Your first few weeks will be packed with new experiences, from finding your way around Manchester to making new friends. In addition to learning a new clinical routine, you will also embark on what for most of you will be your first experience of carrying out research in some format and I hope that you will find it both interesting and rewarding.

Bear in mind we are always here to support you and I hope you will soon feel confident in your new environment and ready for the challenges ahead.

I wish you success in your future educational endeavours.

Yours sincerely,

JOANNE CUNLIFFE

Programme Director

1. STAFF CONTACTS

Dr. J. Cunliffe, Programme Director

Tel: 0161 275 6717

E-Mail: joanne.cuniffe@manchester.ac.uk

Office Location: Coupland Three Building

Miss Amy Matthews, Programme Administrator

Tel: 0161 275 6660

E-Mail: endo@manchester.ac.uk

Office Location: Coupland Three Building, Ground Floor

2. PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

2.1 Introduction

The Division of Dentistry at the University of Manchester has an international reputation for teaching and research. A further strength is the strong link with the International Cochrane Oral Health Group that is based in Manchester and a consequent emphasis on the current research evidence for clinical care. The curriculum is directed by research active clinical academic staff

The MSc programme is a highly integrated programme which comprises four components:

1. Research Methods (15 credits)

2. Biostatistics (15 credits)

3. Specialty Clinical Component (90 credits)

4. Research Unit leading to a Dissertation (60 credits)

This handbook includes information on the aims and objectives, structure, content, teaching and learning methods, programme management, and assessment. It should be read in conjunction with the PGT Handbook.

2.2 Aims & Objectives of the Programme

The aim of the clinical unit is to give the student an understanding of the scientific basis of primary and secondary non-surgical endodontics, with particular emphasis on current theories relevant to the diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical management of adult patients.

On completion of the programme of study, students will have acquired:

a knowledge of contemporary aspects of endodontics, including an appreciation of an interdisciplinary approach to comprehensive patient care.
the appropriate practical and clinical skills relevant to non-surgical endodontics.
competence and confidence in a variety of transferable skills relevant to endodontics

2.3 Basic Outline

This programme is offered on a full-time basis over 12 months. See individual timetables for further information.

3. SUMMARY OF PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

3.1 Structure of the Programme

The Programme Specification can be found on Blackboard.

The structure of the Masters programme is as follows:

Each unit has a credit rating
The number of credits required for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Dental Specialties (Endodontics) is 180
The programme is delivered on a three semester per annum basis

Clinical Units (90 credits) comprising:

Semester 1

DENT 61010 Research Methods (15 credits)

DENT 60011 Basic Science of Applied Endodontology (15 credits)

This unit aims to equip the participant with a detailed knowledge of the scientific background forming the basis of non-surgical management of endodontic disease.

The Specification for this Unit can be found on Blackboard.

DENT 60021 Pre Clinical Skills (15 Credits)

The unit aims to provide each participant with a comprehensive experience and training in the practical tasks of endodontic treatment. There will also be a refresher into basic dental examination and medical emergencies. Furthermore, the assessment and treatment planning elements will incorporate aspects of other relevant dental disciplines. It will also aim to not only develop clinical abilities but also to stimulate critical and analytical thinking in clinical endodontics.

Semester 2

DENT 70001 Biostatistics (15 credits)

(See Section Two of PGT Handbook for further information on DENT 61010 and 70001)

DENT 61342 Reflective Clinical Practice (15 credits)

This unit aims to provide the clinical skills and attitudes required for clinical practice in endodontics.

The Specification for this Unit can be found on Blackboard.

DENT 61332 Clinical Endodontics (15 credits)

This unit aims to see the patient as a whole and how the patient’s general well being is affected by endodontic disease. It will also aim not only to develop clinical abilities, but also to stimulate critical and analytical thinking in both the clinical and research environment.

The Specification for this Unit can be found on Blackboard.

DENT 60022 Applied Endodontics (15 credits)

This unit aims to provide each participant with a comprehensive experience and training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning of endodontic disease. Furthermore, the assessment and treatment planning elements will incorporate aspects of other relevant dental disciplines. It will also aim not only to develop clinical abilities but also to stimulate critical and analytical thinking in both the clinical and research environment.

The Specification for this Unit can be found on Blackboard.

DENT 60032 Endodontics Portfolio (15 Credits)

This unit builds on knowledge gained in the pre-requisite units to enhance applied application of knowledge to the clinical environment through direct clinical experience, directed learning and guided reflection, including aspects of: patient management, planning provision of care, review of clinical procedures and clinical reflection.

DENT 60020 Dissertation (60 credits)

See the PGT Handbook for further information

Award of MSc 180acredits

3.2 Content of Research Methods and Biostatistics Units

See the PGT Handbook for further information.

