Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry

Program Overview

Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry (MSRD) program at Ajman University is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on evidence-based treatment of dentate and partially edentulous patients with complex restorative needs. It involves addressing aesthetic and functional needs of patients using advanced aesthetic procedures as well as replacement of missing teeth using fixed and removable tooth-supported and implant-supported prostheses. The program prepares candidates to be specialists in restorative dentistry in private, academic, and community oral health facilities.

Mission

Our mission is to provide a Master educational program in the UAE, in order to graduate highly qualified professionals to deliver compassionate and ethical oro-facial health care services. The mission of the Master of Restorative Dentistry Program supports the Mission of the College of Dentistry at Ajman University.

Goals of the MSRD Program

• Prepare highly qualified specialist in Restorative Dentistry to deliver compassionate and ethical oral health care services to patients in specialist practice, community hospitals, and/or academic settings.
• Prepare graduate with critical thinking attitude and foster self-directed lifelong learning convictions.
• Provide graduates with sound knowledge in the scientific and ethical principles of research to be capable of addressing community oral health needs and contributing to advances in the field of Restorative Dentistry.

Admission Requirements

A) Full Admission:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Dental surgery issued in the UAE or its equivalent as approved by the UAE Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, or its equivalent.
• The applicant achieved the minimum required score of proficiency test in English with a valid certificate as the following:
  • I. An IELTS with a minimum score of 6 or its equivalent.
  • II. Applicants may be exempted from the English proficiency requirement only for students who undertook all their schooling (K-12) plus a Bachelor’s degree in English in a reference English-speaking country (e.g. UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand).
• Undergo an interview by two senior staff members to ascertain his/her suitability for the program.
• Two recommendation letters from professors who have known the applicant and are familiar with his/her work.

B) Conditional admission due to non-fulfillment of CGPA requirement:

• If the applicant has achieved an EmSAT English or its equivalent with a minimum required score and has a recognized Bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 - 2.99 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, he/she may be conditionally admitted to the Master program.
• Such a student under this category will be allowed to continue in the program only if he/she meets the following conditions:
  • Take six credit hours of courses from the program study plan (as per the advice of his/her academic advisor) in the first semester of study and
  • Achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 scale by the end of his/her first semester.
• Failure to meet the above conditions will result in dismissal from the program.

C) Conditional admission due to non-fulfillment of English Proficiency requirement:

• If the applicant has achieved an EmSAT English with a minimum score of 1250 or its equivalent with a recognized Bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale, he/she may be conditionally admitted to the Master program.
• Such a student must meet the following requirements during the first semester of conditional admission or be subject to a dismissal:
  • Must take six credit hours in the first semester of study, not including intensive English courses.
  • Must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in the first semester.
  • Must achieve an EmSAT English with a minimum score of 1400 or its equivalent, by the end of the student's first semester of study.

Graduation Requirements

• Successfully completing the required 74 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average (C.G.P.A) of not less than 3.
• Completing the clinical requirements of the program.
• Submitting a written research thesis and successfully defending it before an examination committee.

Evaluation Criteria for Postgraduate Program Applications

• Evaluation of Academic Performance Based on CGPA
• Entrance Examination at the Undergraduate Level
• Post-Internship Clinical Experience
• Interview Assessment
• English Language Proficiency Score (IELTS or Equivalent)
• Additional Dental Certifications (INBDE, NBDE, MFD, etc.)
• Prior involvement in the master’s program as a volunteer or part-time participant.
• Published Research in Scopus-Indexed Journals.

Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

• Identify and integrate knowledge in the basic and clinical sciences to diagnose and manage patients with complex restorative dentistry needs.
• Evaluate and debate advanced concepts in Restorative Dentistry for problem solving and formulating innovative ideas.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research concepts, theories and principles in different domains of restorative dentistry.

Skills

• Use comprehensive approach for management of patients’ oral health needs taking into consideration systemic, psychological, and socio-economic factors into consideration.
• Perform complex restorative procedures independently and consistently under various difficult situations.
• Show the ability to appraise and synthesize classical and contemporary restorative dentistry literature as a method of knowledge build up and development.
• Demonstrate high level of verbal and written communication skills with patients and other health care professionals.
• Formulate a research proposal, conduct a research project, and analyze results and draw appropriate conclusions compatible with sound scientific and ethical principles of human or laboratory research.

Competence

Autonomy and Responsibility:

• Demonstrate professional practice management aptitudes and take responsibility for critical decisions and governance taking into considerations social and cultural norms.
• Analyze and criticize intricate notions and concepts and be able to discuss them with peers and other professionals.

Role in context:

• Demonstrate professional leadership qualities and instill values and moral when working with other healthcare professionals.
• Organize and manage strategic activities for successful completion of tasks in familiar and/or unpredictable contexts.

Self-development:

• Develop critical thinking and self-directed learning to formulate solutions for complex clinical and/or research issues as part of professional development.
• Manage complex ethical and moral issues without prejudice when working within a team or as a leader.

Study Plan

Study Plan: Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry (MSRD)

Courses Descriptions

Course Description: Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry (MSRD)