My reasons for choosing a Masters of Science degree are entirely personal and are as follows. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1992. I completed the MFGDP(UK) in 1994 and since then have followed an entirely personal journey in post-graduate education. My choices were based on my own preferences and I have spent literally thousands of hours and travelled the world in search of learning from the best. I discovered early on that hands-on courses were the best investment in terms of learning and advancement of practical skills. Among other courses I did several years with Mike Wise in London, all three levels of Aesthetic Advantage in London, New York and West Palm Beach. I travelled to Brazil to take Newton Fahl’s week long course, and to the Dawson Centre in Florida for multiple functional occlusion courses. I used to search out successful clinical dentists and ask them what courses I should take. I also began to teach, and it was this passion for teaching which formed part of my rationale for taking an academic qualification.
I had been a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry for many years and had sat the first stage of their accreditation exam (the written exam). Together with Chris Orr and David Bloom we then designed the British Academy’s Accreditation process and, there being no short-cuts, it took me several years to complete and pass that process.
However, I wanted to calibrate myself against the academic curriculum. At one point, the Royal College of Surgeons were looking at providing a diploma in aesthetic dentistry - and despite my self-directed credentials, I would not have been eligible for the course as I didn’t have enough academic points. This really frustrated me so as soon as I saw Manchester University’s Master degree in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry I signed up. The biggest appeal to me was distance learning and so I was able to complete it without losing clinical time. I run two private clinics and have three children and so this had to fit around my lifestyle.
The journey was tough! The biggest benefit to me was in terms of research and learning how to justify clinical decisions with academic references. As a general dental practitioner, my knowledge of research was limited. I had learnt from Mike Wise early on the importance of clinically relevant research and evidence based dentistry but my skills needed updating.
The net benefit has been one of enhanced confidence when teaching. I also make better clinical decisions on a day to day basis and am less influenced by manufacturer’s claims (or even lecturer’s claims!). I love reading the research and my degree has also led to more opportunities for me within teaching and working with manufacturers on developing products. I have to confess that dental materials science was not my favourite subject at university - but I have learnt to love the chemistry and am in total awe of the researchers who strive to make our working lives easier and more effective.
I enjoyed my post-graduate degree and was fortunate enough to graduate with distinction. It was hard work and is not for every one but I have no regrets.