MDS Periodontics Program Study Plan
The MDS Periodontics Program spans over 3 years with 6 semesters and 2 summer courses. The program is structured to be delivered in 15 weeks duration (Semesters 1 to 6). Two summer courses are delivered in 6 weeks duration.
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 |
Didactic |
Clinical |
Practical |
Research |
Contact hours |
Credit hours |
| BMS 601 |
Basic Medical Sciences |
1 |
– |
– |
– |
1 |
1 |
| BIS 601 |
Biostatistics |
1 |
– |
2 |
– |
3 |
2 |
| BCP 601 |
Basic Clinical Periodontology I |
1 |
15 |
– |
– |
16 |
6 |
| Total hours per week |
3 |
15 |
2 |
– |
20 |
– |
| Total Hours x 15 weeks |
45 |
225 |
30 |
– |
300 |
9 |
Year 1 Semester 2
| Course Code |
Title |
Didactic |
Clinical |
Practical |
Research |
Contact hours |
Credit hours |
| REM 602 |
Research Ethics & Research Methods |
1 |
– |
2 |
– |
3 |
2 |
| BCP 602 |
Basic Clinical Periodontology II |
1 |
9 |
– |
– |
10 |
4 |
| PED 602 |
Periodontal diagnosis |
– |
9 |
– |
– |
9 |
3 |
| REP 602 |
Research Project I |
– |
– |
– |
6 |
6 |
3 |
| Total hours per week |
2 |
18 |
2 |
6 |
28 |
– |
| Total Hours x 15 weeks |
30 |
270 |
30 |
90 |
420 |
12 |
Summer Clinical Course I (6 Weeks Duration)
| Course Code |
Title |
Didactic |
Clinical |
Practical |
Research |
Contact hours |
Credit hours |
| SCC 603 |
Summer clinical course I |
– |
30 |
– |
– |
30 |
4 |
| Total hours per week |
– |
30 |
– |
– |
30 |
– |
| Total Hours x 6 weeks |
– |
180 |
– |
– |
180 |
4 |
Year 2 Semester 3
| Course Code |
Title |
Didactic |
Clinical |
Practical |
Research |
Contact hours |
Credit hours |
| LAP 701 |
Laser in Periodontics |
1 |
12 |
– |
– |
13 |
5 |
| PTP 701 |
Periodontal Treatment Planning |
1 |
9 |
– |
– |
10 |
4 |
| REP 701 |
Research Project II |
– |
– |
– |
6 |
6 |
3 |
| Total hours per week |
2 |
21 |
– |
6 |
29 |
– |
| Total Hours x 15 weeks |
30 |
315 |
– |
90 |
435 |
12 |
Year 2 Semester 4
| Course Code |
Title |
Didactic |
Clinical |
Practical |
Research |
Contact hours |
Credit hours |
| MDP 702 |
Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan I |
– |
18 |
– |
– |
18 |
6 |
| PSS 702 |
Periodontal Surgical Sciences |
– |
18 |
– |
– |
18 |
6 |
| Total hours per week |
– |
36 |
– |
– |
36 |
– |
| Total Hours x 15 weeks |
– |
540 |
– |
– |
540 |
12 |
Summer Clinical Course II (6 weeks duration)
| Course Code |
Title |
Didactic |
Clinical |
Practical |
Research |
Contact hours |
Credit hours |
| SCC 703 |
Summer Clinical Course II |
– |
30 |
– |
– |
30 |
4 |
| Total hours per week |
– |
30 |
– |
– |
30 |
– |
| Total Hours x 6 weeks |
– |
180 |
– |
– |
180 |
4 |
Year 3 Semester 5
| Course Code |
Title |
Didactic |
Clinical |
Practical |
Research |
Contact hours |
Credit hours |
| ACP 801 |
Advanced Clinical Periodontology I |
– |
18 |
– |
– |
18 |
6 |
| MDP 801 |
Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan II |
– |
18 |
– |
– |
18 |
6 |
| Total hours per week |
– |
36 |
– |
– |
36 |
– |
| Total Hours x 15 weeks |
– |
540 |
– |
– |
540 |
12 |
Year 3 Semester 6
| Course Code |
Title |
Didactic |
Clinical |
Practical |
Research |
Contact hours |
Credit hours |
| ACP 802 |
Advanced Clinical Periodontology II |
– |
21 |
– |
– |
21 |
7 |
| MDP 802 |
Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan III |
– |
24 |
– |
– |
24 |
8 |
| Total hours per week |
– |
45 |
– |
– |
45 |
– |
| Total Hours x 15 weeks |
– |
675 |
– |
– |
675 |
15 |
| |
| Total Hours in the program |
105 |
2,925 |
60 |
180 |
3,270 |
80 |
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.
