Master of Science in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

  • Total # of Credit hours
    78

Welcome Message

Welcome to the MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery program at Ajman University’s College of Dentistry.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to a dynamic academic environment where surgical expertise, innovation, and lifelong learning converge. The field of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is advancing rapidly—driven by breakthroughs in technology, deeper insights into craniofacial anatomy and pathology, and the increasing demand for both functional and aesthetic surgical solutions. At Ajman University, our postgraduate Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery program is thoughtfully designed to meet these challenges head-on, preparing our graduates to excel as leaders in both clinical practice and academic research.

Our program is more than a degree; it is a transformative journey. Over three years, our graduate students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that integrates foundational medical and dental sciences, evidence-based surgical techniques, clinical training, and applied research. From managing maxillofacial trauma and congenital anomalies to performing orthognathic and reconstructive surgeries, our students are trained to approach every case with precision, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.

The learning experience is enriched by our expert faculty, who are internationally recognized for their clinical and research contributions. Students have access to state-of-the-art surgical suites, advanced imaging technologies, and simulation labs, as well as a diverse patient population in our affiliated teaching hospitals—ensuring broad and in-depth clinical exposure.

What truly distinguishes our program is our culture of mentorship and collaboration. We believe that surgical excellence is nurtured in an environment of integrity, critical reflection, and mutual support. Whether your goal is to pursue specialist practice, academic leadership, or international certification, this program will equip you with the surgical skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

I warmly welcome you to join our community of passionate learners and dedicated clinicians. Together, let us advance the field of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

 

Sincerely,

Program Lead, MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

College of Dentistry

Program Overview

Introduction

Ajman University, College of Dentistry is welcoming candidates to apply to the Master of Science in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery).

The MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a rigorous, three-year, full-time graduate program that offers advanced, specialized training in the field of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. This comprehensive program integrates intensive clinical experience with in-depth didactic instruction, cutting-edge research, and academic teaching. It is designed to equip students with the highest level of surgical proficiency and academic excellence.

Learning strategies include, but are not limited to, lectures, seminars, advanced surgical practice, hospital-based clinical rotations, simulation-based training, research theses, and teaching assistantships in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. With a strong emphasis on individual growth, the program is student-centered and promotes equity by addressing each student’s unique needs, interests, and career aspirations.

 

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery) is a rigorous, full-time, three-year postgraduate program (six semesters) that provides comprehensive academic, clinical, and research training in the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The program is classified at Level 7 (Master Level) under the QFEmirates 2024 Qualifications Framework, and is aligned with international standards and benchmarking, including reference to advanced surgical training programs such as those accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in the United States.

The program is meticulously designed to develop highly competent oral and maxillofacial surgeons capable of delivering high-quality, evidence-based care in the surgical management of diseases, injuries, and defects involving the oral and maxillofacial region. It combines rigorous didactic coursework, extensive clinical and surgical experience, and scholarly research to ensure that graduates attain the full scope of competencies required of specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The structured three-year MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates advanced didactic education, progressive clinical training, and original research. The didactic component builds a solid foundation in relevant biomedical sciences, surgical principles, and clinical decision-making essential for managing a wide range of cases, from dentoalveolar surgery to complex craniofacial interventions. Clinical training is delivered throughout all six semesters via hospital-based rotations and supervised operative experiences, progressively advancing surgical skills and clinical judgment. The research and thesis component are designed to instill a strong foundation in scientific methodology, critical appraisal, and the application of research to surgical practice.

 

Mission Statement

The MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery program at Ajman University is committed to developing highly skilled, ethically grounded, and research-oriented specialists through advanced surgical training, scholarly inquiry, and hands-on clinical experience. We aim to empower graduates to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based surgical care while actively contributing to community health, promoting sustainable and interdisciplinary healthcare practices, and advancing both regional and global oral and maxillofacial health systems.

 

  1. Admission Requirements

For full admission to MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery program, applicants are required to full the below conditions:

  1. The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or it’s established equivalent in the applicant’s bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS or DDS). In specific cases, the student can be considered for conditional admission per AU policies.
  2. Applicants who have not completed an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the language of instruction must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English before admission.
  • IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.0. ​
  • TOEFL (ITP): Minimum score of 550. ​
  • EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1400.
  • Applicants may be exempted from the English proficiency requirement only for students who undertook all their schooling (K-12) plus a Bachelor’s degree in English in a reference English-speaking country (e.g. UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand).
  1. Equivalency Certificate: For degrees obtained outside the UAE, an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education is mandatory.
  2. Two recommendation letters from professors or professionals familiar with the applicant's academic and clinical capabilities.
  3. Applicants must successfully pass an interview, written and clinical skill practical exam conducted by the College of Dentistry to assess their suitability for the program.
  4. Medical clearance: The applicant should be medically fit to study, and particular immunization status against blood-borne infectious diseases needs to be ascertained.
  5. Good Conduct Certificate: A certificate issued by official authorities attesting to the applicant's good conduct. ​
  6. Identification Documents: Valid passport copy, UAE national ID (for residents), and recent passport-sized photographs. ​
  7. Application Fee: Payment of the non-refundable application fee as specified by the university. ​
  8. Seat Reservation Deposit: Upon acceptance, a non-refundable deposit of AED 21,000 is required to reserve the seat in the program.
  9. B) Conditional Admission

