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

International Fellowship Program in Periodontology

General Information: (recently updated)

In  The University of Kentucky College Of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology offers an advanced educational experience in periodontology for qualified international dentists.  This program provides didactic and clinical observational experiences in the areas of periodontology and implantology.

The didactic component of the program consists of seminars, lectures, and directed readings.   Normally, these activities will account for 6-10 hours per week and will provide the student with an evidenced-based foundation in periodontology, implantology, and related basic biomedical science.  The clinical training portion of the fellowship (which will involve observation of and assistance in periodontal and implant procedures) will consist of a variable number of hours per week (usually about 20 hours per week).  There will be required readings and other assignments that may require 6-8 hours of preparation outside of the classroom and clinic. Therefore, the trainee can expect to spend approximately 850-900 hours in didactic learning and another 960 hours in clinical education.

Only individuals with a dental degree will be eligible for consideration for admission to the program.  The trainee will be responsible for all costs associated with the program.  It is understood that his or her position in the program will not displace any United States citizen from employment.

The duration of the program is variable.  Generally, trainees are admitted for initial experience of twelve months’ duration, which can be extended (at the discretion of the Program Director).  Tuition for the program is $26,000 USD per year for the basic program.  Those individuals who actually treat patients under the supervision of the faculty will be assessed additional fees.  Trainees who successfully complete the year-long program will receive a certificate.  Those who do very well will be considered for admission to the Graduate Program in Periodontology.  However, applicants are advised that admission to the Graduate Program is quite competitive.

FAQs

1. Do I need a US dental license in order to apply?

No.  You will need to apply for and receive a special academic license for the state of Kentucky, but that is generally not a problem.  The decision to grant such a license is given by the state dental board and is not under our direct control.  In the past, however, this has not been an issue.

2. I am a foreign dental graduate. Can I apply?

Yes, the purpose of the program is to attract high-caliber international students.

 3. What is the difference between the three-year Graduate Program and the one year International Program?

The three-year program leads to a certificate which enables the individual to be licensed as a periodontal specialist and to sit for the examination of the American Board of Periodontology.  Such a certificate is generally required to teach periodontology in most American dental schools.

4. Upon completion of the International Program, am I guaranteed admission to the Graduate Program in Periodontology?

No.  However, those who do well in the International Program would be expected to be strong applicants for positions in the Graduate Program and are encouraged to apply.

5. Will I be permitted to treat patients during the program?

All trainees will be expected to assist during patients procedures.  However, the decision as to whether a given trainee will be permitted to actually perform diagnostic, non-surgical, or surgical procedures will be made on an individual basis by the Program Director.  If a trainee is given the option of performing procedures, then additional fees will be required.

Visiting Scholar Shadowing Program

The Visiting Scholar Shadowing Program is designed for applicants interested in a short continuing education rotation in clinical periodontics. This program does not lead to a Certificate of Proficiency of graduate degree. A Certificate of Completion of the Visiting Scholar Shadowing Program is awarded.  The Visiting Scholar Shadowing Program is a continuing education program that can be arranged according to the applicant’s area(s) of interest.  The program can vary in length from one week to one month and can be extended on the discretion of the Graduate Program Director.  The program may involve clinical or basic sciences, teaching, research, or various combinations of those components.  Tuition will depend on the duration of study in the program.  Financial support is not available.

Application Instructions

If you are interested in the International Fellowship Program in Periodontology or the Visiting Scholar Shadowing Program, please send a letter of intent, CV, certified copy of dental degree or transcript, and a letter of recommendation directly to:

Dr. Mohanad Al-Sabbagh
University of Kentucky
College of Dentistry
Oral Health Practice/Periodontics Division
800 Rose Street
Lexington, KY 40536
(859) 257-3003
malsa2@email.uky.edu