Page 34 - RADC 2017

PROFESSIONAL AND CLINICAL
MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Primary Dental Care from the University of Edinburgh
Maj J Scott, RADC
What is it?
A modular problem based learning pathway that will cover the literature and clinical techniques supporting your practice in the main aspects of primary dental care. Each module is worth either 10 or 20 credits.
60 credits must be completed to become eligible for a Certificate, 120 credits for
a Diploma with an additional research or project module worth 60 credits to be completed to be eligible for the Master of Science Degree. Each 60 credits are run consecutively in a 1 year period delivered over two semesters. It is possible to exit after one year with a postgraduate certificate and after two years with a postgraduate diploma if you do not wish to complete the full Masters degree.
What does this actually entail?
The learning is broken down into 5 or
10 week modules delivered over two semesters. Each semester lasts for 15 weeks and assessments are submitted at the end of the semester. There is a break
at the end of each semester (summer and winter). During each module you complete a number of different learning activities:
Reading list – For each module you are given a list of between 10-30 papers as your core reading. You will read more but these are signposted as core learning.
Discussion board – this is a tutor-led forum where as a group you review the literature of specific topics posting your reviews and ideas referenced from your own research.
Group work – most modules include a group project where a Wiki area is used to build a glossary of terms or case based treatment plans.
Case presentations – through the course you will be asked to submit mini cases
of restorative, periodontal, prosthetic procedures you have completed. This is in addition to at least one full work up case that will be submitted at the end of each semester as part of your assessment.
Reflective accounts – throughout the module you are asked to keep a reflective journal on how your learning is progressing and how this is impacting on your day to day practice
Written assessment – at the end of each semester you are asked to complete a referenced reflective or literature based document of roughly 1500 - 2000 words.
Contact teaching – a single week 32 RADC BULLETIN 2017
residential during both the first year and
the second year (June of each year). Here you get some excellent hands on phantom head time with 1:3 instruction from a variety of GDP’s and specialist Consultants. Good learning, good social.
How much time does this take?
A fair bit. On discussion with a number of colleagues who are doing/have completed this course (there are a surprisingly large number of people who have done this in DPHC) I think it is fair to estimate between 10-20 hours a week of time can get eaten up by this course.
Has it changed my practice?
Yes, yes & yes. Each module gives you an overview of how things can be done better. This won’t make you a specialist but it does give you insight into what you didn’t know. I have found that after each module it has taken me a while to improve my work and then a year on I am starting to get the benefit from the techniques.
How to apply?
The degree programme commences in January of each year. The calling notice for the next batch of military sponsored places should be released through the deanery later this year. Previously the selection has been through a CV based paper board. If you are not eligible for military sponsorship or do not want to wait to become eligible then applications are welcome direct to
the University of Edinburgh until Friday December 1st 2017. Search for ‘Primary Dental Care Edinburgh University’ on Google and the information is all on a pretty good website.
There are at least ten DPHC dentists enrolled on the course right now and I know of at least two or three who are alumni. I would suggest that if you are interested in this course to get in contact with them (or me) now. It’s never too soon to get your CV ready!