Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics

gmu

Program Director

  • Prof. Hossam Abdelatty Eid Abdelmagyd
    Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
    Professor of Periodontology and Oral Medicine

Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics (MDS-Periodontics) is a full-time 3-year program guiding the candidate to be able to practice periodontology at a specialist level. Furthermore, the program intends to build candidates’ abilities in research and academia, so they could be part of any academic healthcare system. The curriculum of the MDS-periodontics builds within the candidates’ knowledge and skills relevant to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases, Management of dental implants diseases, bone grafting, dento-facial aesthetics and management of complex clinical cases in collaboration with other dental and medical specialties.

The candidate will have the opportunity not only to acquire clinical skills in performing periodontal and implant-related procedures but also to develop and conduct preclinical or clinical research projects leading to a master thesis. The candidate will also be exposed to teaching experiences by being enrolled in the undergraduate curriculum as a clinical instructor.

The growing demand for qualified and trained periodontists in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region warrants designing a post-graduate program at the level of Master’s degree. The College of Dentistry at the Gulf Medical University, Ajman is at a strategic location to offer this program.

Vision

To be recognized as a unique program in the region in graduating periodontists, who can practice at the specialist level in the community and in any academic healthcare system.

Mission

To graduate competent periodontists, who have acquired theoretical knowledge, and clinical and academic training, which enable them to work as specialists serving patients in the community and in any academic healthcare system.

Program Description and Local Accreditation

The Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics program is committed to pursuing excellence in clinical skills, research and evidence-based practice. Graduates will have the ability to contribute to healthcare services for the UAE while meeting the social and cultural needs of the public. MDS Periodontics is a full time three year educational and training program, spanning over six semester’s and offering a total of 80 credit hours.

The program started in AY 2018-2019 and is accredited by Commission of Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, UAE.  The Program provides graduate students with a broad academic background in biomedical disciplines and codes of periodontal surgery. The objective of the Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics (MDS Periodontics) is to prepare graduates for a successful career in the specialty of periodontology.

The curriculum is intended to develop clinical, academic, research and communication skills, thereby widening career prospects for graduates. As students’ progress through the program, they are given increasing responsibilities for meeting the needs of the patients, preparing them to capable and responsible healthcare providers. A unique feature of this program is active participation in all aspects of patient care.

https://www.caa.ae/Pages/Programs/Details.aspx?GUID=2597

Program Goals

  1. To prepare competent graduate in periodontics and relevant areas in the dental field to develop and embrace high acuity in clinical decision making with contemporary evidence-based knowledge.
  2. To prepare graduates, who can collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver a comprehensive patient care.
  3. To prepare a scholar, who can conduct a research and critically appraise the literature to take an evidence-based decision.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate outcome indicators are as follows:

PLO1: Critically appreciate and apply evidenced-based periodontal concepts, theories and modern knowledge relevant to the safe practice of periodontology.

PLO2: Chart full medical and dental history of the patient suffering from a condition of the periodontium and its associated structures and problems.

PLO3: Perform a careful and exhaustive clinical examination of the oral, head and neck region.

PLO4: Apply decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgment to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests.

PLO5: Correlate periodontal problems with other dental,  medical and surgical specialties in  a multidisciplinary forum.

PLO6: Perform complete periodontal care for the medically compromised and special needs and hospitalized dental patients.

PLO7: Collaborate with other health care providers in preparing patients for undergoing intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia for periodontal surgery.

PLO8: Design and carryout research project, in the field of Periodontics.

PLO9: Promote patient care to individuals, populations and communities in a professional way.

PLO10: Perform independently non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling, root planning and polishing), and surgical periodontal therapy including: open flap debridement, osseous surgeries, esthetic periodontal procedures, soft, hard tissues grafting and perio plastic surgeries, bone grafting, GBR, GTR, crown lengthening, LASER treatment in indicated periodontal cases and master different suturing techniques).

PLO11: Evaluate the results of the treatment and to carry out any further procedures required to maintain (supportive periodontal therapy) or improve the obtained treatment outcomes including management of peri implant diseases.

