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Program Description

The Postgraduate Periodontics Program will begin the 1st week in July of each year and will be of 36 months duration. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be awarded a Certificate in Periodontics and will be eligible to take the American Board of periodontology examinations. If a Master's degree is pursued, students will be prepared to defend a Master's Thesis.

The program is planned to be multifaceted and to utilize the extensive facilities and outstanding personnel of the University of Colorado Denver to provide:

• A strong foundation in the basic sciences, including surgical anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, research methodology, and others.
• Clinical science courses that include occlusion, oral medicine, oral pathology, minor tooth movement, and multi-disciplinary courses such as periodontics-prosthetics, periodontics-endodontics, dental implantology, etc.
• An extensive review of the periodontal literature to provide the basis for understanding current philosophies of therapy and to establish a scientific basis for formulating comprehensive treatment plans.
• Exposure to a wide range of periodontal problems requiring a variety of therapeutic procedures. Students are encouraged to work with several different full-time and part-time faculty to gain experience in and to be able to evaluate first hand the different techniques available.
• Research opportunities in either basic science or clinical areas to enable the student to accomplish a meaningful original research project.
• Some experience in a hospital environment at various hospital facilities on the Anschutz Medical Campus (University Hospital, Children's Hospital and the VA Hospital), involving both outpatient and operating room surgery.
• Teaching experience in both the classroom and clinic to communicate those principals and skills acquired during training.

In addition, faculty input into these various areas will be supplemented by several renowned guest lecturers during the year.

Requirements for Graduation

• Maintain a "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) overall Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Successful completion of all required courses or their appropriate substitutes
• Attendance at all classes and clinics assigned
• Successful completion of exams
• Demonstrate clinical proficiency in Periodontics
• Be a Student Member of the American Academy of Periodontolgy
• Be a Student Member of the American Dental Association