MSc in Dental Specialties
Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics

Programme Handbook

2020

***

Dear postgraduate student,

I am writing to introduce myself as the Programme Director for the MSc in Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics. I am delighted that you have accepted a place on the programme commencing in September 2019 and I am sure that you will find the experience of studying here at the University rewarding and enjoyable.

The programme has been developed over many years and feedback from previous students has always been positive. We have a great team of tutors and I am sure you will enjoy your time here at the University.

I look forward to meeting you in September.

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

Julian Satterthwaite

1. STAFF CONTACTS

Professor JD Satterthwaite, Programme Director
Tel: 0161 275 6629
E-mail: julian.satterthwaite@manchester.ac.uk
Office location: Coupland III Building

Dr R Vahid Roudsari,
Tel: 0161 275 6606
E-mail: reza@manchester.ac.uk
Office location: Coupland III Building

Ms Leigh Evans, Programme Administrator
Tel: 0161 275 6808
E-mail: leigh.evans@manchester.ac.uk
Office location: Coupland III Building

2. PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

2.1 Introduction

The MSc Programme of the Division of Dentistry, The University of Manchester is a highly integrated course, which comprises three parts:

1. Research Methods and Biostatistics Units

2. Specialty Clinical Units

3. Research Unit (leading to a Dissertation).

The specialty clinical units outlined in this handbook are Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics. The handbook includes information on admissions, the aims and objectives, structure, teaching and learning methods, programme management, contents, and assessment. It should be read in conjunction with related University documentation, notably:

• PGT Handbook 2019-20

Postgraduate students accepted onto the programme are required to have a satisfactory medical clearance prior to registration. This will be arranged with the University’s Department of Occupational Health and this may involve a physical examination. All postgraduate dental students will be required to undergo screening for blood borne viruses (Hepatitis B, C and HIV). Those who test positive for HIV will not be accepted for study and in the case of Hepatitis B and C the decision will depend on subsequent testing for viral load.

2.2 Basic Outline

This programme is offered either on a full-time or a part-time basis. Applicants admitted to the programme on a part-time basis will have a commitment of five sessions per week for a minimum of 44 weeks of each of the two years. Those admitted to the programme on a full-time basis will attend for a minimum of 44 weeks in the year of enrolment.

2.3 Overview of the Programme

The programme is designed for dental practitioners with a minimum of two years recent experience in general professional training or equivalent and who wish to further their knowledge in fixed & removable prosthodontics. Teaching will take place predominantly in the Division of Dentistry, and visits to selected dental practices may also be arranged. Please remember that this one-year course is not a specialist training course.

2.4 Staying Safe – Covid-19

Feeling prepared and equipped at the present time inevitably brings thoughts of health and safety. We have followed the advice from Universities UK, Public Health England and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to make sure our campus is a safe and happy environment for you to start your studies. When arriving on campus, you’ll notice the changes we’ve made to keep everyone safe. For example, our buildings will have clearly marked entry and exit points; we’ll be asking everyone to sanitise or clean their hands immediately on entry; and markings on floors, stairwells and doors will help maintain social distancing. Read our detailed safety guidance here. As part of our University’s commitment to keep all staff and students safe we are strongly recommending everyone on campus to download the NHS COVID-19 app It’s important for everyone to follow the guidelines on campus to keep themselves and others safe. We have faith that all members of our University community will do the right thing. You can politely remind people of the guidelines if they aren’t following them. If you still have concerns, you can report these to our COVID-19 team via Covid-info@manchester.ac.uk Breaches of COVID-19 guidelines may be subject to University disciplinary action. Our ‘Staying Safe’ microsite outlines the safety measures that are in place as well as useful information regarding:-

• Face Coverings
• What to do if you, or someone you live with, has COVID-19 symptoms
• How to register with a GP (doctor)
• Keeping yourself and your neighbours safe off campus (incl. local restrictions and consequences for breaking the rules)
• Health and wellbeing support
• Financial Support

 Student Frequently Asked Questions is regularly updated online but if you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact your school as soon as possible.

