Program Overview

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Clinical Periodontology

MSc

Attendance

Part-time

Campus

Preston Campus

Start

September 2025

Duration

2 years

Delivery

In-person

Our MSc Clinical Periodontology programme is for dentists looking to introduce advanced periodontal treatment within their practice. You’ll get clinical training, which means you’ll be equipped to provide safe and appropriate periodontal treatment.

Course Highlights

• Thorough case assessment and record taking
• Risk factors and their management
• Appropriate treatment planning
• Non-surgical management of periodontal disease
• Flap design and suturing
• Surgical procedures including crown lengthening
• Use of antibiotics as an adjunct to mechanical therapy
• Management of Peri-implantitis

Why Study with Us

• You’ll get 20 days of supervised clinical training, delivered by experienced clinicians and educators.
• Much of the academic teaching is delivered through a modern, online delivery model.
• You’ll graduate with an MSc Periodontology from a UK university that’s well known as a provider of high quality clinical training and education.

Important Information

• This course is only available to UK students.
• The application deadline for September 2025 entry for UK students is Thursday 31 July 2025.

What You'll Do

• You will be able to study whilst you continue working as much of the academic content is delivered online.
• You’ll plan and treat real patients referred by local dental practitioners in our University Dental Clinic, under the direct clinical supervision of experienced consultants and specialists.
• You will enjoy a teaching faculty led by Dr Flavio Pisani, a highly experienced specialist and academic periodontist.

Modules

Compulsory Modules

• Utilising the Evidence Base
  • Module code: DX4017
  • In this module you will learn to develop strategies for systematic searching of electronic databases. You will also develop your communication skills and be able to cite and reference accurately in reports.
• Research Strategy
  • Module code: DX4027
  • In this module you will develop skills in gathering and appraising scientific studies and learn the key stages in developing focused research questions to enable you to produce a research proposal.
• Clinical Periodontology 1
  • Module code: DX4030
  • You'll learn about the safe practice of Periodontology. You'll develop an understanding of periodontal diseases pathogenesis and the clinical aspects of periodontal treatment. The module also allows you to evaluate the evidence underlying patients' examination, diagnosis and treatment planning, complications and case evaluation.
• Clinical Periodontology 2
  • Module code: DX4039
  • We will build upon the skills and knowledge you gained in the first year for the safe and appropriate delivery of periodontal treatment within a primary dental care environment.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26
  • UK: Part-time £20,250 per year

Additional Costs

As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies. Select your country or region to see if you are eligible and how to apply.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Applicants will be qualified as a Dental Surgeon and have a licence to practise dentistry
  • Be registered with the General Dental Council or equivalent
  • Be in professional practice or have a hospital appointment while attending the course
  • Be registered with a Defence Union - possessing indemnity insurance with cover at an appropriate level
  • Possess a current certificate of immunisation against communicable disease Hepatitis B
  • Have sufficient competency in English language
  • IELTS: 7.0 or equivalent
  • Competency may be demonstrated by qualification, accreditation of prior learning or separate University assessment
  • DBS: all potential students must undergo an enhanced DBS check prior to admittance to the programme
  • Applicants must provide evidence of their General Dental Council Certificate and Indemnity Insurance by either uploading a copy upon on-line application or providing a copy with their completed paper application

Learning and Assessment

You’ll need to attend up to 25 study/assessment days per year, and of these 20 will be in the Dental Clinic where you will be supported to assess, undertake and ultimately lead in clinical treatment.

To accompany the study days, much of the course content, including lecture notes, PowerPoint slides, videos of lectures and assignments will be delivered to you via the University’s e-learn system. This means you can study from home.

Initially we offer plenary lectures and practical sessions in our state-of-the-art phantom head facility, including work on pig’s head and similar systems. As you move through the first year of the course you’ll progress to working on live patients, under close supervision, in our Dental Clinic. You’ll develop skills that’ll be assessed through Direct Observations of Procedural Skills (DOPS).

Your academic knowledge will develop though presentations, directed reading and case-based discussions. You’ll lead and work in groups too, which are typically <12 per cohort. This is an informal and supportive learning environment.

We must of course have assessments and examinations - these are designed to allow you to monitor your progress and guide your learning as well as testing your core knowledge and skills at regular intervals throughout the programme. Assessments focus on your higher level skills of diagnosis and planning, rather than simply remembering facts. Typical assessments would include analysis of given clinical cases, case presentations, practical tests, written examinations and critical essays.

Modules DX4017 and DX4027 are delivered and assessed online.

The clinical modules, DX4030 and DX4039 are assessed with a blend of course work, written assessments, practical assessments including direct observations whilst treating patients, and seen and unseen clinical case assessments.