Clinical Periodontology MSc/PGDip/PGCert

Programme at a Glance Year 1

Clinical Knowledge of Periodontology (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce foundation topics relating to the safe practice of periodontology. The module will cover the basic sciences underpinning the clinical aspects of periodontal treatment and will cover patient examination, treatment planning, complications and case selection.

• Anatomy and biology of the periodontium
• Epidemiology and classification of periodontal diseases entities
• Microbiology and histopathology of periodontal diseases
• Periodontal examination and assessment of risk factors
• Cause-related therapy
• Chemical agents in periodontal therapy
• Maintenance therapy
• Biological rationale for surgical pocket therapy
• Periodontal surgery: historical perspective, objectives, methods and clinical outcome
• Clinical documentation, treatment planning, case assessment and referral criteria for periodontal cases
• Medical and legal considerations and issues

Clinical Practice Periodontology (20 credits)

This module will introduce and develop the necessary practical skills required to undertake safe periodontal treatment within a primary dental care environment. Practical procedures will be demonstrated, supervised and assessed within the UCLan clinical training facility using the available manikins. In addition case presentation and critical case analysis of your own patients will be undertaken and peer discussion actively encouraged.

• Clinical documentation, treatment planning, case assessment and referral criteria for periodontal cases
• Hands-on non-surgical and basic periodontal surgery
• Treatment of angular bony defects - conservative and respective methods

Appraising the Dental Literature (20 credits)

The module seeks to develop your ability to locate, select and interpret information from a wide variety of published sources related to dentistry and oral health, and to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the dental literature using objective methodologies.

Year 2

Enhanced Clinical Knowledge of Periodontology (20 credits)

This module will further develop your knowledge periodontology, building on the foundations developed in the first year. You will study advances in clinical periodontal and will gain knowledge of the contemporary periodontal techniques that have widened and strengthened the clinician’s treatment portfolio. 

• Biologic rationale for regenerative periodontal therapy
• Regenerative and grafting periodontal techniques: clinical outcome and prognosis
• Mucogingival therapy - biological considerations
• Periodontal plastic procedures: techniques, objectives, indications and outcomes
• Management of peri-implantis: diagnosis, treatment, prognosis
• Prosthesis on periodontally compromised teeth
• Perio-pros-implant interface – treatment planning
• Periodontal tissue reactions during orthodontic tooth movement
• Periodontal medicine: periodontal disease and general health
• Crown lengthening

Enhanced Clinical Practice of Periodontology (20 credits)

This module introduces further practical skills required for effective periodontal treatment. The module will introduce more advanced clinical procedures to be carried out under the supervision of an experienced clinical tutor within an approved clinical training centre. In addition, case presentations and critical case analysis of your own patients will be undertaken and peer discussion actively encouraged.

• Soft and hard tissue surgical procedures for crown lengthening
• Techniques for splinting teeth
• Repositioned flap procedures
• Regenerative procedures
• Management of restorative aspects affecting periodontal tissues

Evidence Based Dentistry (20 credits)

The module seeks to develop your skills in order to plan, undertake and present the findings of a dental or oral health related research project.

Year 3

Extended Clinical Practice Module (20 credits)

This module provides further time treating patients under supervision in the UCLan Dental Clinic. It will provide an opportunity to treat patients using a multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together the knowledge and skills acquired during the first two years of the course.

Dentistry Professional Project (40 credits)

The dissertation will form a major component in the final year of the Masters programme. You will be expected to take responsibility for designing, conducting and analysing the results of a substantial investigation, which will make a contribution to the discipline under scrutiny. You will be encouraged to adopt a balanced perspective in the treatment process as they analyse the research material. The project will be written up in the agreed Masters degree format. You will also be encouraged to write a short article suitable for submission for presentation at appropriate conference and where possible for publication in a specialty related journal. This will provide you with an opportunity to develop a professional writing style and to achieve publication.

The MSc and PG Diploma both carry 60 clinical and 30 “others” credits towards the FGDP Career Pathway. The course will also provide you with over 200 hours of verifiable CPD.