Graduate Restorative Dentistry Program (MS)

Overview

The Graduate Restorative Dentistry program provides advanced clinical training in direct and indirect esthetic restorations, crown & bridge and implant rehabilitation, affording comprehensive patient management experiences.

The evidence-based curriculum has recently been revised to incorporate the most current advancements in digital dentistry, chairside CAD/CAM technology and smile design.

Successful graduates are well qualified for positions as full-time clinical faculty in a dental school as an educator or administrator in both pre-doctoral comprehensive care and graduate general dentistry programs.

Students completing the three-year academic, clinical and research requirements receive:

• Master of Science degree from the Rackham School of Graduate Studies
• Certificate of program completion from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry
• Certificate of training completion in Computerized Dentistry and CAD/CAM

Restorative Dentistry is not a recognized dental specialty; therefore, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry Graduate Program in Restorative Dentistry is not accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Competencies

At completion of the program, graduates must be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge (defined as knowledge of contemporary literature, application of the literature to practice, and critical analysis of clinical decisions based on the literature) in 7 distinct domains, as follows:

Operative and Restorative Dentistry and Clinical Practice:

• Diagnostic skills and knowledge of evidence-based in gathering data, diagnosis, and developing individualized treatment plans.
• Provide patient-focused care coordinated by the general practitioner within interdisciplinary health care teams, including consultation and referral.
• Assess, diagnose, and plan for the provision of multidisciplinary oral health care for a wide variety of patients, including those with special needs.
• Advanced skill in pain and anxiety control utilizing behavioral techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of evidence-based and clinical skills in minimally invasive, conservative techniques, including pulpo-dentin preservation techniques.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in digital dentistry.
• Critical analysis of evolving technologies and scientific literature.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in the restoration of implants.
• Evidence-based education about chronic oral disease management and prevention.

Esthetics

• Advanced skills in assessment and diagnosis of facial esthetics and esthetic treatment planning with emphasis on minimally invasive therapies.
• Advanced skills in dental photography and videography to promote diagnosis, patient education, and legal documentation.
• Application of color theory to diagnosis and selection of restorative materials.

Cariology

• Advanced knowledge of the evidence base in the etiology, microbiology, and risk-based management of caries.
• Advanced skills in risk-based diagnosis and treatment planning in preventive, non-surgical, and surgical therapies, emphasizing minimally invasive techniques.

Biomaterials

• Advanced knowledge in the evidence base on clinical indications, limitations, manipulation, maintenance, and repair of currently available biomaterials.
• Advanced skills in contemporary adhesive dentistry techniques.

Research

• Demonstrate mastery of the scientific literature in a chosen area of research.
• Demonstrate knowledge of ethical responsibility in conducting research, including research on animal and human subjects.
• Develop, conduct, and analyze the results of a research project.
• Apply the fundamentals of biostatistical analysis.
• Organize, communicate, and defend research.

Dental Education

• Knowledge of teaching skills in pre-clinical and clinical settings, including active learning techniques.
• Skills in organizing, developing, and delivering educational modules.
• Skills in developing assessments and the interpretation of assessment statistics.

Professional and leadership skills

• Application of the principles of ethical reasoning, clinical decision making and professional responsibility in patient care and practice management.
• Ability to describe oral health needs of communities and advocate for scientific positions on community and national health issues.
• Ability to provide social responsibility, community leadership, and inclusiveness within the profession.

Requirements

• DDS or BDS degree or equivalent
• Application through Rackham
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Report for any dental coursework completed outside of the US/Canada
• iBT TOEFL score of 84 or higher and less than 2 years old (international applicants)
• How to Apply

Licensure Disclosure

The Graduate Restorative Program is proud to have trained educators and clinicians for over 70 years. Students who successfully complete all academic, clinical and research requirements of the program will receive a Master of Science degree in Restorative Dentistry from Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Even though some international graduates may be eligible for licensure in the United States, an MS degree in Restorative Dentistry from the University of Michigan does not automatically lead to licensure.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the Graduate Restorative Dentistry Program have no control over licensure eligibility. International students should consult the state dental board to confirm if an MS degree in Restorative Dentistry from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry meets the criteria for professional licensure in a particular state. Contact information for the state dental boards can be found at the American Dental Association. International dentists that are primarily seeking a dental license in the United States are highly encouraged to apply to the Internationally Trained Dentist Program (ITDP) instead.