LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry)

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is an advanced professional qualification designed for experienced dental practitioners who wish to specialise in the oral healthcare of older adults. This programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise required to manage complex dental conditions, age-related oral health challenges, and multidisciplinary care needs in elderly populations.

This qualification is not intended for fresh learners; it is tailored for practising dental professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects, broaden their clinical competencies, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio. Learners will explore key topics such as geriatric oral physiology, management of medically complex patients, prosthodontic care, preventive strategies, and ethical considerations in elderly dental care.

The course combines theoretical learning with practical application, enabling learners to develop the competence to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred dental care to older adults. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and holistic treatment planning, ensuring that learners can address the unique challenges of ageing populations while maintaining the highest professional standards.

By completing the PgD in Geriatric Dentistry, learners will gain the expertise to assess, plan, and execute advanced treatment for elderly patients, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the advancement of geriatric oral healthcare. This qualification supports professional growth, career progression, and recognition as a specialist in geriatric dentistry, empowering learners to make a significant impact in this increasingly important field of dental practice.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry)

Total Units

6

Total Credits

120

GLH

600

Qualification #

LICQ2200701

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 general dentistry is required. Experience in treating medically complex or elderly patients 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 setting equipped for the assessment and treatment of elderly patients. Access to digital learning platforms, professional literature, and clinical tools is essential for academic and practical study.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200701-1

Principles of Geriatric Dentistry

20

100

LICQ2200701-2

Oral Physiology and Ageing

20

100

LICQ2200701-3

Clinical Management of Elderly Patients

20

100

LICQ2200701-4

Preventive Strategies and Oral Health Promotion

20

100

LICQ2200701-5

Ethical, Legal, and Communication Considerations

20

100

LICQ2200701-6

Clinical Practice, Case Management, and Research in Geriatric Dentistry

20

100

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

1. Principles of Geriatric Dentistry

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

  1. Analyse the fundamental principles and scope of geriatric dentistry.
  2. Assess age-related oral health changes and their impact on treatment planning.
  3. Integrate holistic approaches to elderly patient care.
  4. Critically evaluate evidence-based practices for managing older adults in dental settings.

2. Oral Physiology and Ageing

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

  1. Examine the physiological changes in the oral cavity associated with ageing.
  2. Evaluate the impact of systemic health conditions on oral health in elderly patients.
  3. Apply knowledge of oral physiology to clinical assessment and treatment planning.
  4. Critically assess age-related changes affecting restorative and preventive dental procedures.

3. Clinical Management of Elderly Patients

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

  1. Plan and deliver advanced restorative and prosthodontic treatments for elderly patients.
  2. Manage medically compromised patients with complex dental needs.
  3. Apply clinical decision-making skills to optimise patient outcomes.
  4. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of treatment strategies in geriatric dentistry.

4. Preventive Strategies and Oral Health Promotion

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

  1. Develop preventive care plans tailored for elderly populations.
  2. Implement oral hygiene education and dietary advice for older adults.
  3. Evaluate the effectiveness of preventive strategies in maintaining long-term oral health.
  4. Integrate evidence-based approaches to oral health promotion in geriatric care.

5. Ethical, Legal, and Communication Considerations

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

  1. Apply ethical principles and legal requirements in geriatric dental practice.
  2. Demonstrate effective communication with elderly patients and their caregivers.
  3. Obtain informed consent and respect patient autonomy in complex cases.
  4. Critically evaluate professional responsibilities in delivering care to older adults.

6. Clinical Practice, Case Management, and Research in Geriatric Dentistry

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

  1. Apply geriatric dentistry knowledge to manage real-world clinical cases.
  2. Develop comprehensive treatment plans and manage case outcomes effectively.
  3. Critically evaluate research methodologies relevant to geriatric dentistry.
  4. Demonstrate evidence-based practice and reflective clinical decision-making in complex cases.

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is specifically designed for experienced dental professionals who wish to specialise in the oral healthcare of older adults. This programme is not intended for fresh learners; it targets practising dentists and specialists seeking to enhance their professional expertise, expand their clinical knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio.

This course is ideal for:

  • Qualified dentists looking to advance their skills in managing complex dental conditions in elderly patients.
  • Dental specialists in prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, or general practice seeking to integrate geriatric care into their clinical services.
  • Dental educators and researchers aiming to enhance teaching and research in geriatric dentistry.
  • Clinicians in hospitals, care homes, or private practice who manage medically complex or elderly patients.
  • Professionals committed to evidence-based practice and holistic, patient-centred approaches in dental care for older adults.

Learners completing this programme will gain the expertise to assess, plan, and deliver advanced treatment for elderly patients, improve clinical outcomes, and contribute to the development of geriatric oral healthcare. This qualification also supports professional recognition, career progression, and leadership opportunities in the growing field of geriatric dentistry.

Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) 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 and geriatric dentistry.
    • Faculty should have substantial clinical experience in managing elderly patients and medically complex cases.
    • Assessors must be trained in Level 7 assessment practices and internal verification procedures.
  3. Facilities and Resources
    • Access to clinical facilities equipped for treating elderly patients, including prosthodontic and restorative equipment.
    • Availability of resources for comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and patient care.
    • Compliance with health, safety, and infection control regulations.
  4. Learning Resources
    • Provision of up-to-date academic materials, case studies, and access to professional journals.
    • Access to digital platforms for interactive learning, 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 internal verification documentation.
  6. Learner Support
    • Academic and pastoral support throughout the programme.
    • Guidance on CPD, professional development, and career progression in geriatric dentistry.

These requirements ensure learners receive professional, evidence-based, and high-standard training in geriatric dentistry, enabling them to develop the skills, knowledge, and competence required for advanced practice in the care of older adults.

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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