LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (Dip Geriatric Dentistry) 

Why Choose this Qualification

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (Dip Geriatric Dentistry) is a UK-accredited qualification tailored for dental professionals seeking to specialise in the oral health care of older adults. With the global ageing population rapidly increasing, this course addresses the urgent need for practitioners skilled in diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health conditions in elderly patients. Blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, the diploma equips learners with advanced expertise in age-related oral health challenges, restorative techniques, and patient-centred care. Designed with flexibility, the assignment-based structure makes it ideal for busy professionals managing clinical duties alongside further academic growth.

Key Reasons to Choose this Qualification:

Specialist Knowledge:
Develop a deep understanding of geriatric dentistry, covering oral pathology, prosthodontics, periodontics, and preventive care specific to ageing patients. Learners study the effects of systemic diseases, complex medical histories, and medication-related oral health issues. This strong foundation enables practitioners to deliver effective diagnoses, treatment planning, and evidence-based care tailored to the elderly population.

Practical Application:
Gain competence in providing restorative, preventive, and rehabilitative treatments suited to elderly patients. The Dip Geriatric Dentistry programme explores techniques for managing oral cancer detection, prosthodontic rehabilitation, periodontal therapy, and comfort-focused treatments. Learners also build expertise in communication and collaboration with caregivers and healthcare professionals, ensuring holistic, patient-focused care.

UK-Accredited Diploma:
Achieve a UK-recognised qualification that validates advanced expertise in geriatric oral health care and strengthens professional standing. Accreditation ensures compliance with clinical and ethical standards, making this diploma highly valuable for dentists, hygienists, therapists, and specialists wishing to advance in academic, clinical, or community healthcare roles.

Flexible Learning:
The structured, assignment-based study format enables learners to progress at their own pace without traditional examinations. This model is especially beneficial for practising professionals balancing demanding patient care with academic development, ensuring accessibility while maintaining academic excellence.

Evidence-Based Training:
Explore modern approaches to geriatric dentistry through current research, global best practices, and clinical guidelines. The course emphasises evidence-based care, oral cancer screening, preventive dentistry, and management of medically complex patients, preparing learners to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality oral healthcare.

Career Development:
Expand your career opportunities across dental practices, hospitals, geriatric care facilities, community health programmes, and academic institutions. The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry enhances employability by equipping learners with specialist skills increasingly in demand. It also provides a pathway to postgraduate education or further professional recognition in geriatric oral health care.

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (Dip Geriatric Dentistry) empowers dental professionals with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional credibility to address the unique oral health challenges of older adults. By integrating theory with applied practice, the diploma enhances patient outcomes, supports multidisciplinary collaboration, and prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in the growing field of geriatric dentistry.

Course Overview

LICQual UK Awarding Body

Average Completion Time:
6-24 Months

Study Units: 6 Units

Evidence & Assignment Based

Mandatory Units

  • Principles of Geriatric Dentistry
  • Oral Disease in Older Adults
  • Preventive and Restorative Strategies
  • Prosthodontics and Complex Treatment Planning
  • Multidisciplinary Care and Patient Management
  • Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development

Who Should Take This Course

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (Dip Geriatric Dentistry) is designed for dental professionals who wish to develop advanced expertise in the oral health care of older adults. This UK-accredited qualification is ideal for practitioners aiming to address the unique challenges of ageing populations, improve treatment planning, and enhance quality of life for elderly patients. It equips learners with in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical approaches in prosthodontics, periodontics, oral pathology, and preventive care tailored to older individuals, supporting both professional growth and excellence in geriatric dental practice.

This course is suitable for:

Dental Surgeons: Practitioners seeking to expand their expertise in managing age-related oral health issues, restorative techniques, and complex medical cases, enabling them to provide specialised care for elderly patients with confidence.

General Dentists: Professionals wishing to strengthen their skills in preventive and restorative dentistry for older adults, improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and long-term patient well-being.

