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Oral Surgery MClinDent

London, Bloomsbury

UK students International students

Study mode

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

£37,500

£18,750

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)

£61,800

£30,900

Duration

2 academic years

4 academic years

Programme starts

September 2024

Applications accepted

All applicants: 16 Oct 2023 – 05 Apr 2024

Applications closed

Find similar courses still open

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold an approved dental qualification and have a minimum of two years' clinical experience.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Advances in research mean that oral surgery is continually evolving, enhancing patients’ clinical experience. This programme combines theoretical and clinical elements of oral surgery to create an enjoyable balance of academic study and patient care, providing a strong foundation for a future career in this field.

Clinical skills training is held within our new university facilities and gives you the chance to develop and refine your surgical skills, using microscopes and imaging equipment. The clinical, patient-facing aspects of the programme take place in our new hospital environment, where you will take part in consultation clinics, local anaesthetic, conscious sedation, and general anaesthetic oral surgery operating sessions. You will also be able to observe inpatient oral and maxillofacial surgery operating procedures.

Lectures provide a theoretical knowledge base, complemented by interactive seminars, case-based discussions, and problem-based learning, and you will also complete a research project and written dissertation.

The course can help you prepare for the Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) and gives you a firm foundation for oral surgery specialist training.

Who this course is for

This programme is suitable for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in dentistry and who wish to extend their knowledge of oral surgery while developing their academic skills in clinical research.

We aim to support the development of oral surgery in other countries, especially where healthcare challenges are different from the UK. We are aware that surgeons in these countries may have to contend with a higher prevalence of untreated disease, limited financial and technical resources, and potentially limited support for specialist surgery.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

Full involvement in the supervised clinical care of patients.
The opportunity to develop and improve your communication skills and proficiency in history taking, examination, investigations, diagnosis, treatment planning and the hands-on surgical management of cases under local anaesthetic, conscious sedation, or general anaesthesia.
The chance to work with experienced academics and researchers to develop a range of often innovative and clinically relevant research projects, to develop your confidence in research.
An understanding of the literature in the subject.
A good grounding should you wish to consider further research or academic degrees after graduation.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

This course has launched many successful careers over the decades. Depending on your career aspirations this programme can provide a solid foundation for a range of career options in research, academia, hospital, NHS or private practice.

I like that classes are small, coupled with the vast experience of the lecturers and their willingness to share their knowledge in a friendly atmosphere. Staff in my department are approachable and supportive to students.

Dr Kevin Henry

Oral Surgery (Advanced Training), MClinDent

Student testimonial: Kevin Henry

Employability

Our graduates follow a broad range of career trajectories, ranging from clinical practice and hospital posts to research and academic careers, with appropriate guidance provided.

If you are inspired by the opportunities of oral surgery and eligible to work in the UK, you could take your skills into the NHS or private dental practice. Depending on your previous experience, you could also apply for competitive NHS clinical training posts, such as a foundation DCT (Senior House Officer) post at a UK teaching hospital or specialist registrar training post to become an NHS consultant. Many graduates have applied directly for specialty doctor or dentist posts or for clinical fellowship posts.

If you demonstrate a particular acumen for the research elements of the programme, you might consider applying for a PhD postgraduate research degree, either in the UK, the EU or overseas.

If you are inspired by the opportunities of maxillofacial surgery, you may consider applying for medical school in the UK, EU, USA or overseas, with the aim of working towards a hospital career in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Networking

There are regular networking opportunities, including events where you can hear from expert speakers. We encourage students to broaden their skills and expand their networks by attending and participating at conferences.

Accreditation

Successful completion of the MClinDent in Oral Surgery may be considered as cumulative training and experience when the overall length of your oral surgery specialist training is reviewed.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a mix of techniques online learning resources, lectures, tutorials and interactive teaching sessions, case-based discussions, problem-based learning, self-directed learning, hands-on clinical skills sessions, supervised clinical consultation clinics, and surgical procedures under local anaesthetic, conscious sedation, and general anaesthesia.

Assessments vary during the learning and examination stages, giving you the opportunity to develop and refine a range of written and verbal communication skills. You will receive verbal or written feedback to highlight your strengths and any areas for improvement.

Assessments include:

Multiple choice questions, short answer questions, extended matching questions, objective structured clinical examinations, direct observation of procedural skills
Continual assessment of clinical surgical skills, clinical care of patients and professionalism
Clinical case scenario discussions, individual and team activities
Oral presentations, both to an audience and pre-recorded online
Written essays
Case reports
A research project dissertation.

Full-time students require five days (40 hours) per week, with more teaching hours in the first year and more supervised clinical hours in the second year.

