Dental Implantology

MSc/PgDip Dental Implantology

Course type
Postgraduate
Course qualification
MSc/PgDip
Subject area
Dentistry
Delivery mode
Part-time
Course length
Three year

This MSc in Dental Implantology program at the University of Salford has been developed in partnership with ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital. This partnership allows students to gain hands-on supervised learning in a highly technical clinical setting.

Course summary

What is the fee?

For all course options, see fees and funding

Where will I study?

School of Health and Society

How long will I study?

Three year

Overview

This Master of Science (MSc) in Dental Implantology programme at the University of Salford has been developed in collaboration with the ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital. Through this partnership, you, as a student, will gain valuable hands-on, supervised learning in a highly technical clinical setting.

The course is designed for dental practitioners who hold a GDC-registrable dental degree and have a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience in either hospital service or general dental practice within the UK. The programme is delivered jointly by the University of Salford and the ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital

Duration options

This Master of Science (MSc) in Dental Implantology programme at the University of Salford has been developed in collaboration with the ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital. Through this partnership, you, as a student, will gain valuable hands-on, supervised learning in a highly technical clinical setting.

The course is designed for dental practitioners who hold a GDC-registrable dental degree and have a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience in either hospital service or general dental practice within the UK. The programme is delivered jointly by the University of Salford and the ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital

To book a place on the next Open Evening at the ICE facilities in Salford Quays, please email: pgenquiries@icedental.institute  or call: 0161 413 8336.

Application process for prospective students

Before applying, all prospective students must complete the expression of Interest form, which is the first step in the application process.

You will:

  • Develop core knowledge, skills, and clinical competencies to assess, manage, and treat patients with tooth loss to a high standard, efficiently and safely
  • Gain the ability to evaluate and demonstrate evidence-based practice
  • Gain knowledge and a critical awareness of current issues in the field of Dentistry
  • Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of research enquiry
  • Learn transferable skills in communicating with a range of audiences, decision making and problem solving

This is for you if...

1.

You want to feel supported throughout your training and can focus on developing your skills

2.

You want to learn in a unique state of the art environment at the ICE implant hospital

3.

You value evidence-based teaching making the course transferable to your clinic

4.

You want access to cutting edge digital dentistry equipment at the ICE National Reference Centre for Digital Dentistry

5.

You want to progress your career in implant dentistry

6.

You want to develop your knowledge and critical awareness of current issues in the field of dentistry

How you learn

What will I be doing?

Teaching

A range of teaching methods will be used throughout the duration of the course. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Hands-on workshops
  • Lectures
  • Self-directed study
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials

Assessment

Academic and clinical skills are assessed by a range of formative and summative assessment techniques, including:

  • Case discussions
  • Dissertation
  • e-Portfolio of Clinical Learning
  • Essays
  • Online learning opportunities via our Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard)
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster presentations
  • Reflective essays
  • Supervisory meetings

Future careers

Implant dentistry is widely recognised as an increasingly important career choice for dental clinicians. This is partly driven by patient demand and partly due to technological developments in the field of digital dentistry.

Training in implant dentistry is not part of the undergraduate curriculum. Therefore, dentists who wish to provide implant treatment are required by GDC standards in the UK to complete formal education and training at the postgraduate level.

Further career prospects also include research and teaching. Previous students who graduated from the MSc in Dental Implantology have become mentors for the course and teach dental nurses at ICE.

Career Links

ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital and the University of Salford run this MSc/PGDip programme jointly. As a learning centre, ICE consists of fully equipped teaching clinics, an operating theatre that is enabled to digitally transmit live surgery. This programme will allow you to gain hands-on supervised study in a clinical setting. 

Modules

Postgraduate Diploma: 120 postgraduate credits in your chosen pathway of study.

MSc: 180 postgraduate credits in your chosen pathway of study, including the Dissertation module.

ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute & Hospital and the University of Salford run this MSc/PGDip programme jointly. As a learning centre, ICE consists of fully equipped teaching clinics, including one operating theatre with a live AV link to the lecture theatre for live surgery. This programme will allow you to gain hands-on supervised study in a clinical setting.

