This program is designed to provide postdoctoral students training in Fixed Prosthodontics, Esthetics, Advanced Implant Dentistry, and Periodontics. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be issued certificates both in Periodontics and Periodontal Prosthesis. The focus is on the treatment of the advanced case to the highest esthetic and functional standards.
The basic science phase of the program is provided by the Division of Graduate Dental Education through a series of highly integrated core basic sciences. These courses are designed to expand the student's knowledge of Oral Biology. Additional basic science courses specific to Restorative Dentistry are provided by the department. The emphasis of this program lies in developing specialists who have a scholarly approach to clinical problems. As the biologic foundation for all clinical dentistry, Periodontics comprises a substantial portion of the didactic program during the first two years. A major emphasis is placed on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment planning. In addition to completing all necessary requirements for certification in Periodontics, the student must complete a minimum of 10 advanced reconstructions.
Interdisciplinary training is the hallmark of this program with faculty representatives of the Departments of Endodontics, Periodontics, Maxillofacial Surgery and Restorative Dentistry, continually interacting both in the seminars and clinics. Literature seminars include Periodontics, Occlusion, Restorative, and Esthetic Dentistry. Each student is expected to write a paper on a clinical research activity and submit it for publication.
Courses specific to Prosthodontics are usually presented in seminar format. These include: material sciences, impression and 10 temporization techniques, biomechanics, CT scan technology and CAD/CAM based restorations, adjunctive orthodontics, occlusion, treatment planning, laboratory technology, practice management, articulators and facebows, porcelain laminates, resin-bonded restorations, and esthetics. A course in Implantology, including both the surgical and prosthetic phase, is presented to the students, as they are expected to perform both phases of treatment during their training program. There is ample interaction with laboratory technicians and students are required to perform various laboratory procedures during the completion of their cases. The highly respected research environment at Penn Dental Medicine and throughout the University of Pennsylvania provides a valuable opportunity for students applying to post-doctoral programs to combine their specialty training with advanced research and academic opportunities.
Additional Program Options
Penn Dental Medicine also offers a Master of Science in Oral Biology (MSOB) and a Doctor of Science in Dentistry (DScD) that can be earned concurrent with a specialty certificate, preparing students to successfully enter the field of academic dentistry while also becoming skilled clinicians in specialty care. Through the MSOB and DScD programs, students are encouraged to pursue their individual research interests with projects that can span the diverse disciplines and research labs within Penn Dental Medicine's basic and clinical sciences and across the University.