Master's in Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent) Periodontology

Aetiology and diagnosis of diseases of the periodontium (20 credits)

The mechanisms and diagnosis of the various forms of periodontal disease are explained in detail and related to prognosis. Included is the newly recognised and potential serious condition of peri-implantitis.

Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of oral medicine, history taking, clinical examination, and the investigations required to diagnose oral medicine cases. Students will also be introduced to the management of oral medicine patients using a prescribing and therapeutical approach as well as operative intervention.

Covers the surgical protocols involved in implant placement in suitable patients, and implant-specific surgical techniques and related instrumentation. Students practice various implant protocols on models and have the opportunity to observe clinical practice. Students also apply the skills learnt on actual patients, and begin implant placement protocols in preparation for the second year clinical practice module.

This module introduces autogenous bone grafting and sinus lifting. The module also covers the rehabilitation and reconstruction of severely resorbed jaws, where loss of alveolar bone height and buccolabial bone width combined with reduction in bone density, severely compromises direct implant treatment.

Students will learn about the latest non-surgical and surgical techniques for the treatment of periodontal diseases and their relative merits. This module includes the management of soft tissues, flap repositioning and soft tissue aesthetic particularly in relation to dental implants in the aesthetic zone.

Advanced Clinical Practice (30 credits)

Students present and treat a minimum of ten surgical cases, four of which are under supervision and appraised at a regional clinic. Students also contribute to seminars and present interesting case reports they treated or intend to treat under supervision or independently. The cases build up a clinical portfolio that is marked for evidence of successful completion of the module.

Students will be able to develop a research protocol and produce a research dissertation on an area relevant to their practice.