Oral Medicine This course treats the most common problems in the mouth, teeth and jaw area. Learn about dental anatomy, oral physiology, and how to treat common problems related to dentition and supporting structures. As a student of oral medicine, you will also participate in large-scale simulations or real clinical scenarios. The MSc in Oral Medicine bridges the gap between dentistry and medicine, with a focus on treating patients with diseases of the mouth, face, and jaw. Many dentists are determined to enter this field because diagnosis and treatment without surgical intervention presents a major challenge.
Oral medicine is primarily an outpatient practice with referrals from general dentists and general practitioners. Dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, ophthalmology, genitourinary medicine, hematology, psychology and psychiatry are just a few of the many medical disciplines involved. Oral medicine specialists often offer continuing education to work as a dentist in the UK and postgraduate education for those taking professional exams.
Overview of the UK's Oral Medicine Programme
For dentists who are interested in learning more about clinical oral medicine, this is a full-time, one-year degree programme. Concentrating on the recognition, investigation, diagnosis, and therapy of patients presenting with common oral and maxillofacial disorders, it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of specialised practice in the UK. Additionally, it considers and incorporates the core ideas of evidence-based medicine that are relevant to clinical and modern translational practice.
Clinical proficiency will be evaluated in the workplace, and knowledge levels will be established and tracked using cutting-edge instructional techniques. In a well-established, fully integrated, specialised clinical training and education environment, you'll be working under the close supervision of clinical and academic professionals.
Opportunities for a career in oral medicine in the UK
For candidates who currently hold a medical or dental degree, the required time is reduced to just three years. A postgraduate foundation programme in dentistry that lasts two years and must involve clinical practise in primary and secondary care settings is the prerequisite for admission. It is advised that candidates get pertinent experience and publication opportunities through a DCT or clinical teaching job in the speciality before applying for a specialty registrar position. Trainees see new and existing patients while being supervised by consultants in specialist medical clinics and outpatient clinics for a significant amount of their training.
Success in the field of oral medicine requires excellent communication skills with both patients and coworkers, the capacity for active listening, the ability to be a strong leader and self-aware, the possession of an inquisitive mind, and a desire to improve the lives of patients. The majority of oral medicine specialists work as honorary consultants at universities or as consultants for the National Health Service.
UK's Top Universities for Oral Medicine Programmes
Here are the best UK Universities for MSc in Oral medicine courses in the UK-
University of Plymouth
Each and every student at the University of Plymouth's Peninsula Dental School benefits from early clinical engagement because of the school's very close working relationships with its NHS partners.
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow places a strong emphasis on practical application with actual patients under the supervision of academic staff who have a lot of pertinent knowledge and experience. The Glasgow Dental Hospital & School, which is now ranked top in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 and second in the Guardian University Guide 2022, has been preparing students for successful careers in medicine and dental health since 1879.
Queen’s University Belfast
Clinical rotations will be required of students at Queen's University Belfast, whose dental school got a flawless score in the National Student Survey, as early as their first year.
University of Aberdeen
The Institute of Dentistry at the University of Aberdeen is a brand-new, cutting-edge structure created especially for dental education. Only 20 spaces are available in the University's extremely exclusive dentistry programme, and only a very small number of applicants are approved each year.
When students earn their oral medical degree from Aberdeen Dentistry School, 100% of them are hired on as full-time employees.
University of Dundee
Prospective dentists and dental therapists can learn the ins and outs of the profession in the context of a thorough education at the University of Dundee in Scotland, where they can also gain clinical experience in the university's dental hospital. The University of Dundee is the best in the United Kingdom (UK) for giving students a good educational experience, per the Times Good University Guide 2020.
Graduate of a dental school that is accredited or its international equivalent is required for entry into the MSc in Oral Medicine programme in the UK. Dentists should be ready to provide verification of their current clinical experience and professional status when applying for jobs. After receiving your dental degree, you must have at least two years of clinical experience before you can be hired.
English language requirements for the UK's oral medicine programme
Candidates must possess the skills necessary to effectively communicate in both written and oral English, and candidates whose first language is not English must have obtained an IELTS score of 7 or higher.
Tuition for a course in oral Medicine in the UK
£41,700 to £57,700 per year for international students.
Conclusion
Dentistry's field of study that focuses on the salivary glands, teeth, and mouth is known as oral medicine. An oral or maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist who focuses on oral medicine. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to look for degree programmes and universities in the UK that provide dental medicine, but if you ever find yourself in that situation, it will be well worth the effort. The development, histology, and function of the protective and sensory organs of the mouth are all covered in the study of oral medicine. An understanding of dental anatomy is necessary.