3. SUMMARY OF PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

3.1 Structure of the Programme

Each unit has a credit rating. The number of credits required for the award of the degree of MSc in Dental Specialties is 180.

The programme is delivered on a three semester per annum basis. The structure of the MSc is as follows (CATS and University guidelines are reflected):

Semester 1
DENT70111	Clinical and technical skills	15 Credits
DENT70121	Scientific understanding of fixed & removable prosthodontics – 1	15 Credits
DENT61010	Research Methods	15 Credits
Semester 2
DENT70131	Scientific understanding of fixed & removable prosthodontics – 2	15 Credits
DENT70001	Biostatistics	15 Credits
DENT70112	Diagnosis and treatment planning	15 Credits
DENT70122	Reflective prosthodontic practice	15 Credits
DENT70132	Contemporary prosthodontic techniques	15 Credits
Semester 3
DENT60020	Dissertation	60 Credits
Award of MSc		180 credits

 

**Part-time students will complete units DENT70111, DENT70001 & DENT61010 in year 1 and the remaining units in year 2

3.2 Research Methods and Biostatistics Units

See PGT Handbook.

3.3 Specialty Clinical Units

Aims

The aim of the clinical units is to give the student an understanding of the scientific basis of fixed & removable prosthodontics, with particular emphasis on current theories relevant to the diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical management of adult patients.

Objectives

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

• knowledge of contemporary aspects of fixed and removable prosthodontics, including an appreciation of an interdisciplinary approach to comprehensive patient care
• appropriate practical and clinical skills relevant to fixed and removable prosthodontics Competence and confidence in a variety of transferable skills relevant to fixed and removable prosthodontics

3.4 Research Units

Aims

The aims of the dissertation unit are:

• to train the student in the identification, formulation and implementation of a specific research project.
• to give the student experience of working (researching) independently
• to test the extent to which the student has achieved synthesis of his/her skills and knowledge via a report (dissertation) of the research topic

Objectives

On successful completion of the unit, each student will have acquired:

• training to carry out a supervised research topic
• experience in preparing the research topic
• experience in producing a dissertation of up to 15,000 words based on research and by the required submission date(See PGT Handbook)
• skills to be able to discuss and defend the research and results in an oral examination

4. TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS

The Specialty Clinical Units are designed to encourage the student 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 allows students to receive further 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 laboratory tuition and close clinical supervision.

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

• attendance at national conferences (e.g. BSSPD)
• participation in appropriate extra-mural clinical courses
• attendance at seminars given by guest lecturers

4.1 DENT61010/DENT70001 Content of Research Methods and Biostatistics Units (each 15 Credits)

For details on this component please refer to the PGT Handbook.

4.2 Content of Specialty Clinical Units (90 Credits in total)

Teaching in the specialty clinical units of fixed & removable prosthodontics is provided throughout the programme. Instruction will be given in clinical and laboratory aspects of fixed & removable prosthodontics in the form of demonstrations, shadowing of consultant staff, seminars and practical laboratory sessions as well as clinical exercises.

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 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. Students are encouraged to attend relevant seminars in other clinical disciplines to gain a broad-based perspective to fixed and removable prosthodontics. A comprehensive reading list is provided supplementary to this handbook.

4.3 DENT70111 Clinical and Technical Skills Unit (15 Credits)

Graduate students will be required to familiarise themselves with the clinical and technical techniques applicable to fixed & removable prosthodontic rehabilitation of adult patients: prescribed exercises will be assessed. The purpose of the pre-clinical course is to allow each student to revise existing techniques and develop these whilst also learning new ones. Satisfactory performance in this unit assessment is a requirement for progressing to clinical treatment on postgraduate clinics.

4.4 Scientific Understanding of Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics – DENT70121 and DENT70131 (30 Credits)

The delivery of these units is mainly via interactive seminars. There is a great emphasis on self-directed learning and students may be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation on selected topics.

Students will be provided with a comprehensive reading list, which are mostly available both via the course VLE system (Blackboard) or John Ryland’s Library.

