Diploma in Dental Surgery Assistance

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

1 Year

60 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

The aim of this one-year course is to provide you with thorough theoretical knowledge, skills and competences associated with knowledgeable, caring and professional behaviour, in a variety of health settings where the dental team operates. We will help you to further develop intellectually by receiving knowledge focused on general and oral health and disease.

You are eligible to the Diploma course through a) the successful completion of the Preparatory Course for Diploma in Dental Surgery Assistance or b) evidence of DSA qualifications, as outlined in detail below. You will learn and consolidate your clinical skills by being exposed to a number of clinics under the remit of the various specialties, as well as in the dental laboratory. The Diploma course will enable you to further refine your intellectual and clinical proficiency so as to allow you to seek direct employment or further studies, after completion of the course.

The aim of this one-year course is to provide you with thorough theoretical knowledge, skills and competences associated with knowledgeable, caring and professional behaviour, in a variety of health settings where the dental team operates. You will further develop intellectually by receiving knowledge focused on general and oral health and disease. The theory supporting the various disciplines in dentistry will be discussed in detail.

Eligibility to the Diploma course is through

the successful completion of the Preparatory Course for Diploma in Dental Surgery Assistance or
evidence of DSA qualifications, as outlined in detail below.

As a successful candidate, you will follow a structured course based on your entry qualifications and as directed by the Board of Studies.

You will acquire clinical training and will learn and consolidate your clinical skills by being exposed to a number of clinics under the remit of the various specialties, as well as in the dental laboratory. The Diploma course will enable you to further refine your intellectual and clinical proficiency so as to allow you to seek direct employment or further studies, after completion of the course.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to deliver the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge underpinning the practice of dental assistance. It is intended if you are interested in advancing the standards of your vocation. More specifically, the course will provide a sufficient body of knowledge to enable you to undertake your prescribed work with care, safety and responsibility and to recognize the full scope of your remit.

The course aims to:

Provide thorough knowledge and reflection to enable you to practice your vocation in a professional and accountable manner.
Provide a sound knowledge of oral and general health and disease.
Provide principles of public health and basic oral health education and prophylaxis techniques to patients.

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Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

successful completion of the Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Dental Surgery Assistance offered by the University of Malta or
the MCAST Diploma for Dental Surgery Assistants or equivalent.

Prior to enrolling, accepted applicants are also required to undergo an occupational health assessment as detailed in the Occupational Health Protocol approved by the Faculty Board, so as to ascertain that they are fit for the duties related to their proposed studies. Students who do not fulfil this requirement shall be barred from attending the clinical placements.

You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications.

You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the .

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.


Year and Summer Period

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DSG1000*	Clinical Training for Dental Assistants	16 ECTS	(NC)
* Study-unit DSG1000 to be taken ONLY by candidates in possession of the Preparatory Course for the Diploma in Dental Surgery Assistance. It starts in semester 1 and continues up to the summer period.

Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
ORC1009	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 9 - Preventive and Community Dentistry	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DNS1012**	Applied Human Biology and Anatomy for Dental Assistants	4 ECTS	(NC)
DNS1014	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 4 - Child Dental Health	4 ECTS	(NC)
DNS1015	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 5 - Dental Imaging	4 ECTS	(NC)
ORC1000	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 1 - Prosthodontics	4 ECTS	(NC)
ORC1002	An Introduction to Practice Management	4 ECTS	(NC)
RDN1002	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 2 - Conservative Dentistry	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

DNS1013	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 3 - Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine	4 ECTS	(NC)
DNS1016	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 6 - Orthodontics	4 ECTS	(NC)
ORC1003**	Clinical Ethics	4 ECTS	(NC)
ORC1007	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 7 - Periodontology	4 ECTS	(NC)
ORC1008	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 8 - Special Care Dentistry	4 ECTS	(NC)
ORC1010	Dental Specialties for Dental Assistants 10 - Geriatric Dentistry	4 ECTS	(NC)

**Study-units DNS1012, and ORC1003 to be taken ONLY by candidates in possession of the MCAST Diploma for Dental Surgery Assistants, or equivalent.

Requirement for the award of Diploma in Dental Surgery Assistance: 60 ECTS credits.

This programme of study is governed by The General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Diploma in Dental Surgery Assistance under the auspices of the Faculty of Dental Surgery.

By the end of the programme of study, you will be able to:

Discuss ethical rights in a clinical and community-based setting, using legal and ethically acceptable policies.
Ensure health and safety precautions of patients in clinical settings using clinically acceptable policies.
Assist as part of a dental team in clinical procedures associated with treatment of dental disease.
Perform instrument/equipment sterilization techniques in an effective manner.
Report basic clinical data of patients in treatment records, as instructed by dental clinicians, by using clinically acceptable indices.
Perform tasks in dental practice management, such as stock keeping and communication with patients.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fee: Eur 10,800

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

As a graduate you will be employable within the private sector and in the government health services. If you are in possession of a Diploma in Dental Surgery Assistance (Second Class or better), then you will be able to progress to the Bachelor courses offered by the Faculty of Dental Surgery.

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