Periodontology
Periodontal diseases are among the leading causes of tooth loss worldwide, making the study of gum health and supporting oral structures a vital area of modern dentistry. The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Periodontology provides learners with advanced knowledge of the prevention, assessment, and management of periodontal conditions, offering a deeper understanding of the factors that influence long-term oral health and tooth retention.
A major focus of this diploma is the exploration of periodontal anatomy, periodontal disease progression, risk assessment, clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and evidence-based periodontal care. Learners examine the biological processes that affect the gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and surrounding tissues, while also studying contemporary approaches used to manage periodontal diseases and maintain oral health.
Drawing upon current research and professional practice, this qualification highlights the importance of periodontal health in overall well-being. Learners develop a comprehensive understanding of advanced periodontology concepts, preventive strategies, and modern treatment approaches that support healthy gums, functional dentition, and sustainable oral health outcomes.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Periodontology
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200653
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Periodontology, applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200653-1 |
Fundamentals of Periodontology |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200653-2 |
Aetiology and Pathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200653-3 |
Periodontal Diagnosis and Case Assessment |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200653-4 |
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200653-5 |
Surgical Periodontal Procedures |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200653-6 |
Maintenance, Prognosis, and Continuing Professional Development in Periodontology |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Fundamentals of Periodontology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
1.1 Explain the history, scope, and importance of periodontology within dental practice.
1.2 Identify the anatomical structures of the periodontium and their functions.
1.3 Describe the role of the supporting tooth structures in maintaining oral health.
1.4 Differentiate between healthy and diseased periodontal tissues.
1.5 Relate periodontal health to overall systemic health.
2. Aetiology and Pathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
2.1 Explain the microbial and environmental factors contributing to periodontal diseases.
2.2 Analyse the formation and effects of dental biofilms and plaque.
2.3 Describe the host immune and inflammatory responses in periodontal disease progression.
2.4 Identify systemic and local risk factors affecting periodontal health.
2.5 Evaluate the stages of periodontal disease development.
3. Periodontal Diagnosis and Case Assessment
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
3.1 Perform comprehensive periodontal examinations and charting.
3.2 Apply probing techniques to assess periodontal pocket depths and attachment loss.
3.3 Interpret radiographs for periodontal diagnosis.
3.4 Conduct risk assessments for individual patients.
3.5 Formulate accurate periodontal diagnoses to guide treatment planning.
4. Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
4.1 Explain the principles of non-surgical periodontal therapy.
4.2 Perform scaling and root planing procedures effectively.
4.3 Educate patients on plaque control and oral hygiene practices.
4.4 Implement antimicrobial and adjunctive therapies where appropriate.
4.5 Evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust care plans accordingly.
5. Surgical Periodontal Procedures
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
5.1 Describe the indications and contraindications for periodontal surgery.
5.2 Explain the steps involved in common surgical techniques such as flap surgery and pocket reduction.
5.3 Apply principles of regenerative periodontal therapy.
5.4 Implement post-operative care protocols to support healing.
5.5 Assess surgical outcomes and plan further interventions if necessary.
6. Maintenance, Prognosis, and Continuing Professional Development in Periodontology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
6.1 Develop maintenance schedules for periodontal patients.
6.2 Apply re-evaluation methods to monitor disease stability or recurrence.
6.3 Assess prognosis for different periodontal conditions.
6.4 Integrate evidence-based practices into long-term care plans.
6.5 Maintain CPD activities to remain up to date with advancements in periodontology.
This qualification is ideal for:
- Dental professionals wishing to deepen their understanding of periodontology and periodontal disease management.
- Individuals seeking specialised knowledge of gum health, periodontal assessment, and preventive oral healthcare.
- Learners interested in studying the causes, progression, and treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Professionals looking to enhance their expertise in periodontal treatment planning and patient care strategies.
- Individuals aiming to expand their knowledge of evidence-based approaches to periodontal therapy and maintenance.
- Learners interested in understanding the relationship between periodontal health and overall systemic health.
- Those seeking to develop knowledge of advanced periodontal examination, diagnosis, and risk assessment techniques.
- Professionals exploring modern approaches to preserving natural teeth and supporting long-term oral health.
- Individuals interested in preventive dentistry, oral disease control, and periodontal health promotion.
- Learners seeking a recognised qualification in a specialised area of dentistry with growing importance in contemporary dental practice.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Periodontology must meet strict requirements to ensure the delivery of high-quality, professional training and to support learner success. These include:
- Qualified and Experienced Trainers
Trainers, assessors, and internal quality assurers must hold recognised dental qualifications, have substantial experience in periodontology, and be competent in teaching and assessment. - Appropriate Training Facilities
Centres must provide well-equipped training environments, including access to clinical spaces, periodontal instruments, and simulation resources that meet professional standards. - Access to Learning Materials
Up-to-date learning resources, reference materials, and evidence-based literature must be available to support both theoretical learning and practical application. - Assessment Resources
Centres must have the facilities and systems to conduct fair, valid, and reliable assessments, including access to real or simulated patient cases for clinical evaluation. - Compliance with Quality Assurance Standards
Centres must follow LICQual’s internal quality assurance procedures, maintain accurate learner records, and implement robust progress monitoring systems. - Learner Support Services
Centres must provide academic guidance, constructive feedback, and ongoing support to help learners successfully achieve the qualification requirements. - Health, Safety, and Legal Compliance
All training and clinical activities must comply with relevant health, safety, infection control, and ethical standards in dental practice.
By meeting these requirements, centres can ensure that learners receive comprehensive, professional, and compliant training in periodontology.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.