MSc Digital Dental Technology

This MSc in Digital Dental Technology aims to meet the dental industry’s need for professionals skilled in advanced dental technology manufacturing techniques. Combining essential knowledge from the fields of materials science, engineering, biomedical engineering, leadership and management, this course is ideal if you are a dental technician or clinical professional seeking to take your already considerable knowledge of dental technology to postgraduate level.

Course Details

The University of Bolton’s MSc in Digital Dental Technology offers you the opportunity to develop skills using digital dental systems to manufacture appliances in fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics and orthodontics. It will support you to further your knowledge of how digital solutions can assist with advanced techniques, including dental implants. In addition, we’ll help you build your business and transferable skills ready to take on leadership and management roles or run your own commercial dental laboratory. Overall, this postgraduate degree is an ideal academic progression for dental technicians and clinical professionals who have suitable training and experience in dental technology.

Studying this interdisciplinary course will help to develop your understanding of how principles and techniques from different fields such as engineering, materials science, and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) can be brought together to advance dental technology. We’ll support you as you gain a solid understanding of essential engineering principles, enhance your knowledge of dental biomaterials and fabrication, and explore essential areas of biomedicine, such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. We also hope to inspire you to see how these different disciplines can be combined to drive future innovations in dental technology, as well as provide you with a sound background in research methodology and critical thinking that will support you if choose to a career in dental research and development.

Our industry-experienced team will guide you as you gain an in-depth knowledge of digital technology and manufacturing practices. Your training will offer plenty of hands-on experience as you learn to design and manufacture advanced dental appliances and implant restorations that are biomechanically acceptable.

Career opportunities

The use of digital dental systems is now standard practice in many dental laboratories but there are not enough graduates with digital skills to meet the needs of industry. Dental technology departments in the National Health Service (NHS) report that they are struggling to recruit individuals with the advanced skills needed to support their current and digital dental technology practices. This is also echoed in the commercial sector. As a graduate of our MSc Digital Dental Technology master’s degree, you’ll have the digital skills that are sought by employers, along with a range of leadership and transferable skills that will support you as you seek promotion or start your own commercial enterprise.

As a graduate of this course, you’ll possess extensive skills in digital dental technology and a unique body of work that demonstrates your abilities. Your thorough knowledge and understanding of digital dental workflow will enable you to critically analyse and assess individual cases, and develop practical solutions. You’ll have the confidence to act autonomously, and use your initiative, problem-solving, communication and leadership skills to manage complex projects. You’ll also have sought-after skills in collaborative and team working, resilience and self-awareness.

Normally, you should have at least an upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject; for example BSc (Hons) Dental Technology. If you have a lower second class (2.2) honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, we’ll consider your application, especially if you have good relevant industrial experience.