Periodontics Graduate Program (MS)

Overview

The graduate program in Periodontics has three major objectives: (1) to teach the scientific basis of specialty practice; (2) to insure a high level of competence in the diagnosis of oral diseases, treatment planning both periodontics and implant, comprehensive therapy, and follow-up of patients with periodontal diseases and implant treatment; and (3) to develop future leaders not only in the specialty of Periodontics/Implantology, but also in the larger dental arena, with due emphasis on research and clinical aspects.

The philosophy of the program is the maximization of graduate students' potential in clinical practice, teaching, and research. There is sufficient flexibility in the program to allow for curriculum adjustment to fit an individual student's objectives, as well as to incorporate the rapid advances in the specialty (such as advanced bone grafting and new technology: digital dentistry, laser therapy, microsurgery, microscope-assisted soft tissue grafting, etc.).

Strong emphasis is placed on developing scholarly ability and technical proficiency, while maintaining a sense of professional responsibility and social obligation.

The certificate program requires a minimum of 36 months. Besides the basic courses in Periodontics and Implantology, courses in physiology, oral pathology, bacteriology, therapeutics, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, oral diagnosis, laser therapy, digital workflow, microscope-assisted dental therapies, conscious sedation, and many others are required. Teaching experience in both the classroom and clinic are also required.

Clinical practice will include experience in the diagnosis of oral diseases, treatment planning and comprehensive therapy using all acceptable modalities of care. Moreover, clinical experience in occlusal therapy, limited tooth movement, digital workflow, microscope-assisted dental therapies, and conscious sedation will be provided. Patients with craniofacial dysfunction and patients requesting implant therapy will be evaluated and treated following a multidisciplinary protocol.

In addition to a certificate in Periodontics, courses leading to Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees are offered through the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. There are several opportunities for research experiences, both at the clinical and basic science level within the department and the school, as well as through other programs at the University. A major research focus of our department is in the area of development, maintenance and regeneration of hard and soft tissues lost as a consequence of disease. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding risk factors associated with periodontal disease, with a particular focus on the older patient. A minimum of 45 semester credit hours, as well as a written thesis and oral defense, are required for an MS degree. A maximum of six semester credit hours is allowed for clinical practice. The Ph.D. program will be tailored to the individual student.

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 University of Michigan School of Dentistry Periodontics Graduate Program is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry Periodontics Graduate Program was designed to satisfy educational prerequisites to licensure for dentistry only in the state of Michigan. It has not been determined whether educational prerequisites to licensure would be satisfied in other states.

Students should consult the dental board in their state to confirm if the degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry meets the criteria for professional licensure in their state. Contact information for the state dental boards can be found at the American Dental Association.