Program Learning Outcomes Aligned with QF Emirates. [Link]

Cost of studying in the program: 1,54,350 AED per year including 5% vat.

Dental Faculty

Prof. Hossam Abdelatty Eid Abdelmagyd

Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Professor of Periodontology and Oral Medicine

Dr. M Sesha Reddy

Lecturer and Specialist in Periodontics

gmu

Dr. Jovita Lawrence D’souza

Lecturer & Specialist in Periodontics

Dr. Jayadevan Sreedharan

Professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Dr. Razia Khanam

Professor of Pharmacology

Dr. Janita Rita Trinita Pinto

Assistant Professor of Microbiology

Dr. Anusha Sreejith

Assistant Professor of Demography

Dr. Ramya Rathan

Assistant Professor of Anatomy

Dr. Pooja Narain Adtani

Chairperson, Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences
Assistant Professor of Oral Histopathology

bhavna

Dr. Bhavna Jha Kukreja

Assistant Professor of Periodontology

Dr. Srinivas

Dr. Srinivas Sulugodu Ramachandra

Assistant Professor of Periodontics

Admission Criteria
Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontology (MDS Periodontics)

  • Applicants shall meet all admission criteria for entry into the higher education programs offered by the University, as laid down in the Standards (2019) published by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs, UAE.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS, DMD, DDS) from an accredited University in the UAE or equivalent one from outside the UAE.
  • Distinct undergraduate performance of minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, or equivalent grade (B)
  • The Applicant must have proficiency in spoken and written English. The applicant can fulfil the English proficiency requirement via the TOEFL, IELTS, or UA CESL Endorsement Exam, minimum requirements are listed below. TOEFL and IELTS test scores must be dated within two years of the year of enrolment.
    • EmSAT: Score of 1400 and above
    • TOEFL: Score of 79 on the iBT or 550 PBT (web-based) test or higher.
    • IELTS: Overall score of 6 is required, with a score of no less than 5 on any individual band or module.
  • Attested Internship certificate
  • A Valid license to practice Dentistry issued from MoH / DHA / HAAD is preferable

Conditional Graduate Admission Read More

  • Graduate with less than the minimum score in English proficiency may be provided conditional admission that the student registers 6 credit hours in the first semester of his/her studies and obtains a “B” average or above.
    • Applicant must achieve and EMSAT score of 1400 or IELTS 6.0 or equivalent by the end of first semester of study
    • Applicant must achieve a minimum of CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent, in the first six credit hours of credit bearing courses studied for the Master’s program
  • Graduate with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 to 2.9 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent shall be conditionally admitted to the first semester as follows:
    • is allowed take a maximum of nine credit hours of courses studied for the graduate program during the period of conditional admission and
    • must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its established equivalent, in these nine credits of courses studied for the graduate program to progress to second semester or be subject to dismissal.
  • Graduate with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 to 2.4 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent shall be conditionally admitted to the first semester as follows:
    • is required to complete a maximum of nine graduate-level credit hours as remedial preparation for the graduate program. These remedial courses are not for credit within the degree program
    • must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its established equivalent, in these nine credits of remedial courses in order to progress to the graduate program or be subject to dismissal.

Admission to the program will be confirmed upon submission of:

  • Original Attested Degree Certificate & Transcript from a University / Institute listed in WHO directory of Medical Schools.
  • Original Internship Completion Certificate
  • Equivalency Certificate of the Bachelor’s degree from the Ministry of Education, U.A.E
  • Valid English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS / TOEFL)
  • Passport with color copy of passport
  • Emirates I.D. card with color copy of ID
  • Family book and Ethbara (For U.A.E. nationals)
  • 5 passport-size photographs
  • Updated CV
  • Statement of Purpose and objectives
  • 2 Letters of recommendation / Experience letter
  • Vaccination record with valid BLS certificate

Apply Now: [link]

MDS Periodontics Program Study Plan

The MDS Periodontics Program spans over 3 years with 6 semesters. The program is structured to be delivered in 15 weeks duration (Semesters 1 to 6).

Some Courses of one semester are pre-requisites for courses of the subsequent semesters so that important concepts are built on each other and revisited in a spiral fashion to reinforce learning making a strong base in biomedical and periodontal sciences. Most courses are delivered as a mix of didactic sessions and clinical /activity sessions. Some may be only didactic or only clinical based depending on the content and learning outcomes.

