Course details

Summary

The Master of Community Dentistry (MComDent) degree is designed to be an appropriate programme of study for a person who wishes to pursue a specialist career in dental public health. It may be undertaken full-time over two academic years, or part-time over three years. The programme fosters the development of critical analysis and research competence, along with the advanced set of knowledge and skills in dental public health which is required by the specialist in that field.

Dentistry is an important part of the health service. It offers a rewarding and worthwhile career to anyone who has an interest in and a concern for the needs of people, an even temperament and a sense of precision. As a profession Dentistry gives an unusual opportunity to contribute to appearance, well-being and general health. One of its great attractions is its emphasis on caring for people and encouraging them to find the means to care for themselves.

Most graduates in Dentistry enter general practice on their own or in association with others. Some undertake postgraduate study and research training in preparation for an academic career. Others obtain further experience and complete postgraduate clinical qualifications before entering specialist practice.

Programme Requirements

• COMD 801 Research Methods and Dental Epidemiology
• COMD 802 Dental Health Services
• Thesis: COMD 8

Structure of the Programme

The programme of study shall consist of COMD 801 Research Methods and Dental Epidemiology (60 points), COMD 802 Dental Health Services (60 points), and a thesis (COMD 8) embodying the results of supervised research.

The candidate shall, before commencing the investigation to be described in the thesis, secure the approval of the Head of the Department concerned and the Faculty for the topic chosen, the supervisor(s) and the proposed course of the investigation.

For the thesis, the research should be of a kind that a diligent and competent student should complete within one year of full-time study.

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) on the advice of the Faculty of Dentistry.
Every applicant shall have fulfilled one of the following conditions:

• have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery of a university in New Zealand;
• have been admitted with the status of one who is entitled to proceed to the degree.

English Language Requirements: Internet-based TOEFL of 102 or better with a minimum of 24 in each section; or Paper-based TOEFL of 600 or better with a TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.0 or better; or IELTS (Academic) of 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7 in each band.