Dentists must prepare to treat growing numbers of elderly patients with “complex medical histories”

Professor Seoudi, course director of the MSc in Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences in Oral Medicine at The College of Medicine and Dentistry, explains that improving healthcare means there is a growing cohort of elderly patients who are presenting to dental practices with more complex medical histories. “By teaching dentists about early detection of systemic disease through recognising its oral signs and initiating a multi-disciplinary approach for managing these cases, we can improve patient outcomes and help them to lead a better quality of life.”

Professor Seoudi’s view is backed by significant amounts of published research underlining the links between oral health and systemic disease¹. In fact, a recently published paper² stresses that oral hygiene should be considered one of “the keystones of oral health management of elderly patients from the perspective of both prevention and treatment”.

In addition to tackling such a topical and important issue, CoMD’s unique MSc Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences in Oral Medicine programme is 180 credit Master course that offers dental students unrivalled flexibility about the ways they study, when and for how long. This level 7 programme can be studied as a one-year, full-time course, or two-year, part-time or via blended learning.

“In the blended learning version of the programme, we work around the student with evening and weekend classes, plus we offer online access to all learning resources,” adds Professor Seoudi.

“The Level 7 programme acts as a building block to enhance practitioners’ careers. Once they’ve completed their MSc, they can go on to do a PhD, and potentially build their academic career. Equally, they will be equipped with enhanced knowledge and skills to enable them to compete for training posts, either in the UK, or in their home country if they are from overseas,” says Professor Seoudi.

The course arms students with the theoretical knowledge and expertise they need to confidently diagnose and manage the most challenging oral manifestation of systemic diseases.

It is delivered by renowned international academics and experts in the field, who teach dental professionals how to effectively apply theory to practice in a safe learning environment. It includes a mix of lectures, seminars and practical workshops (blended and full-time course) using advanced clinical case scenarios and simulations, as well as contemporary ways of learning evidence-based medicine and problem solving.

Students also have the opportunity for discussion with their peers from other course, giving them a multidisciplinary approach and ability to develop sound judgement based on evidence.

The MSc in Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences in Oral Medicine comprises:

Four clinical modules:

1. Principal Module: Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology
2. Advanced Module: Oral Medicine
3. Immunology and Infection Module
4. Optional Module

Three research modules:

1. Research Methodology I
2. Research Methodology II
3. Research Dissertation

All modules can be studied separately as CPD modules. Furthermore the three branches of the Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences can be combined in a three-year full time MSc programme: The Advanced Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences. This course will give students enhanced knowledge and skills in Oral Medicine, Oral Microbiology and Dental Infection Control along with an extensive research experience. This could open multiple avenues for clinical academic career.

1. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/22/11583
2. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/22/11718

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