Program Director
- Prof. Hossam Abdelatty Eid Abdelmagyd
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Professor of Periodontology and Oral Medicine
Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics
College of Dentistry, Gulf Medical University (COD/GMU) offers an exciting opportunity, setting the student on a path to a fulfilling and successful career in a well recognized dental specialty of Periodontics.
Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics (MDS-Periodontics) is a full-time 3-year competency-based residency program spanning over 6 semesters with a total of 80 credit hours. The program was initially accredited by CAA UAE in 2018 under the UAE NQF level 9.
The program delivery depends on blended approaches by implementing both students’ and teacher centered instructions that involve lectures, team-based learning, flipped classroom, assignments, case-based discussion, and clinical training in the workplace setting. Moreover, the clinical training is based on adult learning, experiential learning, community of practice and social constructivism learning theories within the workplace as it involves coaching through appropriate supervision and feedback by faculty members.
The program structure is guiding the candidate to be able to practice periodontology at a specialist level. Furthermore, the program intends to build candidates’ abilities in research and academia, so they could be part of any academic healthcare system. The curriculum of the MDS-periodontics builds within the candidates’ knowledge and skills relevant to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases, placement of dental implants and management of peri-implant diseases, bone grafting, aesthetics and management of complex clinical cases in collaboration with other dental and medical specialties empowering interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches and communication skills to provide an integrated patients centered care.
The candidate will have the opportunity not only to acquire clinical skills in performing periodontal and implant-related procedures but also to develop and conduct research projects leading to a master thesis. The candidate will also be exposed to teaching experiences by being enrolled in the undergraduate and dental internship programs as a clinical instructor.
The growing demand for qualified and trained periodontists in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region warrants designing a post-graduate program at the level of master’s degree. The College of Dentistry at the Gulf Medical University, Ajman is at a strategic location to offer this program serving patients in the community.
Vision
To be recognized as a unique program in the region in graduating periodontists, who can practice at specialist level in the community and in any academic healthcare system.
Mission
To graduate competent periodontists, who have acquired theoretical knowledge, clinical and academic training, which enable them to work as specialists serving patients in the community and in any academic healthcare system.
Program Description and Local Accreditation
The Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics program is devoted to the pursuant of excellence in clinical skills, research and evidence-based practice. The graduate will be able to add to healthcare services for the UAE serving the social and cultural requirements of the public. MDS Periodontics is a three years full time educational and training program, spanning over six semester’s offering a total of 80 credit hours, started in AY 2018-2019, accredited by Commission of Academic Accreditation Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, UAE. Program delivers the graduate student with a broad academic background in biomedical disciplines and codes of periodontal surgery. The objective of the Master of dental surgery in Periodontics (MDS Periodontics) is to prepare graduates for a fruitful and dynamic career in the specialty of innovative Periodontology. The curriculum is intended to develop the clinical, academic, research and communicative services that will provide for expanded career opportunities. The educational experience is broad-minded in nature offering increasing responsibilities towards patient needs. A unique feature of this program is active participation in all aspects of patient care. MDS Periodontics
https://www.caa.ae/Pages/Programs/Details.aspx?GUID=2597
Program Goals
- To prepare competent graduate in periodontics and relevant areas in the dental field to develop and embrace high acuity in clinical decision making with contemporary evidence-based knowledge.
- To prepare graduates, who can collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver a comprehensive patient care.
- To prepare a scholar, who can conduct a research and critically appraise the literature to take an evidence-based decision.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate outcome indicators are as follows
| Competency Domains | Program Learning Outcomes | |
| Professionalism | PLO 1 | 1.1: Critically appraise and apply evidenced-based periodontal concepts, theories, and modern knowledge relevant to the safe practice of periodontology.
1.2: Record full medical and dental history of the patient with periodontal disease and its associated structures and applying legislation related to record-keeping. 1.3: Provide patient centered care in a professional way by complying with local and international regulations considering moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care. |
| Communication and social skills | PLO 2 | 2.1: Perform a careful and exhaustive clinical examination of the oral, head and neck region and communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives, and guardians using technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment.
2.2: Interpret and communicate knowledge, skills and ideas in delivering specialist treatment considering patients desires and attitudes. |
| Scientific and clinical Knowledge | PLO 3 | 3.1: Apply the core scientific and clinical knowledge in the decision-making process, clinical reasoning and judgment to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. |
| Health Promotion | PLO 4 | 4.1: Support the professional development, preventive strategies, and education for all members of the community in collaboration with dental team members. |
| Patient care | PLO 5 | 5.1: Manage periodontal cases with different degrees of complexity including medically compromised and special needs patients.