On occasions, students may be expected to attend seminars run by other programmes or external resources. There would be a clear announcement of these with enough notice via Blackboard and separate timetables.

4.5 Diagnosis and Treatment Planning – DENT70112 (15 Credits)

This aspect will run throughout the programme. Emphasis will be placed on diagnosis and treatment planning of prosthodontic rehabilitative care. This is obtained via placement on, and involvement in, consultant referral clinics as well as clinical treatment which will include the provision of fixed prostheses and complete and partial removable prostheses in addition to any preliminary restorative care.

 

4.6 Contemporary Prosthodontic Techniques – DENT70132 (15 Credits)

Students will have patient treatment sessions. The patients are selected by members of staff responsible for this unit and will be directly allocated to the students.

Students must not treat patients other than those assigned
by their clinical supervisor(s)

Students will initially treat patients who present with the need for straightforward fixed & removable prosthodontic treatment. Following successful completion of the clinical and technical skills unit they may, later in the course, be challenged with medically compromised patients, complex treatment and re-treatments, interdisciplinary cases and those patients requiring surgical prosthodontics.

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

Students should demonstrate competence in the following clinical fields:

• Consultation sessions in fixed/removable prosthodontics
• Complete upper/lower dentures, including established complete dentures (conventional and template)
• Partial dentures
• Direct restorations
• Indirect restoration, including crown/bridge units
• TMD

4.7 Reflective Prosthodontic Practice – DENT70122 (15 Credits)

Students must maintain a record/logbook of all the clinical activity including all full cases treated and those treated for a treatment stage.

For each patient the patient log must be completed at each stage/appointment, including the clinical tutor’s formative feedback. In addition on completion of treatment of each patient, it is a requirement for the student to produce a reflective Mini-case Write-up, details of which are available via Blackboard.

By the end of the programme, the accumulated Mini-Case Write-ups should demonstrate a wide range of clinical activities. Amongst all the cases treated, 10 cases should be selected for assessment. Further information is given in the section on assessment and there are samples of previous works available on Blackboard.

4.8 Dissertation – DENT60020 (60 Credits)

Each student must undertake a research project and a review of the relevant literature, methodology and results presented in the form of a dissertation. Guidelines for preparation of a dissertation may be obtained at:

http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=2863

A list of suggested topics and supervisors will be provided. Students are also encouraged to suggest potential topics. As this dissertation must be completed within the time span of the programme, it is essential that the project is commenced early in the programme. With this fact in mind, supervisors may request students to commence background reading and similar related tasks prior to the commencement of the programme. As most of the second half of the last semester will be taken up with examinations and writing-up of the dissertation, it is recommended that the presentation cases be completed prior to the middle of the second semester.

Students are encouraged to disseminate their findings in a variety of ways:

• Presentation at research seminars
• Presentation at national/international meetings
• Publication in a professional journal (often non-refereed)
• Publication in a refereed journal

Regular meetings between each student and the academic member of staff nominated as his/her supervisor will be arranged. These are inevitably frequent in the early stages of the project when design and preparation work demands a high intensity of work. Each meeting should be recorded with outcomes summarised and objectives set for research to be performed prior to the next visit.

4.9 Blackboard

The Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics programme also has an online presence via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), known as the Blackboard. The Blackboard Unit is DENT77000. The Blackboard is a repository of 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 a number of formative assessments during the programme.

Access to Blackboard is possible by using your central university username and password to log-in via the portal below:

www.manchester.ac.uk/portal

5. ASSESSMENT, PROGRESSION & EXAMINATIONS

 

Please see the PGT Handbook.

All students must complete and pass the appropriate programme units for the degree.

5.1 Assessments

DENT70111 Clinical and Technical Skills (15 credits)

Final assessment of the student is based on:

• submission of completed typodont model 25%
• completion of technical skills exercise 25%
• Written assignment 50%

Typodont teeth will be prepared throughout the unit. Upon the completion of the unit, students are expected to produce a typodont model, consisting of the preparation designs practiced. Please note that failure to submit any preparation will result in 10 marks penalty off the total mark of this component. Further information is contained in the Clinical Skills Handbook.

