfactory performance in those exercises. You will also be required to provide valid medical evidence of fitness to practice (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Tuberculosis status).

As stated in the previous section, it will be necessary to pass the written examination at the end of the first year and hand-in the literature review before enrolling for the second year.


Teaching and Learning Resources

MSc dedicated classroom

On the fifth floor in the Prosthodontic Laboratory. This is used for all first year seminars. A dedicated digital projector is available for presentations and patient case reports. The first year students use the room for accommodation but it is also available to second year students.

Lecture Theatres

On the ground floor opposite the refectory

Clinical Skills Room and Prosthodontic Laboratory

Fifth floor (loan of semi adjustable articulator)

Diagnostic Clinics in:

Prosthodontics (3rd floor), Conservation and Periodontology (4th floor)

Treatment Clinics:

Conservation (4th floor) and Periodontology (4th floor)

Dental Materials Science Laboratory

first floor

Computing facilities

All computers utilise Windows XP on the University Common Desk Top, which allows students to store their files on one of the main servers and access them from any of the following:

Six shared MSc computers (4 of which are in the MSc classroom on floor 5) with Internet access

Fell PC computer cluster (fifth floor, Catherine Cookson Building) which supplies student support and courses in running various applications e.g. word processing.

School of Dental Sciences cluster on floor 5

Medical and Dental Library

(Fifth floor, Catherine Cookson Building) having facilities for computer literature searches and Inter Library Loans

Main University Library

(Robinson Library) non medical texts and journals

Where your dissertation (paper and literature review) can be bound


Quality Assurance and Enhancement

Students are seen individually by the Programme Director on a bi-weekly basis to discuss progress with the clinical component of the course.

A research seminar is held in March of the first year to assess the viability and progress of a student's research project. This is done independent of the assigned project supervisors.

The MSc Curriculum Committee meets each term to discuss all aspects of the course and to trouble shoot any problems. The Committee comprises the Programme Director, six of the principal University teachers, three of the principal Consultant teachers and an elected student representative from each of the two years.

The Curriculum Committee receives, and where appropriate acts upon, comments from the external examiner.

Students will be invited to evaluate the course by questionnaire. The questionnaire is distributed at the end of the course (Appendix 4).


Benefits of the MSc

The MSc provides an excellent foundation for enhanced practice within Restorative Dentistry and the potential to be incorporated as part of specialist training [in the UK the MSc per se does not imply speciality status]. The two-year programme has been upgraded from the previous one-year programme to include:

Greater clinical exposure

More teaching in Prosthodontics and Endodontics

More time for research

The opportunity to submit a manuscript to be considered for publication.

Student intake is from both home and overseas, providing a broad spectrum of backgrounds and interests. Whilst on the course, students benefit from being able to discuss the clinical and academic assignments in a friendly and supportive environment. On qualifying, our MSc graduates always comment on how hard they have had to work but the benefits of a more critical approach and enhanced clinical skills make the effort completely worthwhile. MSc graduates can be found in many fields of dentistry, including specialist practice, general practice, hospital dentistry, academic dentistry and community dentistry.

Those who might wish to benefit from mono-speciality training must have completed General Professional Training and hold MFDS, FDS or equivalent. They would also need to obtain a training number from the Post Graduate Dean. Please note that students enrolled on the MSc course may not subsequently transfer to Monospeciality Training.


Appendices

APPENDIX 1OUTLINE TIMETABLE: FIRST YEAR

The following outline gives some indication of the timing of the various activities during the academic year which starts in October and finishes during the following September.

OCT NOV JAN

Restorative seminars (conservation, periodontology and endodontology) and related clinical skills/laboratory exercises commence. The seminars will continue until May while the clinical skills exercises will terminate after 2-3 months.

Decide on project and start literature search

Treatment planning clinics

Design pilot study for project

Start patient treatment

(1 session per week: Conservation, Periodontology, Endodontology and Prosthodontics)

JAN/FEB MAR MAY

Consolidate pilot study for project

Start project experimental work. Check viability of project.

