Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Community Dentistry (PGDipComDent)

1. Admission to the Programme

   1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
   2. Every applicant shall hold the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery of the University of Otago or another equivalent dental qualification approved by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), and be a registered dental practitioner in their country of practice or residence.
   3. Candidates will be selected on the basis of their previous academic record (a completed Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent with a grade average of a B+ or greater), their graduate experience and academic achievements, evidence that they are committed to ongoing education in Public Health and Community Dentistry, reports from three referees and postgraduate English requirements (where applicable).

2. Structure of the Programme

   1. The programme of study shall consist of two prescribed papers:
      • COMD 701 Research Methods and Dental Epidemiology (60 points)
      • COMD 702 Dental Health Services (60 points)

3. Duration of the Programme

   1. The duration of the programme shall be the equivalent of not less than one academic year.
   2. The programme may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. Part-time study must normally be completed within three years.

4. Examinations

   1. Any paper in which a candidate is enrolled in any year shall be examined in that year.
   2. A candidate who fails an examination may, on the recommendation of the examiners, be permitted by the Faculty to be re-examined at another time.

5. Level of Award of the Diploma

   The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

6. Variations

   On the recommendation of the Faculty, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may, in exceptional circumstances, approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

   Notes:
   The due date for applications for enrolment in the programme is 31 May in the year preceding that in which the applicant wishes to commence the programme. Before being admitted, overseas applicants will normally be required to undertake and satisfactorily complete at the School of Dentistry such work as the Faculty may require. All applicants who have not gained their Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of New Zealand or the University of Otago will have to fulfil an English language requirement.