Year 1 Semester 1

Course Code Title Lecture Clinical / Lab Cr Prerequisite
BMS 601 Basic Medical Sciences 1 1 None
BIS 601 Biostatistics 1 2 2 None
BCP 601 Basic Clinical Periodontology I 1 15 6 None
Total 9  

 

Year 1 Semester 2

Course Code Title Lecture Clinical / Lab Cr Prerequisite
REM 602 Research Ethics & Research Methods 1 2 2 None
BCP 602 Basic Clinical Periodontology II 1 15 6 Basic Clinical Periodontology I
PED 602 Periodontal diagnosis 9 3 None
Total 11

 

Year 2 Semester 3

Course Code Title Lecture Clinical Cr Prerequisite
MTP 701 Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan I 24 8 None
PTP 701 Periodontal Treatment Planning 21 7 Periodontal diagnosis
Total 15

 

Year 2 Semester 4

Course Code Title Lecture Clinical/ Lab Cr Prerequisite
MTP 702 Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan II 18 6 Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan I
REP 702 Research Project I 6 3 – Research Ethics & Research Methods
-Biostatistics
PSS 702 Periodontal Surgical Sciences 6 Periodontal treatment planning
Total 15

 

Year 3 Semester 5

Course Code Title Lecture Clinical/ Lab Cr Prerequisite
ACP 801 Advanced Clinical Periodontology I 18 6 Periodontal surgical sciences
MTP 801 Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan III 18 6 Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan II
REP 801 Research Project II 6 3 Research Project I
Total 15  

 

Year 3 Semester 6

Course Code Title Lecture Clinical Cr Prerequisite
ACP 802 Advanced Clinical Periodontology II 21 7 Advanced Clinical Periodontology I
MTP 802 Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan IV 24 8 Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan III
Total 15  

 

Course Description

Brief course descriptions for all courses of the MDS Periodontics Program including the general education courses are listed below. Details of each course are available in the course syllabus document.

Semester 1

BCP 601: Basic Clinical Periodontology I

This course will provide detailed knowledge of scientific background based on evidence-based decision making in treating periodontal diseases of different levels of complexity applying non-surgical and surgical procedures. It aims at improving clinical practice learning experience by providing opportunities to clinically treat patients with mild and moderate cases of periodontal disease using modern periodontal techniques. This course focuses on diagnosis, prevention, treatment planning, periodontal initial therapy. The academic content will include: biology of the periodontium and oral physiology, general principles of oral microbiology, classification and types of periodontal diseases. The student can adequately develop knowledge and understand periodontal tissues in health and disease.

BIS 601: Biostatistics

This course will equip the students with advanced knowledge in the application of descriptive and inferential statistics in medical research. The focus will be on numerical computation and interpretation of outcome from a given data set. This course will help students to develop advanced skills in analysing and interpreting data from Health and Allied Health settings through classroom demonstrations and ‘hands on’ experience with MS Excel for data management and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for data analysis. This course will give focus to communicating complex statistical information effectively.

BMS 601: Basic Medical Sciences

This course provides the students with necessary applied knowledge and skills that are of importance for clinical practice. This course designed to impart relevant information pertaining to of embryology, applied Anatomy of head and neck, concepts of wound healing, microbiology, immunity and inflammation and pharmacological aspects and its application in day to day dental practice as a specialist.

 

Semester 2

BCP 602: Basic Clinical Periodontology II

In continuation with the pervious course Basic Clinical Periodontology I this course will continue to provide the candidates with a detailed knowledge of scientific background forming the basis of non-surgical and surgical management of periodontal diseases. This course aims at improving clinical practice learning experience by providing opportunities to clinically treat patients with advanced cases of periodontal diseases using modern periodontal techniques. The academic content will cover and discuss important topics as   impact of systemic health on periodontium, which will help candidate to integrate medical and dental history in formulating an appropriate treatment planing and they can develop the skill of modifying it according to patient systemic health which will enhance their critical thinking, problem solving skills and professionalism.

