University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

Special Care Dentistry

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode Online
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The online Master of Science in Special Care Dentistry at the University of Aberdeen is designed for dental professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in providing holistic care for patients with diverse needs. You will explore critical aspects of disability, health, and special care dentistry, alongside the aetiology of disability and its clinical management. This programme is ideal for practitioners aiming to enhance their theoretical knowledge and clinical confidence, ensuring you are equipped to address complex patient requirements with advanced understanding and evidence-based approaches.

This flexible, part-time online MSc is structured over a minimum of 36 months, allowing you to integrate learning seamlessly with your professional practice. Your studies will encompass research design, clinical practice, and service provision, with opportunities to choose elective courses tailored to your interests, such as medically compromising conditions or learning disabilities. The programme culminates in a substantial MSc Special Care Dissertation, where you will conduct independent research. You will graduate with advanced skills in critical appraisal, care planning, and patient-centred care, prepared for leadership roles in special care dentistry.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of special care dentistry, covering critical appraisal, research methodologies, and the etiology and clinical care of individuals with disabilities and other special needs. Students will delve into the clinical management of special care patients, service provision, and the unique considerations for medically compromised, physically and learning disabled individuals, older patients, and those with mental health challenges. The program culminates in an MSc dissertation, allowing for in-depth research within the field.

1 PgCert Stage (60 credits)

Critical Appraisal and Research Compulsory
Disability, Health and Special Care Dentistry Compulsory
Aetiology of Disability and Clinical Care Compulsory
Clinical Management of the Special Care Patient Compulsory

2 PgDip Stage (60 credits)

Fundamentals of Research Design Compulsory
Clinical Practice and Service Provision Compulsory
Medically Compromising Conditions Elective
Physical Disability Elective
Learning Disability Elective
The Older Dental Patient Elective
Mental Health and Phobia Elective

3 MSc Stage (60 credits)

MSc Special Care Dissertation Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 7,542.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 7,542.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 7,542.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 22,627.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,256.00 - USD 3,867.00
Transport USD 725.00 - USD 1,009.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,386.00 - USD 1,732.00
Estimated Total USD 4,367.00 - USD 6,262.00

Living cost estimates are based on Old Aberdeen campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Clinical & Medical ServicesHealth Technology & Digital HealthHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingHome Health & Long‑Term CareMedical Research & Clinical TrialsMental Health & CounselingNursing & Allied HealthPublic Health & EpidemiologyRehabilitation & Physiotherapy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

NHS

NHS Grampian

Why Study Special Care Dentistry at University of Aberdeen

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Special Care Dentistry at University of Aberdeen

Can I work while studying?

International students can work part-time based on their course level: 10 hours for diplomas and 20 hours for degrees during term time. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need to meet specific English language requirements. For example, a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5 is required, with no individual component below 5.5.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as dental hygienists, special care dentists, oral health educators, dental therapists, and research assistants.

What will I actually study in this course?

This online MSc focuses on holistic dental care for patients with special needs. Key areas of study include the patient-centred approach and critical thinking in care planning.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

You can start the MSc in Special Care Dentistry in January or September. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance studying with your current practice.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️