Entry requirements

Taught Master's (MSc/MClinDent) and Diploma Programmes

All applicants must normally:

  • hold an approved dental qualification
  • have a minimum of two years' (12 months for the Diploma in Clinical Dental Science) post-qualification clinical experience prior to the commencement of studies.

Research (MRes/MPhil/PhD) Programmes

MPhil/PhD applicants require a UK Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject, awarded with first or upper second-class Honours, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a university or educational institution of university rank, or a recognised taught Master's degree.

Please note that students register for the MPhil degree in the first instance. An applicant whose qualifications, although otherwise acceptable, are inadequate in a particular subject area may be required to pass specified qualifying examinations in that subject during the period of MPhil registration. If qualifying requirements are specified for PhD registration, they must normally be satisfied before that period can begin.

Notes for Applicants to Specialist Training Programmes

Applicants for any programme who ultimately intend to seek recognition as a Specialist in the UK or EEA are strongly recommended to consult their regional Postgraduate Dental Dean to discuss their training.

Specialist training pathways are regulated by the General Dental Council through the Joint Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry of the four Royal Colleges of Surgeons and by Regional Postgraduate Dental Deans. Specialist Advisory Committees exist for each of the ‘Special Areas of Dentistry’ for which there are lists in the UK, and Eastman programmes have been inspected and approved by them. Additionally, the programme in Periodontology meets the requirements of the European Federation of Periodontology.

At the Eastman, Master’s degrees (MSc in Orthodontics and MClinDent in other subjects) form an essential part of training for those who are enrolled in specialist programmes. However, it is the overall course of specialist training (at least three years full-time equivalent) which is approved, not the associated University degree.

Candidates who obtain Master’s degrees otherwise than as part of a specialist training programme cannot apply later to have them recognised as part of any UK specialist training that they decide to follow. It is not possible to gain entry to a degree programme and then transfer or "convert" to specialist training. The Institute will assist applicants in meeting training requirements but it does not determine the regulations with which all specialist trainees must comply.

Aspiring specialists in the UK must complete at least two years of General Professional Training (GPT) before commencing Higher Professional Training (specialist training). Trainees apply for entry to specialist training on separate forms issued by the London Deanery, as well as completing UCL applications. Programme Directors will advise what is needed. Entry is competitive and will require a formal interview.

Enrolment in training is acknowledged by the issue of a personal training number which is an NTN or NTN(D). Suitably qualified applicants who do not have full resident status in the UK may be able to obtain a Visiting Training Number (VTN). Training progress is monitored by the Deanery in a process termed RITA (Record of In-service Training and Assessment) as well as by University examinations. Not more than six months before completion of training, candidates must pass the relevant Membership examination of one of the Royal Colleges, after which they receive a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) and may apply for registration as a specialist.

Overseas applicants are advised that many of these regulations may not apply to them, unless they intend to practice as a specialist in the UK. It is important that the programmes they select meet the requirements that apply in the country where they intend to register as a specialist. They are advised to seek guidance from the statutory authority in that country.

Notes For Entry onto Orthodontic Training Programmes for UK and European Economic Area (EEA) Applicants

Applicants from a member state of the EEA, including the UK, must apply for one of the salaried Specialist Registrar training programme positions. These are under the jurisdiction of the London Deanery. On appointment by the Deanery, candidates automatically qualify for a place on the Institute's MOrth programme. Candidates are therefore required to complete a London Deanery application. Please enquire with the London Deanery regarding the closing date for applications on telephone number +44 (0)20 7866 3100.

The minimum entry requirements to the MOrth programme for UK/EEA applicants include 1) at least two years general experience post basic dental degree and 2) a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent. The Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS or MFD) of one of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons or the Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties (MJDF) is also highly recommended prior to application.

EEA dentists are eligible to apply for training for which a UK National Training Number (NTN) would be issued; under the same regulations that exist for UK trainees. EEA trainees are eligible for a UK Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST), provided they are fully registered with the General Dental Council. Overseas applicants are those who are not nationals of the EEA, do not have the right of residence or are not settled in the UK (as determined by immigration or national law), do not benefit from EEA rights, or do not hold a primary dental qualification obtained in the EEA.

Overseas dentists are eligible to apply for training for which a UK Visiting Training Number (VTN) would be issued. To be eligible for a UK CCST, trainees must be fully registered with the General Dental Council; those with temporary registration are not eligible.

Language Requirements

All programmes are conducted in English and are subject to UCL English language proficiency requirements detailed in the UCL Graduate School Prospectus and Graduate Applications Pack.

Health Requirements

Health requirements related to work in the National Health Service (NHS) will apply to all graduates who may have contact with patients as part of their programme of study.

It is the ethical responsibility of dentists who believe that they themselves may have been infected with HIV or other blood-borne viruses to obtain medical advice, including any necessary testing and, if found to be infected, to submit to regular medical supervision. Their medical supervision will include counselling, in particular, in respect of any changes in their practice which might be considered appropriate in the best interests of protecting their patients. It is the duty of such dentists to act upon the medical advice they have been given, which may include the necessity to cease the practice of dentistry altogether or to modify their practice in some way. Dentists who are:

  • HIV positive
  • HCV positive
  • Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive
  • Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative with a viral load that exceeds 103 genome equivalents/ml
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and have been associated with transmission of hepatitis B to patients while HBeAg negative should not carry out exposure-prone procedures*.

By failing to obtain appropriate medical advice or to act upon the advice that has been given to them, dentists who know that they are, or believe that they may be, HIV positive and might jeopardise the well-being of their patients are behaving unethically and contrary to their obligations to patients. Behaviour of this kind may raise a question of serious professional misconduct.

* Exposure-prone procedures are defined in Department of Health guidelines as 'those where there is a risk that injury to the worker
may result in the exposure of the patient's open tissues to the blood of the worker. These procedures include those where the worker's gloved hands may be in contact with sharp instruments, needle tips or sharp tissues (spicules of bone or teeth) inside a patient's open body cavity, wound or confined anatomical space where the hands or fingertips may not be completely visible at all times.'

Criminal Record Disclosure

Please be advised that candidates accepted on programmes in the orthodontic, paediatric or special needs specialties are required to have full disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau. Overseas applicants will be asked to obtain a certificate of good conduct from their local police department and further checks will be carried out by the Criminal Records Officer within the first week of term.

Page last modified on 01 nov 11 13:57

 
Eastman Dental Institute
Home — Education — Research — CPD — About
News — Jobs — Contact — Twitter