The course syllabi of all courses are hyperlinked to the title of each course.
Semester 1
BCP 601: Basic Clinical Periodontology I
This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific foundations of periodontal health and disease. It will cover topics such as the biology of the periodontium, general concepts of oral microbiology, and the epidemiology and classification of periodontal diseases. The course will emphasize preventive periodontal care, with a focus on evidence-based clinical practice for diagnosis, treatment planning, and initial periodontal therapy. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge of core principles of periodontal health and disease, as well as the skills necessary to provide effective preventive care and treatment to their patients.
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 analyzing 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 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
This course aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge about the scientific foundation of non-surgical and surgical approaches for managing periodontal diseases. Through this course, students will have the opportunity to enhance their clinical expertise by treating patients with advanced periodontal disease using modern techniques. The academic curriculum will encompass significant topics such as the influence of systemic conditions on periodontal health. This will enable students to incorporate medical and dental histories while devising an appropriate treatment plan and refine their ability to modify it in accordance with the patient’s systemic health. Doing so will improve their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and professionalism.
PED 602: Periodontal Diagnosis
This course aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to accurately measure and digitally record periodontal parameters required for the diagnosis of various periodontal diseases and conditions, taking into account the dental and medical history of the patient. Through the course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the clinical features of periodontal diseases and their correlation with underlying biological changes. They will also learn about the role of radiology, various imaging techniques, and other diagnostic tests in the diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal diseases. By the end of the course, students will have gained proficiency in using diagnostic tools to identify periodontal diseases, assess their risk, and provide effective treatment and care for their patients.
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.
REP 602: Research Project I
This course aims to enhance students’ knowledge, professional skills, ethics, critical thinking abilities, effective communication, professionalism, and research methods for the development of research protocols in the field of periodontology. The course introduces students to essential tools required for designing, executing, and interpreting clinical and clinically related research, culminating in the production of a thesis. Each student will work on an approved research protocol provided by their supervisors and the institutional ethical committee. The research may involve different types, such as narrative and systematic reviews, in vitro studies, clinical research, and questionnaire surveys. Through the scientific project, students will gain critical thinking skills, organizational abilities, and extensive knowledge in periodontal research.
SCC 603: Summer Clinical Course I
The aim of this clinical course is to provide students with ample hands-on experience in patient care within the field of periodontics, with an emphasis on comprehensive care and treatment planning. Students will be given patients who have various periodontal conditions and are expected to develop a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan, which includes clinical patient care. This may involve non-surgical as well as periodontal flap procedures.
Semester 3
LAP 701: Laser in Periodontics
This course has both theoretical and clinical components aimed at equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of laser-assisted dentistry for conditions related to the periodontium and associated structures, ensuring safe and effective practice. The course will cover Laser Physics, mechanisms of action, indications, and contraindications of different types of hard and soft tissue lasers commonly used in dentistry, as well as Laser safety protocols. Through the course, students will learn to apply laser technology in clinical cases based on international guidelines for safe practice in periodontology.
PTP 701: Periodontal Treatment Planning
This course will enable students to create a treatment plan for their patients. The case presentations will showcase the student’s proficiency in all stages of the process, from taking a patient’s medical history and conducting an examination, to consultation, investigations, and diagnosis. Through this comprehensive learning experience, students will gain expertise in evaluating, diagnosing, and devising treatment plans for periodontal diseases. Additionally, the assessment and treatment planning aspects will incorporate elements of other pertinent dental disciplines.
