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

The Advanced Prosthodontics Program is located in the College of Dentistry’s Winfield C. Dunn Building on the University of Tennessee Health Science Center campus in Memphis. Successful completion of the Program leads to a Certificate in Prosthodontics, awarded by the UTHSC College of Dentistry, and a Master of Dental Science degree, awarded by the UTHSC College of Graduate Health Sciences. The Program provides advanced instruction and clinical training intended to facilitate private practice and/or academic prosthodontics. To complete the Program, residents must demonstrate proficiency in the examination, diagnosis and reconstruction of complex edentulous, partially edentulous, and dentate oral conditions. The Program complies with standards established by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation and qualifies residents for examination by the American Board of Prosthodontics. Continuous, full time attendance in this 36-month program is required.

In selecting candidates for the Program, preference is given to graduates of U.S. and Canadian dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, though non-domestically trained applicants may also be considered. A resident admitted to full standing in the Advanced Prosthodontic Program may be required to remedy specific deficiencies in past training as a condition of admission.

The curriculum is consistent with the expanding scope of knowledge in prosthodontics as determined by the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. The curriculum relates basic science principles to the practice of prosthodontics. Clinical applications are emphasized while maintaining didactic and research activities throughout the course of study. Direct patient contact constitutes approximately 60% of resident activity. In depth instruction and patient treatment, involving dental implant therapy, is an integral component of didactic and clinical activities. Prosthodontic residents are encouraged to both surgically place and restore dental implants. Instruction in laboratory technology is an integral part of all treatment rendered.

Concurrently, graduate-level courses are conducted in anatomy, embryology, histology, oral biology, oral pathology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, human growth & development, experimental design, and biostatistics. Review of current and classic literature related to prosthodontics is accomplished on a regular basis. Interdisciplinary seminars emphasize the importance of comprehensive dental care in the treatment of complicated oral conditions. Additionally, case presentation seminars are conducted on a regular basis.

In accordance with mandates set forth by the American Dental Association in the Accreditation Standards for Advanced Specialty Education Programs in Prosthodontics, all residents are involved in an original, independent research project. This research displays a high level of scholarship and contributes to the existing fund of professional knowledge. Strong mentorship and state-of-the-art scientific resources are available in the Department of Prosthodontics' clinical research facility, the College of Dentistry’s dental research center and dental materials core facilities, the University’s Biomedical Engineering & Imaging program, the University’s Center for Cancer Research, and the University of Memphis Bioengineering program. A Master of Dental Science degree is awarded by the UTHSC College of Graduate Health Sciences upon fulfillment of all program requirements, completion of research, production and acceptance of a written report, and successful public defense of the independent research effort.

Deadline for completion of the PASS application is the first workday of September in the year preceding anticipated admission. Review of applicants and invitations for on-site interviews will begin September 1 of the year preceding anticipated admissions. Interviews will continue until the resident class is filled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the PASS application process by September 1 of the year preceding anticipated admissions.

Two postdoctoral students gain acceptance into the Advanced Prosthodontics Program each year. All students serve as Teaching Assistants in the Department of Prosthodontics for which they receive an annual stipend (currently $14,500 first year, $15,500 second year, and $16,500 third year).

Those interested in making application are encouraged to carefully review the website www.uthsc.edu/dentistry/Grad/Pros/.