Structure

This MSc/PgDip in Dental Implantology programme is designed to equip you with core clinical skills and competency in both the restorative and surgical aspects of implant dentistry, through a combination of clinical support and academic teaching in accordance with the GDP/FGDP Training Standards in Implant Dentistry.

The course has been specifically designed to take the stress away from finding patients and provide a mentor to help you complete your first few cases with confidence. You will treat a minimum of four patients and learn to use multiple-implant systems. Your supervised learning will take place within the ICE purpose-built facilities, and you will gain practical skills and competency in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

By covering the whole implant process in depth, from treatment planning and implant placement to restoration, this course provides a strong foundation for you to progress your career in Implant Dentistry.

This is a three-year part-time MSc course, with the opportunity to step off with a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) after two years. Across the first two years, you will study four modules, as shown below.

Year one
Patient Assessment and Treatment Planning

This module aims to enable you to assess and manage patients with tooth loss. Some of the Intended Learning Outcomes of this module include:

  • Understand the basic principles of restorative implant treatment
  • Demonstrate the ability to write evidence based-treatment plans
  • Critically evaluate risk factors in implant success rates.
Implant Surgery

This module aims to enable you to apply surgical and imaging principles in the management of patients with tooth loss. Some of the Intended Learning Outcomes for this module include:

  • Synthesize and apply the principles of radiation protection, clinical photography and imaging software.
  • Demonstrate critical awareness of the impact of oral health and periodontitis for surgical procedures.
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of cross infection risks during surgical procedures.
Year two
Restorative Treatment and Maintenance

The aims of this module are:

  • To equip you with the skills and knowledge to manage and treat patients requiring restorative dental implant therapy
  • To provide you with an understanding of the principles of research inquiry
Dental Implant Procedures and Complex Cases

This module aims to enable you to demonstrate knowledge of dental implant procedures and complex cases. Some of the Intended Learning Outcomes for this module include:

  • Critically evaluate risks and complications of surgical and implant procedures while providing highlight effective patient care
  • Critically analyse indications for high risk and complex cases and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of when to refer on cases.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of advanced surgical techniques and complications.
Year three
Dissertation (Dental Implantology) (Year three, Semesters All)

This module builds on your understanding of research inquiry developed through modules 1-4. You will use one or more methods of inquiry (qualitative, quantitative, or systematic reviews) to develop transferable skills and a critical evidence-based approach to research.

You will work with a supervisory team to either:

  • Conduct a systematised literature review or
  • Conduct a research project in Dental Implantology

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

Entry requirements

Applicant profile

Dental practitioners who fulfill the following criteria will be eligible for acceptance into the programme:

  • Currently working as a Dentist in the UK with full GDC registration
  • Evidence of full indemnity insurance
  • Evidence of a relevant degree
  • Evidence of post-qualification experience in general dental practice or hospital service
  • IELTS of 6.5
  • Evidence of completion of recent CPD
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree

This programme is aimed at dental practitioners currently working within the UK who hold a GDC registrable dental degree and post-qualification experience in hospital service or general dental practice. 

English language requirements

Students whose first language is not English must possess a current qualification deemed acceptable by the University as evidence of proficiency in the English Language. This qualification must equate to a minimum average score of 6.5 or above (and for each component 6.0 or above) from the Cambridge/British Council English Language Testing Service (IELTS) or alternative examinations as recognised by the University.

Please note, you will need to include the following with your application in order for it to be assessed: 

  • CV
  • Personal Statement
  • References
  • Passport
  • ILS Certificate
  • Qualifications
  • GDC Registration
  • Indemnity Insurance
  • DBS
  • IELTS
  • Transcript of results (if transferring)
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).

Fees and funding

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

How to apply

Start Date(s): September

Duration:

- MSc (three years part-time)

- PgDip (18 months to two years part-time)

Enrolment dates

September 2026

September 2027

Student information

Terms and conditions