LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry)
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is a UK-accredited qualification designed to meet the growing demand for specialised dental care for the elderly. As global populations age, there is a pressing need for skilled professionals who can address the complex oral health challenges faced by older adults. This programme provides advanced knowledge and clinical expertise to prepare practitioners for leadership roles in geriatric dental care.
The purpose of this diploma is to equip dental professionals with the theoretical understanding and practical competence required to manage age-related oral conditions, prosthodontics, preventive care, and multidisciplinary treatment planning. It also emphasises the integration of evidence-based approaches, patient-centred care, and ethical considerations in the treatment of elderly patients.
Learners will develop advanced skills in diagnosing and managing conditions such as xerostomia, periodontal disease, tooth wear, and oral cancer screening in older adults. The course also explores prosthetic rehabilitation, implant dentistry in geriatric care, and strategies for supporting patients with systemic health issues or cognitive impairments.
The PgD in Geriatric Dentistry offers practical applications that go beyond clinical expertise, preparing learners to engage in research, academic teaching, and policy development within the field of elderly oral healthcare. By completing this diploma, professionals will be able to enhance treatment outcomes, improve patient quality of life, and contribute meaningfully to advancing geriatric dental services.
This postgraduate diploma is ideal for dentists, dental academics, and healthcare specialists who aim to specialise in geriatric dentistry, expand their professional recognition, and meet the increasing global demand for high-quality dental care for ageing populations. The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry not only strengthens clinical expertise but also opens new career pathways in both practice and academia.
Why Choose this Qualification
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is a UK-accredited programme designed for dental professionals aiming to specialise in the oral health needs of ageing populations. With the global rise in elderly patients, there is an increasing demand for advanced expertise in diagnosing, managing, and preventing oral health conditions specific to older adults. This diploma integrates advanced theoretical learning with clinical application, preparing practitioners to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care in geriatric dentistry. Designed with flexibility in mind, the programme follows an assignment-based model, making it ideal for practising professionals seeking to balance clinical practice with advanced study.
Key Reasons to Choose this Qualification:
Specialist Knowledge:
Gain advanced insights into geriatric dentistry, covering oral health challenges related to ageing, systemic health interactions, prosthodontics, preventive strategies, and oral cancer screening. Learners are trained to manage complex conditions such as xerostomia, periodontal disease, tooth wear, and age-related oral pathology, contributing to comprehensive, evidence-based patient care.
Practical Application:
Develop practical skills in prosthetic rehabilitation, implant dentistry for older adults, pain management, and treatment planning for patients with cognitive or physical impairments. The PgD Geriatric Dentistry programme also focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling learners to work effectively within broader healthcare teams.
UK-Accredited Diploma:
Earn a UK-recognised postgraduate diploma that validates specialist expertise in geriatric dentistry. Accreditation ensures alignment with global healthcare standards and best practices, enhancing professional credibility and opening doors to advanced clinical, academic, and research roles.
Flexible Learning:
Progress at your own pace with an assignment-based study model designed for busy dental professionals. The flexible approach removes traditional examinations, providing a supportive framework while maintaining academic and professional rigour.
Evidence-Based Training:
Explore modern research, international guidelines, and clinical evidence that shape geriatric dental practice. The course equips learners with the tools to adopt innovative approaches while ensuring ethical, safe, and patient-centred care for elderly populations.
Career Development:
Advance your career as a dentist, specialist, academic, or researcher in the growing field of geriatric dentistry. The PgD Geriatric Dentistry enhances employability by providing advanced competencies sought after in hospitals, private practice, specialist clinics, and teaching institutions.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and professional recognition required to excel in elderly oral healthcare. By combining advanced theory with clinical practice, this qualification strengthens diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, and patient outcomes, while meeting the rising global demand for skilled geriatric dental professionals.
Course Overview
LICQual UK Awarding Body
Average Completion Time:
6-24 Months
Study Units: 6 Units
Evidence & Assignment Based
Mandatory Units
Who Should Take This Course
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is designed for dental professionals who wish to advance their expertise in managing the unique oral health needs of ageing populations. This UK-accredited qualification is ideal for practitioners aiming to deliver specialised care to elderly patients, enhance their clinical competencies, and progress within the expanding field of geriatric dentistry. It provides learners with advanced theoretical insights and practical approaches to treatment planning, prosthodontics, preventive care, and the management of age-related oral conditions, supporting both professional growth and improved patient outcomes in modern geriatric dental practice.
This course is suitable for:
Dental Surgeons: Practitioners seeking to specialise in geriatric dentistry by gaining expertise in addressing oral health complexities associated with ageing, including prosthetic rehabilitation, oral pathology, and systemic health considerations.
General Dentists: Professionals wishing to strengthen their skills in managing older patients by integrating preventive, restorative, and palliative care strategies that improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.
Aspiring Specialists: Dentists preparing for higher-level postgraduate qualifications or specialist career pathways who want to establish a strong academic and clinical foundation in geriatric dentistry and elderly care.
Dental Hygienists and Therapists: Practitioners aiming to broaden their scope by developing competencies in preventive care, oral disease management, and collaborative treatment planning for elderly patients with complex needs.
Dental Academics and Educators: Professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of geriatric dentistry to support evidence-based teaching, academic research, and training of the next generation of dental practitioners.