3.3 Content of Clinical Units

Teaching in the clinical units of endodontics is provided throughout the programme. Teaching methods in these units will include tutorials, seminars, clinical demonstrations, case presentations and clinical practice. A comprehensive reading list is available on Blackboard.

Seminars will be planned and reading from the scientific literature on related subjects will be assigned; the aim being to expose the student to a wide range of topics in a short period. Students will be challenged to assess the available evidence and to determine the biological basis for acceptable and non-acceptable methods and techniques.

Instruction will be given in clinical and laboratory aspects of endodontics. This instruction will take the form of demonstrations, seminars and practical laboratory and clinical exercises.

Pre-Clinical Skills Module

Graduate students will be required to familiarise themselves with the laboratory techniques for clinical situations applicable to endodontic rehabilitation of adult patients.

A variety of technical exercises will be set which must be satisfactorily completed prior to commencement on postgraduate clinics.

Clinical Module

Consultation Clinics

Students will have the opportunity to participate in consultation clinics where they will see new patients upon first presentation for history taking, examination, diagnosis and treatment planning. These will be scheduled on treatment sessions throughout the year

Diagnosis and Assessment

Students will take their own radiographs. There will be seminars from consultant staff on radiology, interpretation of radiographs and on radiographic reporting and students will be expected to interpret their own images and write their own reports.

Treatment Sessions

Graduate students will provide treatment for patients selected by members of staff responsible for this programme. As excellence in all aspects is a prime objective, each case seen/undertaken should be considered as a learning experience. Students will treat only patients assigned by their clinical tutor(s).

Students will see their own patients following successful completion of the preclinical skills course. As the programme progresses students will be challenged with a range of patients including those who are medically compromised, those requiring complex treatment and re-treatments, and difficult interdisciplinary cases.

Case selection and patient load for all students will be determined by their clinical competence.

Students must maintain a log book of clinical practice

Ring binders are provided for this purpose and should be brought to all clinical sessions in the Dental Hospital for completion and for staff signatures. This clinical logbook should be brought to all clinical progress interviews with the Programme Director for discussion.

4. TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS

The student is encouraged to take responsibility for his/her own learning. There is an emphasis on a self-directed learning approach and the application of newly acquired knowledge is encouraged. The individual learning needs of each student will be recognised. For example, the diversity of clinical options in the clinical unit allows students to receive further endodontic training in areas in which they may perceive themselves to be deficient.

The type of teaching will vary from tutorials, small group seminars, self-directed learning, individual clinical and classroom tuition and close clinical supervision. On clinical sessions, students will work in a collaborative operator-assistant team working environment in which patient care is enhanced.

In addition, activities in this clinical unit may be supplemented by:

attendance at national conferences (British Endodontic Society meetings).
attendance at seminars given by guest lecturers.

4.1 Aims and Objectives of the Research Methods (15 credits) and Biostatistics (15 credits) Units

For details on these units please refer to the PGT Handbook.

4.2 Blackboard

The Endodontic programme also has an on-line presence via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), known as Blackboard. The Endodontic Blackboard Unit is DENT 77002. Blackboard is a repository for the learning resources and will be used for providing programme-related information and announcements and thus students are expected to check their Blackboard space frequently. It is also used for assessment submission during the programme.

Access to Blackboard is via either of the links below:

http://online.manchester.ac.uk

http://my.manchester.ac.uk

Log-in: Your central university username and password.

5. ASSESSMENTS, PROGRESSION & EXAMINATIONS

See the PGT Handbook.

It is important that all students familiarise themselves with the University’s Taught Masters regulations at the link below.

http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29208

There are various electronic systems for the purposes of detecting plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for marking. The plagiarism detection service used by the University is TurnitinUK.

As part of the formative and/or summative assessment process, you will be asked to submit electronic versions of your work to TurnitinUK (this requirement may be in addition to a requirement to submit a paper copy of your work). If you are asked to do this, you must do so within the required timescales.

Please note that when work is submitted to TurnitinUK, it may be copied and then stored in a database to allow appropriate checks to be made.

The majority of the programme units making up the specialty clinical component are examined by essay, single best answer test and Work Based Assessments (see section 5.2).

A mark of 50% is required in each course unit for a Pass at Master’s level.

The taught units must be satisfactorily completed before a candidate is allowed to submit his/her dissertation.

5.1 Assessments

Research Methods and Biostatistics Units

(DENT 61010 and DENT 70001)

See the PGT Handbook.

Semester 1

DENT 61010 Research Methods (15 credits)

Please see the PGT handbook on assignment information.

DENT 60021 Pre Clinical Skills (15 credits)

OSCE Examination

This exam will take on Tuesday 29^th October 2019 from 11:00am – 17:00pm.

DENT 60011 Basic Science of Applied Endodontology (15 credits)

Written Assignment

This assignment will be uploaded to Blackboard on 6 November and will be due for submission via Blackboard no later than 8 a.m. on Tuesday 19^th November 2019.