Year one (full-time) consists of an average of:

(30-40%) 12-16 hours of teaching (lectures, tutorials) (clinical lab based surgical skills during the first term) per week.
(30-40%) 12-16 hours per week of supervised clinical activity from term two onwards.
(20-30%) 8-12 hours per week of independent study and self-directed learning.

Year two (full-time) consists of an average of:

(15-20%) 6-8 hours of teaching (lectures, tutorials) per week
(40-50%) 16-20 hours per week of supervised clinical activity
(20-30%) 8-12 hours per week of research work and self-directed learning.

Part-time students require two to three days (20 hours) per week. This is typically three days in year one, two days in year two, two days in year three, and three days in year four.

Year one (part-time) consists of three days (24 hours) per week, with an average of:

(50%) 12 hours of teaching (lectures, tutorials) (clinical lab-based, surgical skills training during the first term) per week.
(25%) 6 hours per week of supervised clinical activity from term two onwards.
(25%) 6 hours per week of independent study and self-directed learning.

Years two/three (part-time) consist of two days (16 hours) per week, with an average of:

(25%) 4 hours of teaching (lectures, tutorials) per week.
(50%) 8 hours per week of supervised clinical activity.
(25%) 4 hours per week of independent study / research and self-directed learning.

Year four (part-time) consists of three days (24 hours) per week, with an average of:

(25%) 4 hours of teaching (lectures, tutorials) per week
(25%) 8 hours per week of supervised clinical activity
(50%) 12 hours per week of research work and self-directed learning.

Exceptions to this pattern include:

Daily teaching for your induction during the first two weeks of the programme. This is usually the last week in September, first week in October.
Study days for the 'Clinical Science and Research Methods' module in your first term may fall on days when a part-time student would not normally be in attendance. This will be specified in the timetable.
The 'Implant' course is held over one week in year one – usually the second week in November.
UCL examination dates.

Modules

Full-time students complete 12 compulsory modules worth 360 credits over two years.

In year one, you take seven modules.

DENT0119 Clinical Science and Research Methods
DENT0068 Principles of Treatment Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
DENT0069 Clinical Care Core Course (Oral/Oral Maxillofacial Surgery)
DENT0070 Theory of Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
DENT0071 Dento-Alveolar Surgery 1
DENT0072 Dento-Alveolar Surgery 2
DENT0073 Dento-Alveolar Surgery 3

The first term introduces clinical research, covering the principles of clinical science and research methods with an emphasis on clinical statistics. This is important preparation for the later research project and dissertation module in the second year.

You also complete 'Principles of Treatment' in term one. This hands-on, clinical surgical skills, laboratory-based course prepares you for the clinical care of patients and supervised dentoalveolar surgery modules that will follow in the hospital environment.

'The Theory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery' is covered in lectures and discussed during tutorials. You will have the opportunity for various formative assessments including essay writing practice with feedback, before the concluding essay paper in the third term.

In contrast to the MSc, a third dentoalveolar component is incorporated into the first year to give you additional clinical experience.

In year two, you complete five modules.

DENT0074 Trauma and Correction of Facial Deformity
DENT0075 Oral Oncology
DENT0076 Clinical Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
DENT0077 Dento-Alveolar Surgery 4
DENT0079 MClinDent in Oral Surgery Dissertation

These will give you a broader understanding of oral surgery and associated topics, including trauma and correction of facial deformity, oral oncology, clinical oral and maxillofacial surgery and further dentoalveolar surgery. You will also complete a research dissertation. These modules are studied concurrently over the year and time allocated to each module is not defined by academic terms.

In the third term, you will submit your case reports and presentations, undertake your oral viva examinations, and complete your thesis and oral presentation of your research project.

Part-time students complete 12 compulsory modules worth 360 credits over four years.

In year one, you take four modules.

DENT0119 Clinical Science and Research Methods
DENT0068 Principles of Treatment Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
DENT0069 Clinical Care Core Course (Oral/Oral Maxillofacial Surgery)
DENT0071 Dento-Alveolar Surgery 1

In year two, you take two modules.

DENT0070 Theory of Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
DENT0072 Dento-Alveolar Surgery 2

In year three, you take three modules.

DENT0073 Dento-Alveolar Surgery 3
DENT0074 Trauma and Correction of Facial Deformity
DENT0075 Oral Oncology

In year four, you take three modules.

DENT0076 Clinical Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
DENT0077 Dento-Alveolar Surgery 4
DENT0079 MClinDent in Oral Surgery Dissertation

Modules in years three and four give you a broader understanding of oral surgery and associated topics. These incorporate trauma and correction of facial deformity, oral oncology, clinical oral and maxillofacial surgery and further dentoalveolar surgery. You will also complete a research dissertation. In the third term of these years, you will submit case reports and presentations and undertake your oral viva examinations. You will complete your thesis and the oral presentation of your research project in the final term of year four.

