Postgraduate Programmes in Dental Surgery

The aim of the course is to educate dentists to become specialists in orthodontics with a broad academic background and sufficient clinical experience. MFD or equivalent is a requirement for entry on this course. The course follows the guidelines developed by the University of Dublin (TCD), School of Dental Science, in conjunction with Advisory Committee (AC) in Orthodontics of the Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry.

Course Description

The programme is a 3-year, full-time programme leading to the award of the Professional Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree (D.Ch.Dent.) by Trinity College. This consists of core academic courses, specialist training in orthodontics and a research thesis. The ‘core courses’ are common to all D.Ch.Dent. programmes and relate the specialist training to the wider background of biology, clinical management, and science. Overall, students will spend approximately 60% of the programme in clinical training; 20% of the course is devoted to didactic learning and teaching, and 20% consists of the research project.

The aim of the programme is to ensure that students are educated in the science of Orthodontics in an evidence-informed manner; understand the biological basis of tooth movement, and facial growth in children and adults; and appreciate and apply basic principles to undertake orthodontic diagnosis, planning and treatment.

To accomplish these aims, students should meet the following objectives:

1. Able to diagnose anomalies of the dentition, facial structures and functional conditions

2. Be capable of detecting deviations of the development of the dentition, of facial growth and occurrence of functional abnormalities

3. Able to formulate a treatment plan and predict its course

4. Able to perform interceptive orthodontic measures

5. Can execute both simple and complex treatment procedures

6. Have experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams for the diagnosis and treatment of compromised (adult) patients and orthodontic-surgical cases.

7. Able to evaluate the need for orthodontic treatment

8. Have an understanding of psychological aspects relevant to orthodontics

9. Develop a scientific attitude and an enquiring mind

10. Have undergone training in scientific research methodology

11. Able to interpret the scientific literature

12. Carry out a research project

13. Prepare oral and written presentations of clinical and research findings

Entry Requirements

Prospective students must meet the entry requirements for Trinity College and the Orthodontics programme. Applicants are required to:

• Hold a recognised degree in dentistry for at least 2 years and have documented evidence of general professional training. This would normally include the MFD/MFDS, or equivalent.  Normally, up to 12 months should have been spent working in hospital practice. 
• Have excellent communication skills, including written and conversational English.  Minimum requirements are an IELTS (academic version) score of 7 (with no individual band below 7) or TOEFL score of 230 computer-based, 570 paper-based or 88 internet-based.
• Attend for interview and information session

Course Director Professor Leo Stassen MFD or equivalent is a requirement for entry on this course. Experience in a hospital setting and in oral surgery is advisable. Publications in peer review journals are an advantage. The emphasis will be placed on the practical aspects of Oral Surgery (dentoalveolar surgery, implants, intra-oral soft tissue surgery and bone grafting). There are strong links with oral medicine, oral pathology and other dental specialties, especially periodontology, prosthodontics and special needs. There is a very strong component of Conscious Dental Sedation and students undertake the ACLS Course. Oral Surgery is a recognised Dental Speciality in Ireland. There are strict criteria for entry on the Oral Surgery Specialist Register in Ireland and advice on this is available on the Dental Council website.

The Paediatric Dentistry Training Programme prepares the student both didactically and clinically to manage the child patient (0-16 years) at specialist level in a variety of settings (clinic, hospital, private practice). Clinical experience is provided under consultant supervision in the Dublin Dental University Hospital and in two Paediatric Hospitals. The volume and variety of patients includes healthy children, children with traumatic injuries, children with challenging behaviour, medically compromised children, children with dental anomalies/ syndromes etc. Treatment is provided under local anaesthesia, relative analgesia or general anaesthesia. Interdisciplinary care is co-ordinated with the other specialty programmes. The programme has six modules. In addition, the student is required to complete one or more research projects and present at international meetings. Publication of clinical and research work is encouraged.

This programme prepares the student for the clinical practice of prosthodontics at specialist level and provides the basis for continuing professional development after completion of the programme. Students will thoroughly explore the prosthodontic literature and become competent in the clinical/laboratory aspects of fixed and removable prosthodontics, including dental implantology. Students will learn how to diagnose, plan and execute high quality prosthodontic treatment for a range of patients. They will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art materials and equipment, including CAD-CAM restorations, computer-aided implant placement and fully adjustable articulators. The course explores the use of high strength ceramics and high-aesthetic situations. The Prosthodontic programme works closely with periodontics, especially in treatment planning for implant patients. In addition, students attend multidisciplinary clinics for the treatment of dental trauma, developmental disorders (including hypodontia) and cancer surgery defects.