It will comprise a 4500 word assignment (±10%) on basic science/principles in relation to endodontics. The assignment will be checked for plagiarism.

The assignments are marked by two internal examiners and moderated by an external examiner. Results will be published, subject to ratification by the Dentistry Examination Board within three weeks of the examination. Once the results have been published, verbal feedback can be obtained from the Programme Director upon request.

Semester 2

DENT 70001 Biostatistics (15 credits)

Please see the PGT handbook for assignment information

DENT 61332 Clinical Endodontics (15 credits)

Written Examination

This examination will take place on Wednesday 6^th May 2020.

The two and a half hour written paper comprises two parts. Each question is a structured essay question (Modified Essay Question)

There will be one general restorative question (40%) from a choice of two and two endodontic-related questions (30% each question) from a choice of three.

The papers are marked by two internal examiners and moderated by an external examiner. Results will be published, subject to ratification by the Dentistry Examination Board within three weeks of the examination. Once the results have been published, verbal feedback can be obtained from the Programme Director upon request.

DENT 61342 Reflective Clinical Practice (15 credits)

Four Major Cases (for examination)

Four clinical cases demonstrating a range of different treatments undertaken on the programme will be submitted. The records should include an assessment of the patients’ dental problems and medical history. You must ensure that these cases are ANONYMOUS. Do not include details of patient’s name, hospital number or any photographs which identify a patient unless prior consent has been obtained in writing from the patient and a copy provided to the Programme Administrator before submission. Results of special investigations should be outlined. The treatment options should be stated and the rationale for the proposed treatment plan discussed.

A chronological record of the treatment provided should be presented outlining details of the procedures used.

The discussion section should deal with the outcome of the treatment with reference to the relevant literature, where appropriate. Finally, a Reflections section outlining “what went well” and “what didn’t” should be included with comments on what the candidate learned from completing a particular case.

Guidelines for the presentation of these cases can be found on Blackboard. These will be marked by two internal examiners and moderated by an external examiner. Each case carries equal weight (25%).

These will be due for submission on Tuesday 2^nd June 2020.

Results will be published, subject to ratification by the Dentistry Examination Board, within three weeks of the examination. Once the results have been published, verbal feedback can be obtained from the Programme Director upon request.

DENT 60032 Endodontics Portfolio (15 credits)

This unit consists of two assessments.

Assessment 1

Structured Learning Events

The deadline for this assessment is Tuesday 30^th June 2020.

Assessment 2

Oral Examination

The examination will take place on Thursday 10^th July 2020.

Students are to present one case during their presentation.

DENT 60022 Applied Endodontics (15 credits)

Structured Oral Exam

This will take place on Thursday 10^th July 2020.

This structured oral examination of 30 minutes duration on applied endodontics is held in the presence of two internal examiners and the external examiner. A mark out of 100 will be awarded.

Results will be published, subject to ratification by the Dentistry Examination Board within a week of the examination.

Verbal feedback of performance will be available from the Programme Director on request.

Students must successfully pass the taught component (120 credits) before proceeding to the dissertation.

5.2 Marking

An anonymous marking scheme will be used. The assignments will be marked independently by two examiners and moderated by the appointed external examiner. Any discrepancies will be discussed before a final mark is agreed. With the exception of the structured oral examination, the students’ names will be revealed only when the marking of the assignments has been completed.

5.3 Referrals

The pass mark for each taught course unit (Research Methods, Biostatistics and the four specialty clinical units) is 50%.

Candidates who fail one of the four clinical units detailed above may be required to resit that unit.

In the case of failure in the Reflective Clinical Practice unit, DENT 61342, candidates who are required to resit this unit will have to submit a new clinical case for each case failed on first submission.

5.4 Regulations and Arrangements for Mitigating Circumstances, Referrals, Compensation

See the PGT Handbook.

5.5 External Examiner

The External Examiner for this programme is Ms. C. Tait
Name of Institution: University of Dundee, School of Dentistry
Position at current Institution: Senior Clinical Teacher in Endodontics

External Examiners are individuals from another institution or organisation who monitor the assessment processes of the University to ensure fairness and academic standards. They ensure that assessment and examination procedures have been fairly and properly implemented and that decisions have been made after appropriate deliberation. They also ensure that standards of awards and levels of student performance are at least comparable with those in equivalent higher education institutions.

The External Examiner’s report relating to this programme will be shared with student representatives at the Staff Student Liaison Committee (SSLC)/ programme committee where details of any actions carried out by the programme team/Division in response to the External Examiner’s comments will be discussed. Students should contact their student representatives if they require any further information about the External Examiner’s report or the process for considering it.