PED 602: Periodontal Diagnosis

This course is designed to train the student to perform the measurement of periodontal parameters necessary for diagnosis of different types of periodontal diseases and conditions considering the dental and medical history of the patient using conventional and modern tools and techniques available for use in everyday dental practice to diagnose periodontal diseases. Students will gain an understanding of the clinical features and diagnosis of periodontal diseases and their risk assessment. They will also become familiar with the clinical implication of radiology, different imaging techniques, and other diagnostic tests in diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal diseases.

REM 602: Research Ethics & Research Methods

This course offers an overview of the different approaches, considerations and challenges involved in medical research. This course provides an opportunity to the students to advance their understanding of the principles of quantitative research, developing a research question, choosing study subjects, method of exposure measurement, study designs, planning for data management and analysis. The course also focuses on the ethical and legal principles pertaining to research, research fraud, academic misconduct, confidentiality and conflict of interest. The course covers international, national and institutional guidelines regarding research in human, animals and vulnerable populations.

 

Semester 3

MTP 701: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan I

This course is the first in a series of four courses which will provide detailed knowledge of scientific background based on evidence based decision making in treating interdisciplinary periodontal cases of different levels of complexity applying non-surgical and surgical procedures in coordination with other disciplines. It aims at improving clinical practice learning experience by providing opportunities to clinically treat patients with cases of multidisciplinary periodontal disease using modern periodontal techniques. This course focuses on diagnosis, prevention, treatment planning, and management of endo perio and perio restorative cases.

PTP 701: Periodontal Treatment Planning

In this course, students will present the treatment plan of their cases which will be critically discussed by the group. The case presentations will help demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge in all phases of the history taking, examination, consultation, investigations and diagnosis, leading up to treatment planning. The delivery of this course will provide each student with a comprehensive experience and training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning of periodontal diseases. Furthermore, the assessment and treatment planning elements will incorporate aspects of other relevant dental disciplines.

 

Semester  4

MTP 702: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan II

This course is the second  in a series of four courses which will provide detailed knowledge of scientific background based on evidence based decision making in treating interdisciplinary periodontal cases of different levels of complexity applying non-surgical and surgical procedures in coordination with other disciplines. It aims at improving clinical practice learning experience by providing opportunities to clinically treat patients with cases of multidisciplinary periodontal disease including ortho perio and perio restorative cases  using modern periodontal techniques. This course focuses on diagnosis, prevention, treatment planning, and management of ortho perio  and perio restorative cases.

PSS 702: Periodontal Surgical Sciences

In this course students will be taught ‘an evidence-based and highly illustrative approach to a comprehensive repertoire of surgical procedures, including general principles of periodontal surgery, open flap debridement, regenerative and resective osseous surgical techniques. Students will gain knowledge in dealing with the principles and practice of periodontal surgery, in terms of case selection, planning, and basic surgical principles. Clinical periodontal treatment in new cases as well as on already non-surgically treated patients.

REP 702: Research Project I

This course demonstrates the student’s understanding of planning knowledge, professional skills, ethics, critical thinking skills, and effective communication and professionalism, and research methods for preparation of protocol in research related to an area of periodontal interest. The course will provide students with an introduction to key material required for the design, execution and interpretation of clinical and clinically-related research and the production of a high quality dissertation. In this course each student starts working according to the approved research protocol from supervisor and instructional ethical committee. By carrying out such a scientific project, the students acquire critical thinking, organization skills and extensive knowledge in periodontal research.

 

Semester 5

ACP 801:  Advanced Clinical Periodontology

In this course students will be taught periodontal plastic surgical techniques that were traditionally included in the definition of mucogingival surgery-that is, widening attached gingiva, deepening of shallow vestibules. Treatment procedures for corrections of soft tissue defects in relation to the tooth and the edentulous ridge will be covered.

MTP 801: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan III

The aim of this course is to prepare the students to perform oral rehabilitation treatment in indicated cases that  extends to more than just the replacement of damaged or lost teeth. Rehabilitating patient with complex dental conditions means to restore aesthetics, function, comfort, phonetics and health, considering endodontic, periodontal, restorative, musculoskeletal and psychosocial factors. A multidisciplinary treatment, judiciously executed according to a well-designed plan, which complies with the mechanical and biological principles, favors the achievement of success in oral rehabilitation therapy. The high rates of success and predictability obtained with dental implants have been increasing in treatments ranging from the simplest to the most complex oral rehabilitations which are discussed thoroughly in this course.