A student will be considered for conditional admission to the MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery program in one of the following situations;

  1. Conditional Admission due to Non-fulfillment of CGPA Requirement: 

An applicant may be offered a conditional admission due to non-fulfillment of CGPA condition, if he/she satisfies the following: 

  1. He / She is a holder of a bachelor degree in Dentistry issued from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education, UAE
  2. His / Her bachelor degree was completed with a minimum CGPA between 2.0 and 2.99 on a scale of 4.0, or its equivalent;
  3. He / She has attained English proficiency requirements as indicated in general admissions (see section A above). Such a student must meet the following requirements during the period of conditional admission or be subject to dismissal:
  • May take a maximum of nine credit hours in the first semester of study;
  • Must achieve an overall grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale in the first nine credit hours of the proposed new program.

 

  1. Conditional Admissions due to Non-fulfillment of English Proficiency Requirement: An applicant may be offered a conditional admission due to non-fulfillment of English Proficiency requirement, if he/she satisfies the following:
  2. He / She is a holder bachelor degree in Dentistry issued from an accredited university by the Ministry of Education, UAE
  3. His / Her bachelor degree was completed with a minimum CGPA of 3 on a scale of 4.0, or its equivalent
  4. He/she has attained a score between 530 and 550 in TOEFL or its equivalent. Such a student must meet the following requirements during the period of conditional admission or be subject to dismissal:
  • Must achieve a TOEFL or IELTS score as specified in the general requirements (see A above) by the end of the student’s first semester of study;
  • May take a maximum of six credit hours in the first semester of the proposed new program;
  • Must achieve an overall grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale in the first nine credit hours of the proposed new program.
Graduation requirements

The dental students will be awarded the Master of Science in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (MSc) degree after fulfilling the following requirements:

  1. Completing successfully the required credit hours (79 credit hours) with Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) not less than 3 (Grade B), otherwise students should take, during the following semester(s), clinical subjects as suggested by the academic advisor to fulfill this graduation requirement.
  2. Completing successfully the treatment of the required clinical cases during the clinical training.
  3. Submitting & defending a thesis before an examination committee of the College.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Master of Science in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Program learning outcomes (PLOs)

On successful completion of the MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery program, graduates will be able to:

 

K) Knowledge

Develop highly specialized knowledge within and directly related to Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, implantology and oral medicine, and demonstrate critical awareness of current challenges, innovations, and insights in the field.

Identify pathologies, developmental anomalies, traumatic injuries, and neoplastic conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region, and select appropriate surgical and non-surgical management strategies.

Describe the principles and practices of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including a wide range of procedures such as dentoalveolar surgery, implantology, trauma management, orthognathic surgery, and reconstructive techniques.

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of clinical research design, evidence-based practices, and applicable biomedical and surgical research methodologies in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

 

S) Skills

Demonstrate advanced diagnostic skills to evaluate and interpret complex oral and maxillofacial conditions, including those related to trauma, congenital anomalies, neoplastic and infectious diseases, oral mucosal disorders, and systemic conditions with oral manifestations.

Exhibit advanced surgical skills in the preparation and handling of surgical instruments, biomaterials, and devices used in oral and maxillofacial procedures, including those in implantology, oral medicine, and reconstructive surgery.

Develop and evaluate comprehensive treatment plans, integrating principles of oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, and oral medicine, while critically assessing treatment options based on current scientific evidence and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Perform advanced oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, including dentoalveolar surgery, facial trauma management, orthognathic surgery, dental implant placement, pre-prosthetic surgery, and the surgical management of oral pathological conditions.

Demonstrate highly effective communication skills in clinical, academic, and professional contexts, including patient counseling, interdisciplinary teamwork, and academic dissemination, using both verbal and written communication.

Design, conduct, and defend a relevant research project in oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, or oral medicine, applying rigorous scientific methodology and adhering to ethical standards in clinical or laboratory-based research.

 

R) Responsibility

Autonomy

Demonstrate independent clinical and surgical decision-making, taking full responsibility for patient outcomes and professional judgments in complex cases, irrespective of patients' social status, background, or beliefs.

Interpret and articulate specialized knowledge, clinical decisions, and management options clearly to colleagues, patients, and caregivers, ensuring shared understanding and informed consent.

Role in Context

Exhibit professional conduct and effective communication with the dental team, medical colleagues, and referring healthcare practitioners, respecting interprofessional roles and responsibilities.

Demonstrate advanced organizational and leadership skills in both collaborative and supervisory roles, effectively contributing to team-based care and surgical case management.

Self-development

Take responsibility for ongoing professional development and reflective practice in clinical, academic, and research settings, recognizing the need for lifelong learning.

Critically evaluate treatment outcomes and apply self-directed learning strategies to address evolving clinical, ethical, and professional challenges in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Study Plan

Study Plan