Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Whitechapel
- Fees
- Home: £34,150
Overseas: £63,250
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The course fee is charged per annum for 3 years. Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.
What you'll study
If you’re a dentist who has a special interest in oral medicine or want to become a clinical academic, this course is for you. The Professional Doctorate in Oral Medicine provides you with an integrated three-year training programme, so you can gain high-level research expertise alongside your clinical training.
This DClinDent programme will expand your knowledge and skills in oral medicine and provide an excellent preparation for your career as a specialist in this field.
You’ll take a programme of seminars, lectures and tutorials, starting with an introductory course on the fundamentals of oral medicine and its related disciplines before going on to review the clinical and scientific scope of the subject and determine its evidence base.
You’ll then enter supervised clinical practice, conducting treatment planning and clinical procedures, including a number of complex treatments.
You’ll also complete a research project, where you’ll demonstrate the application of scientific method to a problem in oral medicine. This project will then form the basis of your dissertation. Over the duration of the programme, you’ll gain advanced research skills to professional doctorate level and develop sophisticated critical appraisal skills in relation to published literature.
In addition to your studies, you’ll also have a chance to interact with external specialists, through an extensive seminar series held within the Institute of Dentistry, the Blizard Institute and Queen Mary as a whole.
The DClinDent Degree meets level 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).
Watch our video to find out more about the programme.
Structure
- Three compulsory knowledge and clinical skills modules
- Three compulsory research modules, including your final dissertation (up to 50,000 words)
Compulsory/Core modules
This module covers the basic biological science topics and clinical skills relating to the study of Oral Medicine to ensure that all students possess the fundamental level of knowledge and skills required to study the advanced level 8 modules in Oral Medicine. This fundamental knowledge and skills provide the underpinning building blocks to be developed over the following two years of clinical training and practice.
This module covers aspects of research methodology, ethics and other transferable skills to ensure students are introduced to issues in research, such as governance issues and statistical analysis of clinical research. The research project undertaken in this course will give the student a real insight into the philosophy of research as well as practical experience in the process of completing a piece of original work. It also covers evidence based dentistry for the students to maintain their clinical portfolio.
This module builds on the knowledge acquired in module Research I to enable students to carry out an independent research project and to write a report on their research, and to conduct a service evaluation through the completion of a clinical service audit. This module develops the skills and experience required for module Research III.
This final module in the programme enables students to demonstrate their ability to complete an independent research project and to write a thesis on their research, and the acquisition of advanced skills for service evaluation through the completion of a clinical service audit.
This core module will build on and advance the basic knowledge acquired in previous modules and introduce students to more in-depth aspects of Oral Medicine and the knowledge required to manage associated systemic disease. This module also enhances the student¿s ability to examine the patient, diagnosis of presenting condition, and the ability to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. This module will cover aspects of advanced knowledge in oral medicine including immunology, microbiology, and pathology. Advanced clinical skills will be acquired to underpin an independent clinical practice.
This core module will consolidate the advanced knowledge acquired in previous modules including immunology, microbiology, and pathology. Students will be introduced to more complicated oral medicine cases. The students will acquire enhanced skills for a multidisciplinary comprehensive approach in examining, diagnosing and managing complicated oral medicine conditions.
Assessment
- Each module is assessed separately, including essays, written, clinical and viva voce examinations
- You will also be assessed on case presentations and clinical, diagnostic and treatment planning
- You will be assessed through your dissertation and research projects
Dissertation
The dissertation forms a major component of your degree. You’ll write a final report of up to 50,000 words on your research project.
Teaching
You'll be taught through a combination of expert seminars, supervised clinical sessions, one-to-one tutorials, self-directed learning, case presentations and reading. You'll also be taught relevant laboratory methodology.
Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on, formal study sessions, reading, producing written work, completing projects and revising for examinations.
The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments.
You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.
This professional doctorate programme includes weekly teaching and clinical contact hours in addition to numerous hours of independent learning and research. Please contact the course convenor for information on the number of contact hours per week for this programme.
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—"My experience in the DClinDent in Oral Medicine programme at Queen Mary has been exceptional. I started in 2022, and the balance between clinical practice and research has been particularly valuable. Coming from Saudi Arabia, where I worked as a dentist and teaching assistant, the diverse and vibrant environment of London has enriched my learning experience. The facilities at Queen Mary are top-notch, providing everything needed to succeed both academically and clinically. This degree will undoubtedly enhance my ability to manage complex cases, preparing me for specialised roles in oral medicine.
I would highly recommend Queen Mary to prospective students for its inclusive
environment, expert faculty, and opportunities for professional growth. I also
encourage new students to engage with the support services early on, as the
guidance is incredibly beneficial, and to embrace London's efficient public transport
system for a smooth living experience."
Yousef Alkhaibari, DClinDent in Oral Medicine, Year 3 (2024)
Where you'll learn
Facilities
Experience World-Class Facilities
🌟 Dedicated Learning Spaces: Study and collaborate in 11 seminar rooms and a learning centre.
🌟 Advanced Tech: Access 92 labs, digital imaging, and 2 cone beam CT machines.
🌟 Modern Clinical Equipment: Every operatory has a PC and ‘slave screen’.
🌟 Innovative Tech: Use facial-scanning equipment for precise diagnosis.
🌟 Extensive Clinical Opportunities: Gain practical experience in our clinics.
Watch the video below to see our facilities!
Campus
Your postgraduate learning experience is enhanced by our fantastic location in Whitechapel, in east London.
Not only are we in one of the capital’s most vibrant areas to live and work but we also serve a diverse local community, with 92 different languages spoken by the borough’s 300,000 residents. You will develop your clinical skills and knowledge while caring for this community. Moreover, the Institute offers you many exciting opportunities to develop an understanding of health and the treatment of disease in a global and international context.
About the Institute
Institute of Dentistry
If you study with us, you will join a dynamic, successful dental school with a first-class reputation: Queen Mary has consistently been ranked in the top 20 in the World for dentistry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject and we were ranked joint first in the country for research environment for dentistry in the most recent national assessment (REF 2021).
The Institute of Dentistry is a special place to undertake your postgraduate studies. We bring together a number of world-leading researchers in basic and clinical sciences who supervise research students in the fields of oral medicine, oral pathology, oral microbiology, oral epidemiology, oncology, dental biomaterials, dental biophysics, dental public health, dental education, periodontology, orthodontics, paediatric, prosthetic and conservative dentistry.
The Institute is based in Whitechapel and offers cutting-edge technology, a superb education and first-class research facilities.
The Institute of Dentistry is part of Queen Mary’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Queen Mary is part of the University of London and a member of the Russell Group.
Career paths
This DClinDent programme will provide you with an excellent preparation for your career as a dentist with a special interest in oral medicine.
You’ll also gain the research skills and experience necessary to pursue an academic career.
- 100% of Dentistry postgraduate-taught students are in employment or further study (2020/21)
- 100% of Dentistry postgraduate-taught students are in highly skilled work or graduate study (2020/21)
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 3 years
- Home: £34,150
- Overseas: £63,250
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
Applicants must have a primary qualification in Dentistry (BDS or equivalent).
Additional information
Please note that in order for your application to be considered you must have obtained a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 at the point of submission of your application.
Following the application deadline, screening of applications and selection of candidates will take place. Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to attend an online interview with the Course Director.
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the Institute of Dentistry fall within either English band 4 or English band 5. This programme requires the following English band:
Band 5: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 7.0 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.