Orthodontics MSc

Program Overview

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Postgraduate Taught

Study

Orthodontics MSc

Key information

• Study mode: Full time
• Duration: Three years
• Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90
• Application status: Closed
• Start date: September 2025

Key benefits

• Exposure to a wide variety of orthodontic appliances and techniques.
• Rotations to peripheral hospital orthodontic departments in South East England.
• Dedicated postgraduate dental centre at Guy's Hospital.
• Internationally competitive research opportunities.

Course essentials

The Orthodontics MSc programme is based at King’s College London with clinical treatment clinics at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which collectively with King’s College London form King’s Health Partners. The course is based on the UK General Dental Council Orthodontic curriculum and is delivered through lectures, practical and technical teaching elements, clinical seminars, tutorials, self-directed learning, supervised clinical treatment of patients and attendance on diagnostic and multidisciplinary outpatient clinics. Academic and clinical teaching is supported by a local virtual learning environment and also through access to the British Orthodontic Society national online learning programme. Assessment is through written, oral and practical examinations, clinical work-based assessments, case presentations, patient logbooks and the submission of a research dissertation. Students undertake a dedicated research project as part of their course and the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s provides an environment enriched with internationally recognised academics to facilitate this. In recent years, students have undertaken projects incorporating many different subject areas including clinical orthodontics, craniofacial biology, dental materials science, clinical psychology and dental public health. Students are encouraged to register and undertake a King’s Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice to further develop their educational skills. The programme complies with the principles of Erasmus and supports the European Union directives on specialisation in orthodontics. The course prepares you to sit the Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) examination of the United Kingdom Royal Surgical Colleges. This course is taught primarily at King’s College London (predominantly Guy’s Hospital), with some first year lectures at Queen Mary University of London. These lectures are organised in blocks, normally at the start of the programme.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: A recognised undergraduate dental qualification
• Programme-Specific Requirements: A dental qualification plus at least two years post-qualification experience. UK applicants will normally need to satisfy any additional specialist training requirements. For UK applicants FDS, MFDS or MJDF is desirable.
• Since this programme requires clinical activity that falls within the scope of practice of a dentist, Home/UK applicants should ensure that they either have full active registration as a dentist with the General Dental Council or are able to obtain temporary registration. It is not possible to hold two forms of registration concurrently (for example, full registration as a Dental Care Professional and temporary registration as a Dentist).

International applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: International applicants are required to have a Dental degree from a recognised institution. The recognised status of an institution will be assessed after submission of an application.
• English language requirements: English language band: D

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.

• The Admissions Office will review applications as applications are received to check they are complete and will be in contact if further information is needed. Completed applications however will not be considered by the Faculty until after the application deadline listed below. Applications will then be shortlisted for interview; if selected for interview, applicants should provide a portfolio of clinical dentistry to demonstrate your clinical skills.
• Due to the competitive nature of this programme, applicants will be required to meet the English language requirement in order to be shortlisted for interview. Applicants can provide evidence of meeting the English language requirement after submitting the application but will need to provide this on King’s Apply by the application deadline below.
• The 8 December 2024 application deadline has now passed. We will remain open until Friday 31 January 2025 (23:59 UK time).

Personal statement and supporting information

• Personal Statement: A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Applicants must demonstrate a focused interest in orthodontics.
• Previous Academic Study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
• References: One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Other: Please submit a full CV in addition to the application form.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

• The training period provides a minimum of 4,500 hours over the degree (three years) full- time or an agreed equivalent within the framework of a less than full-time training course.
• The course timetable is apportioned approximately as:
  • 60% clinical
  • 20% academic
  • 20% research
• This time allocation is flexible and will depend on the capacity of the trainees to complete the curriculum to a competent level.
• Standard university term times do not apply to this course. You will receive an allowance of compulsory and selectable leave for each academic year with full details provided on enrolment.
• This course is taught primarily at King’s College London (predominantly Guy’s Hospital), with some first year lectures at Queen Mary University of London. These lectures are organised in blocks, normally at the start of the programme.

Assessment

• Science of Orthodontics (Module 1) and Clinical Orthodontic Theory (Module 2) – multiple choice questions / written examination
• Clinical Orthodontics – written examination, unseen clinical cases, practical wire-bending, presentation of treated cases, oral examination
• Orthodontic Research – research dissertation and oral presentation

Extra information

• Entry to the programme is strictly dependent upon occupational health clearance that you are able to conduct exposure prone procedures (EPPs) before you start clinical work.
• This will assess your hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody status, HIV and TB status following the completion of a health questionnaire and a further health check before or at enrolment. If offered a place on the course, overseas students are advised to be tested locally and send the results of these checks with the questionnaire, prior to a separate full test in the UK at the College's Occupational Health Department before term begins.
• All offers of a place on a programme are made subject to a satisfactory criminal conviction disclosure. If you are from overseas or have never lived in the UK before, you should contact the relevant authorities in your home country to arrange for the equivalent check to be conducted and/or a certificate of good conduct to be issued.
• The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Required modules

You are required to take four modules over years one, two and three totalling 180 credits.

• Orthodontics Part 1: Science of Orthodontics (30 credits)
• Orthodontics Part 2: Clinical Orthodontic Theory (30 credits)
• Orthodontics Part 3: Clinical (60 credits)
• Orthodontics Part 4: Research (60 credits)

Optional modules

There are no optional modules.

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £20,950 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £65,500 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

• The Home deposit is £1000. The International deposit is £3000.
• If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 1 January and 31 March, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 1 April and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
• Specialised wire bending tools (specified on KEATS)
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Society membership fees
• Stationery
• Travel costs around London and between campuses
• Graduation costs
• Since this is a clinical programme students may find that they benefit from use of clinical operating loupes with or without headlamp illumination in order to facilitate their clinical development
• Accommodation and subsistence for face-to-face training blocks
• Internet access
• Computer equipment
• Photography equipment (to be discussed further at enrolment): a digital camera with a macro lens and ring flash; SD card; retractors and mirrors; photo editing software
• Binding for logbooks/dissertations – binding is not necessary but is optional
• Examination fees (if not taken at venue in London)

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible as we may need to request further information from you to assess your application. This is particularly important if your application is successful, and you are required to meet any conditions and/or you need a Student Visa to study at King’s.

Due to the competitive nature of this programme, applicants will be required to meet the English language requirement by the application deadline in order to be shortlisted for interview. Please see the Selection Process in the ‘Entry Requirements’ tab above.

The 8 December 2024 application deadline has now passed. We will remain open until Friday 31 January 2025 (23:59 UK time).

As places are limited on this programme, we will be monitoring the amount of offers being made. Applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements may therefore be placed on hold while we consider the number of places remaining. You will be informed if your application is being held.

Program Outline

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Orthodontics MSc - King's College London

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Degree Overview:

The Orthodontics MSc program offers comprehensive academic, practical, and clinical training in contemporary orthodontics. It covers topics like normal growth and development of the craniofacial region, dentition development, interceptive treatment, orthodontic tooth movement, treatment planning, malocclusion management, contemporary appliance systems, and treatment mechanics.

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Objectives:

This program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to:

• Provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients.
• Apply evidence-based principles to orthodontic treatment.
• Critically evaluate new research and advancements in the field.
It aligns with the UK General Dental Council Orthodontic curriculum and incorporates a mix of teaching methods:
• Lectures: Deliver fundamental knowledge and theoretical concepts.
• Practical and Technical Elements: Develop hands-on skills in orthodontic techniques and procedures.
• Clinical Seminars: Facilitate discussion and case analysis.
• Self-Directed Learning: Encourage independent study and research.
• Supervised Clinical Treatment: Offer practical experience in treating patients.
• Diagnostic and Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinics: Expose students to diverse clinical settings.

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Outline:

This program spans three years and includes four compulsory modules:

• Orthodontics Part 1: Science of Orthodontics (30 credits): Covers the biological principles underlying orthodontic treatment.
• Orthodontics Part 2: Clinical Orthodontic Theory (30 credits): Focuses on the theoretical aspects of orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and appliance design.
• Orthodontics Part 3: Clinical (60 credits): Provides extensive hands-on experience in managing orthodontic patients under supervision.
• Orthodontics Part 4: Research (60 credits): Involves conducting a research project on a topic related to orthodontics.

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Assessment:

• Science of Orthodontics and Clinical Orthodontic Theory: Assessed through multiple-choice questions and written examinations.
• Clinical Orthodontics: Assessed through written examinations, unseen clinical cases, practical wire-bending assessments, treated case presentations, oral examinations, and clinical work-based assessments.
• Orthodontic Research: Assessed through a research dissertation and oral presentation.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a blend of traditional and innovative teaching methods to enhance the learning experience. It incorporates face-to-face teaching, digital learning platforms, and online resources. Faculty members are experienced clinicians and researchers with expertise in various areas of orthodontics. They employ diverse teaching strategies to cater to various learning styles.

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Careers:

Graduates of this program are eligible to pursue careers in:

• Clinical practice: Providing orthodontic treatment in private practices, hospitals, or community clinics.
• Research: Conducting research to advance the field of orthodontics.
• Academia: Teaching and mentoring future orthodontists.
• Industry: Working for companies that develop and manufacture orthodontic products.

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Other:

• This program requires occupational health clearance for students to engage in clinical procedures.
• Entry requirements include a recognized undergraduate dental qualification and at least two years of post-qualification experience.
• The program prepares students for the Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) examination of the United Kingdom Royal Surgical Colleges.

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UK:Full time: £19,554 per year (2024/25) International:Full time: £61,188 per year (2024/25) Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment. The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000. If you receive an offer between 16 July and 15 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.