Periodontology
Healthy gums and supporting tissues are essential for keeping teeth strong, stable, and functional throughout life. The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Periodontology (PgD Periodontology) is an advanced qualification that focuses on the study of gum health, periodontal diseases, and the methods used to prevent, diagnose, and manage complex periodontal conditions. It provides learners with a deeper understanding of one of the most important areas of modern dentistry.
A major focus of the programme is understanding how periodontal diseases develop and how they can be effectively controlled and treated. Learners study topics such as gum disease assessment, periodontal diagnosis, treatment planning, periodontal therapy, tissue healing, regenerative procedures, risk factors, and long-term maintenance of periodontal health. The course also explores the connection between gum health and overall health, highlighting the wider impact of periodontal care.
As research and clinical practices continue to advance, periodontology remains a key part of comprehensive dental care. By combining current knowledge with practical clinical concepts, this postgraduate diploma helps learners develop advanced expertise in managing periodontal conditions and supporting long-term oral health and tooth preservation.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Periodontology (PgD Periodontology)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200689
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Periodontology (PgD Periodontology), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200689-1 |
Advanced Periodontal Diagnosis and Risk Assessment |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200689-2 |
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy and Maintenance |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200688-3 |
Surgical Periodontal Techniques and Regenerative Procedures |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200689-4 |
Interdisciplinary Periodontal Care |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200689-5 |
Clinical Periodontology: Case Management and Practical Application |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200689-6 |
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Professional Development in Periodontology |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Advanced Periodontal Diagnosis and Risk Assessment
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the clinical and radiographic features of periodontal diseases.
- Identify systemic and local risk factors contributing to periodontal pathology.
- Utilise microbiological and diagnostic tools to inform treatment planning.
- Formulate comprehensive, evidence-based periodontal assessments.
2. Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy and Maintenance
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply advanced techniques in scaling and root surface debridement.
- Integrate adjunctive therapies such as antimicrobials and host modulation agents.
- Develop personalised maintenance protocols to sustain periodontal health.
- Evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust care plans for optimal patient results.
3. Surgical Periodontal Techniques and Regenerative Procedures
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Perform advanced periodontal surgical techniques for disease control and regeneration.
- Select appropriate grafting and regenerative materials based on clinical indications.
- Manage complex periodontal defects using minimally invasive surgical approaches.
- Critically assess surgical outcomes and apply modifications where necessary.
4. Interdisciplinary Periodontal Care
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Collaborate effectively with dental specialists to deliver integrated treatment plans.
- Incorporate periodontal therapy into orthodontic, restorative, and implant dentistry.
- Manage periodontal considerations in multidisciplinary dental rehabilitation.
- Apply evidence-based decision-making in complex interdisciplinary cases.
5. Clinical Periodontology: Case Management and Practical Application
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced clinical skills in performing periodontal treatments.
- Maintain accurate and detailed clinical records for case documentation.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving in complex periodontal cases.
- Present and justify treatment outcomes through structured case presentations.
6. Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Professional Development in Periodontology
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply ethical and legal frameworks in periodontal practice.
- Communicate effectively with patients and the dental team.
- Develop and implement a personal CPD plan to enhance clinical competence.
- Engage with current research to inform and improve periodontal practice.
This postgraduate qualification is suitable for:
- Dental professionals seeking to develop specialist knowledge in periodontology and advanced periodontal treatment approaches.
- Dentists aiming to enhance their expertise in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of complex periodontal diseases.
- Professionals interested in advanced periodontal assessment, treatment planning, and long-term periodontal maintenance strategies.
- Learners seeking in-depth knowledge of periodontal pathology, periodontal regeneration, and contemporary periodontal therapies.
- Dental practitioners wishing to strengthen their understanding of the relationship between periodontal health and systemic health conditions.
- Professionals interested in advanced non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment concepts.
- Individuals seeking expertise in periodontal risk assessment, disease progression analysis, and patient-centred periodontal care.
- Dental professionals looking to stay current with modern periodontology research, clinical innovations, and evidence-based practices.
- Practitioners aiming to improve clinical decision-making in the management of complex periodontal cases and oral health rehabilitation.
- Learners seeking a recognised postgraduate qualification in periodontology to support professional development, specialist knowledge, and career advancement within advanced dental practice.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Periodontology must meet rigorous standards to ensure that learners receive high-quality training, clinical exposure, and academic support.
1. Qualified and Experienced Staff
- Instructors must hold recognised dental qualifications and advanced postgraduate training in periodontology.
- Teaching staff should have substantial clinical experience and demonstrate ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in periodontal care and dental education.
2. Suitable Facilities and Learning Environment
- Access to fully equipped clinical training areas, including dental chairs, periodontal instruments, surgical kits, and ultrasonic devices.
- Lecture rooms with appropriate seating, lighting, and audio-visual resources for effective theoretical learning.
3. Access to Clinical Cases and Practical Training
- Centres must provide opportunities for supervised clinical practice on patients or approved simulation models.
- A variety of case types must be available to meet learning and assessment criteria.
4. Learning and Assessment Resources
- Availability of up-to-date periodontal textbooks, academic journals, and digital learning platforms.
- Access to diagnostic and treatment planning tools such as radiography, periodontal probes, and imaging software.
5. Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Implementation of robust internal quality assurance (IQA) processes to maintain high delivery standards.
- Compliance with all relevant health, safety, and infection control regulations for dental practice.
6. Learner Support
- Provision of academic guidance, clinical supervision, and mentorship throughout the programme.
- Regular feedback systems to monitor learner progress and ensure professional growth.
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.
