QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine (PgD Oral Medicine)

The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine is an advanced professional qualification designed for experienced dental and healthcare practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of complex oral and maxillofacial conditions. This programme focuses on integrating clinical skills with evidence-based knowledge to enhance professional competence and deliver high-quality patient care.

This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates; it is tailored for professionals who already possess relevant academic and clinical experience in dentistry or oral health. It is ideal for those aiming to expand their knowledge, advance their career prospects, and maintain a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will explore a range of topics, including oral mucosal disease, orofacial pain, salivary gland disorders, oral manifestations of systemic diseases, and advanced diagnostic methods.

Centres offering this qualification must ensure that training is delivered by competent and highly qualified staff with extensive subject-matter expertise. They must also provide all necessary resources, including modern clinical and diagnostic facilities, comprehensive learning materials, and access to relevant case studies and research. This ensures a high-quality learning experience that meets both professional and academic standards.

Upon completion, learners will be equipped with the advanced knowledge and clinical decision-making skills required to excel in oral medicine practice, contribute to multidisciplinary healthcare teams, and uphold the highest standards of patient care. This diploma not only supports career progression but also reinforces a lifelong commitment to professional excellence.

Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine (PgD Oral Medicine):

The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine (PgD Oral Medicine), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Unit Ref#Unit TitleCreditGLHTQT
QC27067-1Advanced Principles and Concepts in Oral Medicine20100200
QC27067-2Oral Mucosal Diseases: Diagnosis and Management20100200
QC27067-3Orofacial Pain, Neuropathies, and Temporomandibular Disorders20100200
QC27067-4Salivary Gland Disorders and Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases20100200
QC27067-5Diagnostic Methods, Imaging, and Laboratory Investigations in Oral Medicine20100200
QC27067-6Research Methods, Clinical Practice, and Evidence-Based Oral Medicine20100200

Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine (PgD Oral Medicine):

To enroll in the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine (PgD Oral Medicine), following are requirement:

Minimum Age

  • Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.

Educational Background

  • A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS or equivalent) or a relevant dental qualification at Level 6 or higher.

Experience

  • A minimum of two years of relevant clinical experience in dentistry, oral medicine, or a related field is required.

Language Proficiency

  • Learners whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, to ensure they can meet the demands of academic and clinical study.

Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

  • Learners must show evidence of ongoing CPD activities, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning.

Access to Required Resources

  • Learners must have access to a clinical environment, necessary dental instruments, imaging equipment, and relevant case materials to complete the practical components of the qualification.

Centre Requirements

  • Centres delivering this qualification must have qualified and experienced teaching staff, access to appropriate dental and radiographic equipment, and provide learning resources that meet the high standards required for advanced postgraduate dental education.

Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine (PgD Oral Medicine):

Advanced Principles and Concepts in Oral Medicine

  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the scope, objectives, and clinical significance of oral medicine.
  • Apply advanced knowledge of oral pathology, oral manifestations of systemic diseases, and their impact on overall health.
  • Integrate ethical and evidence-based approaches into the diagnosis and management of oral conditions.

Oral Mucosal Diseases: Diagnosis and Management

  • Identify, classify, and differentiate between common and rare oral mucosal diseases.
  • Develop comprehensive treatment plans based on clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.
  • Implement patient education strategies to promote oral health and disease prevention.

Orofacial Pain, Neuropathies, and Temporomandibular Disorders

  • Assess and diagnose orofacial pain syndromes and neuropathic conditions using current diagnostic criteria.
  • Formulate management strategies for temporomandibular joint disorders and related dysfunctions.
  • Integrate pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and multidisciplinary approaches to pain management.

Salivary Gland Disorders and Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

  • Recognise and diagnose salivary gland pathologies and their clinical implications.
  • Correlate oral signs and symptoms with underlying systemic diseases for accurate diagnosis.
  • Apply appropriate therapeutic interventions for salivary and systemic disease-related oral conditions.

Diagnostic Methods, Imaging, and Laboratory Investigations in Oral Medicine

  • Utilise advanced imaging modalities and laboratory investigations in the diagnosis of oral diseases.
  • Interpret radiographic, histopathological, and laboratory results to support clinical decision-making.
  • Maintain best practices in radiation protection, infection control, and patient safety.

Research Methods, Clinical Practice, and Evidence-Based Oral Medicine

  • Apply research methodologies relevant to oral medicine and clinical practice.
  • Critically appraise scientific literature to inform evidence-based clinical decision-making.
  • Conduct and present a research project or case study demonstrating advanced clinical competence.

The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine is designed for experienced dental professionals who wish to deepen their expertise in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of complex oral health conditions. This advanced-level qualification is not intended for fresh learners, but for practitioners who are already engaged in clinical dentistry and looking to expand their specialist skills.

It is ideally suited for:

  • Qualified dentists aiming to specialise in oral medicine and related diagnostic fields.
  • Dental specialists seeking to enhance their knowledge of oral mucosal diseases, orofacial pain, salivary gland disorders, and systemic disease manifestations.
  • Dental educators, researchers, and clinicians wishing to integrate evidence-based approaches into advanced oral healthcare.
  • Oral healthcare professionals committed to improving patient outcomes through accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

This qualification is particularly relevant for those pursuing leadership roles in dental clinics, academic institutions, hospital departments, or research organisations. It offers an opportunity to enhance professional credibility, expand career prospects, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of oral medicine as a specialist discipline.

Centres delivering the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Medicine must meet strict quality and compliance standards to ensure that learners receive high-quality training and assessment. The following requirements must be met:

  • Qualified and Competent Staff – Trainers, assessors, and internal quality assurers must be suitably qualified, experienced in oral medicine, and hold relevant teaching and assessment qualifications.
  • Appropriate Facilities – Centres must have access to fully equipped clinical training environments, including dental chairs, diagnostic tools, imaging equipment, and laboratory facilities as required.
  • Learning Resources – Comprehensive and up-to-date learning materials, reference texts, and access to online resources must be available to support learner development.
  • Assessment Resources – Adequate facilities for conducting practical assessments, including patient case studies, simulations, and clinical evaluations, must be provided.
  • Quality Assurance Systems – Centres must have robust internal quality assurance policies to maintain assessment standards, ensure fairness, and comply with awarding body requirements.
  • Learner Support – Centres must provide guidance, academic support, and feedback to help learners achieve their qualification successfully.
  • Compliance with Health and Safety – All training and assessment activities must comply with current health, safety, and infection control regulations in dental practice.
  • Record Keeping – Centres must maintain accurate records of learner progress, assessment outcomes, and certification.

These requirements ensure that the programme is delivered to the highest professional standards, giving learners the skills and knowledge to excel in advanced oral medicine practice.