Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Programme description for web page:

The MSc in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at University College London is a comprehensive and advanced postgraduate training programme designed for dental professionals seeking to specialize in this dynamic surgical field. This course provides a thorough grounding in the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaws, mouth, and neck. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the programme prepares clinicians to deliver high-quality patient care within diverse clinical settings.

Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse curriculum that includes topics such as craniofacial trauma, pathology, orthognathic surgery, dental implantology, and reconstructive techniques. The programme combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on surgical training to ensure participants develop the confidence and competence required for independent practice in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Students also have opportunities for clinical placements and supervised operative procedures, fostering real-world experience.

The programme is suitable for qualified dentists aiming to advance their careers into surgical specializations, as well as for those who wish to pursue further training in oral and maxillofacial surgery in both the NHS and private sectors. It is delivered by leading experts and clinicians at UCL, ensuring access to cutting-edge research, innovative surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The academic team supports students throughout their studies, guiding research projects and encouraging critical analysis of emerging scientific evidence.

Graduates of this MSc programme emerge with a comprehensive skill set in surgical techniques, patient management, and clinical decision-making, enabling them to excel in competitive healthcare environments or to proceed towards specialty training or academic careers. The programme is typically completed within one year on a full-time basis, with flexible options for part-time study. Upon successful completion, students receive an MSc degree that signifies their advanced qualification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, opening doors to further professional development and leadership roles in the field.

This programme upholds UCL’s reputation for excellence in medical and dental education, fostering an innovative learning environment that integrates research, clinical practice, and education to produce competent, ethical, and skilled surgeons ready to make a positive impact on patient care worldwide.

The programme combines taught courses with a research component. Students attend teaching clinics, lectures, seminars, and carry out research leading to a project dissertation. There are supervised clinical and laboratory craft modules and the opportunity to observe at inpatient operating sessions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• Principles of Treatment Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
• Clinical Care Core Course (Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
• Dento-Alveolar Surgery 1
• Theory of Oral/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dento-Alveolar Surgery 2
• Clinical Science & Research Methods

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation (10,000 - 12,000 words).

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered via supervised clinical teaching on a one-to-one basis and theoretical instruction including seminar teaching, lectures, journal club, self-directed learning and problem-based learning.

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

Funding options for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery postgraduate program at University College London are diverse and designed to support both UK and international students. Typically, students may apply for a range of scholarships, bursaries, and sponsorships offered directly by the university or external organizations. The UCL Faculty of Dentistry provides various funding opportunities, including departmental awards, merit-based scholarships, and specific grants for advanced dental surgery studies. Applicants are encouraged to explore external funding bodies such as the NHS, which may offer sponsorships or loan options for students pursuing postgraduate dental training. Additionally, students can consider government loan programs available to UK residents, which can provide financial assistance throughout their studies. International students might have access to different funding routes, including scholarships awarded by foreign governments, private foundations, or international agencies that support healthcare education. It is also possible to seek part-time employment or placement opportunities through the university's partnerships to help cover living expenses and additional costs associated with the program. Tuition fees vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the specific duration of the program; fees are updated annually and can be found on the university’s official website. Moreover, some students may qualify for loan facilities or financial aid programs tailored to health sciences students. The university recommends prospective applicants to contact its admissions and financial aid offices early in the application process to better understand eligibility criteria and application procedures. It is important to prepare a comprehensive financial plan when enrolling in the program, considering tuition, living costs, equipment, and other expenses. Overall, there are multiple pathways to finance the study of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UCL, and students are advised to thoroughly research and apply for all relevant funding opportunities to support their educational and professional goals.

The MSc in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at University College London (UCL) provides advanced academic and clinical training aimed at preparing students for careers in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This postgraduate program combines theoretical coursework with practical surgical skills, enabling students to develop comprehensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaws, head, and neck. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as trauma management, facial deformity, head and neck oncology, implantology, and reconstructive surgery, alongside modules on pathology, radiology, and anesthesia relevant to oral and maxillofacial procedures.

Students benefit from UCL's state-of-the-art facilities and are supervised by a team of experienced academic staff and clinical practitioners recognized internationally for their contributions to the field. Throughout the program, students participate in clinical rotations within hospital settings, gaining hands-on experience in surgical techniques and patient management under expert supervision. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration with specialists in radiology, pathology, prosthodontics, and other related disciplines to provide holistic patient care.

The MSc is designed not only to enhance clinical skills but also to foster research capabilities. Students undertake a research project, which enables them to explore innovative treatments, contribute to scientific knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills essential for academic or specialist practice. Successful completion of the course prepares graduates for specialist training in oral and maxillofacial surgery or for further research careers.

In addition to technical training, the program places significant emphasis on ethics, professionalism, communication skills, patient safety, and healthcare management. These components prepare students to operate effectively within complex healthcare environments and to undertake leadership roles in their future careers.

Entry requirements typically include a dental degree from an accredited institution, relevant clinical experience, and registration with appropriate professional bodies. The course is suitable for dentists seeking to specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery, those wishing to expand their clinical expertise, or individuals interested in academic research within this speciality.

The overall aim of the MSc in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UCL is to produce highly skilled, knowledgeable, and competent specialists who can deliver excellent patient care, contribute to academic advancements in the field, and meet the evolving needs of healthcare services worldwide.