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The University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers an advanced education program in prosthodontics leading to a Certificate of Proficiency in prosthodontics and a Master of Dental Science degree, awarded by the UTHSC College of Graduate Health Sciences. The program provides advanced instruction and clinical training to prepare residents for the practice of prosthodontics. To complete the program, residents must demonstrate proficiency in the examination, diagnosis and reconstruction of complex edentulous, partially edentulous, and dentate oral conditions. The program complies with standards established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and qualifies students for examination by the American Board of Prosthodontics. Continuous full time attendance for this 36-month program is required.
The curriculum is consistent with the expanding scope of knowledge in prosthodontics as determined by the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. The curriculum relates basic science principles to the practice of prosthodontics. Clinical applications are emphasized while maintaining significant didactic and research activities throughout the course of study. Direct patient contact constitutes approximately 60% of resident activity. In depth instruction and patient treatment involving dental implant therapy is an integral component of didactic and clinical activities. Prosthodontic residents are encouraged to both surgically place and restore dental implants. Instruction in laboratory technology is an integral part of all treatment rendered.
Concurrently, graduate-level courses are conducted in anatomy, embryology, histology, oral biology, oral pathology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, human growth & development, experimental design, and biostatistics. Review of current and classic literature related to prosthodontics is accomplished on a regular basis. Interdisciplinary seminars emphasize the importance of comprehensive dental care in the treatment of complicated oral conditions. Case presentation seminars are conducted on a regular basis.
In accordance with mandates set forth by the American Dental Association in the Accreditation Standards for Advanced Specialty Education Programs in Prosthodontics, all students are involved in an original, independent research project. This research displays a high level of scholarship and contributes to the existing fund of professional knowledge. Strong mentorship and state-of-the-art scientific resources are readily available in the Department of Restorative Dentistry’s clinical research facility, the College of Dentistry’s dental research center and dental materials core facilities, and the University’s Biomedical Engineering and Imaging program, and the University of Memphis Bioengineering program. A Master of Dental Science degree is awarded by the College of Graduate Health Science upon fulfillment of all program requirements, completion of research, production and acceptance of a thesis, and successful public defense of the independent research effort.
Two postdoctoral students are accepted into the Advanced Prosthodontics Program each year. All students serve as Teaching Assistants in the Department of Restorative Dentistry for which they receive an annual stipend.
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