Neurosurgery at the University of Plymouth Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

This module enhances the skills acquired in modules 1, 2 and 3 by introducing more specialised procedures including periodontal and endodontic surgery, as well as methods for managing failing restorations. You are encouraged to flexibly and creatively apply your knowledge in innovative ways. Teaching consists of lectures, demonstrations, and practical training. You will demonstrate your competence by examination of three case reports submitted in advance.

This module provides advanced training in:

Endodontics

  • Biology of endodontic failure.
  • Microsurgical techniques.
  • Advanced surgical techniques; flap design, instrumentation and suturing.
  • Removal of canal obstructions.
  • Magnification and instrumentation.
  • Management of perforations.
  • Core selection and placement.

Periodontology

  • Evidence for regeneration.
  • Advanced periodontal surgery, including muco-gingival surgery.
  • Biology and anatomy of peri-implant tissues.
  • Hard and soft tissue handling and planning for optimal outcomes.
  • Managing early and late complications.

The restorative dental practice and quality improvement

  • Pathways to success.
  • Leadership and management.
  • Successful team-working.
  • Clinical Governance essentials.
  • Audit for better clinical outcomes.
  • Practice legislation.
  • Finance and marketing.

Management of failure in the restored dentition

  • Maintenance and monitoring of the restored dentition.
  • Dealing with failures.

Critical appraisal skills and evidence-based dentistry
  • Clinical conundrums; formulating the question.
  • Understanding and appraising the literature.
  • How to find evidence; accessing the literature.
  • Appraising diagnostic studies.

Hands on sessions include:

  • Endodontic post removal.
  • Perforation repair.
  • Guided tissue regeneration.
  • Root resection.
  • Connective tissue grafting.
  • Apicectomy.

Interactive sessions with our experts in research skills include:

  • Formulating the question session
  • Searching for the literature under expert supervision
  • Advanced critical appraisal skills for systematic reviews
  • Interpretation of diagnostic studies