Course Description

The Postgraduate Prosthodontics Programme prepares the student for the clinical practice of prosthodontics at specialist level and provides the basis for continuing professional development after completion of the programme. There is an emphasis on complex reconstructive and aesthetic treatment using fixed, removable and implant prostheses. The prosthodontics programme is approved by the Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry and recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) as preparation for the Fellowship in Prosthodontics (FFD RCSI).

The programme is 3 years full time, leading to the award of the Professional Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree (D.Ch.Dent.) by Trinity College. This consists of core academic courses, specialist training in prosthodontics and a research thesis. The ‘core courses’ are common to all D.Ch.Dent. programmes and relate the specialist training to the wider background of biology, clinical management, and science. Overall, students will spend approximately 60% of the programme in clinical training; 20% of the course is devoted to didactic learning and teaching, and 20% consists of the research project.

Entry Requirements

Prospective students must meet the entry requirements for Trinity College and the Prosthodontics programme. Applicants are required to:

• hold a recognised degree in dentistry for at least 2 years and have documented evidence of general professional training—this would normally include the MFD/MFDS, or equivalent
• have excellent communication skills, including written and conversational english
• attend for interview and information session, normally during April/May in the year for which they have applied

Course outline

D.Ch.Dent. Prosthodontics ECTS—Summary

Module 1:

Advanced Dental Sciences

Module 2:

Prosthodontics Literature

• Introduction to Prosthodontics
• Classical Prosthodontic Literature
• Current Prosthodontic Literature
• Introduction to Oral Implantology Part A

Module 3:

Laboratory Skills

• Introductory Laboratory-based Course in Prosthodontics
• Dental Occlusion and Function
• Dental Bioengineering and Dental Materials Part A
• Dental Bioengineering and Dental Materials Part B

Module 4:

Clinical Practice

• Introduction to Oral Implantology Part B
• Clinical Practice in Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

Module 5:

Interdisciplinary Care

• Endodontics and Dental Trauma
• Clinical Practice in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics
• Integrated Orthodontic-Restorative Treatment

Module 6:

Presentation & Documentation

• Teaching of Prosthodontics
• Clinical Conference in Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

Module 7:

Research & Thesis

Assessment
Assessment forms an important part of the student’s progress through the Postgraduate Prosthodontics Programme. The main purpose of assessment is ensure that students are progressing appropriately in all aspects of the course. It is intended that any problems would be identified early and remedial action taken. Students must complete their assessments on time in order to rise with their class or to graduate (see below).

Assessment components

Exam paper: this consists of six questions—two given per term and based on the literature reviewed during that term. This is an ‘open book’ type of examination, where students will have access to the library, computers, notes, etc. and a maximum of six hours will be allowed to complete each set of two questions.

Bench test: at the end of first year students have a formal test of operative skill, based on procedures learned during the year. This test consists of tooth preparations on a typodont, where students are expected to display a high degree of technical competence

Unseen patient: at the end of second year students will perform a clinical examination of an ‘unseen patient’ where they are expected to collect appropriate information and formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan specific for the patient, including viable treatment options. Students will be assessed on their clinical judgement and decision making skills.

Seen patient: third year students are expected to present a patient for whom they have provided comprehensive prosthodontic treatment during their training programme. The student will be expected to critically evaluate the treatment provided, explain their rationale for treatment decisions, and propose a maintenance programme and prognosis.

Case presentation: each student presents a documented case of a patient in their care by means of slides, notes and casts (details are contained in the curriculum document). Assessment will be on the quality of the information presented, the rationale for treatment decisions and the quality of work completed, as well as the ability to meet patient expectations and instill a good appreciation of oral health in patients.

Logbooks: a written and photographic record of patients treated by each student is considered an important component of prosthodontic training. Students will be expected to keep an up-to-date logbook of all patients under their care and to present this on request by the programme director; it is formally assessed at the end of each year.

Clinical conferences: during the year each student is scheduled to present a number of patients for discussion among staff and fellow students. The format and criteria are similar to that of the end-of –year case presentations (above). However, this is a less formal setting and students are encouraged to present complex or interdisciplinary cases at various stages of treatment in order to generate discussion. A grade is awarded based on the overall quality of presentations throughout the year.

