LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry

The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry is a specialized qualification designed for dental professionals, clinicians, and oral healthcare practitioners who want to advance their expertise in providing dental care for older adults. With an increasing aging population worldwide, the need for skilled geriatric dental care has never been more critical. This diploma equips learners with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage the unique oral health needs of elderly patients effectively.

This Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry covers essential topics such as age-related oral conditions, preventive care strategies, prosthodontics, periodontal management, and patient-centered treatment planning. Learners gain in-depth understanding of diagnostic assessment, treatment adaptations, and communication strategies tailored to the elderly population. Whether you are a practicing dentist, dental hygienist, or a clinician seeking to specialize in elder care, this course provides the tools to deliver high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-based dental services.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry online offers flexible learning options, allowing international professionals to study at their own pace. The program combines interactive modules, case studies, and practical guidance, ensuring learners develop the confidence and expertise to address complex clinical scenarios in geriatric dentistry. By integrating modern approaches and evidence-based practices, this diploma ensures learners are well-prepared to meet the challenges of treating older patients safely and effectively.

Graduates of the PgDip Geriatric Dentistry qualification are prepared for advanced clinical roles, academic positions, or leadership opportunities in dental care for elderly patients. This UK-accredited Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry also provides a pathway to further studies and international recognition, enhancing professional credibility and career advancement.

With the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry, dental professionals can improve clinical skills, enhance patient outcomes, and gain the internationally recognized credentials needed to excel in the field of geriatric oral healthcare. This course is ideal for anyone committed to delivering specialized, compassionate, and professional care for older adults.

Course Overview


Qualification Title

LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry

Total Units

6

Total Credits

60

GLH

240

Qualification #

LICQ2200665


Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: A recognized qualification in dentistry, dental hygiene, or an equivalent healthcare-related field is required.
  • Experience: Applicants should have relevant professional experience in dentistry or a related discipline to demonstrate their ability to benefit from advanced study.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a good command of the English language. Non-native English speakers should demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or CEFR Level B1 to ensure effective participation and comprehension.
  • Commitment to CPD: This diploma is designed for professionals committed to lifelong learning and career advancement in dentistry. Applicants must show a clear motivation to expand their knowledge and skills in geriatric oral health care.
  • Access to Required Resources:Learners must have access to suitable study resources, clinical materials, and technology to support both independent learning and professional practice.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200665-1

Principles of Geriatric Dentistry

10

40

LICQ2200665-2

Oral Diseases and Age-Related Conditions

10

40

LICQ2200665-3

Prosthodontics and Restorative Care in Older Adults

10

40

LICQ2200665-4

Management of Medically Compromised and Frail Patients

10

40

LICQ2200665-5

Multidisciplinary Approaches and Ethical Practice

10

40

LICQ2200665-6

Clinical Skills, Case Studies, and Professional Development

10

40

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Unit 1: Principles of Geriatric Dentistry

  • Understand the biological, psychological, and social aspects of ageing.
  • Identify common oral health challenges faced by older adults.
  • Analyse the role and responsibilities of the dental professional in geriatric care.
  • Apply principles of patient-centred care in managing elderly patients.

Unit 2: Oral Diseases and Age-Related Conditions

  • Recognise oral diseases commonly affecting the elderly, including periodontal disease, dental caries, xerostomia, and oral cancers.
  • Evaluate preventive and therapeutic measures for age-related oral health problems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of diagnostic tools and treatment options for geriatric oral conditions.
  • Assess the impact of systemic health on oral diseases in older adults.

Unit 3: Prosthodontics and Restorative Care in Older Adults

  • Understand the principles of prosthodontic rehabilitation in the elderly.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of fixed and removable prostheses for older patients.
  • Apply restorative dentistry techniques suitable for geriatric care.
  • Evaluate treatment options for edentulous and partially edentulous patients.

Unit 4: Management of Medically Compromised and Frail Patients

  • Assess the needs of medically compromised elderly patients, including those with chronic diseases.
  • Analyse the effects of polypharmacy on oral health and dental treatment planning.
  • Apply risk management strategies when providing dental care to frail patients.
  • Develop treatment plans that integrate medical, psychological, and social considerations.

Unit 5: Multidisciplinary Approaches and Ethical Practice

  • Understand the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in geriatric oral healthcare.
  • Apply ethical principles and legal frameworks relevant to the treatment of older patients.
  • Analyse consent, autonomy, and decision-making issues in geriatric dentistry.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Unit 6: Clinical Skills, Case Studies, and Professional Development

  • Apply practical clinical skills in managing geriatric dental cases.
  • Critically evaluate case studies to enhance decision-making in complex scenarios.
  • Reflect on professional practice to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in geriatric dentistry.