Please note that it is inappropriate for students to make direct contact with External Examiners under any circumstances, in particular with regards to a student’s individual performance in assessments. Other appropriate mechanisms are available for students, including the University’s appeals or complaints procedures and the UMSU Advice Centre. In cases where a student does contact an External Examiner directly, External Examiners have been requested not to respond to direct queries. Instead, External Examiners should report the matter to their Dentistry contact who will then contact the student to remind them of the other methods available for students. If students have any queries concerning this, they should contact their Programme Office (or equivalent).

5.6 Attendance

Students are required to attend all scheduled sessions punctually. A record of non-attendance and reason for non-attendance will be maintained and students giving cause for concern will be required to see the Programme Director. Unjustified non-attendance is considered to be unprofessional and will be reflected on periodic progress forms. Students who need time off during term time must apply, and have approved, this additional leave before making any travel plans.

The link below relates to the University’s Work and Attendance of Students policy:

http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=1895

In addition, it is a Faculty requirement that all students sign an attendance register each week in a file maintained by the Programme Administrator.

In the event of illness or unavoidable absence from a teaching session (clinical or seminar), students are required to inform the Programme Administrator (contact details on p. 4) before the start of the session in addition to advising the relevant clinical reception desk if the session to be missed is a clinical one. It is not the Programme Administrator’s responsibility to advise clinics of student non-attendance.

5.7 Progression

Student Progress is assessed by :

Module examinations and assessments

Clinical progress

The dissertation project (see PGT handbook)

Students are expected to attend all taught sessions and clinical placements as scheduled. Absences are recorded, and may be grounds for students not progressing through the programme.

Satisfactory completion of each 15 credit unit requires satisfactory clinical attendance and completion of assessment which may be by written examination, written assignments or oral examination (see section 5.1).

If a student’s clinical progress and academic performance throughout the MSc is not satisfactory, they could be required to withdraw from the course. Candidates for the degree of Master will not be permitted to submit a dissertation for assessment until they have satisfied the examiners in the assessment of the taught part of the programme and have successfully completed the clinical requirements.

Students who pass the taught and placements parts of the programme but do not complete a dissertation may be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma. A written record of all assessed work is kept for each student. Student progress is reviewed minimum four times each year, during clinical progress meetings and two Programme Exam Boards.

6. FEEDBACK

The principles of feedback are as follows:

Feedback should be provided in a timely manner that helps students understand (i) the marks or grades they have received for work submitted and (ii) how they might improve their performance in the future.
Feedback should be as personal as possible to the individual student to enable reflection on individual skills and performance.
Students have a responsibility to consider feedback given on their work, to seek to understand it, and to act on it.

The following outlines the feedback available for all elements of the clinical unit of the programme.

Preclinical Skills Course

Verbal feedback will be given by tutors throughout the course on a sessional basis. Any students giving cause for concern will be referred to the Programme Director for feedback.

All students will meet with the Programme Director at the end of the programme to discuss overall performance and to be advised of any areas that were of particular merit or weaknesses in need of improvement.

Patient Treatment Sessions

Clinical assessment forms will be completed on each session and grades awarded. There will be an opportunity to discuss any issues raised at the end of each clinical session.

Students will meet with the Programme Director twice during the twelve month period to discuss overall clinical progress.

Students are encouraged to approach either a tutor or the Programme Director at any time should they have any concerns regarding their clinical progress or may request an appointment via the Programme Administrator.

Examination

Feedback forms will be completed by examiners for all elements of accredited assessment and students are encouraged to make an appointment with the Programme Director via their administrator to discuss such feedback. Students will receive direct feedback on Blackboard for the assignments submitted via Blackboard.

Feedback to Students Policy

http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=6518

7. STUDENT REPRESENTATION

a) Formal

There is an elected postgraduate student representative for postgraduate taught programmes in Dentistry on the Graduate Education Committee.

Students will elect a representative for the group as a whole. All issues/concerns related to the programme, that are considered to be group-specific rather than individual-specific should be brought to the attention of the Programme Director via the representative.

See the PGT Handbook for more information.

b) Informal

The small student:staff ratio on clinics means that problems may be discussed and resolved expeditiously.

See Section One of the PGT Handbook.

8. ACADEMIC MALPRACTICE

See the PGT Handbook.

9. ACADEMIC APPEALS/COMPLAINTS

See the PGT Handbook

10. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Clinical Unit Management Team

The Clinical Unit Management Team comprises:

Dr. J. Cunliffe Programme Director

Dr. A. Qualtrough Reader/Hon. Consultant

Dr. M. Hunter Part-time Clinical Teacher

Dr I. Charlesworth Part-time Clinical Teacher

Dr. A. Moumtzis Part-time Clinical Teacher

Dr. C. Arpa Sacristan Part-time Clinical Teacher

The Clinical Unit Management Team is responsible for:

Programme content
Examination questions
Assessment of candidates