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

 

Graduate Periodontology Program

Program Description: 

The advanced education program in periodontology is a 36-month program that culminates in the awarding of the Master’s of Science degree and a certificate in periodontology. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for careers in either academic periodontology or private specialty practice. Two or three graduate students are accepted each year. The program begins on or about July 1 and the deadline for application is July 15 of the preceding year. 
The program is a full-time course of study consisting of clinical, research, and didactic components. The didactic component consists of seminars and coursework in a variety of subjects including periodontal biology and pathology, periodontal therapy, implantology and biomaterials, management of medically compromised patients, conscious sedation, and epidemiology. A strong emphasis is placed on evidence-based decision-making and the program has a repository of evidence-based diagnostic and treatment protocols that are used in the delivery of patient care. There is a rotation on anesthesiology, and all graduate students are required to become ACLS-certified. Graduate students document and present their cases in a formal case presentation/treatment planning seminars. The case analysis and defense exercises are patterned after the oral examination of the American Board of Periodontology. 
The program is especially strong in the areas of management of medically compromised patients, implant surgery, conscious sedation, and cosmetic surgery. Residents place numerous implants, as well as performing sinus augmentations and a wide range of periodontal surgical procedures. There are off-service rotations in anesthesiology. There are numerous opportunities for multidisciplinary interaction with other dental and medical clinicians.
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 augmentation. Close cooperation with colleagues in other disciplines (orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, otolaryngology, biomedical engineering) is encouraged, as are interdisciplinary seminars and educational opportunities. The faculty of the Division of Periodontology includes six four-time periodontists, one dental hygienist, and an immunologist. Seminars are often given by faculty from specialties and healthcare disciplines (e.g., Oral Medicine and Radiology, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Otorhinolaryngology, Biomedical Engineering) also participate in educational seminars.

International Program in Implantology and Periodontology

An International Program in Implantology and Periodontology is also available to qualified applicants. For more information, contact Dr. Mohanad Al-Sabbagh at malsa2@email.uky.edu. This program has been very popular and international dentists are encouraged to apply.

Visiting Scholar Shadowing Program

The Visiting Scholar Shadowing Program is designed for applicants interested in a short continuing education rotation in clinical periodontology. 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.