University of Iowa
- Iowa
- Geriatric Dentistry
- dentistry.uiowa.edu
Program Contact
Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry Certificate Program,
Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry,
801 Newton Road, Dental Sciences Building,
Iowa City, IA - 52242.
The Certificate Program in Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry at the University of Iowa is dedicated to addressing the critical need for dental care among older adults and adults with special health care needs. Established in 2012, our program aims to prepare dental professionals to become leaders in clinical practice and academics, focusing on Geriatric Dentistry and Dentistry for Adults with Special Health Care Needs. Our comprehensive approach helps students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for providing fundamentally sound and realistic treatment plans to patients with complex health care needs. With nearly a fifth of Iowa's population over the age of 65, and many facing disabilities, our program plays a vital role in improving oral health outcomes for disadvantaged groups in our community, and throughout the state.
The program endeavors to serve patients across the spectrum of age and disability, encompassing a wide range of health conditions with the goal of providing a stable dental home to members of these at-risk groups. The program trains graduates to provide comprehensive, patient-centered dental care, including preventive, restorative, fixed and removable prosthetics, and minor oral surgical procedures for older adults and adults with special health care needs while considering the medical and social complexities that these individuals face. Recognizing the barriers posed by dental anxiety and disability, we offer accomodations such as wheelchair lifts and bariatric dental units , and behavioral support with oral anxiolytic medications and/or nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation. Our reknowned Geriatric Mobile Unit program allows students to deliver on-site dental care at nursing homes using state-of-the-art mobile and portable dental equipment.
We collaborate with various departments and institutions, including the University of Iowa Health Care, University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development, and the Veteran's Administration Medical Center, to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Our team includes highly qualified professionals with extensive experience and expertise in geriatric and special needs dentistry. Our program is recognized for its excellence, having received the 2022 William J. Gies Award for Achievement from the ADEAGies Foundation. In addition to their teaching and service commitments, our faculty members are actively involved in research, focusing on topics such as oral care training for nursing home staff, teledentistry, and the impact of ageism on healthcare. Graduates of this program have gone on to build successful careers in clinical practice in diverse settings, research and academia.
We invite future applicants to join us in making a difference in the lives of older adults and individuals with special health care needs. Contact the Program Director or visit our webpage for more details.
Program Information
| Accreditation | This program is offered by a CODA-accredited institution |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Geriatric Dentistry |
| Program Code | GD4004 |
| Degrees Offered | Certificate |
| Program Size | 2 |
| Program Length | 12 months |
| Application Deadline | December 1 |
| Program Start Date | July 1 |
| Supplemental Application | Yes |
| Supplemental Fee | No |
| Stipend Offered | Yes |
| Match Participating | No |
| Program Website | dentistry.uiowa.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
- INBDE
- TOEFL
- Passing the INBDE before matriculation into the advanced dental education program
- INBDE is required for US applicants. It is recommended but not required for international applicants.
Supplemental Requirements
- Requires supplemental application
Transcript Evaluation and Instructions
Transcripts must be submitted to the program via ADEA PASS and to The University of Iowa's Office of Admissions as described under "Materials to send to Admissions". See here.
Letters of Evaluation Instructions
Applicants must submit three letters of evaluation (professional evaluation forms) written by faculty, mentors, colleagues, or employers who can attest to the applicant's qualifications, skills, and suitability for the program.
TOEFL Requirement Instructions
TOEFL/ IELTS is required for all international applicants who are non-native English speakers. To be admissible, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of several criteria set by the University of Iowa.
Other Requirement Instructions
Additional materials:
1. You must also complete an online application form through the University of Iowa's Admissions Portal. After signing in, go to the section under Graduate/Professional Applications and choose "Non-degree application". Indicate Geriatrics and Special Needs Certificate as the "Purpose for Attending".
2. See materials to send to the Office of Admissions here.
3. Email a recent 2 x 2 head shot photo directly to the program. State your name and application # in the subject line.
International Student Eligibility
This program will consider applicants who graduated, or plan to graduate, from a non-CODA accredited dental school: Other - Contact the program
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)
- Other: This program will consider international applicants who graduated from a non-CODA accredited dental school. However, applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of recent clinical experience following graduation and/or must have a Master's Degree / Certificate in Prosthodontics.
Interview Schedule
A personal interview is required. Interview invitations are extended to selected applicants on a rolling basis and typically conclude by February. Once invited, the program works with the candidate to develop a mutually convenient interview schedule. This process ensures that both the applicant and the program align well with each other's expectations and goals
Additional Information
Equal Emphasis on Special Care Dentistry: Although this is listed as a "Geriatric Dentistry" program in ADEA PASS, it provides balanced training in oral health care for both older adults and adults with special health care needs. Applicants who are interested in "Special Care Dentistry" are encouraged to apply here.
Sedation and Anesthesia Training: The program does not train graduates in the delivery of dental care under moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia. However, opportunities may be available to observe care delivery in such settings.
Joint Program with Dental Public Health: The program is also offered in conjunction with the Master of Science in Dental Public Health program at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. A separate application must be made to that program, and candidates must express intention to apply to the joint program (typically 3 years long). Admissions decisions for each program are made independently.
Visit our webpage for more details.