The major emphasis of the Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric Dentistry [MDS(PaediatrDent)] programme is on training students to become clinically competent paediatric dentists, and the programme of clinical, laboratory and didactic coursework is designed with this goal in mind. On completion of the course, students complete three years of formal training that are recognised as part of the requirements for specialisation in Paediatric Dentistry in Hong Kong. The research project and thesis will prepare the candidate in scientific methodology and equip them to critically analyse the literature, and allow them to pursue a course of independent research, and to eventually become established in a field of research. This second emphasis should prepare the candidate, preparing them for an academic career, if so desired. It also strengthens the candidate's credentials as a clinician.