“I know that I do not know” Journey through an MSc in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry - Dr Oliver Harman

Dr Oliver Harman is now coming to the end of his two-year MSc in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry, with only a couple of weeks before the dissertation section of the course. Designed to advance practitioner’s skills in this area, the course is provided by renowned education provider Healthcare Learning: Smile-on in collaboration with the University of Manchester

The second half of the MSc course has provided everything I have come to expect. The latest modules have taught me a lot about how much I still have learn, and it has been an exciting and at times challenging journey.

Module 4 was an introduction to the research and evidence-base behind everything we do. This was completely new to me as such an area was not included in my initial training to become a dentist, and with this came my greatest challenge from the MSc course. While it was extremely interesting to delve into all the research associated with the practical work I do, it was a real eye-opener – for all the things I didn’t know! When I first qualified, I was told how things worked, shown how to do them and that’s what I did; so this was a whole new way of thinking. The test for this module was a particularly rude awakening, as I realised just how much there still was to learn. I am however very pleased to report that I did pass the module after some hard work.

Having considered myself a fairly experienced clinician, I was surprised to find sections of this course quite so challenging. That said, I think it was invaluable to go back to basics and to be able to form my own opinions directly from the evidence-base available. I experienced a different style of teaching here as well – it was clear the course instructors were training us for bigger things. This module in particular encouraged a high level of thinking and reasoning, which has already had a huge influence over the way I practice dentistry.

By the time we reached module 5, I was somewhat relieved to return to the wet-fingered dentistry I am reasonably comfortably with. In this section we looked at how to perform back fillings correctly and how to achieve highly aesthetic results.

Module 6 then covered more advanced techniques and involved a lot of implant work. This I found exceptionally useful as it forced me to go beyond the basic understanding I already had and it gave me a really good grounding in implantology, as well as covering complex restorative areas too. For the first time, I think I can now honestly say that I actually understand occlusion – if anyone can!

While I appreciate the Manchester University’s methods of teaching are not the only ones, this MSc course has been superb, especially when it came to occlusion. The course strengthened my clinical foundations, covering all types of treatments and providing practical advice for day-to-day procedures. Patient communication was an especially helpful area to go over, and covering the potential risk factors has helped strengthen my treatment plans.

I have also been thoroughly impressed with all the academics leading the course, who really know their stuff and have been fantastic instructors. A good balance between the research, hospital and general dentistry has also been presented.

Now nearing the end of the MSc, I am keen to take a much more minimally invasive approach to cases wherever possible. This has been reflected in my practice and we have started to focus on providing more advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, with enhanced treatment planning procedures. We also now have an in-house implantologist, and the MSc has certainly helped me build this relationship.

For any professionals thinking of undergoing a Masters course, I think it is important to evaluate your personal situation before you start. I have found that running a busy practice while taking on the extra workload from the MSc difficult at times, so I would say such an endeavour would be best suited to those running more established practices, or to associate dentists with fewer responsibilities. I also take my hat off to the clinicians on my course juggling a busy family life as well, particularly those with young children!

A good support system is vital when undertaking this type of course – designed to test you and develop your skills, the workload can understandably put you under pressure. I am fortunate enough to have a very understanding wife, who has stepped in to help with the daily goings-on of my practice, and I can’t thank her enough for her support. It’s all about finding the balance between your passion to learn and your current commitments.

As the old saying goes, ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’. To quote Socrates in Plato’s dialogues, the course has ensured that now ‘I know that I do not know’. As I come to the end of the formal training of the MSc and look towards my dissertation, I can say without a doubt that is has changed the way I practice for good. It has been an excellent course and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

To find out more about the MSc course, please call 020 7400 8989 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.