5.2: Perform non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy for teeth and its substitutes including placement of dental implants following all principles of infection control. 5.3: Evaluate the results of the treatment and to carry out any further procedures required to maintain or improve the obtained treatment outcomes including management of peri implant diseases. |
| Effective collaboration and leadership | PLO 6 | 6.1: Design treatment plan with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases in collaboration with other dental, medical, and surgical specialties.
6.2: Plan and take responsibility for leading and carrying out research project that contributes to the advancement of professional knowledge in the field of Periodontics. |
| Practice Management | PLO 7 | 7.1: Develop an entrepreneurship strategy based on the need of the society and knowledge on management of support staff, maintaining professional network, and financial viability. |
NB: The MDS periodontics program competency domains and PLO’s were inspired by the Dental Board of Australia (July 2016)
The Matrix of Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) with QFEmirates. [Link]
Cost of studying in the program: 1,54,350 AED per year including 5% vat.
Dental Faculty
Prof. Hossam Abdelatty Eid Abdelmagyd
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Professor of Periodontology and Oral Medicine
Dr. M Sesha Reddy
Lecturer and Specialist in Periodontics
Dr. Jovita Lawrence D’souza
Lecturer & Specialist in Periodontics
Dr. Jayadevan Sreedharan
Professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Dr. Razia Khanam
Professor of Pharmacology
Dr. Janita Rita Trinita Pinto
Assistant Professor of Microbiology
Dr. Anusha Sreejith
Assistant Professor of Demography
Dr. Ramya Rathan
Assistant Professor of Anatomy
Dr. Pooja Narain Adtani
Chairperson, Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences
Assistant Professor of Oral Histopathology
Dr. Bhavna Jha Kukreja
Assistant Professor of Periodontology
Admission Criteria
Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontology (MDS Periodontics)
- Applicants shall meet all admission criteria for entry into the higher education programs offered by the University, as laid down in the Standards (2019) published by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs, UAE.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS, DMD, DDS) from an accredited University in the UAE or equivalent one from outside the UAE.
- Distinct undergraduate performance of minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, or equivalent grade (B)
- The Applicant must have proficiency in spoken and written English. The applicant can fulfil the English proficiency requirement via the TOEFL, IELTS, or UA CESL Endorsement Exam, minimum requirements are listed below. TOEFL and IELTS test scores must be dated within two years of the year of enrolment.
- Attested Internship certificate
- A Valid license to practice Dentistry issued from MoH / DHA / HAAD is preferable
Conditional Graduate Admission Read More
- Graduate with less than the minimum score in English proficiency may be provided conditional admission that the student registers 6 credit hours in the first semester of his/her studies and obtains a “B” average or above.
- Applicant must achieve and EMSAT score of 1400 or IELTS 6.0 or equivalent by the end of first semester of study
- Applicant must achieve a minimum of CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent, in the first six credit hours of credit bearing courses studied for the Master’s program
- Graduate with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 to 2.9 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent shall be conditionally admitted to the first semester as follows:
- is allowed take a maximum of nine credit hours of courses studied for the graduate program during the period of conditional admission and
- must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its established equivalent, in these nine credits of courses studied for the graduate program to progress to second semester or be subject to dismissal.
- Graduate with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 to 2.4 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent shall be conditionally admitted to the first semester as follows:
- is required to complete a maximum of nine graduate-level credit hours as remedial preparation for the graduate program. These remedial courses are not for credit within the degree program
- must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its established equivalent, in these nine credits of remedial courses in order to progress to the graduate program or be subject to dismissal.
Admission to the program will be confirmed upon submission of:
- Original Attested Degree Certificate & Transcript from a University / Institute listed in WHO directory of Medical Schools.
- Original Internship Completion Certificate
- Equivalency Certificate of the Bachelor’s degree from the Ministry of Education, U.A.E
- Valid English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS / TOEFL)
- Passport with color copy of passport
- Emirates I.D. card with color copy of ID
- Family book and Ethbara (For U.A.E. nationals)
- 5 passport-size photographs
- Updated CV
- Statement of Purpose and objectives
- 2 Letters of recommendation / Experience letter
- Vaccination record with valid BLS certificate
Study plan as per applicants CGPA
A new update which has been implemented from 2020-2021 AY as per CAA Oct. 2019 standards and its modifications on Dec. 2019.
