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Diagnostic Oral Pathology
School of Clinical Dentistry,
Faculty of Health
Course description
This unique course focuses on oral and maxillofacial pathology, so you can gain specialist knowledge of diseases and disorders that affect the tissues and organs of the mouth, jaws, face and neck.
You will develop a working knowledge of the diagnostic process by studying lesions to help you understand the role they play in diagnosis, and also key techniques such as light microscopy. You will be introduced to histopathological techniques used in the diagnostic laboratory, from the processing and preparation of tissue to staining and immunohistochemistry.
You'll also study the latest laboratory techniques used in oral health disease research and be introduced to recent advances in tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry.
Throughout the degree, you will be trained to use digital and light microscopy to assess a variety of oral specimens and identify when more information or procedures are needed to confirm a diagnosis. As you progress, you will study less common lesions, and explore the role of oral pathologists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
As well as building on the knowledge of pathology you will have from your undergraduate degree, the course gives you the chance to build up your research skills. You will complete a research training programme and carry out your own independent research project.
Modules
Core modules:
- Basic Principles of Pathology
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This unit will provide an introduction to the principles, practice and approaches of diagnostic pathology. An introduction will be given to the use of the light microscope including photo-microscopy. A range of simple clinical lesions will be used to explain the diagnostic process including specimen trimming, recognition of simple histological and histo-pathological features and the preparation of a routine histo-pathological report. Basic health and safety, ethics and information on the human tissue act and bio-banking also forms part of the module.
15 credits - Basic Techniques in Histopathology
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The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the principles and practice of the basic techniques in histopathology. Processing of tissue will be explained and demonstrated from its arrival in the laboratory to fixation, processing, staining and sectioning for examination. The use of special stains in oral pathology and principles of immunohistochemistry will also be highlighted.
15 credits - Research Problems and Approaches
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The aim of this module is to introduce the candidate to critical appraisal of the scientific literature, health informatics and presentation skills. Health informatics seminars will familiarise the candidates with the tools available for searching and accessing scientific literature. Students will learn to critically appraise the literature including scientific papers, develop a coherent argument and present their findings both verbally and in a written format. Candidates will also be required to attend the Dental School lunchtime seminar series.
15 credits - Laboratory Research Methods
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The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the principles and practice of contemporary laboratory research methods. Demonstrations and 'hands on' practical sessions will enable the candidate to experience small and large scale molecular techniques for assessing gene and protein expression and for cloning. An introduction to cell culture will be given along with procedures of sample preparation and storage, use of controls and determination of validity, data analysis and 'troubleshooting' specific protocols.
15 credits - Diagnostic Oral Histopathology
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The aim of this module is to introduce the candidate to the principles and practice of diagnostic oral histopathology. Through a combination of student led seminars and practical microscopic assessment of oral pathology specimens, the candidate will gain experience of the diagnosis of common and significant lesions. The candidates will be made aware of current issues and controversies in oral pathology, sources of information to support the diagnostic process and the steps required to resolve diagnosis for specimens beyond their immediate capabilities.
30 credits - Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Dentistry
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The replacement of missing or diseased tissues and the restoration of normal tissue function is arguably the greatest challenge encountered by surgeons and clinical dentists today. This module introduces postgraduate students to the rapidly developing field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as applied in clinical dentistry, craniofacial surgery and in commercial and laboratory research. Students on this module will be provided with knowledge and insights with respect to the broad field of tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry, but particular emphasis will be placed on engineered tissue construction for dental and craniofacial repair and reconstruction.
15 credits - Advanced Oral Histopathology
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The aim of this module is to introduce the student to advanced diagnostic oral histopathology. Through a combination of student led seminars, draft report writing and practical microscopic assessment of oral histopathological specimens, the candidate will gain experience of the diagnosis of less common but significant lesions. The candidates will be made aware of the role of the pathologist in cancer management.
15 credits - Oral Histopathology III
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In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Masters Degree students must produce a dissertation of approx 20,000 words involving some original research and a review of the relevant literature.
60 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
Duration
1 year full-time
Teaching
After an induction period, you will learn through supervised reporting, staff and student-led seminars, practical laboratory sessions, lectures and independent study.
Assessment
You will be assessed through an introductory multi-choice assessment, written and microscope-based exams, essays, presentations at journal clubs and seminars, and a dissertation.
Your career
This course is great preparation for further study in oral pathology, for example, a PhD.
It can also help you to take your career in dentistry to the next level by giving you a better understanding of common and significant oral pathological lesions and conditions, and the experience to work out the next steps in making more complex diagnoses.
Student profiles
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in dentistry or medicine or a recognised dental or medical degree (BDS, MBBS etc).
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.
Other requirements
You should have at least one year of postgraduate experience in a relevant clinical discipline.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Fees and funding
Alumni discount
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
dentalpgtadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 215 9318 or +44 114 215 9319
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.