The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is a specialist qualification designed for experienced dental professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the complex and evolving field of dentistry for older adults. This advanced programme focuses on the unique oral health challenges faced by the ageing population, equipping learners with the clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and patient-centred approaches required to deliver high-quality geriatric dental care.
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates. It is aimed at practising dental professionals, specialists, and academics who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their knowledge base, and contribute meaningfully to the improvement of oral health in older patients. The course also supports learners in fulfilling their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, ensuring they remain up to date with the latest research, techniques, and ethical practices in the field.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as the management of age-related oral diseases, prosthodontics for elderly patients, geriatric patient communication, multidisciplinary treatment planning, and the impact of systemic health on oral conditions. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, learners will develop advanced clinical decision-making skills to manage complex cases effectively.
Centres offering this qualification must have competent and qualified staff, along with appropriate facilities, learning resources, and assessment systems, to ensure high-quality training and learner success. This ensures that every learner benefits from a robust, supportive, and professionally relevant educational experience, preparing them to excel in the demanding field of geriatric dentistry.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC27070-1 | Advanced Principles and Concepts in Geriatric Dentistry | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27070-2 | Oral Diseases and Conditions in the Ageing Population | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27070-3 | Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry for Older Adults | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27070-4 | Multidisciplinary Care, Communication, and Patient Management | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27070-5 | Systemic Health, Polypharmacy, and Oral Implications in the Elderly | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27070-6 | Research Methods, Clinical Practice, and Evidence-Based Geriatric Dentistry | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry):
To enroll in the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry), following are requirement:
Minimum Age
- Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of registration.
Educational Background
- A recognised degree in Dentistry (BDS or equivalent) is required.
- Alternatively, an equivalent Level 6 or higher dental qualification recognised by the relevant professional body.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of two years of post-qualification clinical experience in dentistry is strongly recommended.
- Prior exposure to treating elderly patients or working in multidisciplinary healthcare settings is advantageous.
Language Proficiency
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, equivalent to CEFR Level C1, IELTS 7.0, or an equivalent qualification, to effectively engage with complex clinical and academic content.
Commitment to CPD
- This qualification is designed for professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the advancement of their clinical expertise.
Access to Required Resources
- Learners should have access to a clinical environment, relevant case studies, and appropriate dental facilities for practical application of skills.
Centre Requirements
- Approved centres must have qualified and experienced faculty in geriatric dentistry.
- Centres must provide up-to-date learning materials, laboratory access, simulation facilities, and appropriate clinical equipment to ensure high-quality training delivery.
Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry):
Advanced Principles and Concepts in Geriatric Dentistry
- Critically evaluate the physiological, anatomical, and functional changes in the ageing dentition.
- Apply advanced clinical concepts to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of oral conditions in elderly patients.
- Integrate geriatric-specific considerations into comprehensive treatment planning.
Oral Diseases and Conditions in the Ageing Population
- Identify and diagnose common and complex oral diseases prevalent in older adults.
- Assess risk factors, disease progression, and the impact of ageing on oral pathology.
- Develop targeted management strategies for age-related oral conditions.
Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry for Older Adults
- Design and deliver prosthetic and restorative solutions tailored to geriatric patients.
- Apply advanced techniques for the rehabilitation of oral function and aesthetics.
- Evaluate the impact of restorative interventions on quality of life in elderly populations.
Multidisciplinary Care, Communication, and Patient Management
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams for holistic patient care.
- Utilise advanced communication strategies to address the needs and concerns of elderly patients and caregivers.
- Implement patient-centred approaches that respect cultural, ethical, and psychological considerations.
Systemic Health, Polypharmacy, and Oral Implications in the Elderly
- Analyse the interrelationship between systemic diseases, medications, and oral health in older adults.
- Manage oral complications related to polypharmacy and chronic conditions.
- Adapt dental care plans to accommodate systemic health challenges.
Research Methods, Clinical Practice, and Evidence-Based Geriatric Dentistry
- Apply research methodologies relevant to clinical practice in geriatric dentistry.
- Critically appraise scientific literature to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Conduct research or clinical audits to improve care delivery for elderly patients.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is specifically designed for experienced dental professionals who wish to specialise in the care of elderly patients. This advanced qualification is ideal for:
- Qualified dentists seeking to expand their expertise in geriatric dental care and complex case management.
- Dental specialists in prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, or oral medicine aiming to enhance their skills for treating ageing populations.
- Dental hygienists and therapists with substantial clinical experience who wish to deepen their knowledge of age-related oral health issues.
- Academic and clinical educators looking to integrate advanced geriatric dentistry principles into teaching or training programmes.
- Healthcare professionals working in multidisciplinary teams who wish to better understand the dental needs of older adults.
This qualification is not designed for beginners or newly qualified practitioners. It is intended for professionals who already possess relevant education, significant clinical experience, and a commitment to advancing their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners enrolling in this programme are expected to have the capability to engage with complex clinical concepts, evidence-based practices, and research within the field of geriatric dentistry.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) must meet the following requirements to ensure high-quality training and learner success:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff – All tutors, assessors, and internal quality assurers must be suitably qualified in dentistry and have relevant expertise in geriatric dental care, clinical practice, and teaching at an advanced level.
- Adequate Clinical and Learning Facilities – Centres must provide access to well-equipped dental clinics, simulation labs, diagnostic tools, and resources that support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Learning Materials and Resources – Comprehensive, up-to-date course materials, research publications, and reference resources must be available to support advanced study and evidence-based practice.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems – Centres must implement robust internal assessment, verification, and quality assurance procedures in line with awarding body requirements.
- Learner Support Services – Provision of academic guidance, mentoring, and access to professional support networks to ensure learners can successfully complete the programme.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance – Centres must comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, infection control standards, and ethical guidelines applicable to dental education and clinical practice.
- Access to Specialised Clinical Cases – Opportunities for learners to observe, participate in, or review complex geriatric dentistry cases in line with ethical and legal standards.
- Record Keeping and Reporting – Maintenance of accurate learner records, assessment evidence, and compliance documentation as required by the awarding body.