Graduate Programs
Graduate Periodontics
Director: HL Wang.
W Beck, FG Burgett, W Carroll, P Doyle, R Eber, R Franceschi,
N Gersch, W Giannobile, R Hill, S Huwais,
J Johnston, L Lariscy, D Lopatin, W Mason, L McCauley, S Meraw, C Misch, R Neiva, TJ Oh, A Padbury, SH Park, D Sarment,
M Setter, S Soehren, W Sorenson, A Spagnuolo, R Taichman, YP Tsao, M Zahn.
The graduate program in Periodontics has three major objectives: (1) to teach the scientific basis of specialty practice; (2) to insure a high level of competence in the diagnosis of oral diseases, treatment planning both periodontics and implant, comprehensive therapy, and follow-up of patients with periodontal diseases; and implant treatment; and (3) to develop future leaders not only in the specialty of Periodontics, but also in the larger dental arena, with due emphasis on research and clinical aspects.
The philosophy of the program is the maximization of graduate students¹ potential in clinical practice, teaching, and research. There is sufficient flexibility in the program to allow for curriculum adjustment to fit an individual student¹s objectives, as well as to incorporate the rapid advances in the specialty (such as advanced bone grafting).
Strong emphasis is placed on developing scholarly ability and technical proficiency, while maintaining a sense of professional responsibility and social obligation.
The certificate program requires a minimum of 30 months. Besides the basic courses in Periodontics, courses in physiology, oral pathology, bacteriology, therapeutics, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, oral diagnosis, implants, conscious sedation, and hospital dentistry are required. Teaching experience in both the classroom and clinic are also required.
Clinical practice will include experience in the diagnosis of oral diseases, treatment planning and comprehensive therapy using all acceptable modalities of care. Moreover, clinical experience in occlusal therapy, limited tooth movement, and conscious sedation will be provided. Patients with craniofacial dysfunction and patients requesting implant therapy will be evaluated and treated following a multidisciplinary protocol.
In addition to a certificate in Periodontics, courses leading to Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees are offered through the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. There are several opportunities for research experiences, both at the clinical and basic science level within the department and the school, as well as through other programs at the University. A major research focus of our department is in the area of development, maintenance and regeneration of hard and soft tissues lost as a consequence of disease. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding risk factors associated with periodontal disease, with a particular focus on the older patient. A minimum of 45 semester credit hours, as well as a written thesis and oral defense, are required for an MS degree. A maximum of six semester credit hours is allowed for clinical practice. The Ph.D. program will be tailored to the individual student.
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Graduate Dental Hygiene
Director: Karen Ridley
Admission is limited to dental hygienists who hold a baccalaureate degree (AB, BS, or equivalent) and who have a good record of scholarship in their previous education. Experience in private practice and/or teaching is desirable. The graduate program in dental hygiene is interdisciplinary, offering learning experiences in the Schools of Dentistry, Public Health, and Education. Upon successful completion of the program, including a thesis, the student is awarded the Master of Science degree by the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. The program of study can be tailored to accommodate each student's career goals. The program consists of a core of required courses and a sequence of electives. The core consists of courses in research methodology, biostatistics, health care management, educational design, investigation leading to the thesis, a seminar on current issues in dental hygiene, and a practicum. The electives portion of the program permits a student to enroll in a sequence of courses in a specific area of interest such as clinical research, geriatrics, dental public health, education or oral biology. Graduates of the program are prepared to function in the roles of administrator, researcher, educator, and health promoter. The program of study may be pursued on a part-time basis.
For more information see Graduate Dental Hygiene.
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