Research: the timely completion and publication of the research dissertation is the desired outcome of the student’s research experience. It is important to begin the research project early in the first year, and continue progress throughout the course.

Assessment weighting summary (% of grade for each component)

The Graduate programme in Periodontology is one of the 11 Graduate programs in Europe currently approved by the European Federation of Periodontology. Click here to visit their website.

The Periodontics training prepares the student for specialty membership examinations and provides the basis for continuing professional development after completion of the programme. The training includes didactic and clinical components and provides the basis for continuing professional development after completion of the programme.. The student is required to complete one or more research projects and to be involved in clinical and didactic undergraduate teaching activities.

This course in Periodontology focuses on the management of periodontal conditions and the planning and execution of oral Implant therapy.   Students will be instructed in clinical periodontics and Implant Dentistry with emphasis on the scientific basis for treatment. The course has been developed with the intent that it should be recognised for speciality training by the Dental Council of Ireland under the auspices of the relevant advisory committee of the Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry.

The Graduate programme in Periodontology is one of the 15 Graduate programs in Europe currently approved by the European Federation of Periodontology (accredited since 2007, re-accredited in 2015 until 2023).

Click here to visit their website. The Programme is also accredited by the Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry (ICSTD).

The Periodontics training prepares the student for specialty membership examinations and provides the basis for continuing professional development after completion of the programme. The training includes didactic and clinical components. The student is required to complete one or more research projects and to be involved in clinical and didactic undergraduate teaching activities.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have had at least 2 years clinical experience following their undergraduate studies and should ordinarily have passed their MFDS or equivalent.

Course outline – Programme Learning Outcomes

To receive a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DChDent.) degree, the student is required to

• Be in attendance in the programme for 36 months;
• Complete all courses and pass all course assessments;
• Demonstrate clinical proficiency in a range of periodontal/implant procedures;
• Participate in and assume responsibility for one or more research projects;
• Organize, write and present a thesis which should form the basis for one or more publishable papers
• Successfully defend the research in a viva voce examination.

If, at the end of 36 months, the student has not completed programme requirements, he/she has the option of registering for one (or more) terms(s) to finish the necessary requirements.

Programme Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this programme the student should be able to:

• describe the biology and pathology of the periodontium as well as the principles of bone biology, wound healing and tissue integration.
• describe relevant surgical head and neck anatomy.
• demonstrate knowledge of the principles of dental implant material science and implant biomechanics.
• utilize the appropriate imaging techniques relevant to periodontal and implant treatment.
• collect, organise, analyse, interpret and present clinical data related to examination of periodontal tissues.
• collect, organise, analyse, interpret and present clinical data related to the assessment of sites planned for implant placement.
• demonstrate competence in non-surgical and surgical management of periodontal defects, regenerative techniques, mucogingival procedures and analysing occlusal factors in the expression of periodontal disease.
• perform “restoration driven” implant placement based on the pre-operative planning.
• perform augmentation procedures prior to implant placement by using the appropriate material and techniques.
• establish a prognosis for the outcomes of periodontal and implant treatments.
• develop and implement recall and evaluate strategies for periodontal treatment including supportive maintenance therapy.
• establish the risks, benefits and limitations of conscious sedation.
• administer pharmacological agents for the relief of anxiety.
• function effectively with other disciplines in treatment planning and in treatment sequencing.
• analyse critically relevant scientific articles published in international and national journals.
• conduct, present and publish research projects.
• teach in both didactic and clinical areas of undergraduate periodontics at the level of a junior faculty member.

Module 1

Advanced Dental Science

Module 2 The Periodontium

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Evaluate the literature available that forms the basis for current concepts on the development, structure and function of the normal periodontium;
2. Critically evaluate classic periodontal literature
3. describe the anatomy of the periodontium
4. Demonstrate knowledge pathogenesis of periodontal diseases
5. Support clinical viewpoints on periodontal examination, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning with relevant published data
6. Apply up to date knowledge on periodontal therapy including emergency care, oral hygiene, aseptic routines, scaling/root planing, instrument care, corrective therapy, regenerative therapy, mucogingival therapy and supportive therapy

