Graduate Periodontology Program

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Swati Y. Rawal, BDS, MDS

The University of Tennessee, in conjunction with the Memphis VA Hospital, offers a residency in Periodontics providing advanced education and training in preparation for the practice of the specialty of Periodontics. The training program complies with the standards established by the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association and qualifies candidates for specialty examination by the American Board of Periodontology. Additionally, periodontics residents must be enrolled in the Masters of Dental Science Program of the College of Graduate Health Sciences.

The course of study extends over a period of 36 months. This period is consistent with the expanding scope and knowledge in periodontics and training requirements set forth by the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association. Continuous full-time attendance is a requisite for the course of instruction that leads to a Master of Dental Science degree. Students must complete a thesis that is based on original research, demonstrates individual thought, and is of substantive literary and scientific merit.

The curriculum has been developed to relate basic science principles meaningfully to the practice of periodontics. The program emphasis is on clinical application, with significant didactic content and research activity maintained over a thirty-six month period. Direct patient contact constitutes approximately 50% of the program activity. Special courses are conducted in anatomy, histology, oral pathology, pharmacology, biostatistics, experimental design and research methodology. Special seminars are conducted in immunology and microbiology coupled with current and topical reviews of the periodontal literature. Case presentation seminars are conducted on a regular basis at both University of Tennessee and The Veterans Administration Medical Center. Special rotations in general anesthesia and internal medicine are also included. Instruction in implant therapy is also an integral part of the didactic and clinical instruction.

Two students are selected for matriculation each summer (July). A variable stipend is granted each student commensurate with his or her level of post-D.D.S. training, and funding level availability.

Applicants are reminded that the deadline for application to the Periodontics Graduate Program is August 15.