Different Structures of European Postgraduate Programmes

This paper considered the ever growing range of European postgraduate programmes on dental topics that can lead to the award of a postgraduate degree or diploma. These programmes may be centred on general dentistry, specific clinical disciplines, research or other topics such as practice management or applied dental informatics. Some cover all these areas. Historically they have been run within dental schools or other academic institutions. However, recently some have been (and are) provided as distance learning courses. The resulting degrees or diplomas are frequently required for career progression in academic dentistry or, in countries where dental specialties are recognised, prior to recognition as a specialist. In the last decade, a number of European specialist societies, including those for Periodontology and Children's Dentistry have developed curricula for 3‐year Masters courses, approved training centres and externally validated this training. The paper concluded that there has been considerable growth in both the number and range of postgraduate dental programmes in Europe and that, although the providing institutions are in competition, it is essential that they work together to ensure that the quality of education provided is at a high level. Such collaboration may be facilitated by organisations such as the Association for Dental Education in Europe and other Pan‐European groups.