Continue seminars, clinical and project work

JUN JUL AUG

Revision Written examination

Hand in literature review

Resit of written examination arranged at end of August


OUTLINE TIMETABLE: SECOND YEAR

SEPT OCT NOV

Ensure experimental work for project is making good progress

Continue patient treatment (4 sessions)

Present background to research projects at School Research Seminars

Teaching seminar

JAN APRIL MAY

Start general restorative clinics (Full-time students 3 sessions Part-time students 2 sessions )

Start clinical teaching of U/G students

Write up project

JULY AUG SEPT

Clinical presentation to internal examiners

Project to binders

Hand in dissertation, experimental log book and case report

Dissertation viva, clinical viva, general viva


APPENDIX 2

LIST OF SEMINARS

FIXED PROSTHODONTICS AND CONSERVATION

Rubber dam

Amalgam

Composite (anterior and posterior)

Glass ionomers and the cermets

Adhesion, microleakage

Cores

Posts and cores

Preparations for castings

Impression techniques, gingival management

Adhesive bridges and splints

Porcelain as a restorative material

Porcelain laminate veneers

Temporary crowns and temporary cementation

Bridge design

Cementation


ENDODONTIC SERIES

Pulp and periapical pathosis

Iatrogenic pulpal injury

Principles of RCT, pulp anatomy and access

Isolation, instrumentation, irrigation

Ni/Ti rotary endodontics

Obturation

Thermoplastic methods of obturation

Procedural errors, evaluation of success, non-surgical retreatment of failures

Intracanal medicaments, the 1 visit / 2 visit dilemma

Resorption, perio-endo lesions

Geriatric endodontics

Endodontic surgery

PERIODONTOLOGY

Biology of the periodontium

Microbiology of Periodontal Diseases

Histopathology & Immunology of Periodontal Disease

Measurement of Periodontal Disease

Early Onset and Refractory Periodontitis

Systemic Diseases and the Periodontium

Drugs and the Periodontium

Clinical Gingival Pathology

Dentine Hypersensitivity

Plaque inhibitory agents

Antimicrobials in the Management of Periodontal Diseases

Non-Surgical Management

New Attachment/Reattachment

Periodontal Surgery (I and II)

Bifurcations and Trifurcation

Mucogingival Surgery

Occlusion and Periodontal Destruction

Maintenance


REMOVABLE PROSTHODONTICS

Partial prosthodontics

Tissue and anatomical considerations

Partial prosthesis (appliance design and treatment methods)

DENTAL MATERIALS SCIENCE

Essays will be set to supplement the above

Students are involved in presenting seminars

1. The science of dental materials

2. The properties of materials I

3. The properties of materials II

4. Composites - classification

5. Posterior composites

6. Composite inlays

7. Glass ionomers - composition and properties

8. Glass ionomers - light activated

9. Adhesives I

10. Adhesives II

11. Glass ionomers - clinical use

12. Amalgam - past, present and future

13. Impression materials

14. Current status of ceramics

15. CAD/CAM technology

16. Methodology - durability of fillings in-vivo

17. Methodology - durability of fillings in-vitro

18. Methodology - evaluation of adhesives

LABORATORY COURSE

A series of four seminars will be organised by Mr. Ronnie Allen on the relevance of the scientific literature to:

Dies and models

Pattern materials and properties

Investments and casting

Alloys for cast restorations


INTERRELATED SUBJECTS

Mandibular movement and related anatomy

Caries and other abnormalities of teeth

An overview of oral medicine

Radiography

Control of infection

Treatment planning

Clinical photography

Gerodontics (erosion, attrition, abrasion)

Root caries

Occlusion course

Management of traumatised teeth

TM dysfunction/facial pain

Diagnosis and management of TMD

Occlusal considerations of TMD

Aesthetics

Precision retainers

Implantology

Failures

Sedation and resuscitation

Hazards

The medically compromised patient

Philosophies of occlusion


APPENDIX 3Regulations

Degree of Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry

Course Code: 5008

Code: 5008

1. A graduate in Dentistry of this or any other approved University or a candidate with other qualifications approved by the Dean of Postgraduate Studies may be admitted to the degree of Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry in the Faculty of Medical Sciences on complying with the requirements of these regulations.

2. The degree shall be awarded to a student who, having been approved as a candidate by the Dean of Postgraduate Studies, has completed the prescribed programme of advanced study in the University and who has satisfied the examiners in the written, clinical and oral examinations and has presented a satisfactory dissertation in accordance with the examination requirements.

3. The programme shall extend over two calendar years commencing in October. The programme shall normally be full time within the Faculty. Students may opt to complete part of the programme within general dental practice providing:

(a) they are eligible to work in and have part-time employment in a UK dental practice (including the Community Dental Service and Armed Forces) or be a trainee on one of the approved Restorative or Monospeciality training programmes;

(b) they have satisfactorily completed either General Professional Training or Vocational Training or can provide evidence of similar academic and clinical training;

(c) they spend overall not less than 50 per cent of the working week in the Faculty or Dental Hospital;

(d) it is recognized that at least two of the four patients submitted to the internal examiners in July of the second would normally be treated in practice.