Compulsory modules

Principles of Treatment Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)

Clinical Care Core Course (Oral/Oral Maxillofacial Surgery)

Theory of Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Dento-Alveolar Surgery 1

Dento-Alveolar Surgery 2

Dento-Alveolar Surgery 3

Trauma and Correction of Facial Deformity

Oral Oncology

Clinical Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Dento-Alveolar Surgery 4

MClinDent in Oral Surgery Dissertation

Clinical Science and Research Methods

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 360 credits. Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded an MClinDent in Oral Surgery.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Where you'll study

Welcome to UCL Eastman Dental Institute

We are a world-leading, academic centre for postgraduate dentistry and translational research. We offer high-quality postgraduate education, including Master's degrees, speciality training, certificates, diplomas, research degrees and CPD courses. Our clinically-intensive programmes are led by international specialists. As a world-class research centre, we are continually improving systemic and oral health by developing novel treatments, therapies, diagnostics and smart materials. Our new state-of-the-art facilities at Bloomsbury campus ensure that our students, researchers and academics have exceptional access to patients and opportunities for education and research. The UCLH Eastman Dental Hospital is part of the largest hospital in Europe specialising in complex oral health care and advanced ear, nose and throat treatments.

Learn more about the Eastman Dental Institute, our staff and facilities

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry PG Cert

This is an opportunity to learn what is taught and how it is taught in the lectures and hands-on training of UCL's flagship Aesthetic Dentistry Degree Programme. This clinical programme is tailored for dentists at any point in their career who would like to confidently treat aesthetic interdisciplinary cases, with the latest techniques and materials and with user-friendly predictable protocols for their daily practice. Speaker: Dr. Konstantina Dina Dedi DipDS, MS, FACP

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Periodontology (distance-learning) MSc

The MSc Periodontology is a three-year blended-learning programme that offers busy dental practitioners the chance to learn the latest techniques in Periodontology. It combines flexible online learning with compressed residential components in London. We will present the programme structure, the virtual environment and examples of learning activities, including some of the practical elements delivered during the residential weeks. Speakers: Prof Jacopo Buti and Dr Inbar Eshkol-Yogev.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time	Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25)	£37,500	£18,750
Tuition fees (2024/25)	£61,800	£30,900

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Fee deposits for this programme are as follows: UK full-time students £2,500; Overseas full-time students £5,000.

Further potential costs include:

Travel and accommodation in London throughout the programme.
A personal computer / laptop is useful, though UCL computers are available on campus.
You may wish to purchase textbooks, though recommended textbooks on the reading list are available to borrow from the library or accessible online.
Optional printing of lecture handouts and peer-reviewed articles, which are also available online.
Hospital uniform: laundered theatre scrubs are provided daily at the hospital to wear on clinic and in the operating theatres, but you will need your own clogs or plain white or black trainers.
Extracurricular attendance at seminars or conferences, if you wish to attend. These events usually offer a student discount.

If presenting UCL research work at a conference, you may be eligible to apply for the Eastman Conference fund.

This programme requires a completed DBS check for some compulsory modules. You will receive more information from UCL on how to complete the check once you have firmly accepted an unconditional offer for the programme. The DBS application cost will be covered by UCL, but offer holders will also need to have their ID checked and verified at a Post Office, for which they will incur a charge of £15.00. The offer holder is also required to arrange and pay for any overseas police check that may be necessary; costs vary by country. For more information about the DBS application process, please contact the UCL Graduate Admissions team.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for Eastman Dental Institute programmes of £120 for online applications and £145 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
why you want to study oral surgery at graduate level
what particularly attracts you to this programme
what is your source of funding and is this something you have applied for already
what is your previous experience in oral surgery
what is your aim after completion of this Master's degree and how do you expect this qualification to help you.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

What happens next?

If you are shortlisted, we shall invite you for an online interview to assess your understanding of the discipline, your professional values, your strengths, motivations, interests, and communication skills.

What qualities are we looking for?

In addition to an enjoyment of academic learning and research:

An understanding of professional integrity and a commitment to patient care.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Good manual dexterity and an ability to follow surgical guidance.
An understanding of the values of teamwork, safety, and improvement.
Always treating others with compassion, kindness, dignity, and respect, ensuring patient-centred care, listening, and responding to the specific needs of individuals.

Further requirements if accepted.

Working with the public, you will be subject to screening by UCL Occupational Health and through the Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You will need to consent to vaccinations to protect yourself and your patients.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.