REP 701: Research Project II
In this course, students are required to carry out research using an approved research protocol from their supervisor and the institutional ethical committee. This scientific work helps students enhance their critical thinking skills, organizational abilities, and knowledge of periodontal research. The research can include various types, including narrative and systematic reviews, in vitro studies, clinical research, and questionnaire surveys. Upon completing the course, students must submit a report summarizing their research results and their interpretation of the findings. Additionally, their submission and presentation of their research work will be assessed.
Semester 4
MDP 702: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan I
This course is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in preventive periodontal care, as well as in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of periodontal diseases of varying levels of complexity using both non-surgical and surgical procedures in conjunction with other dental specialties. The course will also focus on enhancing students’ leadership and communication skills, enabling them to take a more active role in the dental healthcare team. Through the course, students will gain the necessary knowledge and practical experience to effectively manage interdisciplinary cases involving periodontal disease.
PSS 702: Periodontal Surgical Sciences
This course offers students an evidence-based and illustrated approach to a comprehensive range of surgical procedures, such as open flap debridement, regenerative, and resective osseous surgical techniques. During the course, students will learn to diagnose periodontal conditions, design, and implement effective treatment plans, and perform periodontal surgical procedures in line with the principles and practice of periodontal surgery. By the end of the course, students will have gained the knowledge and practical skills necessary to competently and confidently perform a variety of periodontal surgical procedures, enabling them to provide optimal care to their patients.
SCC 703: Summer Clinical Course II
This clinical course is designed to enhance students’ clinical training by providing more practical experience in patient care within the field of periodontics. The course focuses on patient care and treatment planning, and students are assigned patients with more complex periodontal conditions. They are expected to establish a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that includes advanced surgical procedures, both conventional and laser techniques, as well as clinical and patient care.
Semester 5
ACP 801: Advanced Clinical Periodontology I
This course aims to train students in designing treatment plans for advanced periodontal diseases, as well as practicing surgical techniques such as root coverage procedures, gingival depigmentation, gingivectomy, frenectomy/frenotomy, and osseous surgeries using conventional, LASER, and piezo surgical techniques. Additionally, students will be trained to interpret CBCT scans and formulate appropriate treatment plans for dental implants.
MDP 801: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan II
Building upon the objectives of the previous course, this course aims to equip students with the skills necessary to manage complex patient cases that require a multidisciplinary approach, including ortho-perio, perio-restorative/prosthodontics, and perio-endo cases, using modern periodontal techniques.
Semester 6
MDP 802: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan III
This advanced course is the final component of the multidisciplinary treatment plan series. Students will receive in-depth training in guided bone regeneration and ridge augmentation procedures, as well as other techniques for managing the esthetic aspects of Periodontics. The course will also cover surgical complications and common reasons for implant failure, providing students with the skills necessary to competently perform procedures for managing implant-related complications.
ACP 802: Advanced Clinical Periodontology II
Building upon the skills and knowledge gained in ACP I, this course will focus on training students to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex periodontal cases. Along with mastering advanced surgical techniques, students will also learn to evaluate and diagnose a broad range of restorative-related issues, including the placement of dental implants, using digital dentistry applications such as CBCT for diagnosis and planning. Additionally, the course will cover the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation, gingival enlargement, and frenectomy/frenotomy using advances such as LASER technology, Piezo surgical techniques, and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) techniques.
Grading Policy and Assessment
| Classification |
Marks % |
Grade |
Grade Value |
|
90 – 100 |
A |
4 |
|
85 – 89 |
B+ |
3.5 |
|
80 – 84 |
B |
3 |
| Fail |
< 80 |
F |
0 |
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:
- Student grades analysis
- Midterm and final examinations
- Teaching projects
- Problem solving assignments
- Laboratory assignment
- Clinical Assessment Sheet
- Accepted Number of Patients Performed
- Workplace Based Assessment
