MASTER OF RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY PROGRAM - USM

DETAILS OF STUDY PROGRAM
In general, approximately 50% of time in the program is committed to clinical
training and experience. The remainder of the time is committed to
coursework (20%) and research (30%). This distribution accords with the
international best practice for clinical specialisation in dentistry.
The weightage of clinical training and exposure in the disciplines of
Conservative Dentistry, Prosthodontics and Periodontics will be distributed
almost evenly during the first two years of the Master of Restorative Dentistry
program. At the beginning of Year 3, the candidates can further decide to
specialize in either one of the specialties which is Conservative Dentistry,
Periodontics or Prosthodontics.
The candidates will also be required to participate in the undergraduate
teaching programs of the School at an appropriate level, as part of their
training. This will normally consist of preclinical and clinical supervision of
undergraduate students, for at least one session per week throughout the
Master of Restorative Dentistry program.
YEAR 1
The candidates will study Basic Medical and Dental Sciences subjects for 6 months
and sit for the Primary examination equivalent to primary examination of the
Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) in early
December. The candidates will also need to undertake sessions in operative
techniques and clinical training in General Dental Practice for the final six months.
They will also attend the Research Methodology and Basic Statistics classes to
introduce them to critical analysis of the literature, planning a research design and
protocol and writing a thesis. This is intended to assist them in developing the
necessary analytical and writing skills that are needed for thesis preparation and
publication. Identification of a suitable study area and discussions regarding research
projects with the respective supervisors will be carried out during the final six months
of Year 1. The appointment of a supervisor shall be done when the candidate’s field
of research is approved. Where necessary, the appointment of a co- supervisor may
be done.
Assessments
Primary Examination (equivalent to FRACDS primary examination)
Continuous Assessments
YEAR 2
Embarkation of research projects shall start early, once the proposals have been
approved. The students are advised to complete their research projects and data
collection and analyses during Year 2. Clinical practices in the field of Conservative,
Prosthodontic and Periodontic will also be carried out. Knowledge of management of
patients from other disciplines will also be taught. The students will need to present
some seminars regarding certain topics.
Assessment
Continuous Assessments
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