Graduate Education

The Faculty of Dentistry conducts two types of graduate programmes:

      
• A research based programme leading to the Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); and
• A clinical residency training programme leading to the Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S.).

4.1        Research Programmes

The Faculty has a vibrant research culture to support the Faculty’s mission “Improve oral health through academic excellence, high-impact research and quality clinical service”.

In a research programme, research candidates conduct independent research under the guidance of supervisors, attend classes leading to examinations and submit a thesis based on their research findings.

4.1.1     Degrees Offered

Surrounded by a wealth of facilities and personnel from related faculties, the Faculty is well poised to provide degrees in Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the following departments:

•        Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

•        Preventive Dentistry

•        Restorative Dentistry

Being a small Faculty, we are highly selective in admitting candidates with suitable qualifications. The minimum and maximum periods of candidature are as follows:

Research candidates may be admitted as full-time or part-time students. However, foreign students on student pass must pursue their studies on a full-time basis. The minimum and maximum periods of candidature for both full-time and part-time programme are the same.

4.1.2     Degree Requirements

For MSc candidates:

•       Good Honors degree (at least Second Class Lower) or equivalent in a relevant  discipline; or

•       Good Bachelor degree in relevant discipline with at least two years of relevant

•       work experience.

•       To be eligible for research scholarship, candidates are expected to have at least a Second Class Upper Honors degree or equivalent.

For Ph.D. candidates:

•       Good Master’s degree in relevant discipline.

•       Candidates with second class upper Honors degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline may also be admitted directly into a Ph.D. program at the discretion of the faculty.

•       Students with locally or internationally accredited BDS, DDS and MBBS degrees may be admitted directly into the Ph.D. programme at the department’s recommendation.  They are required to take the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam within 18 months from the registration date.

Other Requirements

•       Interview (at the discretion of Faculty);

•       Proficiency in English Language (both verbal and written);

•       All applicants except those from universities in Singapore, USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines are to submit evidence of English language proficiency:-

Ø        TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - minimum 580 (paper-based score) / minimum 237 (computer-based score) / minimum 85 (internet-based score)

Please quote 9083 (TOEFL Institutional code) for our Faculty/School and 38 (Department code)

Ø        IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - the score should be 6 and above

Please note that the TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.  Candidates need to submit fresh scores if they took the test more than two years ago.

Courses required

Both M.Sc. and Ph.D. candidates are required to complete four compulsory modules (MDG 5105 Clinical Research Methodology, BL5212 Critical Thinking and Writing in Biological Sciences, MDG5108 Biostatistics for Basic Research and DY5190 Graduate Seminar Module).  In addition, it is mandatory for research students to make Pre-conference Presentations to the Faculty every time they attend conferences for poster/oral presentations. Ph.D. students are to take two elective modules on top of the above-mentioned modules.

4.1.3     Financial Assistance and Awards

The University offers financial assistance to full-time graduate research students through its Research Scholarships, which are awarded competitively to outstanding graduates for research leading to a higher degree at the University. The scholarships are tenable for one year in the first instance and are renewable annually, subject to satisfactory progress.. The scholarships for MSc and Ph.D. are for a period of two and four years respectively.

Each Scholarship carries a monthly stipend ranging from S$1,500 - S$2,500 as well as a full tuition fee subsidy and a monthly top-up of S$500 for Ph.D candidates upon passing the PhD Qualifying Examination. No travel or other allowances are provided.  No bond is also required.

Research scholars are required to render a nominal 6 hours of work per week without remuneration. The work rendered will be in the nature of research done by the research scholar for supervisors or other related academic work as designated by the supervisor or Head of Department. Please note that the University does not guarantee employment to research scholars upon completion of their candidature.

4.2        Coursework Programmes

The DGDS conducts the full-time three-year structured clinical residency training programme in the following five specialties:

•       Endodontics

•       Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

•       Orthodontics

•       Periodontology

•       Prosthodontics

Courses in the above specialties are offered in a variety of pedagogical styles – seminars, tutorials, lectures, journal reviews and clinical practice. 

4.2.1     Degrees Offered

The DGDS offers full-time clinical residency training programmes in five specialties, leading to the degree of:

•        Master of Dental Surgery (Endodontics)

•        Master of Dental Surgery (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery)

•        Master of Dental Surgery (Orthodontics)

•        Master of Dental Surgery (Periodontology)

•        Master of Dental Surgery (Prosthodontics)

http://www.dentistry.nus.edu.sg/DGDS/dgds_index.htm  

In addition to full-time programmes, the Faculty also conducts a part-time programme leading to:

•        Graduate Diploma (Dental Implantology)

http://www.dentistry.nus.edu.sg/CADE/CADE_grad_diploma.htm

4.2.2     Degree Requirements

4.2.2.1     Master of Dental Surgery

For admission as a candidate to the course leading to the degree of Master of Dental Surgery, the candidate must possess

•        A basic dental degree (Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent);

•        At least two years full-time clinical experience in general dentistry after graduation (excluding internship);

•        International applicants must complete the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum acceptable scores are:

-  TOEFL: 580 (computer based score of 237 & above) or  

-  IELTS: 7;

•         Application for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics: Have a pass in the Part 1 MDS Examination or equivalent.  Candidates without a pass in the Part I MDS Examination may apply for admission and be considered for candidature on the condition of passing the Part 1 MDS Examination or equivalent prior to the commencement of the interview.

The Part I MDS examination is based on aspects of anatomy, dental anatomy and histology, physiology, pathology and microbiology that demonstrate the fundamental principles and processes, and their clinical application. Candidates are required to demonstrate an appreciation of the integration of these subjects. http://www.dentistry.nus.edu.sg/DGDS/dgds_course_part1.htm  

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed and may be required to take a manual dexterity test. 

