Operative Dentistry PGDip

King's College London, University of London

Overview

The postgraduate diploma in Operative Dentistry is designed to enhance the operative skills of newly-qualified dentists, as well as experienced practitioners wishing to upskill, whilst they continue to work in general dental practice. Course participants will develop the technical, diagnostic and treatment planning skills necessary to practice modern clinical operative dentistry effectively and efficiently. Topics covered will include the comprehensive management of single and multiple crown/only restorations, treatment planning, aesthetic composite restorations, occlusion, dental implants, resin bonded tooth replacement, removable prosthodontics, tooth surface loss, bleaching, rotary endodontics, restoring the endodontically treated tooth and the development of a variety of complementary skills.

Course detail

The course combines seminars, hands-on training and direct clinical contact with patients, alongside self-guided learning. Course participants will study the applied science of operative dentistry and acquire clinical and practical skills in operative dentistry. This training will be delivered at the Denmark Hill Campus where you will attend for approximately 46 contact days over the two years. It is specifically designed for dentists already working in dental practice using patients from both their practice and the hospital to develop a reflective log of treatment which will form a major part of the course assessment. The course offers a breadth of expertise, covering topics such as restorative treatment planning, anterior and posterior restorations, a variety of different crown preparation techniques, resin-bonded bridges, occlusion, management of tooth surface loss, clinical photography, dento-legal issues, endodontics and restoration of the non-vital tooth, implant maintenance, bleaching, removable prosthodontics provision and a variety of other operative dentistry-related topics. You will acquire the skills to critically evaluate relevant literature and to apply evidence-based practice to operative dentistry. The clinical sessions will enable you to transfer your knowledge, understanding, intellectual and practical skills to improve and enhance your practice.

Teaching and assessment

The programme aims to provide newly qualified dentists and experienced practitioners with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of operative dentistry. They will acquire the skills to critically evaluate relevant literature and apply evidence-based practice to operative dentistry. The clinical sessions will enable participants to translate their knowledge, understanding, intellectual and practical skills to improve and enhance their operative dentistry. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include case reports, written examinations and unseen cases VIVAs.