Program Overview

MSc Special Care Dentistry

Overview

The MSc Special Care Dentistry is a part-time, online program designed for qualified dentists who want to develop their skills and knowledge in special care dentistry. The program is delivered by the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Aberdeen and is accredited by the General Dental Council.

Key Information

• Learning Mode: Online
• Study Level: Postgraduate SCQF Level 11
• Credits: 180
• Typical Duration: 36 months
• Start Month: September
• Indicative Cost: £16,740

What You'll Study

The program consists of eight 15-credit courses and a 60-credit dissertation. The courses are taught in parallel, with the workload spread across multiple terms. You'll study the following courses:

• Critical Appraisal and Research
• Disability, Health and Special Care Dentistry
• Aetiology of Disability and Clinical Care
• Clinical Management of the Special Care Patient
• Fundamentals of Research Design
• Clinical Practice and Service Provision
• Medically Compromising Conditions (elective)
• Physical Disability (elective)
• Learning Disability (elective)
• The Older Dental Patient (elective)
• Mental Health and Phobia (elective)
• MSc Special Care Dissertation

How You'll Study

The program is delivered online, with teaching materials available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You'll have access to:

• Videos
• Pre-recorded video lectures
• Live online sessions
• Workbooks
• Reading materials
• Discussion boards with tutors and peers
• Online access to libraries

You'll also participate in in-practice learning, where you'll build your clinical experience and put your online learning into practice.

Assessment

The program is assessed online, with a range of assessment types, including:

• Formative assessments
• Summative assessments
• Case studies
• Review of a log book
• Single best answer paper

Support

You'll have access to a range of support services, including:

• Careers and Employability Service
• Disability support
• IT support
• Library support
• Student Support Service
• Student Learning Service
• Aberdeen University Students' Association (AUSA)

Entry Requirements

To join the program, you should:

• Hold a BDS or equivalent dental degree
• Have been qualified for at least four years
• Be working in practice currently
• Be registered by the General Dental Council (or equivalent in your country)
• Have appropriate clinical experience

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of your English language skills. The University accepts a range of English language tests, including:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
• LanguageCert Academic
• Oxford ELLT Digital
• PTE Academic
• Skills for English: SELT
• Duolingo

IT Requirements

You'll need access to:

• A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) with an up-to-date operating system
• Reliable internet access
• Speakers or headphones
• Software (Office365 applications)

Fees and Funding

The indicative cost of the program is £16,740, based on 180 credits of study over three years. You can pay as you go, term by term. The University also offers a range of discounts, including:

• 20% Alumni discount
• 10% NHS discount

Apply for This Programme

You can apply for the program through the University's online Applicant Portal. There is no application fee. You'll need to provide:

• Personal statement
• CV / Resume
• Degree transcript
• Degree certificate
• Employer reference
• Evidence of registration with the General Dental Council (or equivalent in your country)

The application deadline for the September 2025 intake is 8 September 2025. Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.