Module 3 Periodontal Pathology

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Refer to the specific literature which forms the basis for current concepts on the etiology, pathogenesis and histopathology of periodontal diseases;
2. Critically evaluate current literature specific to periodontal pathology

Module 4 Classical and Current Periodontal Literature

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Discuss and assess the evidence base for the practice of modern periodontics
2. Independently assess the literature in order to facilitate life long learning

Module 5 Clinical Practice Periodontics

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Collect, organise, analyse and interpret data from periodontally involved patients
2. Interpret radiographs as they relate to diagnosis of periodontal diseases and dental implants;
3. Formulate periodontal diagnoses and prognoses for individual teeth and for the whole dentition;
4. Formulate and justify comprehensive treatment plans
5. Appraise results of therapy in relation to the evidence base
6. Describe to patients the nature of their periodontal health status and treatment needs
7. Interpret the advice of other health care professionals and integrate their information into the treatment of the patient
8. Organise, develop, implement and evaluate periodontal disease control programmes for patients
9. Implement and evaluate patient recall programme
10. Function effectively in the dental team by demonstrating leadership and the ability to utilize the appropriate dental personnel.

Module 6 Classical and Current Implant Literature

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Critically review and discuss oral implantology literature and literature that interfaces with oral implantology.

Module 7 Clinical Practice in Oral Implant Surgery

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Apply their knowledge to the pre surgical examination of dental implant patients, in order to gather appropriate diagnostic aids, and efficiently treatment plan for root form dental implants.
2. Demonstrate practical competence in surgical placement of dental root form implants
3. Evaluate peri-implant tissues and manage implant complications
4. Distinguish between health and disease in peri-implant tissues
5. Select and carry out the appropriate supportive therapy for dental implants
6. Apply sterile/aseptic surgical techniques in the placement of dental implants
7. Select and utilize graft materials/membranes for bone and soft tissue augmentation procedures in conjunction with dental implant surgical therapy.

Module 8 Clinical Conference Periodontics / Implants

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Utilise audio visual aids in order to communicate to colleagues treatments carried out
Deliver a presentation on comprehensive patient care based on evidence.

Module 9 Conscious Sedation

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the theoretical principles of conscious sedation and anxiety management in dentistry
2. Demonstrate practical and clinical skills required for the practice of intravenous and inhalation conscious sedation, as applicable to current practice in Ireland.
3. Act as team leader to practice conscious sedation safely and independently
4. Assess knowledge of the aetiology and patho-physiology of dental anxiety, the pharmacology of drugs and relevant anatomy in relation to conscious sedation.
5. Assess and select patients suitable for conscious sedation
6. Describe the peri-operative care of sedation patients
7. Assess the management of sedation-related and medical emergencies
8. Appraise the body of knowledge and guidelines which underpin and regulate the practice of conscious sedation in Ireland.
9. Examine the principles of clinical research and audit appropriate to the investigation of an area of conscious sedation or anxiety control.

Module 10 Practice Teaching in Periodontics

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Supervise and evaluate undergraduate student clinic periodontal work
2. Deliver lectures and/or develop self-instructional teaching material;
3. Construct and evaluate written examination questions.

Module 11 Thesis preparation

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Design, organise and write a substantial, intellectually challenging research project related to their field of study, under the guidance of and in collaboration with other staff members.
2. Implement the research project with scholarly integrity, rigour and discrimination, which may involve the development of new skills techniques, tools, materials or practices and complete it within a set timeframe.
3. Assimilate and selectively apply concepts, theories, methods and subject specific terminology used in their field of study.
4. Sustain a coherent argument that draws on an engagement with and critical appraisal of existing knowledge relevant to their research project.
5. Relate their specific research topic to wider issues, debates and concerns in the general field of Periodontology and Implantology.
6. Reflect on and self critically manage their own learning in the context of limited access to constructive feedback.
7. Present and successfully defend their thesis in a viva voce examination which will be marked both internally and by an external examiner.
8. Produce a paper based on their original research project which merits publication in a high impact factor national or international scientific journal and which could promote scientific, technological, social or cultural advancement.

