The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials) is a specialised qualification designed for dental professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise in the selection, application, and management of dental materials. This qualification is not intended for fresh graduates but for experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their career prospects, deepen their understanding of dental materials, and demonstrate a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This comprehensive programme provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of dental materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Learners gain practical skills in material manipulation, laboratory techniques, and clinical application to ensure safe and effective use in restorative, prosthodontic, and preventive dentistry. The curriculum emphasises evidence-based practice, risk management, and material selection to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to meet rigorous standards to ensure high-quality training and learner success. They must employ competent and qualified staff with specialist expertise in dental materials and provide learners with fully equipped laboratories, clinical environments, and access to up-to-date resources. This ensures that learners can develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills effectively.
By completing this diploma, learners enhance their professional capabilities and credibility, equipping themselves to select and utilise dental materials with confidence, improve clinical outcomes, and integrate best practices into their daily practice. The qualification empowers learners to make informed decisions, apply advanced material techniques, and maintain the highest standards of patient care in modern dentistry.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2200685
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200685-1 |
Principles of Dental Materials |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200685-2 |
Physical and Chemical Properties of Materials |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200685-3 |
Biomaterials and Biocompatibility |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200685-4 |
Laboratory Techniques and Material Manipulation |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200685-5 |
Clinical Application and Material Selection |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200685-6 |
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Dental Materials
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the types and classifications of dental materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.
- Analyse the behaviour and properties of dental materials in clinical and laboratory settings.
- Evaluate the suitability of different materials for various dental procedures.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to make informed decisions regarding material use in practice.
Unit 2: Physical and Chemical Properties of Materials
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of dental materials.
- Analyse material behaviour under clinical and laboratory conditions.
- Evaluate testing methods and results to ensure material performance and safety.
- Apply understanding of material properties to select appropriate dental materials for specific applications.
Unit 3: Biomaterials and Biocompatibility
- Demonstrate understanding of biomaterials and their interactions with oral tissues.
- Analyse factors affecting biocompatibility, including degradation, toxicity, and patient-specific considerations.
- Evaluate the impact of material choice on patient safety and treatment outcomes.
- Apply knowledge of biocompatibility principles to ensure safe and effective clinical use.
Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and Material Manipulation
- Demonstrate competence in handling, mixing, and processing dental materials.
- Analyse laboratory procedures and quality control measures to optimise material performance.
- Evaluate techniques for improving consistency, durability, and clinical outcomes.
- Apply practical skills to manipulate dental materials effectively in laboratory and clinical settings.
Unit 5: Clinical Application and Material Selection
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the application of dental materials in restorative, prosthodontic, and preventive dentistry.
- Analyse case-specific requirements to select the most suitable materials.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of material choices based on clinical evidence and patient outcomes.
- Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to achieve optimal clinical results.
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development
- Demonstrate understanding of research methodology and evidence-based practice in dental materials.
- Analyse and critically appraise scientific literature to inform clinical and laboratory decisions.
- Evaluate reflective practice to support professional growth and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Apply research findings and evidence-based strategies to improve material selection and clinical practice.
This course is designed for:
- Dental professionals seeking advanced knowledge of dental materials.
- Dentists and dental technicians aiming to improve clinical and laboratory material selection.
- Practitioners interested in evidence-based application of restorative, prosthodontic, and preventive materials.
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and career advancement.
- Clinicians wishing to enhance patient outcomes through optimal material usage.
- Dental educators and laboratory supervisors seeking to deepen their expertise in dental materials management.
- Professionals aiming to integrate research and best practices into clinical and laboratory workflows.
- Qualified and Competent Staff
Employ experienced and appropriately qualified dental educators and laboratory specialists with expertise in dental materials, restorative procedures, and material science. - Laboratory and Clinical Facilities
Provide fully equipped laboratories and clinical environments that allow learners to safely practise material manipulation, testing, and application in restorative and prosthodontic procedures. - Access to Required Materials and Equipment
Ensure availability of all necessary dental materials, instruments, protective gear, testing equipment, and digital resources to support both theoretical and practical training. - Teaching and Learning Resources
Provide access to up-to-date textbooks, scientific journals, digital platforms, and research materials to support evidence-based learning and professional practice. - Compliance with Health and Safety Standards
Adhere to all relevant infection control, patient safety, and laboratory governance regulations to maintain a professional and secure learning environment. - Assessment and Quality Assurance
Implement robust systems to monitor learner progress, conduct assessments, and maintain quality assurance in line with international standards. - Support for Learners’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Encourage and facilitate CPD, enabling learners to apply advanced dental materials knowledge and skills effectively in clinical and laboratory practice.
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.
