DOCTOR IN SPECIAL CARE DENTISTRY



Programme Overview

The Doctor in Special Care Dentistry (DrSCDent) is a three-year full-time programme designed for dental graduates who wish to pursue specialist training in Special Care Dentistry (SCD). The programme aims to produce specialists in the discipline of SCD who are knowledgeable, clinically and technically competent to practice at an advanced level, socially responsible and are able to function effectively as members of the healthcare delivery system and who adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct.


The programme is designed to facilitate the advanced development of clinical, academic and research skills necessary for a student to further a career in academia, research or specialty practice.


Full-Time Duration: 6 Semesters (Clinical)


Programme Structure

Core Clinical and Theoretical Courses in Special Care Dentistry (SCD)
  • Principles and Practice of Special Care Dentistry
  • Clinical Management of Patients with Disabilities and Special Needs
  • Dental Management of Medically Compromised Patients
  • Multidisciplinary Approaches in SCD
  • Legal and Ethical Aspects in SCD
  • Public Health and Social Aspects of Special Care Dentistry

Research and Academic Skills
  • Research Methodology
  • Research Proposal Development
  • Clinical Audit and Quality Improvement
  • Dissertation Writing and Submission
  • Literature Review and Critical Appraisal
  • Journal Club Participation and Presentation

Teaching and Training 
  • Teaching Methodologies in Dentistry
  • Clinical Supervision and Undergraduate Teaching
  • Presentation and Communication Skills

Clinical Attachment and Rotations
  • Clinical Attachments in: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Prosthodontics, Pediatrics Dentistry, Orthodontics
  • Attachment in Medical Specialties: Oncology, Hematology, Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine
  • Domiciliary and Community Dental Services (Home Visits)
  • NGO and Community Center Engagement

Professional Development Activities
  • Seminar Participation and Presentations
  • Scientific Conference Attendance and Organization
  • Participation in Workshops
  • Combined Clinics with Other Dental Specialties
  • International Elective/Collaboration Opportunities (e.g. Otago, Melbourne, Dublin, Singapore)

Career Prospects

Specialist in Special Care Dentistry (SCD), Consultant in Hospital-Based Dental Services, Academic and Lecturer in Dentistry, Clinical Researcher / Researcher Scientist, Public Health Dentist / Health Policy Advisor, Director or Administrator in Dental Services, NGO and Community Health Advocate, Trainer / Clinical Supervisor for Undergraduate or Postgraduate Dental Students, Private Practitioner with SCD Specialization, Policy Maker or Advisor in Ministry of Health / Government Agencies, International Collaborator or Visiting Specialist.

Tuition Fee

Local

RM 275,600

International

RM 520,800

Intake

Not Available

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements

  • Possess a Master's Degree in Oral Science form UM and other equivalent qualifications in related fields; AND;
  • Possess an accredited and recognized Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree or equivalent Degree.

Specific Entry Requirements

  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: An accredited and recognized Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree or equivalent Degree.
  • Master’s Degree in Oral Science from UM and other equivalent qualifications in related fields.
  • Equivalent Qualification: N/A
  • Related Fields: N/A
  • Special Requirements: Applicants with qualifications other than a Master of Oral Science from UM must pass the interview and other requirements set by the Faculty as below:

    Other requirements:

    • At Least two (2) years of clinical practice after the Bachelor's Degree, excluding Master's training.
    • Registered with the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) and maintain an Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) for national candidates.
    • Proof of registration with the Dental Regulatory Body from another country for international candidates.

English Requirements

  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable