Clinical Implant Dentistry PGCert

Syllabus

The programme consists of two modules, designed to be delivered as one continuous programme:

1. Theory and Skills Training in Implant Dentistry

Delivered through lectures and seminars, alongside practical Skills training in the Clinical Skills Unit with simulation exercises using artificial jaws and cadaver animal material.

2. Clinical Skills Training and Practice in Implant Dentistry

Consists of clinical assessment and treatment in a coached one-to-one setting. Video analysis is used to help teach surgical skills and encourage learning by reflection. Case studies supplement teaching and learning. The programme enables each student to treatment plan, implant, restore, and design a maintenance schedule for a minimum of six individual patients provided by Newcastle Dental Hospital. This provides a continuous learning experience and consistency of care for patients. Face-to-face communication with in-house production laboratory technicians is routine and provides additional learning opportunity.

Knowledge and skills outcomes

Throughout the programme you are encouraged to undertake independent reading. Essential material for independent learning is provided with specific scientific papers, references to textbook chapters and electronic information sources. Teaching emphasizes the evidence base relating to implant and non-implant treatment options.

The curriculum includes the following elements:

  • surgical anatomy
  • healing processes following tooth root damage, extraction, surgery, and insertion of dental implants
  • general health and lifestyle factors and local pathological processes affecting implant techniques and maintenance of dental implants
  • implant options, their indications and contraindications, and alternatives to implants
  • principles of prosthodontically driven planning for dental implant(s) in straightforward cases
  • principles of implant surgery, including guided bone regeneration and infection control in relation to minor oral surgery and local anaesthetic techniques
  • restoration of implants including the application of dental materials science
  • maintenance of implants and specific types of implant restoration
  • medico-legal aspects of implant dentistry
  • Introducing implant dentistry into a dental practice setting.

Assessment

Throughout the programme an emphasis is placed upon progressive formative assessment rather than end-point examination. These progressive assessment points are as evenly spread throughout the programme as far as is feasible.

In module one clinical skills are assessed to ensure students are prepared to start clinical work. There is a 90 minute Multiple Choice Question paper and one open book essay is set with at least six weeks to complete.

In Module two a further open book essay is set. Clinical surgical skills are assessed using Procedure Based Assessment tools. A written case presentation is required towards the end of the module.

The course handbook issued after registration will contain further details.

Attendance

The programme is for 18 months. Participants will attend Newcastle Dental School one day per fortnight (on average) during academic term times; approximately 45 days in total.

Entrance requirements

Full entry requirements are available on the University's postgraduate prospectus degree description.

It is strongly encouraged that a dental nurse (registered with the General Dental Council [UK]) accompanies each participant. Although not an absolute requirement, nurse attendance is highly desirable. Attendance will provide nurses with an opportunity to secure GDC verifiable CPD and for team working aspects of implant dentistry to be developed. Participants and any accompanying nurses must have been granted Clinical Access to Newcastle Dental Hospital by the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

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