A technical skills exercise (e.g. tooth set-up) will be assessed. Further information is contained in the Technical Skills Handbook.

The written assignment is based on the seminar series during the unit and also additional directed reading specific to the Clinical and Technical Skills Courses. It will assess the knowledge and understanding of the student of the basic principles of fixed and removable prosthodontics. The submission date is towards the end of semester one (year one for PT students). Please note that there is a word limit for this task. Failing to adhere to the word limit will result in a 10 mark penalty off the final result of this component.

DENT70121 Scientific Understanding of Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics – 1 (15 credits)

The assessment will be held towards the end of semester one (year two for PT students) and will be in the form of Multi Short Answer (MSA) questions and based on the knowledge transferred during the programme and around the subject areas covered by the seminars.

DENT70131 Scientific Understanding of Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics – 2 (15 credits)

The assessment will be held in the middle of semester two (year two for PT students) and will be in the form of Single Best Answer (SBA) and/or Extended Matching Questions (EMQ) and based on the knowledge and the clinical skills obtained during the programme.

DENT61010 & DENT70001 Research Methods and Biostatistics Units (15 credits each)

See PGT Handbook.

DENT70112 Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (15 credits)

This unit is assessed by two methods, each carrying 50% of the mark:

• Objective Structured Long Examination Record (OSLER)
• Written assessment

The OSLER will assess the ability of the student to diagnose the dental condition of a standardised case and treatment plan accordingly. The written assessment is in the form of a structured essay paper (MEQ) usually addressing treatment options relating to a clinical or technical issue. These assessments will be at the end of semester two (year two for PT students).

DENT70122 Reflective Prosthodontic Practice (15 credits)

The assessment of this unit is based on the clinical cases treated by the student and is in the form of 10 mini-case write-ups demonstrating a range of clinical skills and a reflective component (which should be 1,000 – 2000 words and discuss skills acquired, treatment options and common themes and reflection of treatments related to evidence based practice). Please note that exceeding the word limit will result in a 5 mark penalty off the final mark of this component. For more information on how to produce a reflective essay, please visit the programme VLE on Blackboard. The deadline for handing in the assignment is at the end of semester two (year two for PT students).

DENT70132 Contemporary Prosthodontic Techniques (15 credits)

This examination takes place at the end of semester two (year two for PT students).

Each student is required to present a completed case for examination. The selected case presentation will be in the form of a written record and should be presented as a typed report. The presentation record should include a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s dental problems and all relevant complicating factors. Results of all special investigations should be discussed. The aims and objectives of the proposed treatment should be clearly stated as should be the reasons given for the proposed treatment plan. A chronological record of the treatment provided should be presented, outlining details of procedures used, inclusive of materials. The outcome of the treatment should be discussed together with reflection on whether modification(s) of the treatment plan might have brought about a different outcome. A copy of this record should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the examination.

The patient will attend for the purpose of the examination. The patient will be examined by the examiners, in the presence of the student. After the patient has been dismissed, a structured oral examination examination (usually 30 minutes) will take place. This may include any aspect of the treatment carried out by the student and related topics. The course of treatment for each of the presented cases should be defendable based upon the literature and clinical experience.

The written record comprises 20% of the unit and the examination comprises 80% of the unit.

DENT60020 Dissertation (60 credits)

The dissertation must be submitted in accordance with University of Manchester prescribed guidelines. See PGT Handbook.

5.2 External Examiner

External Examiner for this programme: Dr James Field
Name of Institution: University of Sheffield
Position at current Institution: Senior Specialist Clinical Teacher in Restorative Dentistry & Consultant in Prosthodontics

External Examiners are individuals from another institution or organisation who monitor the assessment process 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.

External Examiners’ reports 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/School in response to the External Examiners’ comments will be discussed. Students should contact their student representatives if they require any further information about External Examiners’ reports or the process for considering them.

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 School 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).

5.3 Marking

Assessments are carried out by academic members of staff of the University of Manchester and by the appointed external examiner. The latter moderates the submitted assignments and written papers and also leads the structured oral examination.