Aspiring Specialists: Dentists preparing for advanced postgraduate study or specialist pathways in geriatric or prosthodontic dentistry who want to build a strong academic and clinical foundation.

Dental Hygienists and Therapists: Practitioners aiming to broaden their role by developing competencies in oral care for elderly populations, including periodontal management, oral cancer screening, and preventive treatment strategies.

Dental Academics and Educators: Professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of geriatric dentistry to support teaching, clinical research, or evidence-based training in the academic field of dentistry.

Healthcare-Oriented Learners: Individuals with a professional interest in ageing and oral health who wish to understand the principles, preventive approaches, and impact of geriatric dentistry in promoting dignity, comfort, and overall well-being for older patients.

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (Dip Geriatric Dentistry) is particularly valuable for dental professionals who want to specialise in elderly oral health care, strengthen their clinical and academic expertise, and earn a UK-accredited qualification. By combining evidence-based learning with applied practice, this diploma supports career advancement, professional recognition, and the ability to meet the growing demand for geriatric dental care in modern dentistry.

Eligibility Criteria

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (Dip Geriatric Dentistry) is a UK-accredited programme designed for dental professionals who wish to advance their expertise in managing the oral health needs of elderly patients. This assignment-based qualification combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it suitable for dentists, dental therapists, and dental academics seeking to specialise in geriatric oral healthcare. By meeting the entry requirements, learners ensure they are well-prepared to succeed in the programme and apply their knowledge effectively in clinical and academic 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 hygiene, dental therapy, or a healthcare-related field may also be considered. Equivalent international qualifications will be evaluated individually to ensure suitability for the programme.
Professional Experience:
A minimum of one year of clinical experience in dentistry or a related oral healthcare field is recommended. Prior exposure to geriatric care, prosthodontics, periodontics, or preventive dentistry is advantageous, though motivated dental professionals without direct geriatric experience may also apply.
Age Requirement:
Learners must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment, ensuring they demonstrate the professional maturity, responsibility, and clinical judgment necessary for advanced training in geriatric dentistry.
Language Proficiency:
Since the programme is delivered in English, applicants 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 successful completion of assignments and active engagement with course materials.
Technical Requirements:
Applicants should have access to a computer or laptop with a stable internet connection, along with basic IT skills to navigate digital resources, conduct research, and submit assignments via online learning 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 documents may be requested for applicants presenting international qualifications to verify eligibility.

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 Geriatric Dentistry is an advanced, postgraduate qualification for dental professionals. It focuses on equipping practitioners with the specialized knowledge and skills required to address the unique and complex oral health needs of the aging population, considering age-related physiological changes, systemic diseases, and their impact on dental care and overall quality of life.

This diploma is designed for practising dentists, dental specialists, and potentially other allied dental professionals (like hygienists with appropriate prerequisites) who seek to specialize in the care of older adults. It’s ideal for those aiming to elevate their clinical practice to manage the growing demand for evidence-based geriatric dental medicine in various settings.

The curriculum focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of geriatric care, covering essential topics like Advanced Geriatric Oral Health Assessment, Management of Systemic Diseases in Older Adults, Geriatric Pharmacology and Medication Management, Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry for Seniors, and Ethical and Legal Issues in Geriatric Dental Practice.

The diploma is designated as a Level 6 qualification, indicating a standard of learning comparable to a bachelor’s degree level, but typically applied as a postgraduate specialist qualification for those who already hold a primary dental degree. It signifies advanced expertise and specialist application of knowledge in the field.

This course specifically prepares learners to manage challenges such as xerostomia (dry mouth), high incidence of root caries and periodontal disease in seniors, complex treatment planning for medically compromised patients, and ethical decision-making concerning capacity, consent, and end-of-life care in dentistry.

Yes, while the program provides a strong theoretical and evidence-based foundation in gerontology, the overall goal is to enhance clinical expertise. Therefore, the course structure often includes a focus on practical applications, such as detailed case analysis, treatment planning tailored to geriatric patients, and hands-on skill development, though the exact format depends on the individual provider.

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