| Applicant CGPA on scale of 4 | Study plan |
| Applicant scored from 2 to 2.4 on scale of 4 |
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| Applicant scored from 2.5 to 2.9 on scale of 4 |
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| Applicant scored from 3 and above on scale of 4 |
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Study Plan
MDS Periodontics program study plan AY 2021 onward
Year 1 Semester 1
| Course Code | Title | Lecture | Clinical / Lab | Cr | Prerequisite |
| BMS 601 | Basic Medical Sciences | 1 | – | 1 | None |
| BIS 601 | Biostatistics | 1 | 2 | 2 | None |
| BCP 601 | Basic Clinical Periodontology I | 1 | 15 | 6 | None |
| Total | 9 | ||||
Year 1 Semester 2
| Course Code | Title | Lecture | Clinical / Lab | Cr | Prerequisite |
| REM 602 | Research Ethics & Research Methods | 1 | 2 | 2 | None |
| BCP 602 | Basic Clinical Periodontology II | 1 | 12 | 4 | Basic Clinical Periodontology I |
| PED 602 | Periodontal diagnosis | – | 9 | 3 | None |
| REP 602 | Research Project I | 6 | 3 | Biostatistics | |
| Total | 12 | ||||
Summer clinical course I
| Course Code | Title | Lecture | Clinical/Lab | Cr | Prerequisite |
| SCC 603 | Summer clinical course I | 12 | 4 | None | |
| Total | 4 | ||||
Year 2 Semester 3
| Course Code | Title | Lecture | Clinical/Lab | Cr | Prerequisite |
| LAP 701 | Laser in Periodontics | 1 | 12 | 5 | None |
| PTP 701 | Periodontal Treatment Planning | 12 | 4 | Periodontal diagnosis | |
| REP 701 | Research Project II | 6 | 3 | Research Project I | |
| Total | 12 | ||||
Year 2 Semester 4
| Course Code | Title | Seminar/J. Club | Clinical | Cr | Prerequisite |
| MTP 702 | Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan I | 18 | 6 | None | |
| PSS 702 | Periodontal Surgical Sciences | 18 | 6 | Periodontal treatment planning | |
| Total | 12 | ||||
Summer clinical course II
| Course Code | Title | Lecture | Clinical/Lab | Cr | Prerequisite |
| SCC 703 | Summer clinical course II | 12 | 4 | None | |
| Total | 4 | ||||
Year 3 Semester 5
| Course Code | Title | Seminar/J. Club | Clinical | Cr | Prerequisite |
| ACP 801 | Advanced Clinical Periodontology I | 14 | 6 | Periodontal surgical sciences | |
| MTP 801 | Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan II | 18 | 6 | Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan I | |
| Total | 12 | ||||
Year 3 Semester 6
| Course Code | Title | Seminar/J. Club | Clinical | Cr | Prerequisite |
| ACP 802 | Advanced Clinical Periodontology II | 21 | 7 | Advanced Clinical Periodontology I | |
| MTP 802 | Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan III | 24 | 8 | Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan II | |
| Total | 15 | ||||
Course Description
Semester 1
BCP 601: Basic Clinical Periodontology I
This course will provide core knowledge of scientific background which will include biology of the periodontium in health and disease, general concepts of oral microbiology, epidemiology and classification of periodontal diseases. It aims at improving clinical practice learning experience by focusing on preventive periodontal care, diagnosis, treatment planning and initial periodontal therapy which will be in accordance with evidence based clinical practice.
BIS 601: Biostatistics
This course will equip the students with advanced knowledge in the application of descriptive and inferential statistics in medical research. The focus will be on numerical computation and interpretation of outcome from a given data set. This course will help students to develop advanced skills in analyzing and interpreting data from Health and Allied Health settings through classroom demonstrations and ‘hands on’ experience with MS Excel for data management and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for data analysis. This course will give focus to communicating complex statistical information effectively.
BMS 601: Basic Medical Sciences
This course provides the students with necessary applied knowledge and skills that are of importance for clinical practice. This course designed to impart relevant information pertaining to of embryology, applied Anatomy of head and neck, concepts of wound healing, microbiology, immunity and inflammation and pharmacological aspects and its application in day-to-day dental practice as a specialist.
Semester 2
BCP 602: Basic Clinical Periodontology II
In continuation with the pervious course Basic Clinical Periodontology I this course will continue to provide the candidates with a detailed knowledge of scientific background forming the basis of non-surgical and surgical management of periodontal diseases. This course aims at improving clinical practice learning experience by providing opportunities to clinically treat patients with advanced cases of periodontal diseases using modern periodontal techniques. The academic content will cover and discuss important topics as impact of systemic health on periodontium, which will help candidate to integrate medical and dental history in formulating an appropriate treatment planning and they can develop the skill of modifying it according to patient systemic health which will enhance their critical thinking, problem solving skills and professionalism.