Health Requirements

In accordance with Ministry of Health requirements, candidates who are Hepatitis B (HBV) carriers are not eligible for admission to Dentistry.  In addition, NUS requires all candidates to demonstrate immunity to HBV. In the event that they remain non-immune despite repeat vaccinations, it is in their interest to reconsider their career choice as their future career options in healthcare may be limited.

Prospective students are also required to furnish documentary evidence of immunity to, or immunity for, Varicella Zoster Virus (Chickenpox) and Rubella Virus.

NUS reserves the right to retest any or all of its new dental graduates for any or all markers of Hepatitis B virus, and exclude any candidate tested positive for HBV from the Dental course.

Candidates who have been admitted to the three-year full-time clinical residency training programme will be conferred the Degree of Master of Dental Surgery upon fulfilment of the following requirements:

•        Complete the curriculum for the respective three-year residency training programme;

•        Pass the Final M.D.S. Examination in the respective specialised disciplines;

•        Undertake a research project and publish a dissertation as a partial fulfilment for the award of Master of Dental Surgery;

•        Participate in 20 hours of continuing education per year (i.e., 60 hours within three years of study);

•        Read the “SSM1205 The Nation’s Health: Lesson from SARS” e-module (local students are exempted)

Final M.D.S. Examinations

•        Final M.D.S. Examination in Endodontics

Candidates should have a good knowledge of basic sciences as applied to the principles and practice of endodontics; embryology, histology, physiology and pathophysiology of the pulpal/periradicular complex; pulpal and periapical pathosis; interception and prevention of pulpal disease; radiographic interpretation and microbiology; differential diagnosis of orofacial pain and control of pain of pulpal and periapical origin; pharmacodynamics; dental materials as related to endodontics; bleaching; endodontic surgery and management of problem cases; a good approach in diagnosis and treatment planning; be proficient in providing endodontic treatment and emergency treatment for all teeth; be effectively interfaced with other disciplines like periodontics, prosthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery, so as to provide multidisciplinary care and management.

•     Final M.D.S. Examination in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Candidates should have a detailed knowledge of the principles and practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery and surgical pathology; the diagnosis and treatment of aberrations of development and growth affecting the teeth and jaws; orofacial infection; cysts, neoplasms, bone dysplasias and other general diseases affecting the jaws, disorders of the temporomandibular joints; diseases of the maxillary sinus related to oral surgery; infections of the salivary glands; and maxillofacial injuries.

Candidates should also have a general knowledge of the principles and practice of general surgery and medicine related to the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

•     Final M.D.S. Examination in Orthodontics

Candidates should be familiar with the basic sciences as applied to all aspects of the theory and practice of orthodontics; growth and development of the face, jaws and dentition including the longitudinal management of developing dental and occlusal anomalies in the growing child; aetiology and malocclusion including the principles and practice of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedic treatment; principles of cephalometry (including computer processing) and other biometric methods in orthodontics; principles of surgical techniques in the management of dentoalveolar anomalies and the correction of dentofacial deformity; cleft lip/palate development and management, material science as applied to orthodontics, concepts of occlusion and temporomandibular joint dysfunction as related to orthodontics; technical aspects related to laboratory work, principles of biostatistics; and orthodontic interrelationships in periodontology, prosthodontics and restorative dentistry.

•     Final M.D.S. Examination in Prosthodontics

Candidates should have had basic science education as a foundation for clinical and technical skills; be competent in diagnosis, planning and treatment of patients with exceptional prosthodontics problems; be proficient in laboratory technical skills sufficient to evaluate technical work, communicate effectively with technicians and be able to train others in these skills; be effectively interfaced with other specialties and disciplines in the care of patients requiring interdisciplinary therapy.

•     Final M.D.S. Examination in Periodontology

Candidates should have a good working knowledge in the various areas of the biological sciences that relate to the theory and practice of Periodontology including implant dentistry. These would include:  basic sciences of the anatomy and physiology of the periodontium, periodontal wound healing, microbiology, immunology and pathogenesis of periodontal disease; competence in diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical and non-surgical management of patients with a range of periodontal disease problems; maintenance and control of periodontal disease including medically compromised patients and patients with special needs; sound concepts on the periodontal interrelationships with restorative dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery/oral medicine, medical sciences and be able to interface effectively with colleagues in these clinical disciplines as an integral component of comprehensive patient care;  understand the basic principles of research methodology and be able to carry out a research project independently.

4.2.2.2     Graduate Diploma (Dental Implantology)

For admission to the part-time two-year Graduate Diploma (Dental Implantology) programme, the candidate must have:

•        A recognised basic dental degree

•        Minimum five years of postgraduate clinical experience (candidate must be able to demonstrate appropriate baseline knowledge and skills in oral surgery and restorative dentistry and preferably have access to direct patient care)

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview, which will be conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry.  

*  Admission is offered only to dentists practicing in Singapore.

Candidates who have been admitted to the programme will be conferred the Graduate Diploma (Dental Implantology) upon fulfilment of the following requirements:

•        complete all didactic and clinical requirements of the programme, including the presentation and completion of ten cases;

•        pass all the necessary prescribed assessments and the Final Examination

4.2.3     Special Programmes

Basic Medical Science Course

This intensive two-week long course is a preparatory course for candidates who will be sitting for the Part I M.D.S. Examination conducted by the DGDS. It covers basic science subjects that are applicable for the practice of clinical dentistry.

4.2.4     Awards

The awards available to postgraduate dental students in the residency training programmes are: