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Operative Dentistry PG Dip

Key information

• Course type: Diploma
• Delivery mode: On campus
• Study mode: Part time
• Duration: Two years, April to March
• Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 120/ECTS 60
• Application status: Closed

Course Description

The postgraduate diploma in Operative Dentistry is designed to enhance the operative skills of newly-qualified dentists, as well as experienced practitioners wishing to upskill, whilst they continue to work in general dental practice. Course participants will develop the technical, diagnostic and treatment planning skills necessary to practice modern clinical operative dentistry effectively and efficiently. The course offers a breadth of expertise, covering topics such as restorative treatment planning, anterior and posterior restorations, a variety of different crown preparation techniques, resin-bonded bridges, occlusion, management of tooth surface loss, clinical photography, dento-legal issues, endodontics and restoration of the non-vital tooth, implant maintenance, bleaching, removable prosthodontics provision and a variety of other operative dentistry-related topics.

Key benefits

• Created in collaboration with the Department of Restorative Dentistry at King's College Hospital
• A unique and comprehensive blend of practical training, clinical practice, seminars and independent study
• Designed and taught by leading experts in Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics

Course essentials

The course combines seminars, hands-on training and direct clinical contact with patients, alongside self-guided learning and webinars. Course participants will study the applied science of operative dentistry and acquire clinical and practical skills in operative dentistry. This training will be delivered at the Denmark Hill Campus where you will attend for approximately 46 contact days over the two years. It is specifically designed for dentists already working in dental practice using patients from both their practice and the hospital to develop a reflective log of treatment which will form a major part of the course assessment. The programme is taught and led by Aws Alani, Specialist in Restorative Dentistry and Naureen Rizvi, Specialist in Prosthodontics, in conjunction with visiting lecturers and teachers. The course offers a breadth of expertise, covering topics such as restorative treatment planning, anterior and posterior restorations, a variety of different crown preparation techniques, resin-bonded bridges, occlusion, management of tooth surface loss, clinical photography, dento-legal issues, endodontics and restoration of the non-vital tooth, implant maintenance, bleaching, removable prosthodontics provision and a variety of other operative dentistry-related topics. You will acquire the skills to critically evaluate relevant literature and to apply evidence- based practice to operative dentistry. The clinical sessions will enable you to transfer your knowledge, understanding, intellectual and practical skills to improve and enhance your practice.

Course Aims

• The programme aims to provide newly qualified dentists and experienced practitioners with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of operative dentistry.
• Students will acquire the skills to critically evaluate relevant literature and to apply evidence-based practice to operative dentistry.
• The clinical sessions will enable participants to translate their knowledge, understanding, intellectual and practical skills to improve and enhance their operative dentistry.

Base campus

• Denmark Hill Campus
  • Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.

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: 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 £75 applies.
• Completed applications for April 2025 entry will consist of an online application form, two references, a copy of the applicant's GDC certificate and a CV which should be submitted by the first deadline of 8 December 2024. This is the final deadline for Overseas applications. After this date, the programme will remain open only if places are still available and will be closed as soon as it is full. Where the programme remains open beyond this date, no further Home applications will be accepted after 27 January 2025.
• Applications will be considered on a "first come first served" basis according to the date of completion of the application, and candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed on an ongoing basis. Early applications are strongly advised.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.

Personal statement and supporting information

• As access to patients is required to successfully complete the course, course participants must have access to a clinical environment to allow them to practice the clinical skills developed on the course.
• Special consideration may be given to new graduates who are not in secure employment wishing to develop their clinical skills further. In such cases, it may be possible to arrange patient treatment in sessions out with the course (without pay).
• You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
  • Personal Statement: Yes, 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 should demonstrate an interest in operative dentistry, hold a dental qualification and be registered with the GDC.
  • Previous Academic Study: Yes, 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: Yes, One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

Teaching methods - what to expect

• Seminars
• Lectures
• Clinical skills simulation
• Clinical skills training

Self-guided learning	Seminars, field & lab work, studio work, supervised learning	Project work
Year 1	350 hours	210 hours	40 hours
Year 2	350 hours	210 hours	40 hours

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

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.

We will teach you through lectures, seminars, hands-on training and supervision of patient treatment on clinic. An incorporated webinar programme with invited guest speakers provides further opportunity for group learning and discussion. Course material will be available through our online learning environment, King's E-learning and Teaching Service (KEATS), where you will find information, interactive questions, assignments, bibliographic databases and reading material.

This training will be delivered at the Denmark Hill Campus where you will attend for approximately 46 contact days over the two years. In addition, at least 12 webinars will also be provided.

Students are required to have access to adequate clinical facilities and to patients requiring treatment relevant to the subject area.

Assessment

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include case reports, written examinations and unseen cases VIVAs.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they may change if the course modules change.

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

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 120 credits. You are required to take:

• Applied Science of Operative Dentistry - Part 1 (30 credits)
• Clinical and Practical Skills of Operative Dentistry - Part 1 (30 credits)
• Applied Science of Operative Dentistry - Part 2 (30 credits)
• Clinical and Practical Skills of Operative Dentistry - Part 2 (30 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

It is expected that postgraduates will continue in general dental practice, offering a higher standard of clinical care with increased confidence, ability and professional reward. They might also use the programme to enter into assessment via the Royal College of Surgeons or equivalent to be able to practice as an enhanced practitioner.

The diploma has been designed to equip you with the components needed to apply for a dentist with enhanced skills to your local commissioning group.

Tuition Fees

UK:

• Part time: £12,180 per year (2024/25) - course commences April 2025

International:

• Part time: £15,882 per year (2024/25) - course commences April 2025

Deposit

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 UK deposit is £500.
• The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000.
• If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer in January, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer in February, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer after 1 March, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Additional Costs

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

• DBS checks or equivalent criminal conviction disclosure checks approximately; £50 for an initial check; ongoing subscription at £13 per year. Check the government website for further information
• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Society membership fees
• Conference attendance (optional)
• Stationery
• Travel costs to London
• Graduation costs
• Consider photography equipment (to be discussed further at enrolment): digital camera with a macro lens and ring flash, SD card, photo editing software.
• Mirrors and retractors

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.