PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be
Dental Sedation and Pain Management
Certificate detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
Teaching institution:
Faculty:
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the programme:
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes )
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the programme and its assessment methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Ongoing
University College London
University College London
Medical Sciences
UCL Eastman Dental Institute http://www.ucl.ac.uk/eastman
Part-time http://www.ucl.ac.uk/eastman/education/courses/certificates/dspm
1 calendar year
Level 7
N/A
This postgraduate certificate programme includes a structured lecture series, supervised clinical treatment of patients, and a research project.
Assessment is by evaluation of practical and clinical ability, appraisal of dissertations, formal oral examinations and three formal written examinations
Name of Board of Examiners:
Dental Sedation and Pain Management (PGCert)

Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Faculty of General Dental Practitioners Date of next scheduled accreditation visit: N/A
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
To develop theoretical/practical competencies for medical/dental practitioners in the fast developing area of sedation and pain management.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sedation and pain management

the indication and contraindication to sedation
 the advantages and disadvantages of intramuscular, intravenous, inhalational, oral, transmucosal, and nonpharmacological methods of anxiety and pain control
 airway management – protection of the airway
 basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular -, respiratory -,
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The programme consists of pre-clinical (theoretical) and clinical (practical training) components
Teaching/learning methods and strategies include,

Didactic lectures – this is presented over 10 days as part of the pre-clinical module

Problem-based learning – both in the pre-clinical and clinical module. The clinical module is presented over 6 months at UCL accredited training facilities
Handouts with further reading and research papers (selfstudy) as well as study materials on Moodle. central nervous -, gastrointestinal -, renal -, and hepatic systems
 the physiology and management of pain
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Treatment planning and clinical problem solving
Research planning/protocol writing
Assessment:
Students will be assessed by a variety of methods:
'unseen' examinations, oral assessment, practical training assessment - handing in of a log book to confirm that practical training was done, and a dissertation. The last mentioned is a required method of assessment.
B: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Supervised clinical work
Diagnostic clinics
Journal clubs
Dissertation
Self-directed learning is encouraged by regular essay writing.

Practical skills (able to):

assess patients for suitability for sedation, and form treatment plans for their safe and effective management

understand the significance of changes in physiological variables before, during and after sedation

recognize the importance of safe recovery and appropriate discharge criteria

explain and understand the operation and use of equipment for the administration of sedation and physiological monitoring devices

evaluate the suitability of staff and premises for treatment under sedation

recognize and explain the immediate management of common complications associated with sedation
Assessment:
Extended Essays
Termly assessment via multiple choice and multiple short answer questions
Termly academic and research progress assessments through internal graduate appraisal process
C: Skills and other attributes

Acquisition of (a) and (b) is fostered in all modules offered in the Programme, in that all modules will introduce information that will need to be assessed critically and will demonstrate that how conflicting interpretations can arise from the same information.

Problem-based learning

Handout with further reading and research papers (self study
Assessment:
Through 'unseen' examinations, oral assessment, course work, clinical case problem solving, practical skills assessment, and dissertation. The latter is a required method of assessment.

Transferable skills (able to):
 knowledge of the literature, in excess of what expected from a graduate dental or medical practitioner, pertaining to the field of sedation and pain
D: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
(a) course work, dissertation
(b) reading journals on sedation and pain management
(c) submitting word-processed written work; using data


 management the ability to utilize information technology to access appropriate information on sedation and pain management a deepened knowledge of relevant basic subjects in those disciplines relevant to the field of sedation and pain management the ability to communicate effectively with patients and peers in a team context in bases, consulting on-line library catalogues, using website material
(d) seminar presentations
(e) seminars, 'hands-on' instruction
(f) reading about and discussing sedation and pain control strategies in different practices – the course presents an unique opportunity as both medical and dental practitioners are involved
(g) dissertation, seminar presentations, 'hands-on' instruction
(h) reading, class discussion relation to sedation and pain management
Assessment:
'Unseen' examination, oral assessment, clinical skills evaluation
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:

the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf
);

the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements );

the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);

UCL teaching and learning policies;

staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Prof J Roelofse Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Date of Production:
Date of Review:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
November 2005
November 2015
December 2015
December 2015