INTRODUCTION

Master of Paediatric Dentistry is a specialty program which is offered by the School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The program is established to train dental graduates to become Paediatric Dentistry specialists. Up to the year 2020, there are less than 70 Paediatric Dentistry specialists in Malaysia. Therefore, the establishment of the programme by the School of Dental Sciences, USM could help in fulfilling the country’s needs to increase the number of specialists to accommodate the increase in population and standard of oral health care. Other than that, as knowledge and technology of dentistry advances, more graduates will be interested to further their studies and update their knowledge and skills. As for 2021 intake, only 2 universities in our country offering training in Paediatric Dentistry (Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi MARA). There is a need for a similar program established by the School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia to increase the number of paediatric dentistry specialists in Malaysia.

Master of Paediatric Dentistry program has been offered upon request by the Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health to increase the number of Paediatric Dentistry specialists in the country. Requests were also received from international students, seeking a place to specialise in Paediatric Dentistry. 

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

This program shall consist of three phases: Phase I, II and III.

Phase I

Phase1 is the first year of the Master of Paediatric Dentistry program. It comprises of instructions in Basic Medical and Dental Science subjects such as Pathology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy and Histology over a period of six (6) months. The candidates have to sit for Basic Science Examination at the end of semester I Year 1. The final six (6) months of Year 1 comprises of operative techniques in the skill laboratory and clinical training in Paediatric Dentistry specialty as well as introducing the students to research methodology and biostatistics.

Phase II

Phase II is the second year of the Master of Paediatric Dentistry program. It comprises of a research component in the specialty option chosen by the students and the need to write up a dissertation as partial fulfillment of the program. There are also clinical practices throughout the year.

Phase III

Phase III is the third and fourth year of the Master of Paediatric Dentistry program. It comprises of complex clinical practices in the field of Paediatric Dentistry chosen by the candidates. There will also be coursework such as lectures and seminars. The research component in the specialty option continues, leading to the submission of a dissertation three months before the end of Year 3 followed by a viva defense.

The Year Four program comprises of a three (3) month clinical attachment in the specialty in the clinical training centre recognized by the University. Advanced clinical practices and coursework in the specialty option continues until near the completion of the course.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess the following:

1. Have a bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS, DDS, or an equivalent degree) recognized by the Malaysian Dental Council
2. Have at least three years post registration experience in dentistry. Staff from the Ministry Of Health must complete at least 3 years of compulsory services.
3. Obtain at least a credit in Bahasa Malaysia in SPM/ STPM (for Malaysian citizens) or equivalent examination.

Special Requirement

1. Local candidates will be called for interview by Postgraduate Committee before the final selection
2. Candidates are required to meet all other requirements set from time to time by the Postgraduate Committee, School Board, or USM.

Language Requirements

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET

Duration

Full-time: Min 8 semesters / Max 14 semesters

Fees

** Fees are subject to change

For further information, please contact the Program Chairperson at the following email address:

Dr. Fadzlinda Baharin
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