Assessment Methods

• End of year written examinations -all years
• Clinical case conference grading -all years
• Final presentation of 5 completed and documented clinical cases as specified by the European Federation of Periodontology
• Thesis defence as specified by the European Federation of Periodontology
• Clinical proficiency testing -all years

Research in Periodontology and Implantology

Research on this theme is carried out in collaboration with universities in Sweden, Norway and Switzerland. The research focuses on investigating diagnostic methods and treatment modalities for the management of periodontal disease and peri-implantitis. Microbiological input is provided by the Dublin Dental University Hospital Microbiological Unit and University Of Berne in Switzerland. Research is also ongoing in collaboration with the Bio-engineering Group in Trinity College Dublin in bone regeneration using stem cell seeded scaffolds. Currently the staff involved includes Professor Noel Claffey, Professor Stefan Renvert (Visiting Professor) and Dr Ioannis Polyzois.

Staff

Dr Denise MacCarthy: BDS, MA, MDentSc (TCD), FDS. Associate Professor, Consultant

Qualified from University College, Cork in 1977 and worked in general dental practice in the UK and Australia. Awarded a Fellowship from Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in 1983, a Masters in Dental Science from Trinity College Dublin in 1991 and an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2007. Member of the Irish Society of Periodontology (past secretary), Irish Division of International Association for Dental Research (past president), International Association for Maxillo Facial Prosthodontics and the Irish Dental Association. Member of the Specialist Advisory Committee of the RCSI for Specialist Training in Restorative Dentistry. Worked in periodontology in Dublin Dental School & Hospital since 1981 and was appointed as Senior-Lecturer Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology since 1992. Established the first teaching programme in dental hygiene in Ireland in 1992. Established a clinic for the dental management of head and neck cancer patients in 1997. Founder member of Mouth, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Group (MHNCA) Ireland (2009).

Dr Patrick J. Byrne, BDS, MSc (Lond), FDS, FFD, FICD. Associate Professor (Part time).

Dr. P.J. Byrne graduated in Dentistry in 1982 from University College Cork. He held various hospital appointments 1982 – 1989 in Ireland and UK. In 1990 he completed his MSc at the Eastman Dental Institute in Periodontology which was awarded with distinction from the University of London. He was awarded the Sir Wilfred Fish Research Prize by the British Society of Periodontology in 1990. From 1990 – 1991, he was Registrar in the Department of Periodontology at the Eastman Dental Institute, London. In 1991, he was elected by examination F.D.S. Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh and F.F.D. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He has been in referral practice in Dublin in Periodontology, Oral Surgery & Implant Dentistry, and lecturer in Periodontology at Dublin Dental School & Hospital, Trinity College since 1991. He is Director of the Programme for Clinical Dental Photography since 1998. He was a locum Consultant at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 1992 – 1998, President of the Irish Society of Periodontology from 1998 –2000. He was awarded an F.I.C.D. by the International College of Dentists in 2002. Elected to the Board of the Faculty of Dentistry, RCSI 1999 where he became Vice-Dean in 2004, and was elected Dean in 2007.

Dr Ioannis N. Polyzois: DMD, PhD (TCD), MDentCh (TCD), MMedSci. (Sheff). Associate Professor/Consultant

Dr Ioannis Polyzois received his undergraduate degree (DMD) from Semmelweis University in 1995 and he was awarded his MMedSci in Oral Surgery by the University of Sheffield in 1996. He completed a three year specialist training in Periodontology (MDentCh) at Trinity College Dublin in 2002 and subsequently worked there for two years as a clinical supervisor. In 2005 he became a Lecturer in Periodontology at Trinity College with responsibility for research and graduate didactic and clinical teaching. He completed his PhD thesis (Dental Education) in 2010. He has published numerous research articles and book chapters.

Dr Ronan Allen: B.A., B.Dent.Sc., MFD (RCSI), M.S. Periodontist (Part Time)

Dr Ronan Allen qualified from Trinity College Dublin in 2002 and after a year as house officer in the Dublin Dental School, he moved into general dental practice in the Dublin area. During this to time he attained his membership examinations from the Royal College of Surgeons before travelling to the United States to complete his 3 year Masters program in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During this time he was awarded the OMNI fellowship from the American Academy of Periodontology and the Turner Student research award from the American Association for Dental Research.

Dr Allen now works in practice limited to Periodontics and Implant dentistry in the Burlington Dental Clinic. Dr Allen is committed to continuing education, he lectures nationally and also teaches the continuing professional development course in Periodontology in the Dublin Dental School. He is an active member of the Irish Dental Association, Irish Society of Periodontology, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the Academy of Osseointegration.

Prof. Stefan Renvert: DDS, PhD. Visiting Professor.

