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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)

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 participant can expect to spend approximately 850-900 hours in didactic learning and another 960 hours in clinical education. Participant may choose to participate in a research project and may write a review article on a topic related to periodontology and Implantology.

Admission Requirements:
Only individuals with a dental degree will be eligible for consideration for admission to the program.  It is understood that his or her position in the program will not displace any United States citizen from employment. The International Fellowship Program in Periodontology and Implantology is a one-year program beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30 of the following year. In exceptional case, fellowship candidate may be able to start the program on January instead of July.

Each Fellowship participant must return a completed online Fellowship application. A letter of intent, CV, certified copy of dental degree or transcript, and letters of recommendation must also be sent by mail or e-mail by October 1 of the year prior to the beginning of the program.  A visit to the division of Periodontology for an interview is normally requested by the Admissions Committee. If accepted, participant originating from a country where English is not the primary language must also pass the internet based TOEFL or IELTS examination. Participants who are not native English speakers must score at least 550 (paper,) 213 (computer) or 79 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).


Tuition:
The participant will be responsible for all costs associated with the program.  Tuition for the program is $28,000 USD per year for the basic program. Enrollment in the University of Kentucky Graduate School is required. Each semester the Fellow will be enrolled in a minimum of one credit hour course in the Graduate School and the Fellow will be responsible for paying this tuition in addition to the fellowship fee. The amount will be determined by the Graduate School. The tuition rate for the academic year 2010-11 is $488 for Kentucky residents and $1037 for non-residents per credit hour per semester (or a minimum of $976 and $2074.00 per year, respectively).

The participant has the opportunity to apply for an extension for one semester or more toward the end of the one year program, however, approval of the admission committee is required. Tuition for the program extension will vary with the amount of mentoring. Participants 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 (Frequently Asked Questions)

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 exceptionally 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 participants will only be expected to observe or assist during patients' procedures. However, an exceptional participant with extensive experience may be permitted to actually perform diagnostic, non-surgical, or surgical procedures. If a participant is given the option of performing procedures, then additional fees will be required.


Application Instructions
If you are interested in the International Fellowship Program in Periodontology and Implantology, please fill out the application (College of Dentistry International Fellowship Graduate Periodontology application:  http://www.mc.uky.edu/Dentistry/perio/ApplicationIntFell.html) and send (by mail or email) a letter of intent, CV, certified copy of dental degree or transcript, and two letters 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