Dental Materials MSc

Course overview

The MSc in Dental Materials provides a unique and highly relevant approach to explore the developments in digital technology and dental materials with an introduction to the concept of commercialisation.

The MSc is delivered by leading scientists in the field, who will assist you to develop and apply your skills and knowledge in dental materials based on the latest evidence and workflows.

Dental materials are evolving rapidly with advancing biological approaches and the increasing use of digital technology. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of modern dental materials, with a focus on how they inform contemporary and natural materials, those used in additive and subtractive manufacturing and regenerative dentistry.

You’ll learn about the translation of new products to the clinic, and gain experience in research methodologies, modern dental materials, finite element analysis and artificial intelligence, micro-CT, CAD and CAM, 3D scanning and milling, 3D printing, and advanced microscope techniques.

The course will help you understand what questions to ask when deciding whether to adopt new materials and processes. You’ll also undertake an individual research project facilitated by access to the School’s extensive research facilities, allowing exploration of an area of particular interest to you.

Research highlights:

• You’ll be introduced to the skills needed for conducting scientific research, both qualitative and quantitative, including literature searching and critical analysis, project management, ethical issues and data analysis using appropriate statistical methods.
• You’ll be supported to formulate ideas and hypotheses to develop and prepare an individual, original research project.

Dental materials highlights:

• Mastery of materials used in dentistry including contemporary materials methods and processes.
• Learn how biomineralization of dental hard tissues informs and inspires biomimetic materials.
• Introduction to the use of biomaterials, stem cells and microbiology in tissue regeneration.
• Learn how mechanical, physicochemical and biological properties are linked to their longevity.
• Explore how the finite element method and artificial intelligence can help you predict and avoid dental materials failures.
• Study and engage with imaging techniques which reveal the microstructure of dental materials, such as microtomography and scanning electron and confocal microscopies.
• Experience digital technologies such as CAD and CAM, 3D and 4D Printing and their importance for the sustainability (circular economy) and functionalization of dental materials.

Commercialisation highlights:

• Study the concepts of commercialisation with international students from multidisciplinary backgrounds, providing great networking opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming you to the School where you can access and engage with excellent, modern teaching and research facilities, alongside the wider University resources.

Applying

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold either a:

• Primary Clinical Dental qualification which entitles them to register as a dental practitioner with the General Dental Council in the UK

OR

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.2 or equivalent) in a subject related to medicine or 3D visualisation or a dental degree

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in every skill. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

A degree of Master of Dental Materials enhances your career opportunities which may include application for:

Further study: progression to enroll for a research course such as a PhD

Postgraduate research: engaging in advanced research projects, often leading to academic and research positions in a University, which may include teaching dental materials and related higher education.

Research scientist: conducting research on dental materials, developing new materials, or improving existing ones in academic or commercial environments.

Industry and manufacturing product development scientist: working with dental product manufacturers to develop and test new dental materials and products.

Quality control specialist: ensuring the quality and safety of dental materials and products through rigorous testing and compliance with regulations.

Regulatory compliance officer: ensuring that dental materials and products comply with local and international regulations.

Clinical roles – dental materials specialist: working in dental clinics or hospitals, advising on the selection and use of dental materials for various treatments.

Technical and support roles – technical support specialist: providing technical support and training for dental professionals on the use of dental materials and equipment.

Sales and marketing: working with companies to promote and sell dental materials, often requiring in-depth technical knowledge to effectively communicate product benefits.

Government and regulatory bodies public health advisor: working with government health departments or agencies to develop policies and guidelines related to dental materials.

Entrepreneurship startup founder: starting a company focused on innovating or manufacturing new dental materials.

Forensic dentistry/forensic odontologist: applying knowledge of dental materials in forensic investigations to help identify remains or analyse bite marks.

Each of these career paths leverages the specialised knowledge of dental materials, making it a versatile and valuable degree.