Dental Materials Science

Examine the properties of materials used in the dental field. Understand how this knowledge is applied to impact clinical interventions and design new dental technology applications.

Course description

This course explores the fundamental science behind a wide range of materials, and how this knowledge is applied in dentistry. You will examine the properties of different materials, why these features make them useful to dentists, and how this understanding is used in the production of dental technology.

Topics range from the history of dental materials to the latest advances in digital dentistry and tissue engineering. You will learn about the scientific, legal and practical issues that need to be considered when choosing, evaluating and developing dental materials. You will also cover the production processes behind treatment options such as fixed restorations or removable prosthodontics and orthodontics.

The course is led by experts from both the School of Clinical Dentistry, where staff develop new clinical interventions and work directly with patients, and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, which studies the fundamental science of matter and its applications. As part of the degree, you will complete a scientific research training programme and work closely with researchers from one of these areas on your own research project.