PED 602: Periodontal Diagnosis
This course is designed to train the student to measure and digitally record periodontal parameters necessary for diagnosis of different types of periodontal diseases and conditions considering the dental and medical history of the patient. Students will gain an understanding of the clinical features in correlation with the underlying biological changes aiding in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases and their risk assessment. They will also become familiar with the clinical implication of radiology, different imaging techniques, and other diagnostic tests in diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal diseases.
REM 602: Research Ethics & Research Methods
This course offers an overview of the different approaches, considerations and challenges involved in medical research. This course provides an opportunity to the students to advance their understanding of the principles of quantitative research, developing a research question, choosing study subjects, method of exposure measurement, study designs, planning for data management and analysis. The course also focuses on the ethical and legal principles pertaining to research, research fraud, academic misconduct, confidentiality and conflict of interest. The course covers international, national and institutional guidelines regarding research in human, animals and vulnerable populations.
REP 602: Research Project I
This course demonstrates the student’s understanding of planning knowledge, professional skills, ethics, critical thinking skills, and effective communication and professionalism, and research methods for preparation of protocol in research related to an area of periodontal interest. The course will provide students with an introduction to key material required for the design, execution and interpretation of clinical and clinically related research and the production of a high-quality dissertation. In this course each student starts working according to the approved research protocol from supervisor and instructional ethical committee. By carrying out such a scientific project, the students acquire critical thinking, organization skills and extensive knowledge in periodontal research.
SCC 603: Summer Clinical Course I
This clinical course goal is to support students clinical training with more hands-on experience in patient care in the field of periodontics, with a focus on holistic care and treatment planning. Students are given patients with a variety of periodontal conditions and are required to establish a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that includes clinical and patient care which require non-surgical and periodontal flap procedures.
Semester 3
LAP 701: Laser in Periodontics
This course has theoretical and clinical components which will provide students with a comprehensive standard level of knowledge and train students to acquire the necessary skills required to practice Laser-assisted dentistry pertinent to conditions involving the periodontium and its associated structures in a safe and effective manner. The course will cover Laser Physics, mechanism of action, Indications and contraindications of various hard and soft tissue lasers used in dentistry and Laser safety. This will enable students to effectively use laser technology for management of clinical cases as per the international guidelines for safe practice in the field of periodontology.
PTP 701: Periodontal Treatment Planning
In this course, students will present the treatment plan of their cases which will be critically discussed by the group. The case presentations will help demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge in all phases of the history taking, examination, consultation, investigations and diagnosis, leading up to treatment planning. The delivery of this course will provide each student with a comprehensive experience and training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning of periodontal diseases. Furthermore, the assessment and treatment planning elements will incorporate aspects of other relevant dental disciplines.
REP 701: Research Project II
In this course each student will continue the research work according to the approved research protocol from supervisor and institutional ethical committee. By carrying out such a scientific project, the students acquire critical thinking, organization skills and extensive knowledge in periodontal research. By the end of this course the students have to summarize the results in a research report and interpret the results of the project. They are required to submit and present their research work for evaluation.
Semester 4
MTP 702: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan I
This course is the first in a series of three courses which will provide detailed knowledge of scientific background based on evidence-based decision making in treating interdisciplinary periodontal cases of different levels of complexity applying non-surgical and surgical procedures in coordination with other disciplines. It aims at improving clinical practice learning experience by providing opportunities to clinically treat patients with cases of multidisciplinary periodontal disease including ortho perio and perio restorative cases using modern periodontal techniques. This course focuses on diagnosis, prevention, treatment planning, and management of ortho perio and perio restorative cases.
PSS 702: Periodontal Surgical Sciences
In this course students will be taught an evidence-based and highly illustrative approach to a comprehensive repertoire of surgical procedures, including general principles of periodontal surgery, open flap debridement, regenerative and resective osseous surgical techniques. Students will gain knowledge in dealing with the principles and practice of periodontal surgery, in terms of case selection, planning, and basic surgical principles. Clinical periodontal treatment in new cases as well as on already non-surgically treated patients.
SCC 703: Summer Clinical Course II
This clinical course goal is to support students clinical training with more hands-on experience in patient care in the field of periodontics, with a focus on holistic care and treatment planning. Students are given patients with periodontal conditions with a higher degree of complexity and are required to establish a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that includes clinical and patient care which require advanced surgical procedures performed using conventional and laser techniques.
