Peninsula Dental School

MSc Orthodontics

The programme includes academic and clinical teaching of orthodontic case assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment, using a case-based approach. Sessions include clinical skills and observations in specialist practice, together with support of orthodontic clinical care provided by the practitioner for patients in their own practice. This approach will enable you to develop confidence in practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge, understanding and application to patients.

For further information on this programme, please contact: richard.cure@plymouth.ac.uk or Isobel.fennell@orthodonticteamtraining.com.

 

Key features
  • Led by a team of specialists in orthodontics and complemented by respected visiting clinicians and educators.
  • Structured to allow participants to continue their current working commitments while studying at an appropriate pace.
  • Each module at PG Certificate and PG Diploma stages includes consultant/specialist led supervision and clinical time to facilitate the demonstration, assimilation and practice of taught clinical techniques.
  • The course allows case assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, patient management and practical clinical techniques to be learnt, underpinned by an appraisal of the evidence base, so that participants gain the skills to practice critically and effectively in their own dental practices.
  • As well as seminars, tutorials and self-directed learning in context, the programme also includes practical hands on teaching in state of the art clinical facilities and simulated dental learning environment.
  • Develop enhanced skills, knowledge, and critical thinking in case assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, management of the medically compromised patient and integration of multi-disciplinary treatment.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • Foundations of Orthodontics (ORTH711)

      This module teaches key concepts in Orthodontics, including relevant basic sciences, case assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and core orthodontic mechanics. It also teaches essential skills in continuing professional development and evidence-based care, such as critical appraisal and Master's level writing.

    • Orthodontics in Practice (ORTH712)

      This module teaches further key concepts in Orthodontics, building on, case assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning covered in the previous module and introduces other orthodontic mechanics.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    • Advanced Orthodontics 1 (ORTH721)

      This module builds on existing knowledge and newly acquired skills from modules 1 and 2 and teaches more complex orthodontic treatment options, including the management of cases with impacted canines, orthodontic indices, dental anomalies and management of deciduous and unerupted teeth.

    • Advanced Orthodontics 2 (ORTH722)

      This module builds on existing knowledge and newly acquired skills from previous modules and teaches the use and interpretation of orthodontic indices, more complex orthodontic treatment options and mechanics, including the relationship of orthodontics to facial profile and orthodontic practice management.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Dental Programmes Masters Project (DIS734)

      On this module, students will design, plan and undertake a review of the evidence relevant to their chosen field of study. Students will specify a research question, make methodological decisions and synthesise the available literature.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Orthodontics programme specification 7411

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
BDS Dental Surgery
Graduates should be practicing dentistry whilst undertaking the programme and hold full GDC (or equivalent) registration as a dental practitioner, they should also have full professional indemnity and normally at least two years of clinical experience (full time equivalent). 
Places will then be allocated to successful candidates on a first come first served basis. 
Language requirements
Candidates will be required to be competent in English.
Candidates whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent in a secure English language test.
Please note that this programme is delivered primarily by distance learning and therefore it is not suitable for students who would need a Student visa to study in the UK. Students who are non-British or Irish nationals will be expected to reside in their home country whilst studying on this course and the University will assist them in applying for a Visitor visa, to attend taught sessions as the programme requires. 
The University will provide a letter to support a Visitor visa application but students will need to apply for the visa (and pay the associated costs) themselves. When students are attending taught sessions for short periods, they will be required to complete the right to study check before being permitted to enrol.

Fees, costs and funding
Academic Stage P/T delivery only Fee per 60 credits 2023–24 Fee per 60 credits 2024–25
Stage 1 (certificate) £12,500 £12,500
Stage 2 (diploma) £12,500 £12,500
Stage 3 (dissertation) £5,000 £5,000
MSc – full cost £30,000 £30,000

You may be eligible for a postgraduate taught loan of up to £10,906. To find out more visit our funding pages.

How to apply
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for this programme.
Before you apply
Make sure you have all your supporting documents. Documents required usually include:
  • evidence of qualifications (certificates or transcripts) to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language ability, if English is not your first language
  • two references
  • certificate of Current Professional Status from the General Dental Council (or equivalent) registration 
  • two passport photographs
  • curriculum Vitae or résumé, if required
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in January. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible as places are limited.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the red 'Apply now' icon on this page).
Additional guidance information can also be downloaded on how to fill in the postgraduate application form. 
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our online admissions policy for taught programmes. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
What happens after I apply?
For more information contact the Faculty of Health Admissions team.
If you would like to speak to one of our course information advisors, please contact us:
University of Plymouth
Faculty of Health
The John Bull Building
Research Way
Plymouth Science Park
Plymouth
PL6 8BU
You may be asked to provide additional information, to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) or you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
The University aims to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Information team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. The Doctoral College is also available to answer any queries on our postgraduate research degrees.
If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by the University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office.

Orthodontics imagery

Woman wearing braces
Cephalometric assessment
Cephalometric assessment
3D imaging
3D imaging
Case-based learning
Case-based learning
Clinical skills laboratory
Clinical skills laboratory

Dental Education Facilities

From progressive clinical spaces to Simulated Dental Learning Environments, you will benefit from exceptional facilities throughout your course. 
You will be taught across a number of locations in Plymouth, Exeter and Truro.
Ewen McColl