Stefan Renvert received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Lund, Sweden, in 1975. In 1979 he spent one year as visiting professor at Loma Linda University in California, USA. He then completed graduate training in Periodontology at the Dental School in Malmö University of Lund, Sweden with a certificate in Periodontology 1981 and the Odont. Dr. (Ph.D) degree in 1984. In 1999 he became Professor of Oral Health Sciences and Research Director at Kristianstad University, Sweden. Professor Renvert also holds a position as visiting professor at Dublin Dental Hospital, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland and at the Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden. Professor Renvert is past chairman of the Swedish Society of Periodontology and past chairman of the EFP. He was the Scientific Chairman for Europerio 5 in Madrid 2005 and Chairman for Europerio 6 in Stockholm 2009. He has published numerous research articles.

Dr. Declan Corcoran. BDS, MSD (Indiana U) FFD Periodontist (Part Time)

Declan Corcoran received his specialist training from the University of Indiana, U.S.A. Declan is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology, the highest degree conferred by the American Board of Periodontology. He is one of only three board certified Periodontists in Ireland. He has run his practice for over 25 years at this location. He has been Ireland’s representative of the European Federation of Periodontology over a period of ten years and has also served as its President.

He is an active member of the Irish Dental Association where he has held numerous key posts including Editor of the Journal of the Irish Dental Association and more recently President of the Metropolitan Branch. In 2008 he was elected to the board of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons. In 2009 he was re-certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Declan has lectured nationally and internationally. His most recent lectures have addressed the issues of Gingival (gum) Grafting and Periimplantitis.

Dr. Peter Harrison, B. Dent. Sc., MFD (RCSI), D.Ch. Dent. Assistant Professor 

Dr Harrison received his undergraduate dental degree from Dublin Dental University Hospital in 2001. He worked in general dental practice and hospital-based practice prior to obtaining his specialist periodontal training, also at Dublin Dental University Hospital, from 2006-2009.

He was employed as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Periodontology at University of Florida, from July 2010 to September 2014. His duties included extensive clinical supervision time with third and fourth-year dental students and delivery of lectures to students in all 4 years of the dental cycle. He also participated in seminars and teaching in the postgraduate course in periodontology.

In July 2011, he was appointed Program Director of pre-doctoral periodontology. His role included monitoring individual and collective student progress, and grading of approximately 160 dental students in clinical periodontology. He developed several initiatives to improve the undergraduate experience in periodontology and has enhanced the role of evidence-based dentistry in their curriculum. He was chosen as a University of Florida Teacher of the Year in 2012 and received the Florida Dental Association Educator Award in both 2012 and 2013.

Dr. Harrison returned to work as a Lecturer in Periodontology at Trinity College Dublin in 2014. He contributes to the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching missions of the Division of Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology, in addition to undertaking further studies towards a PhD.

The professional doctorate in Special Care Dentistry runs over three years, full time. It is possible for the course to be offered part-time, over five years. In their first year, in addition to modules in the Dublin Dental University Hospital, students follow selected modules as part of the MSc in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, in the School of Psychology in University College Dublin. Clinical rotations take place in the Dublin Dental University Hospital and partner hospitals in Dublin.

The teaching and learning will be apportioned broadly as follows: 60% clinical, 40% didactic. The didactic component will include a research dissertation. The total ECTS to be applied to this course is 270 credits of which 90 will be attributed to the research dissertation.

Background

The professional doctorate in Special Care Dentistry runs over three years, full time. It is possible for the course to be offered part-time, over five years. In their first year, in addition to modules in the Dublin Dental University Hospital, students follow selected modules as part of the MSc in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, in the School of Psychology in University College Dublin. Clinical rotations take place in partner hospitals in Dublin. The teaching and learning will be apportioned broadly as follows: 60% clinical, 40% didactic. The didactic component will include a research dissertation. The total ECTS to be applied to this course is 270 credits of which 90 will be attributed to the research dissertation.

Programme

The three-year specialist training programme in Special Care Dentistry will include experience and study in the following key areas:

• Concepts of health, impairment and disability
• Conditions leading to impairment and disability
• Sociology of health, impairment and disability
• The impact of impairment and disability on oral health, general health and quality of life
• The impact of oral health on impairment/disability, general health and quality of life
• Planning and management of health and related service delivery
• Management and delivery of oral health care
• Development of oral health care promotion programmes
• Provision of appropriate dental care based on the development of skills for history taking, examination, diagnosis, treatment planning and delivery of clinical dentistry
• The use of behaviour management, local analgesia, conscious sedation and general anaesthesia
• Links with other specialties and inter- professional and inter- disciplinary working
• Life support skills and management of medical emergencies
• Legislation and ethics relevant to dental practise and, in particular, to Special Care Dentistry
• Clinical governance, audit and research

Learning Outcomes:

Module 1:

– Advanced Dental Science

Module 2:

Critically assess the service in which they work with regard to the philosophies and models that shape service delivery that operate there
Use the insights from the module to take part in the development of their services to better support their client group

Module 3:

• Demonstrate an understanding of key issues in lifespan development and disability.
• Demonstrate critical understanding of the relevance of Quality of Life for people with developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrate competence in applying a model of individualized support in practice.

Module 4:

Be able to classify assistive technologies relating to movement for people who are impaired

Module 5:

Demonstrate understanding of current issues and debates in disability studies and explain the relevance of these issues for policy and practice in Irish society.

Module 6:

• Explain different manifestations of impairments for medically, intellectually, mentally, physically and sensorily compromised people.
• Relate day to day implications of impairment and consequent disability.
• Differentiate the epidemiology of disability – by condition, age groups
• Summarise the epidemiology of oral diseases: national and international oral/dental health surveys
• Justify the oral and dental affects of impairments
• Explain the oral health care systems in Ireland and other parts of the world in relation to disability, the public and private sector
• Contrast quality of life as affected by: self esteem, appearance, social acceptability, relationships, diet, nutrition and alternate feeding routes, comfort/pain, mouth-held devices.
• Contrast aspects of preventive dental care: role of fluoridation, home versus surgery delivered care; education and role of carers;
• Justify the modifications required to standard preventive techniques and materials

Module 7:

Demonstrate skills in the development and organisation of services for people who have learning disability, physical impairment, complex medical conditions, mental illness; a history of substance misuse and other vulnerable adults.
Interpret the organisational structure and role of the health service and other statutory and voluntary organizations; cross sectoral and inter-agency working; caring and advocacy; and the role of primary health care teams and the dental and medical specialties

Module 8:

Appraise and justify the identification of the person who requires special oral health care and the organisation required for the delivery of appropriate treatment services in the relevant care setting for the individual

Module 9:

Apply learning from previous modules to the delivery of clinical special care dentistry services and demonstrate clinical competence

Module 10:

Employ the information from the regulatory framework to undertake safe and effective dental care planning and treatment

Module 11:

Employ learned skills to interpret literature searches; devise an application for ethical approval and design research projects, setting up databases and analysis of research findings. Be able to write up case reports and research project(s) suitable for publication

Assessment Methods:

Assessment is by open book essays, end of year examination (SAQs), presentations and portfolio review.

Entry criteria

Students must possess a dental degree, recognised by the Dental Council of Ireland. Entry to training in Special Care Dentistry would normally follow a two-year period of general professional training. Experience in the field of Special Care Dentistry is desireable.Additionally, possession of the Diploma of the Member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFD/MFDS) of one of the Royal Colleges or approved equivalent will be required. Students should all have evidence of satisfactory serconversion for protection against Hepatitis B.

The professional doctorate in Special Care Dentistry runs over three years, full time. It is possible for the course to be offered part-time, over five years.

The Doctorate level course has been designed to support the development of an experienced dentist into a dental leader and role model capable of managing a large complex regional or national dental service, or acting as a consultant to provide health service reviews, and to encourage the development of patient centred evidence based, efficient oral health services.

Areas covered including;

• Undertaking a needs assessment in dentistry
• Undertaking a health equity audit of a public health service
• Developing an oral health strategy
• Evaluating an oral health service
• Developing an oral health promotion programme
• Becoming competent at using information technology to gather, analyse and present dental public health data
• Using dental serve quality indicators to protect the public from risk associated with the delivery of dentistry
• Undertaking a Dental Public Health research project
• Appraising existing research
• Learn how to teach dental public health at a specialist level

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin is ranked in the Top 100 Universities in the world and is the highest ranked University in Ireland

The degree programme is divided into taught courses with an significant component of the course working with national health providers (e.g. the UK National Health Service).A major dissertation is undertaken during the course