Overview
The periodontium can be affected by a wide range of diseases and conditions including periodontitis, one of the most common inflammatory diseases worldwide. This course will equip you with the skills to provide specialist level care for the diagnosis, prevention and management of periodontal diseases as well as the placement and restoration of dental implants.
Our suite of MClinDent programmes has a common foundation of Restorative Dentistry. We have created three bespoke options to enable dentists to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in the fields of:
- prosthodontics
- endodontics
- periodontics
All three elements will be studied in stage 1 of the MClinDent and will remain a common theme in stages 2 and 3 as you continue in your speciality of Periodontics.
The course has a particular focus on Implant Dentistry and satisfies the requirements of the Training Standards in Implant Dentistry.
Find out more in our School of Dental Sciences postgraduate taught programmes brochure.
The MClinDent programmes are designed to align with the General Dental Council’s UK curricula for specialist training in Endodontics, Periodontics or Prosthodontics and can prepare students to sit the Membership examinations at the UK Royal Colleges.
You should then be able to use the clinical and academic portfolio of evidence that you have built to demonstrate equivalence to the GDC’s curriculum in either Periodontics, Endodontics or Prosthodontics in relation to specialist listing. The information about specialist listing in the UK is held by the GDC. Find out more.
It is important to note that successful completion of one of these programmes does not guarantee acceptance by Royal College to sit their examinations or registration as a specialist through the GDC in the UK.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
The School of Dental Sciences combines academic learning and clinical training to provide students with a systematic understanding of the evidence base and theoretical principles which underpin specialist Periodontal and Implant Dentistry practice.
You will gain extensive clinical experience; 2,700 hours during the three-year programme. By the end of your MClinDent in Periodontics, you will demonstrate that you can deliver specialist clinical skills with consistency and confidence, and should be eligible to present for Royal College membership examinations.
It is also good preparation for dentists planning to sit the Diploma in Implant Dentistry, offered by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Periodontics MClinDent modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
Year 1
- Fundamentals of Restorative Dentistry
- Applied Dental Materials Sciences
- Critical Appraisal and EBD
- Simulated Clinical Skills in Restorative Dentistry
- Foundation Clinical Skills in Restorative Dentistry
Year 2
- The scientific basis of periodontology and implant dentistry
- Advanced clinical periodontology and implant dentistry
- The restoration and maintenance of a periodontally compromised dentition and dental implants
- Advanced Clinical Skills in Periodontics, Implant Dentistry & Restorative Dentistry Part 1
Year 3
How you’ll learn
- Several cadaveric surgical training courses at the state-of-the-art Newcastle Surgical Training Centre
- Small group teaching
- Clinical experience
- Specialist diagnostic clinics
- Supervised patient treatment clinics
- Multidisciplinary case-based discussion and critical review
- Reflective learning research projects
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Viva
- Written examination
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Dr Richard Holliday is an honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and specialist in Periodontics. He is a clinical academic with a focus on translational research and clinical trials. Find out more here.
There is also a diverse NHS team of specialists working with students on the MClinDent.
Your development
Your clinical experience involves:
- clinical skills training (operative, periodontics, occlusion, implant dentistry, management of temporomandibular disorders)
- supervised patient treatment sessions
- diagnostic clinics
- laboratory work (including a laboratory course)
- observation of consultant-led clinics
You’ll start patient treatment in the second term. This includes three treatment sessions per week and up to two diagnostic clinics.
There is continued exposure to diagnostic clinics and observation of consultants providing treatment. Clinical-related activity accounts for approximately 60% of the scheduled time.
Your future
Our graduates have progressed to careers in:
- enhanced dental practice
- specialist practice
- restorative consultancy positions (in the UK and abroad)
- senior academic posts
Our MClinDent is highly regarded by our external examiners and by former students. Our students value and see the importance of engaging with like-minded and enthusiastic colleagues.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 100 for Dentistry – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 100 for Medical and Health – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Dental Sciences is modern, occupying a spacious, purpose-built facility. We enjoy well-equipped, light and airy clinics. You’ll have access to our dental e-learning portfolio (identity).
We have a range of research laboratories and a clinical research facility. This enables us to offer clinical training/research opportunities of the highest international standard.
Find out more about the school facilities or take a virtual tour.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
Essential Â
- Primary Dental Degree (BDS, BChD, DDS)
- At least three years of postgraduate clinical practice equivalent to Foundation Dental Training and Dental Core Training in the UK
- Applicants should be currently in clinical practice
- Experience of academic writing/critical appraisal/professional teaching or presentation
DesirableÂ
- Fellowship (FDS) or Membership (MFDS) in Dental Surgery from one of the UK Royal Colleges
Clinical access requirementÂ
Your clinical placement will be within the Newcastle Dental Hospital clinics. You must have:
- been granted clinical access by the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust before starting this placement.
- the required immunisation against blood-borne viral diseases and you must not have any disease which would constitute a hazard to patients.
You will be given a health check soon after registration by the Occupational Health Department of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Failure to obtain the necessary access will result in your automatic  withdrawal from the course.
