AIM
This is a course run by the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) and FGDP(UK).
The course is for primary care dentists with an interest in orthodontics but who have had no formal training in orthodontics. It is not a specialist orthodontic training programme and does not lead to the M.Orth.
COURSE CONTENT
It is a three year, part -time course leading to the DPCO (RCS) exam. The academic component is based on modules via an online virtual learning environment (VLE) as well as contact teaching days.
The syllabus includes:
- Core skills
- Core orthodontic subjects
- Clinical orthodontic subjects
- Orthodontic techniques
- Treatment procedures and multidisciplinary care
- Management of oral health
There is also practice based clinical training. A trainee has to work in a specialist orthodontic practice or hospital department with a specialist orthodontic trainer for at least a half day each week. 20 supervised cases will need to be recorded in a logbook. Two fully documented cases are required for the final exam. The trainer will also act as a mentor and carry out clinical assessments of the trainee throughout the course.
TEACHING & ASSESSMENT
During the course there are assessments, in the form of multiple short answer assessments (MSA’S), essays and clinical case assessments. At the end of the course, if all the assessments have been completed satisfactorily, the trainee will be signed up to take the DPCO exam. This is an external exam set and marked by the Royal College of Surgeons.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
You should:
- be registered with the GDC.
- have been qualified for 10 years.
- have a qualification in dentistry at BDS level and FDS (RCS) or equivalent.
- have evidence of experience in providing orthodontic treatment.
- have an NHS orthodontic contract and be providing orthodontic treatment in an area of unmet orthodontic need.
- be part of an orthodontic clinical network.
- have a specialist trainer (a consultant or specialist practitioner) and submit a letter of support and commitment from your trainer.
DURATION
Three years, part-time
NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE
30 per course (competitive entry)
LOCATION
The BOS headquarters in Bridewell Place and The RCS in London and at regional centres in Manchester
START DATE
The next intake will be in October 2012.
APPLICATIONS
We are extending the application deadline for all those interested in applying for the Diploma in Primary Care Orthodontics to the 16th July 2012. The competitive entry and selection process has seen one round of applicants successful at securing an interview on the course to start in October 2012. However, we still have places available and applications are invited for a second recruitment at the end of July 2012. If you are interested in being selected for place on the Diploma, then please contact us for more information.
Please click on the link below to download the FAQs, Prospectus, The Role of the Trainer and an electronic application form.
Application pack
COST
£19,500 FGDP(UK)/BOS members
In order to use Moodle and have access to Athens, participants must be members of both the BOS and FGDP(UK).
CREDITS
The programme will comprise a total of 120 postgraduate credits; each credit constitutes 10 hours of contact or distance learning. The credits can be transferred to the FGDP(UK)'s Career Pathway.
For further information please contact the Education Department on 020 7869 6764 fgdp-education@rcseng.ac.uk
