LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials)

Why Choose this Qualification

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials) is a UK-accredited qualification designed for dental professionals who wish to develop advanced expertise in the science, application, and innovation of dental biomaterials. This course combines theoretical understanding with practical application to help learners evaluate and use materials effectively in restorative, prosthodontic, orthodontic, and preventive dentistry. Participants explore composites, ceramics, polymers, alloys, impression materials, and modern bioactive substances, preparing them to deliver durable, aesthetic, and patient-focused dental treatments. Designed with flexibility, the diploma follows an assignment-based structure, making it ideal for professionals balancing clinical responsibilities with advanced study.

Key Reasons to Choose this Qualification:

Specialist Knowledge:
Gain in-depth insights into the properties, composition, and clinical performance of dental materials. Learners study areas such as adhesion, wear resistance, biocompatibility, aesthetics, and material selection, enabling them to make evidence-based decisions in restorative and prosthetic care. This strong academic foundation ensures precision, safety, and improved patient outcomes.

Practical Application:
Develop competence in handling and evaluating dental materials for diverse procedures including restorations, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and preventive applications. The programme emphasises evidence-based use of composites, ceramics, metals, impression materials, and emerging biomaterials to ensure accuracy, durability, and patient satisfaction in clinical practice.

UK-Accredited Diploma:
Earn a UK-recognised qualification that validates professional expertise in dental materials and enhances credibility in clinical, academic, and research settings. Accreditation ensures alignment with international best practices, making this diploma valuable for dentists, dental technicians, and academics pursuing advanced career opportunities.

Flexible Learning:
Benefit from a structured, assignment-based programme that allows learners to progress at their own pace. This flexible model suits busy dental professionals managing patient care alongside professional development, removing the pressure of traditional examinations while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Evidence-Based Training:
Explore cutting-edge research, innovations, and sustainable practices in dental materials science. The course emphasises biocompatibility, environmental responsibility, and the application of nanotechnology and bioactive materials, ensuring participants remain at the forefront of modern dentistry.

Career Development:
Unlock career pathways in clinical practice, dental laboratories, academic institutions, and research roles. The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials equips learners with highly sought-after expertise, expanding opportunities in both specialised and multidisciplinary dental teams, while also providing a solid foundation for further postgraduate study.

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials) equips learners with the advanced knowledge and clinical expertise to evaluate, select, and apply dental materials effectively in professional practice. By combining scientific principles with practical application, it enhances treatment quality, patient safety, and overall clinical success. This diploma is particularly valuable for professionals aiming to elevate their careers, contribute to innovation, and meet the growing demand for excellence in modern dental care. It represents a crucial step towards professional advancement in dental materials science.

Course Overview

LICQual UK Awarding Body

Average Completion Time:
6-24 Months

Study Units: 6 Units

Evidence & Assignment Based

Mandatory Units

  • Principles of Dental Materials
  • Physical and Chemical Properties of Materials
  • Biomaterials and Biocompatibility
  • Laboratory Techniques and Material Manipulation
  • Clinical Application and Material Selection
  • Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development

Who Should Take This Course

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials) is designed for dental professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and technical expertise in the science, selection, and clinical application of dental biomaterials. This UK-accredited qualification is ideal for practitioners aiming to improve treatment outcomes, enhance restorative procedures, and progress within the specialised field of dental materials science. It equips learners with in-depth theoretical insights and practical approaches to the properties, manipulation, and evaluation of restorative, prosthodontic, orthodontic, and preventive materials, supporting both professional growth and patient-centred care in modern dentistry.

This course is suitable for:

Dental Surgeons: Practitioners seeking to expand their expertise in restorative and prosthetic dentistry by deepening their understanding of material properties, handling, and performance to deliver safe, durable, and aesthetic treatments.

General Dentists: Professionals wishing to strengthen their skills in selecting and applying appropriate dental materials for restorative, prosthodontic, and preventive treatments, ensuring long-lasting clinical results and improved patient satisfaction.

Aspiring Specialists: Dentists preparing for higher-level postgraduate qualifications or specialist pathways in prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, or materials research who want to establish a strong academic and clinical foundation in dental materials.

Dental Technicians and Therapists: Practitioners aiming to broaden their role by developing competencies in the design, fabrication, and clinical use of dental materials, enabling them to contribute effectively within interdisciplinary dental teams.

Dental Academics and Educators: Professionals interested in advancing their knowledge of dental biomaterials to support teaching, research, or evidence-based training in dental education and scientific development.

Healthcare-Oriented Learners: Individuals with a professional interest in oral health sciences who wish to understand the principles, performance, and innovations in dental materials, and their impact on patient care, treatment success, and overall well-being.

