Special Care Dentistry University of Aberdeen

Overview

The Special Care Dentistry programme at the University of Aberdeen is a comprehensive postgraduate qualification designed for dental professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in treating patients with complex needs. This distance-learning degree allows practitioners to integrate advanced theoretical knowledge with their daily clinical work without requiring a career break. By engaging with this curriculum, students develop a patient-centred approach to managing a wide range of conditions and disabilities.

Why Special Care Dentistry at the University of Aberdeen?

Choosing this institution means joining the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, benefiting from over 530 years of academic excellence. The programme is delivered by the Institute of Dentistry in collaboration with the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, ensuring students learn from active specialists. The flexible online format provides 24/7 access to learning materials, allowing dental professionals from across the globe to balance their studies with full-time employment. Furthermore, the university offers a robust professional network, connecting students with experienced academic staff and a global community of peers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 16740 per full
• National fee: GBP 16740 per full

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build clinical confidence and research skills through a modular approach. Students can progress from a Postgraduate Certificate to a Diploma, eventually completing the full Masters degree. Modules may include:

• Critical Appraisal and Research
• Disability, Health and Special Care Dentistry
• Aetiology of Disability and Clinical Care
• Clinical Management of the Special Care Patient
• Research Design
• Clinical Practice and Service Provision
• Medically Compromising Conditions
• Physical Disability
• Learning Disability

Careers with Special Care Dentistry

Graduating with this qualification prepares dentists for advanced roles within the public dental service and private practice. Many graduates pursue positions as senior dental officers, where postgraduate specialisation is frequently a prerequisite for appointment. The programme also provides verifiable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) data for the General Dental Council. Beyond clinical advancement, the degree equips students with the critical appraisal skills necessary for leadership, research, and service development within the healthcare sector.