Graduate Periodontics

Objective

The primary objective of the advanced dental education (ADE) programs in Periodontics is to produce a clinically proficient, scientifically oriented, analytical, thoughtful, versatile, compassionate, and ethical periodontist. It is anticipated that a graduate will be capable of discovering and disseminating knowledge resulting in the improvement in the quality of life for our citizens, especially those with periodontal diseases.

Types of Programs

A three-year certificate/M.S. degree program is available. This program combines didactic courses, intensive clinical activities, the performance of original research and the defense of a thesis resulting from this research. The original research may be in the field of clinical periodontics, including implantology, or basic science related to periodontics. Upon successful completion of all portions of this ADE program the student earns a certificate of specialization in periodontics and a Master's degree in Clinical Dentistry. However, neither the certificate or the degree is awarded until the completion of the entire program. In addition to the three-year Master's program in Periodontics, a three-year certificate option is also available. The certificate program is similar to the Master's program but does not require the completion of a thesis.

General Description of the Certificate/Degree (M.S) Program

This comprehensive program is designed to provide an individualized educational experience that will be a base to propel motivated graduates to leadership positions as clinicians or academicians. All of our ADE programs in periodontics are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and satisfy the educational requirements of the American Board of Periodontology.

Obtaining mastery level knowledge of the diverse disciplines involved in providing care for patients with periodontal diseases requires an intensive three-year course of study by capable motivated students. Great emphasis is placed on training specialist periodontists, but there is equal attention to the mastery of the basic sciences, applicable to periodontology.

A limited number of students, usually two or three, are annually admitted to this program. During the first year, students must obtain admission to the UAB Graduate School and begin fulfilling requirements that will culminate in an acceptable research thesis and an M.S. degree.

Admission of students to the Graduate School will be recommended by the Department of Periodontics, but each student must meet the admission standards and fulfill all requirements of the Graduate School. Details concerning the Graduate School are published in its Bulletin which is available at time of enrollment. In general, a student must complete a minimum of 30 graduate hours of course work in specified areas with an average grade of B in all courses and produce and defend the aforementioned thesis.

The development of expertise in patient care requires extensive experience in clinics, rotations, conferences, seminars, and courses which are more fully discussed in the detailed description that follows. The responsibilities of scheduling seminars, conferences, hospital cases and guest speakers are usually assigned to second and third-year students by the Program Director. 

Selection for the program is based on scholarship (particularly at the professional school level), graduation from an accredited school of dentistry, National Board scores, extracurricular activities, letters of reference, motivation, aptitude, character, experience, a sincere desire to participate in the program, and indications of ability to work in harmony with others in the program. The prescribed application form and supporting documents must be on file before consideration can be given to an applicant. Interviews are usually advantageous and can assist both the applicant and faculty in determining if mutual needs and expectations are likely to be met. Applicants wishing interviews should communicate concerning their desires for interviews. Applicants who are strong candidates may be invited for personal interviews prior to final selection. Foreign applicants must document their abilities in the English language by presentation of an acceptable score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination and usually can be considered only if they are able to financially support themselves.

Applicants generally can be appointed for compensation by an affiliated VA hospital. Individuals accepted for advanced education programs at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry who are eligible to obtain Alabama dental licensure are encouraged to do so, but licensure is not required for admission.

International Students 

The Department of Periodontology accepts applications from international students. It is a general expectation of our School that international students will return to their country in an educational or public health capacity and preference will be given to such international applicants.

Stipends are available for international students. Prior to admission, international students are required by our University to provide affidavits of ability to support themselves financially.

International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must provide official copies of satisfactory scores on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the test of written English.

International students can be appointed for compensation at an affiliated Veterans Administration facility.