LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Materials (PgD Dental Materials)

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Materials (PgD Dental Materials) is an advanced professional qualification designed for experienced dental practitioners and specialists who wish to deepen their expertise in the science, application, and innovation of dental materials. This programme equips learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to select, manipulate, and evaluate dental materials for a range of restorative, prosthodontic, and aesthetic procedures.

This qualification is not intended for fresh learners; it is aimed at practising dental professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects, expand their technical knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio. Learners will explore advanced topics including biomaterials science, material properties, laboratory techniques, clinical applications, and the integration of new technologies in restorative and prosthetic dentistry.

The course combines theoretical study with practical and research-based applications, enabling learners to develop the competence to make evidence-based decisions regarding material selection and utilisation. Emphasis is placed on understanding material behaviour, durability, biocompatibility, and aesthetic outcomes, ensuring learners can deliver high-quality dental care that meets professional standards.

By completing the PgD in Dental Materials, learners will gain the expertise to critically evaluate and apply a wide range of dental materials in clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to innovations in dental treatment. This qualification supports professional growth, career advancement, and leadership opportunities in dental materials science, research, and advanced clinical practice, empowering learners to operate confidently in a specialised and rapidly evolving field.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Materials (PgD Dental Materials)

Total Units

6

Total Credits

120

GLH

600

Qualification #

LICQ2200702

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) , applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS or equivalent) from an accredited institution is required.
  • Experience: A minimum of two years post-qualification clinical experience in dentistry or a related field is required. Experience in restorative, prosthodontic, or laboratory-based dental work is advantageous.
  • English Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking. Non-native English speakers may need to provide evidence through a recognized language test such as IELTS (minimum score of 6.0) or equivalent, or proof of prior education delivered in English.
  • Commitment to CPD
    This programme is designed for professionals actively engaged in Continuing Professional Development and willing to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge.
  • Access to Required Resources
    Learners should have access to a clinical or laboratory setting equipped for practical work with dental materials. Access to digital learning platforms, research literature, and professional tools is essential for academic study and practical application.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200702-1

Principles of Dental Materials

20

100

LICQ2200702-2

Biomaterials and Biocompatibility

20

100

LICQ2200702-3

Advanced Restorative and Prosthetic Materials

20

100

LICQ2200702-4

Material Testing and Laboratory Techniques

20

100

LICQ2200702-5

Innovations and Digital Dentistry in Materials

20

100

LICQ2200702-6

Clinical Practice, Case Management, and Research in Dental Materials

20

100

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Principles of Dental Materials

By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:

  1. Analyse the fundamental principles and classification of dental materials.
  2. Evaluate the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties relevant to clinical and laboratory applications.
  3. Apply material science principles to optimise selection and usage in dental practice.
  4. Critically assess evidence-based approaches to material selection and application.

2. Biomaterials and Biocompatibility

By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:

  1. Examine the interactions between dental materials and oral tissues.
  2. Evaluate biocompatibility and potential adverse effects of dental materials.
  3. Apply knowledge of material behaviour to enhance patient safety and treatment outcomes.
  4. Critically assess research and literature on biomaterials in clinical dentistry.

3. Advanced Restorative and Prosthetic Materials

By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:

  1. Assess the properties and clinical applications of restorative and prosthetic materials.
  2. Demonstrate advanced skills in manipulation and application of composites, ceramics, metals, and polymers.
  3. Develop evidence-based treatment plans integrating material selection and patient-specific needs.
  4. Critically evaluate clinical outcomes associated with different dental materials.

4. Material Testing and Laboratory Techniques

By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:

  1. Apply laboratory procedures and testing methods to evaluate material performance.
  2. Assess the durability, strength, and suitability of dental materials for clinical use.
  3. Implement quality control procedures to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
  4. Critically analyse laboratory data to support material selection and clinical decision-making.

5. Innovations and Digital Dentistry in Materials

By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:

  1. Evaluate emerging materials and technologies in restorative and prosthetic dentistry.
  2. Integrate digital dentistry tools, including CAD/CAM systems, into material selection and treatment planning.
  3. Assess the impact of innovations on clinical outcomes and patient care.
  4. Critically appraise research and advancements in dental materials science.

6. Clinical Practice, Case Management, and Research in Dental Materials

By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of dental materials to real-world clinical cases.
  2. Develop comprehensive treatment plans incorporating evidence-based material selection.
  3. Critically evaluate research methodologies relevant to dental materials.
  4. Demonstrate professional decision-making and reflective practice in complex clinical scenarios.

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Materials (PgD Dental Materials) is specifically designed for experienced dental professionals who wish to specialise in the science, application, and innovation of dental materials. This programme is not intended for fresh learners; it targets practising dentists, dental specialists, and clinical researchers seeking to enhance their professional expertise, expand their technical knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio.

This course is ideal for:

  • Qualified dentists aiming to advance their skills in restorative, prosthodontic, and aesthetic dentistry through expert knowledge of dental materials.
  • Dental specialists in prosthodontics, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry seeking to integrate material science into their clinical practice.
  • Dental laboratory professionals and technicians who wish to deepen their understanding of material properties, manipulation, and testing.
  • Educators and researchers looking to enhance teaching and contribute to evidence-based advancements in dental materials.
  • Clinicians committed to innovation and evidence-based practice, ensuring high-quality patient care through the selection and application of appropriate materials.

Learners completing this programme will gain the expertise to critically evaluate, select, and apply dental materials in clinical and laboratory settings, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to research and innovation in dental materials science. This qualification also supports career progression, professional recognition, and leadership opportunities in specialised areas of dental practice.

Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Materials (PgD Dental Materials) must meet the following criteria to ensure high-quality training, assessment, and learner support:

  1. Accreditation and Approval
    • Must be an officially approved LICQual centre with valid accreditation to deliver Level 7 postgraduate dental qualifications.
    • Centres must comply with LICQual’s quality assurance, assessment, and regulatory standards.
  2. Qualified and Experienced Staff
    • Trainers and assessors must hold recognised qualifications in dentistry, restorative dentistry, or dental materials science.
    • Faculty should have substantial clinical, laboratory, and research experience in the use and evaluation of dental materials.
    • Assessors must be trained in Level 7 assessment practices and internal verification procedures.
  3. Facilities and Resources
    • Access to clinical and laboratory facilities equipped for practical work with dental materials, including restorative, prosthetic, and aesthetic applications.
    • Availability of material testing equipment, instruments, and safe storage for laboratory resources.
    • Compliance with health, safety, and infection control regulations.
  4. Learning Resources
    • Provision of up-to-date academic materials, professional journals, and case studies in dental materials science.
    • Access to digital learning platforms for interactive study, simulations, and learner support.
  5. Assessment and Quality Assurance
    • Systems for practical, written, and oral assessments aligned with Level 7 standards.
    • Secure maintenance of learner records, assessment evidence, and verification documentation.
  6. Learner Support
    • Academic and pastoral support throughout the programme.
    • Guidance on CPD, professional development, and career progression in dental materials and restorative practice.

These requirements ensure learners receive professional, evidence-based, and high-standard training, enabling them to develop the skills, knowledge, and competence required for advanced practice in dental materials science.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.

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