The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is a full-time programme running for 36 months from the date of first registration for the programme. It is run on a cyclical basis with an intake of students in October 2021.

Candidates meeting the entry requirements will enter a specific training pathway (Orthodontics or Oral Surgery or Prosthodontics or Periodontology).

Candidates will be required to complete a three year programme and accumulate 270 credits. The candidate's research must be carried out, and the thesis for the degree must be prepared, under the direction of the Supervisor. The Supervisor should assess the progress of the candidate and, if he/she arrives at the view that the candidate is unlikely to achieve the degree for which he/she is registered, this should be notified to the Head of Department who, following consultation with the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee, should communicate with the candidate without delay. Upon successful completion of the prescribed modules (including a research thesis completed under supervision of a staff member of the Dental School), students will be awarded a DClinDent.

Students take 270 credits as follows:

Year 1

Core Modules
Students take 10 credits as follows:
OH7016 Research Methods in Dentistry I (5 credits)
PG6009 Graduate Literacy Skills (5 credits)
plus
40 credits in one of the Specialty Groups as follows:

Orthodontics
OH7000 Basic Orthodontic Subjects (10 credits)
OH7017 General Biological, Health and Medical Subjects (10 credits)
OH7018 General Orthodontic Subjects and Basic Orthodontic Techniques (20 credits)

Oral Surgery
DS7102 Basic Science Relevant to Oral Surgery Practice (15 credits)
DS7103 Clinical Patient Care in Oral Surgery 1 (15 credits)
DS7104 Oral Oncology (5 credits)
DS7105 Conscious Sedation in Oral Surgery 1 (5 credits)

plus
Research (40 credits)
Students undertake work on the thesis to the value of 40 credits during Year 1 which will be formally assessed at the end of Year 3.

Year 2

Core Modules
Students take 5 credits as follows:
OH7009 Research Methods in Dentistry II (5 credits)
plus
45 credits in the Speciality Group chosen in First Year as follows:

Orthodontics
OH7004 Clinical Orthodontic Subjects (20 credits)
OH7005 Multidisciplinary Orthodontic Treatment Procedures (5 credits)
OH7007 Specific Orthodontic Treatment Procedures (10 credits)
OH7014 Orthodontic Techniques (10 credits)

Oral Surgery
DS7002 Basic Oral Surgical Techniques (20 credits)
DS7004 Surgical Audit (10 credits)
DS7005 Oral Medicine and Pathology (15 credits)

plus
Research (40 credits)
Students undertake work on the thesis to the value of 40 credits during Year 2 which will formally assessed at the end of Year 3.

Year 3

Students take 50 credits from the Speciality Group chosen in First Year as follows:

Orthodontics
OH7010 Advanced Orthodontic Technique (20 credits)
OH7011 Advanced Multidisciplinary Orthodontics (20 credits)
OH7015 Advanced Specific Treatment Procedures (10 credits)

Oral Surgery
DS7200 Advanced Oral Surgical Techniques (20 credits)
DS7202 Implantology for Oral Surgeons (20 credits)
DS7203 Management and Administration in Oral Surgical Practice (10 credits)

plus
Research (40 credits)
Students complete the final 40 credits of research work in Year 3 and present a thesis to the value of 120 credits for examination at the end of Year 3.

Examinations
Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme are contained in the Marks and Standards 2022/2023 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2022/2023.

Programme Learning Outcomes for DClinDent (Oral Surgery) (NFQ Level 10, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Obtain and record a history and examination, including special tests, of a patient's oral and medical state, interpreting the findings in order to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan;
• demonstrate a thorough knowledge of surgical anatomy and physiology as it applies to oral surgical patients;
• display the ability to carry out oral surgical procedures under suitable anaesthesia;
• manage oral surgical emergencies including pain control, infections and dental trauma;
• communicate effectively not only with patients, families and carers but also with other health care professionals both dental and medical;
• demonstrate the need for and benefit of research and continuing professional development;
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of the ethical and legal requirements of surgical practice;
• apply surgical audit;
• manage an independent surgical practice.

Programme Learning Outcomes for DClinDent (Orthodontics) (NFQ Level 10, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Explain and interpret dentofacial and occlusal development Describe the aetiology and management of craniofacial anomalies;
• Interpret and apply appropriately the health and safety, legal, managerial and ethical issues related to best orthodontic practice;
• Critically appraise and evaluate the orthodontic literature and undertake orthodontic research;
• Perform orthodontic diagnosis competently;
• Plan and manage malocclusions in a safe and competent manner;
• Prescribe and analyse appropriately radiographs taken for orthodontic assessment and treatment planning;
• Demonstrate competency in clinical biomechanics and recognise the biological effects;
• Demonstrate clinical assessment and understanding of craniomandibular dysfunction management.