Semester 5
ACP 801: Advanced Clinical Periodontology I
This course is the first course in a series of two courses entitled Advanced clinical Periodontology, in which students will be trained to design a treatment plan for advanced periodontal cases and to master surgical objectives and techniques, such as root coverage procedures, gingival depigmentation, gingivectomy, frenectomy/ frenotomy using conventional, LASER technology and piezo surgical techniques for osseous surgeries. Besides, students will be trained to place dental implants on dummy heads and to interpret CBCT and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
MTP 801: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan II
The aim of this course is to prepare the students to perform oral rehabilitation treatment in indicated cases that extends to more than just the replacement of damaged or lost teeth. Rehabilitating patient with complex dental conditions means to restore aesthetics, function, comfort, phonetics and health, considering endodontic, periodontal, restorative, musculoskeletal and psychosocial factors. A multidisciplinary treatment, judiciously executed according to a well-designed plan, which complies with the mechanical and biological principles, favors the achievement of success in oral rehabilitation therapy. The high rates of success and predictability obtained with dental implants have been increasing in treatments ranging from the simplest to the most complex oral rehabilitations which are discussed thoroughly in this course.
Semester 6
MTP 802: Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan III
This is the last course of the multidisciplinary treatment plan series. The students will be trained to perform guided bone regeneration and ridge augmentation procedures as a part of the multidisciplinary treatment plan, in addition to other methods of managing the esthetic components of Periodontics. The surgical complications and the common reasons behind implant failure is also highlighted in this course and the students will be trained to be competent in performing the procedures required to manage implant related complications.
ACP 802: Advanced Clinical Periodontology II
This course is in continuation with ACP I course. Students will be trained to design a treatment plan for complex periodontal cases. In addition to mastering surgical objectives and techniques, students will be able to evaluate and diagnose a wide range of restorative related issues not just limited to aesthetics and occlusion but also placement of dental implants, using digital dentistry applications, including CBCT in diagnosis and planning. Treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation, gingival enlargement, frenectomy/ frenotomy using LASER technology, piezo surgical and tissue engineering techniques.
Grading Policy, Assessment and Completion Requirement
- Grading Policy
| Classification | Marks % | Grade | Grade Value |
| 90 – 100 | A | 4 | |
| Pass | 85 – 89 | B+ | 3.5 |
| 80 – 84 | B | 3 | |
| Fail | < 80 | F | 0 |
- Program Assessment
Program assessment reports at the GMU are mainly generated by the program Director and approved by the college dean. Multiple assessment tools are utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Some of the direct assessment tools used to evaluate program outcomes includes:
- Student progress and achievements
- Capstone and graduation projects
- Evaluation of practical training performance
- External evaluation of practical training
- Theses and dissertations
Other non-direct assessment tools used include student exit survey, retention rates, graduates’ employment rates, student enrolment and graduation/success rates.
In addition, program assessment reports include a breakdown of outcomes results using specified performance indicators with specific demonstration of how these results will be used to achieve continuous improvement for the program.
Course Assessment reports are generated by faculty members and approved by the program Director or and college dean. Each course outcomes is assigned a specific assessment tool and a performance indicator to measure its achievement. Some of the assessment tools used to evaluate course outcomes include:
- Student grades analysis
- Midterm and final examinations
- Teaching projects
- Problem solving assignments
- Laboratory assignment
- Clinical Assessment Sheet
- Accepted Number of Patients Performed
- Workplace Based Assessment
Completion Requirement for Graduation
Candidates must satisfy all university, college, and program requirements (if any) established by the faculty members.
- Satisfactory completion of the clinical requirements as demonstrated by case report submissions, Logbooks documentation and supervisors report.
- Satisfactory completion of the research project and thesis defence.
- Submission of scientific abstract for poster and oral presentation and one scientific publication in National Conference.
- Obtain a minimum of 80% and Passed in the Final Exit Examination as assessed by the external examiners board
- Completion of credits required for the program (80 credit hours)
- A minimum overall CGPA of 3.0 on scale of 4
- A minimum pass mark of 80% (Grade B) for each course
- A minimum attendance of 80%
A periodontist can venture into private practice, teaching and research or opt for careers with government sectors.
Private Practice: A periodontist works in solo private practice or in partnership with other dentists where they provide consultation services.
Academia: A periodontist can opt for being a full-time clinical faculty in a dental college where they are involved in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students, provide clinical training, mentor student’s research projects and actively participate in dental camps.
Government Practice: A periodontist can render their services exclusively for governmental sectors.
Research: A periodontist collaborates with other industrial scientists in projects dealing with oral health sciences.
International Health Care: A periodontist provides services to populations abroad and work for agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Hospital dentistry: Hospital dentistry contributes a great deal to Interprofessional Education. A periodontist treats patients with medical conditions and disabilities alongside physician colleagues, often in operating rooms and emergency departments.