The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry is designed for dental professionals, clinicians, and oral healthcare practitioners who want to specialize in providing high-quality dental care for older adults. This course is ideal for those seeking advanced knowledge, practical skills, and internationally recognized credentials in geriatric dentistry. Whether you are a practicing dentist, a dental hygienist, or an early-career clinician, this program equips you with the expertise to meet the unique oral healthcare needs of the elderly population effectively.

1. Practicing Dentists Seeking Specialization in Geriatric Dentistry

  • Designed for licensed dentists aiming to enhance expertise in elderly patient care.
  • Provides training in managing age-related oral conditions and complexities.
  • Strengthens skills in preventive care, prosthodontics, and periodontal management.
  • Improves patient assessment and treatment planning for older adults.
  • Offers internationally recognized credentials to boost professional credibility.

2. Dental Hygienists and Oral Health Practitioners

  • Ideal for dental hygienists aiming to specialize in geriatric oral care.
  • Focuses on advanced preventive and therapeutic techniques for elderly patients.
  • Enhances skills in oral hygiene management and patient education.
  • Builds confidence in handling patients with multiple health conditions.
  • Supports professional growth in elder-focused dental care roles.

3. Early-Career Dental Graduates

  • Suitable for recent BDS, DDS, or equivalent graduates seeking specialization.
  • Provides foundational knowledge in geriatric oral healthcare.
  • Prepares learners for advanced clinical roles or postgraduate studies.
  • Encourages evidence-based practice and patient-centered approaches.
  • Increases employability in both private and public dental healthcare sectors.

4. International Dental Professionals

  • Tailored for dental practitioners seeking UK-accredited geriatric dentistry qualifications.
  • Offers flexible online learning for accessibility worldwide.
  • Aligns with international standards for elderly patient care.
  • Enhances global recognition and career mobility in dental practice.
  • Provides practical insights into complex cases in geriatric dentistry.

5. Dental Educators and Academic Professionals

  • Designed for lecturers and clinical trainers updating geriatric care curriculum.
  • Incorporates evidence-based techniques in elderly patient treatment.
  • Supports academic leadership and research in geriatric dentistry.
  • Enhances credibility as an expert in elder oral healthcare education.
  • Provides opportunities for case study publications and research contributions.

6. Clinic Owners and Practice Managers

  • Helps dental practice owners expand services for elderly patients.
  • Provides strategies to manage patient care efficiently and safely.
  • Strengthens team supervision and clinical workflow in geriatric dentistry.
  • Enhances patient satisfaction through advanced treatment planning.
  • Supports practice growth and reputation in specialized dental care.

7. Career-Oriented Dental Professionals Seeking Recognition

  • Ideal for professionals aiming for internationally recognized geriatric dentistry credentials.
  • Enhances clinical expertise and professional credibility in elder oral healthcare.
  • Opens pathways to advanced clinical, academic, or consultancy roles globally.
  • Provides a career-boosting foundation in specialized dental care.
  • Equips professionals to excel in multidisciplinary healthcare environments.

Centres wishing to deliver the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry must meet specific quality and resource requirements to ensure effective training and successful learner outcomes. These requirements are designed to maintain high educational standards and support both theoretical and practical learning.

  • Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ experienced trainers, assessors, and internal quality assurers with appropriate qualifications and professional expertise in dentistry and geriatric care.
  • Adequate Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with access to up-to-date learning materials, reference texts, digital resources, and clinical case studies relevant to geriatric dentistry.
  • Clinical Facilities and Equipment: Suitable facilities must be available, including access to dental chairs, instruments, prosthodontic materials, and simulation or clinical practice settings where required.
  • Quality Assurance Systems: Centres must implement effective internal verification and quality assurance processes to ensure consistent assessment and compliance with LICQual standards.
  • Support for Learners: Guidance and academic support must be available to assist learners in completing the course successfully, including access to tutors and study support resources.
  • Commitment to CPD: Trainers and staff delivering the qualification must demonstrate a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure the highest standards of delivery.
  • Technology and Accessibility: Centres should provide access to online learning platforms or blended learning solutions, ensuring learners can engage flexibly with course content.
  • Compliance with Ethical and Legal Standards: All training and assessment must align with professional codes of practice, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements in dentistry.

By meeting these centre requirements, training providers can deliver a high-quality learning experience that equips dental professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel in the specialized field of geriatric dentistry.

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.