Healthcare-Oriented Learners: Individuals with a professional interest in elderly oral health who wish to understand the principles, challenges, and strategies of geriatric dentistry in promoting well-being, disease prevention, and long-term oral care.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is particularly valuable for dental professionals who wish to specialise in elderly oral healthcare, expand their academic and clinical expertise, and achieve a UK-accredited postgraduate qualification. By combining evidence-based learning with practical application, this diploma supports career advancement, professional recognition, and the ability to meet the growing demand for skilled geriatric dental practitioners in modern dentistry.
Course Benefits
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) provides significant benefits for dental professionals seeking to advance their expertise in delivering specialised oral healthcare for elderly populations. By combining advanced theoretical knowledge with practical application, this postgraduate diploma equips learners to manage complex geriatric cases, enhance treatment planning, and improve patient outcomes in senior dental care. Designed as a flexible, assignment-based programme, it fosters professional development while maintaining clinical and academic excellence in modern geriatric dentistry.
Key Benefits of the Course:
- Specialist Knowledge: Gain a deep understanding of the physiological, pathological, and systemic changes associated with ageing and their impact on oral health. Learners explore geriatric oral pathology, prosthodontics, preventive care, and palliative dentistry, equipping them with the knowledge to manage elderly patients comprehensively.
- Practical Application: Develop advanced clinical skills in managing oral health complications in older adults, including tooth loss, xerostomia, periodontal disease, and prosthetic rehabilitation. Learners strengthen their ability to adapt treatment plans to accommodate systemic health conditions, medication side effects, and functional limitations common in geriatric patients.
- Recognised Qualification: Earn a UK-accredited postgraduate diploma that validates advanced expertise in geriatric dentistry and enhances professional credibility. Accreditation ensures alignment with global best practices, making this qualification valuable for dentists, prosthodontists, and oral health specialists aiming to expand their competencies in elderly care.
- Flexible Learning Pathway: Benefit from an assignment-based study format that enables learners to progress at their own pace while balancing clinical responsibilities. This flexible model is ideal for practising dental professionals who require accessible yet academically rigorous postgraduate training.
- Evidence-Based Training: Explore the latest research, clinical guidelines, and scientific advances in geriatric dentistry. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice, ethical considerations, and the integration of modern approaches to ensure effective and compassionate dental care for elderly populations.
- Career Development: Unlock career opportunities in hospitals, private practices, geriatric care facilities, and academic institutions. The PgD Geriatric Dentistry strengthens employability by equipping learners with advanced clinical and academic skills, paving the way for specialist training, leadership, or teaching roles.
- Enhanced Patient Care: Deliver improved oral health outcomes by addressing age-specific dental challenges with precision and compassion. The ability to provide holistic, patient-centred care enhances both the quality of treatment and the overall well-being of elderly patients.
- Professional Growth: Strengthen clinical decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership in geriatric oral healthcare. This diploma prepares professionals to play a vital role in advancing geriatric dentistry, contributing to better standards of care in an ageing society.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) equips dental professionals with the advanced expertise required to manage the complex oral health needs of older adults. By combining evidence-based knowledge with clinical application, it enhances professional competencies, supports career progression, and ensures improved patient care. This postgraduate diploma is particularly valuable for dental practitioners aiming to specialise in geriatric dentistry, advance academically, and meet the growing demand for elderly oral healthcare in modern dentistry.
Eligibility Criteria
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) is a UK-accredited programme designed for dental professionals who wish to specialise in the oral healthcare of elderly patients. This assignment-based qualification combines advanced theoretical learning with practical application, making it ideal for dentists, prosthodontists, and academics seeking to develop specialist expertise in geriatric dentistry. By meeting the entry requirements, learners ensure they are well-prepared to succeed in the programme and apply their advanced knowledge confidently in professional practice.
Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a recognised dental degree such as BDS, DDS, DMD, or an equivalent qualification. Those with a Level 6 diploma in dentistry, prosthodontics, or a healthcare-related discipline may also be considered. Equivalent international qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure their suitability for this postgraduate programme.
Professional Experience:
A minimum of two years of clinical experience in dentistry is strongly recommended. Prior exposure to treating elderly patients, managing complex medical histories, or working in multidisciplinary healthcare settings is advantageous. However, motivated professionals without direct geriatric dentistry experience may also apply if they demonstrate a strong commitment to specialising in this field.
Age Requirement:
Learners must be at least 21 years of age at the time of enrolment. This ensures they possess the maturity, professional responsibility, and clinical judgment required for postgraduate-level study and advanced clinical practice.
Language Proficiency:
As the programme is delivered in English, applicants should demonstrate strong proficiency in reading, writing, and communication. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification is recommended for non-native English speakers to ensure successful completion of assignments and active participation in course discussions.
Technical Requirements:
Applicants should have access to a computer or laptop with a reliable internet connection and possess basic IT skills. These are essential for managing online study resources, conducting research, and submitting assignments through digital platforms.
Required Documents:
Applicants are required to submit a valid ID or passport, proof of academic qualifications, and evidence of professional experience (if applicable). Additional documentation may be requested for those presenting international qualifications or alternative academic pathways.
The Qualification Process
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry)follows a structured pathway to ensure learners gain comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence in community oral healthcare.
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.
Step 9: Certification
Upon successful verification, learners are awarded LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry (PgD Geriatric Dentistry) , demonstrating advanced proficiency in community oral healthcare and preparing them for professional growth in dental public health, preventive dentistry, and healthcare policy.
