MSc Dentistry Programme

The programme’s four core modules lay the groundwork for truly independent, high-quality research and scholarly communication in dentistry.

Research Methods introduces you to both quantitative and qualitative study designs, teaching you how to formulate clear research questions, develop robust protocols and select the most appropriate methodology. You will learn to carry out systematic literature reviews, construct valid sampling strategies and pilot data-collection instruments, all while considering logistical and practical constraints in a real-world clinical environment.

Research Integrity immerses you in the ethical frameworks that govern modern scientific inquiry. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, you will explore issues such as informed consent, data protection, authorship (and avoiding ghost- or gift-writing), conflicts of interest and the principles of responsible conduct. By the end of this module, you will be equipped to navigate institutional review board processes and uphold the highest standards of research ethics.

Academic Writing & Communicating Science in Dentistry polishes your ability to translate complex findings into clear, compelling narratives. You will draft structured abstracts, full-length manuscripts and grant proposals; refine your skills in figure and table preparation; and practise delivering conference-style oral and poster presentations. Peer-review workshops will help you to critique and improve both your own work and that of others.

Dental Statistics gives you the analytical toolkit to turn raw data into evidence. Beginning with descriptive statistics and data-visualisation techniques, you will progress to inferential methods: t-tests, chi-square, ANOVA and regression models. Emphasis is placed on choosing the correct test for your research question, interpreting confidence intervals and p-values appropriately, and conducting power analyses to ensure your studies are ad quately powered.

Together, these modules ensure that by the time you embark on your dissertation, you possess a comprehensive understanding of research design, ethics, communication and analysis; preparing you to undertake original investigations that can withstand the rigours of international peer review.

Teaching methods (What to expect)
We combine hybrid learning including interactive in-person teaching and technology-enhanced learning with intensive independent research to give you a deeply immersive experience. Those undertaking a clinical focus would be involved in real-patient clinical placements under supervision.

You will benefit from:

• Lectures introducing core scientific and methodological principles
• Seminars and journal clubs for debating recent findings and refining critical appraisal skills
• Workshops, simulation suites and digital-dentistry labs where you can practise hands-on techniques before treating patients Clinical placements with supervised patient contact tailored to your chosen clinical area in endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, paediatric dentistry, oral surgery or implantology
• Research rotations and teaching duties aligned with your non-clinical elective in dental biomaterials, oral medicine or dental education
• One-to-one supervisor meetings to shape your research questions and monitor your progress
• Self-study time to consolidate concepts, analyse data and prepare for assessments

Credits & Assessment
The full-time MSc programme runs over a 12-month duration and comprises 45 credit hours, equivalent to 180 credit points.
Assessment is organised into three equally weighted components: core research modules (⅓), elective attachment (⅓) and dissertation (⅓). Taught modules are evaluated through a blend of written examinations, coursework essays and oral or poster presentations, reflecting both theoretical understanding and research skills. The dissertation is also assessed and if required a viva voce defence will be scheduled. The submission of at least one manuscript to a Scopusindexed journal is mandatory.

Students must pass each component and get a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to graduate. Academic progress will be monitored throughout the year via academic and any additional support will be provided promptly if deemed necessary.

Structure
Courses are divided into modules totalling 45 credit hours. You are required to take:

Core modules

• Research Methods 5 credit hours
• Research Integrity 2.5 credit hours
• Academic Writing & Communicating Science 2.5 credit hours
• Dental Statistics 5 credit hours
• Comprehensive Research Dissertation 15 credit hours

Focused modules
You must choose one of the following (15 credit hours) from the lists below:

Clinical:

• Endodontics
• Orthodontics
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Paediatric Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Implantology (eligibility for implant privileges in Oman

Non-clinical:

• Dental Biomaterials
• Oral Medicine
• Dental Education

• Applicants are required to meet Oman Dental College’s minimum admission criteria for the MSc in Dentistry, including:
  a BDS degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
• a minimum Academic IELTS score of 6 (or equivalent).
• basic competency in computer software relevant to academic research particularly word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word), spreadsheets (e.g. Excel), and reference-management programs (e.g EndNote, Mendeley). Students who lack prior proficiency in these areas may be required to complete mandatory training courses offered/arranged by the College to ensure they can effectively manage academic writing, data analysis, and reference citation.

Admission to the programme is also contingent upon the availability of suitable supervisors, guaranteeing that each student receives the necessary guidance and support their research endeavour.

Admission and Selection Process

You must complete and submit the following:

• Complete application form
• Proof of payment for the OMR 50 application fee*
• A personal statement (1-page) outlining your motivation and professional goals
• Current curriculum vitae
• Copies of degree certificate and certified transcripts
• Recommendation letters from two academic referees
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• ID Card / Passport copies
• As per the ministry guidelines please provide copies of your vaccination certificates for Hep B, Varicella, MMR, Influenza, TDAP & IPV
• Bank Details: Oman Dental College SAOC; Oman Arab Bank SAOG; Qurum Branch; Account No 3106-113166-500; Swift code OMABOMRU; Please add your full name under ‘Remarks/Narrative’.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis by the Postgraduate Admission Panel, which will make one of the following decisions:

• Issue an unconditional offer
• Issue a conditional offer
• Invite you for an interview (in person or online)
• Place your application on a waiting list
• Decline the application

Application closing date guidance

To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and processed as well as for ODC to request any further information. The final application deadline 30 July 2025. Late submissions may be considered only if places remain.

Tuition Fees

• Full-time (2025/26): OMR 12,000

Funding

The ODC Research Fund offers comprehensive support for scholarly activity:

• Abstract Conference Presentation: OMR 500/-
• Publications: full fees for publishing in open-access Scopus-listed journals

Additional information

• Professional attire: scrubs and a white coat
• A Windows-based laptop is required
• Scientific/Professional society membership fees (optional)

For any queries, please email