Periodontics, Boston University Henry M Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Last updated on April 22, 2024.

Boston University Henry M Goldman School of Dental Medicine

Program Size
9 (estimate)
Program Length
12-60 months
Application Deadline
December 1
Program Start
July 1

Program Contact

Dr. Serge Dibart

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Postdoctoral Admissions
635 Albany Street, G-146
Boston, Massachusetts, 02118

Apply Now

http://www.bu.edu/academics/sdm/programs/periodontology/
http://www.bu.edu/academics/sdm/programs/periodontology/cags/
http://www.bu.edu/academics/sdm/programs/periodontology/msd/
http://www.bu.edu/academics/sdm/programs/periodontology/dscd/ 

Periodontology
The Department of Periodontology focuses primarily on the didactic and clinical education of periodontology residents. Our goal is to educate residents to perform proficiently in Periodontics, be critical thinkers and stay life-long learners. Our objectives are to provide residents with an understanding of the theoretical basis for, and the basic sciences involved in, the maintenance of health and/or the treatment of diseases of the periodontium as well as providing them with the most up to date clinical training in all aspects of periodontology as well as both surgical and restorative implant dentistry. To expand their knowledge of the interactions of medical and dental discipline and broaden their professional judgment to include long term management of the periodontal patient.

CAGS in Periodontology
The 36 months of the CAGS-only program are devoted to pursuit of a clinical certificate in Periodontology through 3 years of uninterrupted clinical experiences and didactic courses.

The first year starts with didactic instruction that provides in-depth training in all areas of minimal, moderate, and deep sedation, as well as clinical training to level of competency in adult minimal, enteral, and moderate parenteral sedation.

This includes extended training in a Human Simulation Lab equipped with a SimMan Hi Fidelity Human Computerized Simulation Mannequin. The lab is a mock OR setup equipped with cameras and microphones. One of the main goals of the simulation is to promote patient safety, through crisis management training, allowing residents to think critically and make key decisions while providing IV sedation – the kind of decisions they will confront in an actual clinical facility. It gives the residents the practical experience with patients while allowing them the time and safety to make critical decisions without affecting human lives. All scenarios are based on real case reports and situations, reconstructed for educational benefits.

The first year will also include clinical periodontology and related coursework. The second year continues with treatment planning, oral medicine, clinical medical sciences, conventional periodontal surgery, periodontal microsurgery, and both surgical and restorative implantology.  Residents also continue with moderate IV sedation training. The third year is devoted to the clinical practice of periodontics with advanced surgical training and additional didactic instruction. Students are involved in teaching and are exposed to research.

MSD in Periodontology
This 12-month program is, in itself or in combination with CAGS, comprised of a research project that emphasizes the sciences essential to understanding the principles of clinical periodontology. The research project is conducted with a periodontal faculty research advisor. With the assistance of the research mentor, students will select didactic courses that support the research project.

DScD in Periodontology
The 36-month DScD in Periodontology program is designed for students who wish to pursue an academic or research-oriented career. During the first year, the students are assigned research mentors and work with them to design a curriculum that supports their research interests. Emphasis will be put on core clinical research and statistical concepts leading to proper research design. Didactic courses are chosen from SDM postdoctoral and other Boston University course offerings. The second year will continue with both didactic courses and clinical research, and the third year is dedicated to conducting and completing research. A successful defense of an original dissertation is required.

MSD in Periodontology / CAGS in Periodontology
This 36-month program combines the clinical certificate in periodontology with the master’s research project. The MSD in Periodontology requirements are completed in conjunction with the CAGS in Periodontology requirements. The certificate and degree are awarded upon completion of both clinical and research requirements.

DScD in Periodontology/ CAGS in Periodontology
A limited number of candidates are accepted into a 60-month program that combines the requirements for a DScD in Periodontology with the requirements for a CAGS in Periodontology. The research project is conducted with research faculty in the Department of Periodontology. The certificate and degree are awarded upon completion of both clinical and research requirements.

Program Information

Program Type Periodontics
Program Code PERIO802
Degrees Offered Certificate, Masters, Other
Program Size 9 (estimate)
Program Length 12-60 months
Application Deadline December 1
Program Start Date July 1
Supplemental Application No
Supplemental Fee Yes
Stipend Offered No
Match Participating No
Program Website bu.edu

Application Requirements

Required Standardized Tests

  • INBDE
  • NBDE1
  • NBDE2
  • TOEFL

Supplemental Requirements

  • Requires supplemental fee

Transcript Evaluation and Instructions

U.S./Canadian applicants must provide their undergraduate transcript(s) within the PASS application. Unofficial copies of undergrad transcripts uploaded by the applicant may be used for application purposes, but official transcripts are required for matriculation. 

International applicants must submit either the ECE or WES dental school transcript course-by-course translation and evaluation directly through PASS. 

TOEFL Requirement Instructions

TOEFL is required for all applicants who are not US citizens or US Lawful Permanent Residents, and whose first language is not English. Request official TOEFL scores from ETS in the ADEA PASS application. Only official scores are considered.  

  • Minimum score is 90 iBT.
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted.
  • TOEFL Essentials is NOT accepted. 
  • IELTS is NOT accepted.

International applicants who have earned a degree from an accredited United States or Canadian English-speaking institution may be exempted from the TOEFL requirement.

Other Requirement Instructions

INBDE or NBDE Part 1 & 2 passing result is required for all U.S./Canadian-educated applicants. Non-U.S./Canadian-educated applicants are exempt from the INBDE or NBDE part 1 & 2 passing score requirement.

International Student Eligibility

This program will consider applicants who graduated, or plan to graduate, from a non-CODA accredited dental school: Yes

Applicants are eligible to enroll if they are:

  • US Citizen
  • US Permanent Resident
  • Canadian Citizen
  • Canadian Permanent Resident
  • Non-US Citizen/Resident (program offers sponsorship)
  • Non-US Citizen/Resident (applicant must contain their own sponsorship)

Additional Information

Request official test results within the ADEA PASS application.  Do not send official scores or documents to Boston University unless requested.