Prosthodontics includes training on the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. Maxillofacial prosthetics training is provided. The interrelation of other medical/dental clinical specialties is emphasized. The program integrates all facets of the biomedical sciences with a comprehensive clinical experience. The program emphasizes the diagnostic process and current approaches to instrumentation and occlusion are stressed. Opportunities for implant placement and restoration of many implant systems also exist.
In addition, the completion of an MS in Oral Biology is mandatory for this specialty program.
The program is three years in length and is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Successful completion leads to a Prosthodontics Certificate and also qualifies the graduate for examination by the American Board of Prosthodontics. The flexibility of the program permits the graduate student to progress optimally, developing and building upon his or her background. Thus, within the requirements of the program, there is some flexibility within the student's schedule to fulfill individual needs and objectives.
The program goals and objectives are to:
- produce a graduate who is competent/proficient in all aspects of clinical/laboratory prosthodontics and has the didactic knowledge on which to base treatment;
- produce a graduate who will have the foundation for scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving;
- prepare the graduate for successful certification by the American Board of Prosthodontics;
- prepare and motivate the graduate for a lifetime of scholarly pursuit and active involvement in the specialty and profession; and
- provide a program environment that is patient-centered, serves the students, faculty, and staff, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge.
The program is open to applicants with a DDS/DMD (or equivalent) only. Criteria for student selection includes: academic record; research and publication record; extracurricular achievement, honors, and awards; class rank; professional experience and additional training; references; and the personal interview. The program uses ADEA PASS (American Dental Education Association Postdoctoral Application Support Service) and participates in the Post Doctoral Matching Program for Prosthodontics (MATCH). For additional information about the Certificate in Prosthodontics, visit our website.
This program prepares students for the opportunity to pursue an occupational license. Please refer to the Notification for Students Pursuing an Occupational License for additional information.