Course summary

The MSc in Dental Materials provides a unique and highly relevant approach to explore the developments in digital technology and dental materials with an introduction to the concept of commercialisation. The MSc is delivered by leading scientists in the field, who will assist you to develop and apply your skills and knowledge in dental materials based on the latest evidence and workflows. Dental materials are evolving rapidly with advancing biological approaches and the increasing use of digital technology. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of modern dental materials, with a focus on how they inform contemporary and natural materials, those used in additive and subtractive manufacturing and regenerative dentistry. You’ll learn about the translation of new products to the clinic, and gain experience in research methodologies, modern dental materials, finite element analysis and artificial intelligence, micro-CT, CAD and CAM, 3D scanning and milling, 3D printing, and advanced microscope techniques. The course will help you understand what questions to ask when deciding whether to adopt new materials and processes. You’ll also undertake an individual research project facilitated by access to the School’s extensive research facilities, allowing exploration of an area of particular interest to you. Research highlights:

• You’ll be introduced to the skills needed for conducting scientific research, both qualitative and quantitative, including literature searching and critical analysis, project management, ethical issues and data analysis using appropriate statistical methods.

• You’ll be supported to formulate ideas and hypotheses to develop and prepare an individual, original research project.

• Mastery of materials used in dentistry including contemporary materials methods and processes.

• Learn how biomineralization of dental hard tissues informs and inspires biomimetic materials.

• Introduction to the use of biomaterials, stem cells and microbiology in tissue regeneration.

• Learn how mechanical, physicochemical and biological properties are linked to their longevity.

• Explore how the finite element method and artificial intelligence can help you predict and avoid dental materials failures.

• Study and engage with imaging techniques which reveal the microstructure of dental materials, such as microtomography and scanning electron and confocal microscopies.

• Experience digital technologies such as CAD and CAM, 3D and 4D Printing and their importance for the sustainability (circular economy) and functionalization of dental materials.

• Study the concepts of commercialisation with international students from multidisciplinary backgrounds, providing great networking opportunities.

• testing facilities: mechanical testing, rheometric, impact, wear, profilometry, hardness

• imaging facilities: Scanning Electron Environmental Microscope, Confocal Microscope Optical Microscope, Micro and High-resolution Micro-CT

• digital dentistry facilities: 3D Printers (STL, DLS, and Multilayer), CAD/CAM milling machine, 4D Printer, Finite Element Analysis

• cell culture facilities, Real-time PCR and Bioreactors.