Paediatric Dentistry

The MSc in Paediatric Dentistry at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to provide advanced training and specialization in the field of children's dental care. This programme aims to equip postgraduate students with the critical knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise required to diagnose, prevent, and manage a wide range of dental conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. Delivered by experienced academic staff and clinicians within one of the UK’s leading dental schools, the course combines theoretical instruction with practical clinical training to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the complex challenges faced in pediatric dental practice.

Throughout the programme, students engage with a broad curriculum that covers fundamental aspects of paediatric dentistry, including growth and development, behaviour management, sedation and anesthesia, restorative techniques, and management of traumatic and congenital dental anomalies. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the psychological and behavioral aspects of treating young patients, ensuring practitioners can communicate effectively and empathetically with children and their families.

The MSc offers a flexible study mode, accommodating the needs of working professionals, with options for full-time or part-time study. The course involves a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and supervised clinical practice within UCL’s modern dental facilities, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Research components encourage critical thinking and inquiry, culminating in a dissertation that explores an area of special interest within paediatric dentistry.

Graduates of this program will be equipped to work in diverse settings, including specialist clinics, hospitals, and community services. They will also have the qualification necessary to pursue further postgraduate training or academic careers within the discipline. UCL’s reputation as a leading health sciences university, combined with its strong links to clinical practice and research, ensures that students receive a high-quality education that is both scientifically rigorous and practically relevant. Upon completion, participants will be competent to provide high standards of dental care to children, contribute to advancing pediatric oral health, and engage in lifelong learning and professional development within this dynamic field.

Year one provides students with the basic knowledge required in paediatric dentistry and teaches some of the clinical techniques needed in a laboratory setting. Year two encourages more advanced and complex treatment planning and looks at other aspects of good patient care such as clinical governance. Year three consolidates the learning to date and provides the theoretical experience required for graduates to understand, critically appraise and potentially carry out research.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of seven core modules (120 credits), and a research project/dissertation (60 credits).

The PG Diploma consists of seven core modules (120 credits); two years part-time.

The PG Certificate consists of four core modules (60 credits); one year part-time.

Core modules

• Management of Oral Disease
• Trauma
• Behaviour Management
• Planning Treatment in the Developing Child
• Clinical Governance
• Advanced Paediatric Dentistry
• Structured Extramural Clinical Practice

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this programme.

Dissertation/research project

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, online learning and hands-on sessions in our skills laboratory. Assessment will be through written and practical tests, logbook of patients treated in practice, case presentations, essay, and vivas throughout the programme. Contact days are as follows: Year 1 – one week in November, one week in March and an exam day in June; Year 2 – one week in November and an exam day in June; Year 3 – one week in December or January and an exam day in Jun.

All applicants must normally hold an approved dental qualification and have a minimum of two years’ clinical experience post-qualification.

The financing of the Paediatric Dentistry MSc programme at University College London involves multiple funding options for both domestic and international students. Full-time students may be eligible for various scholarships, bursaries, and grants offered by UCL, which aim to support their educational and living expenses throughout the duration of the programme. UCL provides a range of funding opportunities, including internal scholarships for outstanding applicants, means-tested bursaries, and international student awards, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government scholarships, health service bursaries, and dental associations’ grants, depending on their country of residence and eligibility criteria.

For UK residents, Student Finance England and similar bodies offer loans to cover tuition fees and maintenance costs, which students can repay after graduation once their income exceeds specified thresholds. International students are responsible for covering their tuition fees upfront but may be eligible for external scholarships and sponsorships, especially if they are sponsored by their home country or dental institutions. UCL also provides guidance and support for students seeking financial aid, including advice on applying for loans, scholarships, and external funding options.

The exact cost of study can vary yearly based on fee updates, but international students typically pay higher tuition fees compared to UK/EU students. Additional costs such as registration fees, books, equipment, and living expenses should also be factored into the overall financing plan. Students are advised to prepare a detailed budget before commencing their studies to ensure they can cover all necessary expenses. Overall, the University is committed to making the programme accessible through a variety of financial support mechanisms, but students are responsible for arranging their own funding and exploring all available options to finance their education in Paediatric Dentistry.

The MSc in Paediatric Dentistry at University College London is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to provide advanced knowledge and clinical skills in the field of dental care for children. This course aims to equip dental professionals with the expertise needed to diagnose, manage, and prevent a wide range of oral health issues in pediatric patients. The program combines theoretical learning with practical clinical experience, enabling students to develop a holistic understanding of paediatric dental medicine. Students will explore topics such as child psychology, behavior management, dental trauma, preventive strategies, sedation, anesthesia, and the management of complex dental cases specific to children. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, ensuring that graduates are capable of applying current research findings to clinical decision-making.

The program typically spans one year full-time or part-time options to accommodate working professionals, offering flexibility in study arrangements. It is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and supervised clinical practice within the university’s state-of-the-art dental teaching facilities. Students benefit from access to experienced faculty members who are specialists in paediatric dentistry, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the course. The program also encourages research and innovation in paediatric dental care, with opportunities for dissertation projects that contribute to the field’s development.

Admission requirements include a dental degree recognized by the General Dental Council or equivalent, and applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in paediatric dentistry, along with relevant clinical experience. Successful graduates will gain a Master of Science qualification, which enhances their professional profile and can serve as a stepping stone toward specialist training or academic careers in paediatric dentistry. The program fosters a multidisciplinary approach, promoting collaboration with colleagues from other dental and medical specialties to optimize patient outcomes. Overall, the MSc in Paediatric Dentistry at UCL aims to develop highly competent clinicians capable of delivering excellent oral healthcare to children in diverse settings.