4. The programme shall include lectures, seminars, laboratory classes and clinical work. The candidate will be required to undertake an approved project and literature review. Unless the Dean of Postgraduate Studies determines otherwise, the period of study prescribed above shall be continuous and the examinations shall be conducted in accordance with the sections below.

5. The examination, which must be passed as a whole, shall consist of:

(a) written examination;

(b) clinical case presentation;

(c) clinical oral examination;

(d) an assessment of a dissertation submitted by the candidate on an approved subject;


(e) an oral examination on the dissertation.

Each section of the examination will comprise 20 per cent.

The performance of candidates during the programme of study will be taken into account in the clinical case presentation if the candidate's patient is unable to attend. In such circumstances candidates must present the patient's log diary and other relevant evidence of having planned and completed treatment. Candidates must also have shown a satisfactory performance in presenting patients to the internal examiners at the end of years one and two. A satisfactory performance requires the submission of at least four patients on each occasion, a minimum aggregate grade of C and a total of not more than one grade D or below.

Dissertations must be lodged with the School Office not later than 10 August of the second year of study.

6. Section (a) of the examination shall normally be held during the first year in July with prescribed in-course work assessed over both years. The other examinations (sections (b), (c) and (e)) shall be held during the second year after the assessment of the dissertation (normally September). Candidates on a Monospeciality or Restorative training programme may, with the permission of the Board of Examiners, delay submission of the dissertation to the end of their third year providing there is evidence of satisfactory progress assessed by the completed literature review and experimental log book.

7. Before presenting himself/herself for examination the candidate must have attended the prescribed programme of study.

8. Enrolment on the second year of study will be dependent on the candidate passing the written examination, including prescribed in-course work and having submitted a project literature review no later than 31 July of the first year of study.

9. A candidate whose written examination does satisfy the examiners but whose project literature review does not, will be advised on remedial action to be taken before resubmission with the dissertation.

10. A candidate whose written examination does not satisfy the examiners will be given the opportunity to resit before enrolling for the second year of study (normally in September). The candidate would in addition have an oral examination attended by the external examiner.

11. A candidate whose resit paper does not satisfy the examiners or fails to submit the literature review will be referred to a Progress Committee convened by the Dean of Postgraduate Studies. The Progress Committee may recommend either:

(a) discontinuation of studies;

(b) retaking the first year of study, subject to the availability of finances.

12. The MSc may be awarded with Merit or Distinction. The MS13. A candidate whose dissertation does not satisfy the examiners but who satisfies the examiners in the other Parts of the examination may be permitted by the Board of Examiners to submit it in a revised form on one occasion only. Such a candidate will be required to submit his or her dissertation in a revised form within six months from a date approved by the Board and may also be required to submit him or herself for a further oral examination on the dissertation.


14. A candidate who submits a satisfactory dissertation but who fails to satisfy the examiners in any other Parts of the examination may be permitted by the Board of Examiners to submit himself or herself for re-examination in those Parts on one further occasion only within six months from a date approved by the Board.

15. A candidate who has failed in any Parts of the examination may be required by the examiners to produce evidence of further study as prescribed by the examiners before presenting himself or herself for re-examination.

16. No candidate may, without the special permission of the Dean of Postgraduate Studies, present himself or herself for examination or re-examination after two years from the date upon which he/she completes the programme of study for the examination concerned.


APPENDIX 4

COURSE QUESTIONNAIRE

You are asked to comment on the course under the specific subheadings. A space has been left below each subheading for your response.

1. General

Three best things about the course?

Three worst things?

2. Specific

a) Patient Treatment?

b) Clinical Skills Course?

c) Laboratory Course?

d) Partial Denture Course?

e) Clinical Work?

f) Laboratory production work

g) Case Selection?

h) Work Load?

i) Supervision:?

j) Log Diary?

k) Consultant Clinics?

3. Seminars

a) Conservation?

b) Periodontology?

c) Other?

4. DissertationMSc IN RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY - Course Handbook 34

a) Project Selection?

b) Supervision?

c) Help from other departments?

5. Supplementary questions

a) What could improve the course?

b) In what ways do you think the course may help with your future career?


Documents

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