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University of Kentucy College of Dentistry 
Building a Foundation for the Future
 
Periodontology

Introduction to the Division

The advanced education program in periodontology is a 36-month program that culminates in the awarding of the Master's of Science degree (see Graduate School requirements) and a certificate in periodontology. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for careers in either academics or private practice. Two graduate students are accepted each year. The program begins on or about July 1 and the deadline for application is September 1 of the preceding year.

The program is a rigorous, full-time schedule consisting of clinical and didactic components. The didactic component consists of several seminars that involve extensive reading in the primary literature. Courses include Biology and Pathogenesis (PER 772), Periodontal Therapy Literature Review (PER 776), Biomedical Research Methodology (CDS 550), Oral Biology (OBI 650), Oral Pathology (OPT651), Biostatistics (STA 570), plus a number of other topical seminars. There is a rotation on anesthesiology, and all graduate students are expected to become ACLS-certified during their first year. Students document and present their cases in a formal case presentation/treatment planning seminar (PER 770) as well as a surgical seminar (PER 774). Case documentation will aid the students in preparing to take the American Board of Periodontology examinations.

In keeping with the philosophy of the College of Dentistry, the collegial atmosphere of the program encourages close contact with the faculty. The program has a rich heritage, and graduates have gone on to positions of importance in the specialty. During the 1960's, the program was one of the most progressive and innovative in the country, and in the mid-1980's was one of the first to offer formal coursework in implantology. This heritage of innovation continues as current graduate students are exposed to a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including regenerative therapy, implantology, and sinus and ridge augmentation. Close cooperation with colleagues in other disciplines (medical as well as dental) is encouraged, as are interdisciplinary seminars and educational opportunities.