An anonymous marking scheme is used. The scripts (and information on computer disks) will be marked independently by two examiners. Any discrepancies will be discussed. Students’ names are revealed only when marking of all manuscripts has been completed.

N.B. The taught component must be passed before the candidate may proceed to the dissertation.

5.4 Resit Examinations

If a unit with several assessment components is failed, only those components not passed will require a resit.

Candidates who fail unit DENT70122 (Reflective Prosthodontic Practice) or DENT70132 (Contemporary Prosthodontic Techniques) will be required to submit a new clinical case for each case failed on first submission.

5.5 Regulations and Arrangements for Mitigating Circumstances, Resits, Compensation

See PGT Handbook.

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. (See PGT Handbook). Unjustified non-attendance is considered to be unprofessional and will be reflected on periodic progress forms.

In the event of illness or unavoidable absence from a teaching session (clinical or seminar), students are required to inform the programme administrator and programme director before the start of the session.

5.7 Consequence of Unsatisfactory Progress

Students making unsatisfactory progress may have registration suspended or terminated. See the PGT Handbook.

5.8 Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)

Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)

The University of Manchester welcomes students with a disability or specific learning difficulties. The University has a Disability Advisory and Support Service, who can supply further information and DASS advisors will be pleased to meet you to discuss you needs. DASS will liaise with your School through the Disability Coordinator to make the necessary arrangements for your support during your time in Manchester. The DASS office can also provide a copy of the University’s Disability Statement, ‘Opportunities for Students with Additional Support Needs at the University of Manchester’ which sets out the policy and provision for students with a disability.

DASS Contact Details:

Location: 2nd Floor, University Place
Tel (Disability Service) +44 (0)161 275 7512
Tel (Assessment Centre) +44 (0)161 275 0990
Mobile Number (Text only for d/Deaf students) 07899 658 790
Email (Disability Service) dass@manchester.ac.uk Email (Assessment Centre) assessments@manchester.ac.uk

School Disability Coordinator Contact Details:

Email: dc.medicalsciences.pgt@manchester.ac.uk

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 component of the programme.

Clinical and Technical Skills

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

All students will meet with the Director at the end of the course 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 Director twice during the twelve month period to discuss overall clinical progress.

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

Examinations

Feedback forms will be completed by examiners for all elements of accredited assessment and students are encouraged to make an appointment with the Director via the Administrator to discuss such feedback.

Feedback to Students Policy:

http://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/policy-guidance/assessment/practice-of-assessment/feedback-to-students/

 

7. STUDENT REPRESENTATION

a) Formal:

There is an elected postgraduate student representative for postgraduate taught courses in the Division of Dentistry on the Graduate Programme Committee.

b) Informal:

The small student: staff ratio on clinics means that problems may be discussed and resolved expeditiously. Students will elect a representative for the group. All issues/concerns related to the programme, that are considered to be group-specific rather than individual-specific can be brought to the attention of the Programme Director via the representative.

See the PGT Handbook.

8. ACADEMIC MALPRACTICE

See the PGT Handbook.

9. ACADEMIC APPEALS/COMPLAINTS

See the PGT Handbook.

10. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Teaching Staff

Prof Julian Satterthwaite Programme Director

Dr Reza Vahid Roudsari Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant

Prof Craig Barclay Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer

Dr Joanne Cunliffe Consultant and Senior Lecturer

Dr Jurga Doherty Clinical Teaching Fellow

Prof Nicholas Grey Honorary Consultant

Dr Yuan Lin Clinical Teaching Fellow

Dr Warren Martin Clinical Teaching Fellow

Administrative Staff

Ms Leigh Evans Programme Administrator

The Teaching Staff are responsible for the provision and delivery of the specialty clinical and technical course contents, assessment of candidates and mentoring of students.

The Programme Administrator is responsible for the administrative support of students and will work closely with the Teaching Staff to ensure the programme runs smoothly.

Each student is allocated a supervisor and advisor. The supervisor will be responsible for the research leading to the dissertation. Ms Leigh Evans, the programme administrator, is also available during office hours for pastoral advice.