Beginners Pathway
The Beginners Pathway is for dentists who are new to implant dentistry, or who have limited experience.
The programme is delivered as a blend of face-2-face practical training (Module 2) and tutor supported online learning via our dedicated VLE.
After completing Part 1, delegates may commence their first 6 clinical cases with a Local Mentor, in accordance with the Training Standards in Implant Dentistry guidelines.
You do not need to complete your clinical cases to be awarded the MSc.
COURSE STARTS: 21st September 2026
PART 1
Module 1: Patient Assessment & Treatment Planning
21 September 2026 - 25 October 2026
Tutor supported online - VLE
Week 1: Principles of dental implantology, implant surfaces & osseointegration
Week 2: Patient assessment & radiographic imaging
Week 3: CBCT in implant dentistry
Week 4: Risk analysis, treatment planning & informed consent
Week 5: Postoperative management & complications in implant dentistry
Module 2: Practical Skills Week
Date: TBC
Location: Cambridge
- CBCT evaluation & prosthodontic analysis
- Implant planning using CBCT software (Blue Sky Plan)
- Surgical euipment setup and operative asepsis
- Placement of dental implants into models
- Flap raising and suturing on pig jaws
- Open & closed tray impressions
- Fitting the prosthesis
Module 3: Implant Restoration
2 November 2026 - 6 December 2026
Tutor supported online - VLE
Week 1: Evaluating osseointegration
Week 2: Occlusal terminology, assessment and function
Week 3: Planning the prosthodontics - provisional & definitive restorations
Week 4: Abutment design & selection
Week 5: Long term maintenance & peri-implant pathology
Module 4: Complex Cases & Bone augmentation
4 January 2027 - 7 February 2027
Tutor supported online - VLE
Week 1: Immediate, early & late implant placement
Week 2: Principles of bone augmentation & GBR
Week 3: Bone & soft tissue grafting and socket preservation
Week 4: Platlet Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Week 5: All-on-X and multi-implant restorations
Module 5: Digital Implant Dentistry & Guided Surgery
22 February 2027 - 28 March 2027
Tutor supported online - VLE
Week 1: CBCT Level 1
Week 2: Digitisation of the dentition & DICOM/STL stitching
Week 3: Prosthetic & surgical digital planning
Week 4: 3D printing & guided implant surgery
Week 5: Putting it all together (course resume)
Module 6: Coursework - planning simulated clinical cases
5 April 2027 - 30 June 2027
Tutor supported online - VLE
Weeks 1&2: Treatment planning coursework - taking a history, assessing risk & record a diagnosis
Weeks 3-5: Treatment planning coursework - digital prosthodontic & surgical planning
Weeks 6-8: Treatment planning coursework - writing a treatment plan & formulating a consent document
Week 9&10: Coursework assessment - formulating a long term maintenance plan
Weeks 11&12: Professional reflection coursework assignment
PART 2
DELIVERED BY ASTON UNIVERSITY
Starts September each year
90 credits
Module D14ARM: Research Skills (online delivery plus 2 online contact classes). 30 credits
Module D14OPR: Research project and dissertation. 60 credits
Advanced Practical Skills Week (in-person attendance):
- Guided Bone Regeneration
- Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) in dentistry
- Sinus augmentation surgery
- Piezosurgery
- CBCT Interpretation & reporting (Level 2)
* Delegates on the Experienced Practitioner Pathway are exempt from the Preclinical Practical Skills Week (Module 2) in Part 1
** Delegates on the Experienced Practitioner Pathway submit 6 Case Reports of their own past cases for the Module 6 assessment in Part 1
The exit qualification of Level 7 Diploma in Implant Dentistry can be awarded if a delegate reaches a pass grade (45%) in Part 1 but does not attain a grade of 60% or more to allow progression into Part 2, or if a delegate decides to withdraw from the course after successfully completing Part 1. In such circumstances an exit qualification conferment fee of £2,500 + VAT will apply.
A grade of 60% or more is required in all modules of the Part 1 program to allow continuation into Part 2