Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery PhD

Research within Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery aims to advance knowledge and improve the quality of patient care by drug development, critical evaluation of clinical practice, undertaking randomised controlled trials and the preparation and dissemination of best evidence for clinicians. The School has a very busy clinical unit with a wide range of outpatient and inpatient oral and maxillofacial surgery undertaken in a high quality dedicated environment.

PhD study within the School is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Flexibility is allowed within the parameters of the study to allow the research to evolve and instigate findings not envisaged at the outset of the work. This is complimented by a dedicated PhD training structure which provides critical skills training, personal development and progression milestones.

The PhD project will either be outlined by the academic supervisor offering the study, or alternatively by an applicant seeking to work within a particular research area with a focused plan of research in mind. The supervisory team will assist the PhD applicant throughout the study ensuring academic objectives are met and suitable training is provided in core skills fundamental to the research. Transferable skills training is provided by a dedicated Graduate Training Programme offered by the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences which provides training in research methodology, critical writing skills, intellectual property, research ethics etc.

All dentistry based MPhil/PhD researchers are required to successfully complete course units in Research Methods and  Biostatistics, and to participate in the Graduate Training Programme. Students are encouraged to attend journal clubs and research meetings within the School.

• Research Methods Component (15 credits): The aim is to equip students with skills related to design, execution and interpretation of clinical and clinically-related research.

  Formal assessment takes the form of two tutor-marked assignments.

• Biostatistics Component (15 credits): The aim is to equip students with skills related to data collection, simple analysis and interpretation of clinical and clinically-related research.

  Formal assessment takes the form of two tutor-marked assignments.

Academic entry qualification overview:

Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their primary dental qualification and Masters degree from a recognised institution.

In some circumstances, relevant research or professional experience may be acceptable in place of an academic qualification.

English language:

Students whose first language is not English require one of the following:

• IELTS test 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in the written component and no less than 5.5 in all components)
• TOEFL test: 577 paper-based (with no less than 5.5 in the TWE - Test of Written English)
• TOEFL test: 233 computer-based (with no less than 5.5 in the TWE - Test of Written English)
• TOEFL test: 90 (internet-based) (Minimum: Listening/Writing 17; Reading 18 and Speaking 20) Pearson Test 59-65 (with no less than 51 in each component)

This certification must be no more than 12 months old.

Applicants should provide the following:

• 2 academic references - both must be signed, dated and on headed paper. References more than twelve months old will not be accepted
• Copies (not originals) of degree certificates and official academic transcripts of previous study showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. (If these are in a language other than English, please provide official translations.) Note: If applicants hold a BDS from a UK University they need not provide a transcript of results but must provide a copy of the certificate
• Copies (not originals) of English Language certification if an applicant's first language is not English - IELTS, TOEFL or PEARSON Test only

International Students: Please upload a copy of your current valid passport showing the photograph page with your application.

Please note: The School will not process any applications that have supporting documents missing. The School does not make offers conditional on the submission of supporting documents.

It is highly recommended that applicants identify and contact a proposed academic supervisor prior to submitting their formal application. The School website contains extensive information on our research groups and the majority of academics have personal profiles detailing their existing work and publications.

Prior to application, it is best practice to email a suitable academic with a CV and a brief abstract of proposed study so it can be assessed for its academic merit. If encouraged, applicants can then apply formally online. If specific funded projects are advertised, details on the application process and requirements will be outlined in the advertisement.

Applicants within this dental theme would be based within the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Research Group. Each academic grouping holds regular meetings aimed at the following types of research activity:

• Discussing students' progress in a wider research context
• Providing a forum for staff and students to present research findings and ideas in a supportive atmosphere
• Discussing and giving advice on conference presentations and broadening awareness of student's research
• Facilitating career development opportunities beyond their MPhil/PhD

There is a detailed system to monitor the progress of PhD and MPhil students. Students must submit work at specific stages and meet with their supervisors throughout their course. Some meetings are informal, while others are formal and documented.

All students must submit a literature report at the end of the first three months (six months if part time). They must then submit a continuation report at the end of 11 months (23 months if part time) which must be of the quality and style of a masters thesis and which is accompanied by a viva examination.

When students register, they receive a postgraduate handbook which explains the monitoring procedures in detail, including flowcharts for easy planning. This information is also available on the Faculty intranet, which students gain access to upon registration.

Students have access to dedicated postgraduate suites located within the School.

School of Dentistry

See: About Us.

Research is carried out in two main themes:

Basic Dental Science - This internationally renowned group conducts research at the clinical/basic science interface. It has become increasingly focused on molecular and structural biology and encompasses four interactive, internationally recognised programmes in the analysis and management of craniofacial disorders, oral cancer, periodontal disease/mineralised tissues and biomaterials.

Research is conducted in a network of clinical facilities and laboratories in the Schools of Dentistry and Medicine and the Faculty of Life Sciences. The laboratories are well equipped, and a range of expertise in structural, cell and molecular biology exists to ensure a seamless transition into the post-genomic era. The group networks into the newly constructed Manchester Innovation Research Incubator which facilitates innovation, patenting and translation of basic research into the clinical environment.

The group has attracted research income of £3.8M from the Medical Research Council, Department of Health, Wellcome Trust and industry. The principal areas of research are clinical trials, epidemiology, diagnostic imaging and systematic reviews with the Cochrane Oral Health Group.

Health Sciences Research - The main facilities are located in dedicated research areas that provide accommodation for funded research groups, computing facilities and statistical and epidemiological support. The aim of this research group is to improve dental health and treatment by contributing to knowledge of evidence-based health provision.

This group has an international reputation for its research and many of these activities involve interdisciplinary research within the School, University and international and national groups. Key research areas are funded by the Medical Research Council, Department of Health and the European Union including studies into primary dental care, orthodontics, and pain and treatment of craniofacial anomalies.

High profile members of staff include:

• Professor Mike Dixon (the genetics of craniofacial anomalies)
• Professor Nalin Thakkar (the genetics of oral cancer and periodontal diseases)
• Professor Kevin O'Brien (clinical trials of orthodontic treatment)
• Professor Bill Shaw (the treatment of craniofacial anomalies, particularly cleft lip and palate)
• Professor Helen Worthington (biostatistics and systematic reviews with the Cochrane Oral Health Group)
• Professor Andy Blinkhorn (paediatric dentistry and dental public health)
• Professor David Watts (biomaterials)

Telephone: +44 (0)161 306 0239

Facsimile: +44 (0)161 306 1565

Email: pg-dentistry@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.dentistry.manchester.ac.uk/