First and Second Degree Programmes (MSc (Clin) / BDSc)

This dual degree programme is the first dental programme to be delivered in both Malta and UK and students gain a Master of Science in Dental Surgery MSc (Clin) qualification and a Bachelor of Dental Science BDSc at the end of five years study.

The programme offered by The City of London Dental School conforms to the Bologna two-cycle system as stated in the 1999 Bologna Declaration. This was originally signed by 29 countries and is currently being implemented in the 47 countries constituting the European Higher Education Area. To meet the objectives of the Bologna process the programme combines two cycles consisting of a bachelors level which when completed then gives access to the masters level. The dual Masters / Bachelors degree MSc (Clin) / BDSc facilitates uninterrupted progression from undergraduate study to postgraduate level study after which graduates are able to practice as dental surgeons.

First cycle: Bachelor of Dental Science BDSc

The first degree course lasts three years and is gained by students who have earned 180 ECTS credits. It facilitates transition to the labour market or professions regulated by EU sectoral directives and also grants access to the degree programme of the 2nd cycle, subject to academic achievement and competency.

Second cycle: Master of Science in Dental Surgery MSc(Clin)

The duration of the final degree, master-level of Bologna process is two years and the workload is 120 ECTS credits and requires an original dissertation as part of the final degree assessment.

MSc (Clin) / BDSc Dual Course

Completing both cycles delivers a curricula with a total number of 300 ECTS credits over 5 years meeting the requirements for professions regulated by EU sectoral directives applicable to dentistry. The dual qualification delivers the outcomes that an individual must be able to demonstrate by the end of their training in order to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a dental professional and member of the dental team. Academically it identifies the graduate as having the skills and attributes of a masters student. As the dentistry programme is in harmony with the European goal of awarding a masters degree at the end of study our graduates will have greater access throughout Europe to employment opportunities and further specialisation.

The programme offers an extensive range of educational and training opportunities:

• Delivered in both Malta and the UK
• Inclusive not exclusive achievable entrance requirements
• Smaller class sizes than the lecture-based environment of larger institutions
• Approachable experienced lecturers able to give a high level of support and guidance
• Flexible, modular training pathways
• International links with other schools, universities and exchange programmes
• Compliant programmes - curriculum informed by current best evidence and guidelines recognised by our professional bodies

Personal Qualities

Below are a few of the attributes a dentist must have and should be considered carefully by anyone seriously intending to pursue a career in dentistry.

Communication Skills.

Dentists must be able to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues and their dental team members. It is important to be able to empathise with patients and to demonstrate that their problems and concerns are valued and understood.

Leadership and Management Skills.

Dentists must be able to manage not only clinical situations but also the overall coordination of all the support services required to deliver safe and appropriate dental treatment. They need to be able to motive their dental team and patients alike. Strong organizational skills, including keeping accurate records of patient care, are critical in both medical and business settings.

Clinical Skills and Attention to Detail.

Dentistry requires problem-solving skills to evaluate patient symptoms combined with the application of knowledge to be able to choose the most appropriate treatments. In order to deliver treatment effectively dentists must have a high level of dexterity and be able to perform delicate procedures in the confined working environment of the mouth.

Professionalism.

Dentists must at all times put the interests of their patients first and conduct their personal and professional lives to the highest standards deserving of the trust placed in them by their patients and colleagues. Dentists must make a commitment to lifelong learning and maintain their professional skills and knowledge.