REP 801: Research Project II

In this course each student will continue the research work according to the approved research protocol from supervisor and institutional ethical committee. By carrying out such a scientific project, the students acquire critical thinking, organization skills and extensive knowledge in periodontal research. By the end of this course the students have to summarize the results in a research report and interpret the results of the project. They are required to submit and present their research work for evaluation.

 

Semester 6

MTP 802: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan IV

This is the last course of multidisciplinary treatment plan series. The students will be taught with techniques like guided bone regeneration and ridge augmentation indicated as a part of multidisciplinary treatment plan, in addition to other methods of managing the esthetic components of Periodontics. The surgical complications and the common reasons behind implant failure is also highlighted in this course and the students will be trained to be competent in performing the procedures required to manage implant related complications.

ACP 802: Advanced Clinical Periodontology II

In this course students will be taught treatment planning for complex periodontal cases. In addition to mastering surgical objectives and techniques students must be able to evaluate and diagnose a wide range of related restorative issues including not only limited to aesthetics and occlusion but also sinus lifting, ridge preservation, micro surgery and piezo surgical techniques will be taught to the students.

Grading Policy and Assessment

  • Grading Policy
Classification Marks % Grade Grade Value
90 – 100 A 4
      85 – 89 B+ 3.5
 80 – 84 B 3
Fail       < 80  F 0

 

  • Program Assessment

Program assessment reports at the GMU are mainly generated by the program Director and approved by the college dean. Multiple assessment tools are utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Some of the direct assessment tools used to evaluate program outcomes includes:

  • Student progress and achievements
  • Capstone and graduation projects
  • Evaluation of practical training performance
  • External evaluation of practical training
  • Theses and dissertations

Other non-direct assessment tools used include student exit survey, retention rates, graduates’ employment rates, student enrolment and graduation/success rates.

In addition, program assessment reports include a breakdown of outcomes results using specified performance indicators with specific demonstration of how these results will be used to achieve continuous improvement for the program.

Course Assessment reports are generated by faculty members and approved by the program Director or and college dean. Each course outcomes is assigned a specific assessment tool and a performance indicator to measure its achievement. Some of the assessment tools used to evaluate course outcomes include:

  1. Student grades analysis
  2. Midterm and final examinations
  3. Teaching projects
  4. Problem solving assignments
  5. Laboratory assignment
  6. Clinical Assessment Sheet
  7. Accepted Number of Patients Performed
  8. Workplace Based Assessment

Completion Requirement for Graduation

  • Satisfactory completion of the clinical requirements as demonstrated by case report submissions, Logbooks documentation and supervisors report.
  • Satisfactory completion of the research project and thesis defence.
  • Submission of scientific abstract for poster and oral presentation and one scientific publication in National Conference.
  • Obtain a minimum of 80% and Passed in the Final Exit Examination as assessed by the external examiners board
  • Completion of credits required for the program (80 credit hours)
  • A minimum overall  CGPA of 3.0 on scale of 4
  • A minimum pass mark of 80% (Grade B) for each course
  • A minimum attendance of 80

A periodontist can venture into private practice, teaching and research or opt for careers with government sectors.

Private Practice: A periodontist works in solo private practice or in partnership with other dentists where they provide consultation services.

Academia: A periodontist can opt for being a full-time clinical faculty in a dental college where they are involved in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students, provide clinical training, mentor student’s research projects and actively participate in dental camps.

Government Practice: A periodontist can render their services exclusively for governmental sectors.

Research: A periodontist collaborates with other industrial scientists in projects dealing with oral health sciences.

International Health Care: A periodontist provides services to populations abroad and work for agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Hospital dentistry: Hospital dentistry contributes a great deal to Interprofessional Education. A periodontist treats patients with medical conditions and disabilities alongside physician colleagues, often in operating rooms and emergency departments.