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials) is particularly valuable for dental professionals seeking to specialise in biomaterials, strengthen their technical expertise, and achieve a UK-accredited qualification. By combining evidence-based learning with clinical application, this diploma supports career progression, professional recognition, and the ability to meet the growing demand for advanced knowledge of dental materials in modern dentistry.

Eligibility Criteria

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials (Dip Dental Materials) is a UK-accredited qualification designed for dental professionals who wish to advance their expertise in biomaterials, restorative sciences, and the clinical application of dental materials. This assignment-based programme combines advanced theoretical learning with practical application, making it suitable for dentists, dental technicians, and dental academics seeking to develop specialist knowledge in material science and its role in modern dentistry. By meeting the entry requirements, learners ensure they are fully prepared to succeed in the programme and apply their expertise effectively in professional practice.
Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a recognised dental degree such as BDS, DDS, or an equivalent qualification. Those with a Level 5 diploma in dentistry, dental technology, or a healthcare-related field may also be considered. Equivalent international qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine suitability for the programme.
Professional Experience:
A minimum of one year of clinical or laboratory experience in dentistry, dental technology, or related fields is recommended. Prior exposure to restorative procedures, dental biomaterials, or laboratory practices is advantageous, although motivated professionals without direct material science experience may also apply.
Age Requirement:
Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment, ensuring they possess the professional maturity, responsibility, and judgment required for advanced-level training.
Language Proficiency:
As the programme is delivered in English, learners should demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and communication. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or an equivalent qualification, is recommended for non-native English speakers to ensure they can complete assignments and engage effectively with course content.
Technical Requirements:
Applicants should have access to a computer or laptop with a reliable internet connection, along with basic IT skills to use digital resources, conduct research, and submit assignments through online platforms.
Required Documents:
Applicants must provide a valid ID or passport, proof of educational qualifications, and evidence of professional experience (if applicable) for registration. Additional documentation may be required for applicants presenting international qualifications.

The Qualification Process

Step 1: Self-Assessment
Learners review the entry requirements to confirm eligibility. Candidates with a background in dentistry, oral health, or public health are encouraged to apply.

Step 2: Registration
Complete the registration process by submitting required documents such as proof of qualifications, a valid ID, and payment of enrollment fees.

Step 3: Induction
An induction session is conducted to:

  • Verify learner eligibility and documentation.
  • Introduce study materials, learning outcomes, and assessment procedures.

Step 4: Learning and Evidence Submission
Learners complete assignments, case studies, and practical exercises demonstrating competence in public health dentistry, community oral health assessment, preventive strategies, and program planning.

Step 5: Feedback and Revision
Assessors review submitted evidence and provide constructive feedback. Learners can revise and resubmit work to meet all required standards.

Step 6: Competence Validation
Final submissions are evaluated to confirm that learners have met all theoretical and practical learning outcomes.

Step 7: Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
The IQA team reviews the assessment process to ensure accuracy, fairness, and compliance with international standards.

Step 8: External Verification (EQA)
External verifiers validate the authenticity and quality of learner achievements.

FAQs

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Dental Materials is a specialized, advanced qualification for dental professionals focusing entirely on the science and clinical application of materials used in modern dentistry. It provides an in-depth understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, linking their performance directly to patient outcomes.

This diploma is designed for experienced dental practitioners, including dentists, dental technicians, and other qualified professionals who want to deepen their material science knowledge. It’s not for new graduates but for those seeking to enhance their clinical decision-making regarding material selection and manipulation to improve the quality of restorative, prosthodontic, and preventive treatments.

Core learning areas include the Fundamentals of Dental Materials Science, detailed study of Restorative and Aesthetic Materials, knowledge of Prosthodontic and Orthodontic Materials, and essential units on Biocompatibility and Safety of Dental Materials. The curriculum also covers Advanced Material Techniques and Evidence-Based Practice to ensure contemporary relevance.

Learners will gain advanced knowledge of how materials behave under clinical conditions and the ability to critically analyze material properties like mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and chemical stability. Key skills include competence in material manipulation, laboratory techniques, and the ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions on material selection for complex cases.

Applicants are generally expected to hold a recognised dental degree or equivalent qualification and possess relevant clinical experience in general or specialized dentistry. The Level 6 designation means it is pitched at an advanced level, requiring a solid foundational knowledge of dentistry before specialization in materials.

Biocompatibility and Safety is a mandatory unit, focusing on the crucial interaction between dental materials and oral tissues. This involves analyzing factors that affect material degradation and potential toxicity, and evaluating the overall patient safety implications of different material choices, ensuring an ethical and high-standard approach to patient care.

Similar Posts