Master of Science in Dental Materials Science

The Master of Science in Dental Materials Science [MSc(DMS)] programme is designed for dentists who want to gain a deeper understanding of their daily work or specialise in facilitating and teaching materials science and biomaterials at dental schools.The programme is also suitable for science and engineering degree-holders who want to pursue a career in interdisciplinary research or teachingin the field of dental materials science and biomaterials. The programme does not involve patient contact.

The MSc(DMS) is a programme of advanced study designed to develop a broad knowledge of the principles underlying the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of all classes of materials in dentistry and medicine; structure at molecular, microscopic and macroscopic levels; adhesion promotion; setting reactions; mechanisms of reaction and mechanical failure; testing and validation; adhesion promotion; and behaviour in all relevant science and emerging technology aspects of each class of material used in dentistry, in relation to their function, application handling and service. The programme includes small group tutorials, lectures, seminars, common courses, laboratory demonstrations and experiments, optional courses, self-guided learning and journal-based learning. Students practise scientific presentation skills, give a scientific seminar presentation, the Annual MSc(DMS) Post-Graduate Student Seminar, and write a scientific paper based on their laboratory research project, in addition to their MSc(DMS) thesis.

The rise of average life expectancy means that dental materials science is becoming increasingly useful in the job market. In addition to clinical dentistry (if with a BDS certificate), graduates work in teaching, research and development, quality control, marketing, logistics, production, engineering and consulting.