Dental postgraduate programs in the UTHSC College of Dentistry offer residents the opportunity to pursue study in the UTHSC College of Graduate Heath Sciences (CGHS) leading to a Master of Dental Science (MDS) degree. Postgraduate programs in Endodontics, Forensic Dentistry, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontology, and Prosthodontics require residents to complete the MDS program in order to attain a dental certificate and successfully complete residency training. Postgraduate residents in Endodontics enter the MDS program during their clinical training, but may leave the MDS program prior to completion of degree requirements. Postgraduate residents in Oral Surgery do not participate in the MDS program.
The purpose of the MDS programs is to provide a contemporary research experience in an area of dental-related sciences to postdoctoral residents pursuing clinical specialty training in the College of Dentistry. The course of study and research requirements of the MDS program provides both traditional and contemporary knowledge of the role of research in clinical management of dental-facial abnormalities and diseases. The goal of the program is to prepare dental specialists to pursue several career opportunities, including specialty practice, academics, and/or research, with sound understanding of the important interrelationships between clinical dentistry, basic science, and scientific investigation.
The final MDS research report is a publishable manuscript formatted as required by a selected professional peer-reviewed journal in the subject areas of interest. Only high quality, professionally respected journals may be considered when identifying a publication source.
Point of clarification: Postgraduates participating in dental residency training in the College of Dentistry are designated "residents" by the University. Postgraduates pursuing a MDS degree in the College of Graduate Health Sciences are considered "students" by the University. Postgraduates involved in both dental residency training and MDS degree activities are considered to be both residents and students. These designations are important to appreciate during various aspect of postgraduate education at UTHSC.
