Dental Postgraduate Program in Biomaterials, Operative and Regenerative Dentistry

Overview

The Dental Postgraduate Program in Biomaterials, Operative and Regenerative Dentistry is a unique 12-month, full-time postgraduate program designed to provide advanced training in contemporary restorative dentistry and biomaterials applied to regenerative dental medicine. The program is offered by the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics (CRSE) at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

The goals of this program are two-fold: (1) to enhance technical laboratory proficiency and clinical exposure to evidence-based contemporary restorative dentistry, and (2) to provide a solid foundation in biomaterials applied to restorative and regenerative dentistry. The curriculum integrates didactic education, simulation-based laboratory training, digital smile design and digital workflow, and a one-year continuous research immersion experience.

Contemporary operative dentistry demands clinicians who can integrate biomaterials science, adhesive technology, esthetic principles, and digital planning into predictable restorative outcomes. There is increasing demand for structured advanced training programs that bridge foundational education with high-level clinical execution and evidence-based reasoning. This program addresses that need by providing progressive training in direct, semi-direct, and direct-indirect composite techniques within an interdisciplinary framework.

Meanwhile, as a multidisciplinary program, the Biomaterials, Operative and Regenerative Dentistry. Postgraduate training is appropriate for dental graduates interested in restorative and regenerative dentistry. Students enrolled in the program will receive in-depth didactic and research training on biomaterials applied to regenerative dentistry. Notably, students will also have the opportunity to assist residents in restorative dentistry. A full-year research project on a topic identified in conjunction with the Program Directors will provide hands-on experience. The project will be assessed through an oral presentation at the end-of-year symposium, overall research performance, and, at the Program directors’ recommendation, the potential submission of a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. You will also be encouraged to present your work at local (School of Dentistry Research Day) and national (American Association for Dental Research) meetings.

Core courses provide a strong foundation in contemporary biomaterials, operative and restorative dentistry, esthetic treatment planning, digital workflow, research methods, and biostatistics. Through a combination of didactic instruction, simulation-based laboratory training, and research experiences, participants develop the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate biomaterials science with evidence-based restorative care. A key differentiator of this program is the one-year continuous research immersion, which strengthens participants' ability to analyze and interpret data and communicate findings through written reports and oral presentations.

Upon successful completion of the Dental Postgraduate Program in Biomaterials, Operative and Regenerative Dentistry, participants will be well positioned to pursue advanced clinical education, specialty training, academic careers, or PhD studies

Requirements

The program is intended for graduates with doctoral and/or bachelor degrees in biological (e.g., dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, veterinary medicine, etc.) or physical sciences (engineering-related areas).

• If your dental school instruction was not in English, you must provide documentation of English language proficiency by submitting iBT TOEFL scores. A minimum iBT TOEFL score of 84 or higher (less than 2 years old) is required
• Official transcripts of all dental education completed
   

Application Information 

Application deadlines:

• January cohort (January–December): August 1
• August cohort (August–July): April 1
   

Students are encouraged to apply early. Requests for consideration after the deadline may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The January 2027 cohort begins January 8, 2027.
 

Program Fees

Tuition for the one-year program is $35,000 (USD).

The application fee is $100 (USD).