University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Dentistry, Memphis

 http://www.uthsc.edu/dentistry/Grad/Perio/

Graduate Periodontology Program

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers a residency in Periodontics providing advanced education and training in preparation for the practice of the specialty of Periodontics. The training program complies with the standards established by the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association and qualifies candidates for specialty examination by the American Board of Periodontology. Additionally, periodontics residents must be enrolled in the Masters of Dental Science Program of the College of Graduate Health Sciences.

The course of study extends over a period of 36 months. This period is consistent with the expanding scope and knowledge in periodontics and training requirements set forth by the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association. Continuous full-time attendance is a requisite for the course of instruction that leads to a Master of Dental Science degree. Students must complete a thesis that is based on original research, demonstrates individual thought, and is of substantive literary and scientific merit.

The curriculum has been developed to relate basic science principles that are essential to the practice of periodontics. The program emphasis is on clinical application, with significant didactic content and research activity maintained over a thirty-six month period. Direct patient contact constitutes approximately 60% of the program activity. Special courses are conducted in anatomy, histology, oral pathology, pharmacology, biostatistics, experimental design and research methodology. Special seminars are conducted in immunology,  microbiology, sedation and implant dentistry coupled with current and classical reviews of the periodontal literature. Case presentation seminars are conducted on a regular basis. Instruction in implant therapy is also an integral part of the didactic and clinical instruction.

Two students are selected for matriculation each summer (July). A variable stipend may be available. Currently there is no tuition associated with the Program, however, a small yearly maintenance fee is charged by the University to cover ancillary costs.

 Admission to the program requires that:

1. The applicant hold a DDS, DMD, or equivalent degree.
2. Have at least a "B+" course work average (3.3 on a 4.00 scale) for dental school.
3. Rank at least in the upper third of his or her graduating class.
4. Have completed and passed all sections of the Integrated National Board of Dental Examiners (INBDE).

The deadline for completion of the program's PASS application is August 1st of the year preceding anticipated admission. However, review of applicants with completed PASS applications and invitations for on-site interviews will begin in the summer of the year preceding anticipated admission. Application review and interviews will continue until the resident class is filled. Therefore applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the PASS application process in the spring of the year preceding anticipated admission. An on-site interview is required prior to acceptance into the program. All interviews will occur at the UTHSC College of Dentistry in Memphis. Tennessee. The applicant's demeanor, professionalism, empathy, compassion, work ethic, as well as their interest in Periodontics, are given special attention.

Candidates given admission to the Program will be required to submit official dental school transcripts prior to beginning the Program.  All prior academic degrees and credentials must be validated before matriculating into the program.