In addition to our acclaimed DDS program, postgraduate clinical training programs, and programs for international dentists, the UCLA School of Dentistry also offers several graduate degree programs for those candidates interested in pursuing careers in academic dentistry or research.
Dentist Degree Program
Students are mentored by world-renowned faculty members in the oral biology research field, who supervise and guide them throughout the duration of the programs. With this exposure to cutting-edge research at UCLA Dentistry, students have the ability to pursue subject matter that no other program can offer.
We also offer a unique combined DDS/PhD program for dental students seeking a career in academics. The program allows a candidate to earn both a DDS degree and a PhD in Oral Biology in only seven years.
For a select group, our new Dental Specialty/PhD degree program (link to page) offers graduates dual training in a clinical specialty, plus rigorous scientific research training, earning a specialty certificate plus a PhD degree.
For candidates interested in a shorter program and introductory overview of oral biology, we offer a Preceptorship program, with specializations in the health sciences, which lasts for three quarters.
This one year program is intended to prepare students to acquire skills and knowledge necessary for a competitive dental school application, a competitive application to a PhD training program, or employment in a research laboratory.
A three year program focusing on all phases of oral rehabilitative treatment, including implant placement. The program emphasizes complex interdisciplinary dental treatment utilizing the latest innovations in Digital Dentistry.
A three year program that provides advanced clinical training in direct and indirect esthetic restorations, crown & bridge and implant rehabilitation, incorporating CAD/CAM and other current digital dentistry advancements.
A two-year program to provide advanced training in the clinical dentistry and applied basic and behavioral sciences to understand pain mechanisms to accurately diagnose, treat and rehabilitate patients with orofacial pain disorders and dental sleep medicine.
A one year clinical fellowship for orthodontists in the care of patients with craniofacial anomalies, syndromes, and associated special needs. A certificate is awarded after successful completion of this CODA accredited program.
A one year progam at the Clinical Research Core, ITI Scholars work closely with Graduate Students and Fellows in prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery at the School of Dentistry, providing a unique interdisciplinary experience.
A four or ten month comprehensive academic exposure and experience to meet the changing needs of a diverse patient population, enhancing knowledge and skills in the area of prosthodontics and implant dentistry.
1. To acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in pediatric dentistry through didactic instruction followed by observation of laboratory and clinical procedures in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.
In addition to the program fee (see table below), students are responsible for housing, food, and medical/dental insurance fees as well as for visa, travel and personal expenses. Neither the College of Dentistry nor the Department of Pediatric Dentistry will assist participants with travel or living expenses, or help secure outside funding. For visa purposes, students must be able to show that they can meet the minimum support requirements for themselves and their dependents.
$2,000/week$6,000/1 month$20,000/three months$35,000/six monthsAfter notification of acceptance into the program, fifty percent (50%) of the non-refundable rate is required within seven (7) days. The remaining balance is due on the first day of observation. Checks should be made payable to UIC Pediatric Dentistry.
1. Curriculum Vitae2. Statement of Purpose3. Two (2) letters of recommendation as described in the application form4. Copy of current dental license in the state or country of their residence5. Transcript sealed and sent directly from your dental school or university6. Copy of your dental degree/diploma7. Completed medical immunization form
After the application materials have been reviewed by the selection committee, a phone interview with the Program Director and/or Department Chair will be required before admittance. A certified translation must be submitted for all letters and documents that are not in English. Students will not be allowed in the program until all documents have been received and verified.
* Research: All students are expected to attend research seminars in the Department. There may be an opportunity to participate in research done in the Department, if it does not involve direct patient contact. Data relating to research done at in the Department is property of the University and may not be used elsewhere without authorization. All publications resulting from participation in the program must be approved by the principal investigator or faculty mentor, and published according to prevailing ethical and professional standards.
* HIPAA training: The US government requires compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 for anyone associated with delivery of care. Even though students will not be allowed to provide care, they will still be required to complete the online College of Dentistry HIPAA training prior to start the program.
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry reserves the right to cancel the program for any individual without cause and restrict the number of individuals enrolled in the program. An applicant can cancel participation up until before notification of acceptance into the program. Once accepted into the program, fees are non-refundable.
Aspiring health care providers who are interested in preventing and addressing cavities and other oral health problems often hope to become dentists. These highly trained clinicians take care of everything in and around people's mouths, including teeth, gums and jaws, and they have doctorates in dentistry.
A career as a dentist typically results in a six-figure annual salary. The median salary for a U.S. dentist in 2018 was $156,240, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; dentists who specialize in fields such as oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontia typically earn salaries of $208,000 or more.
Before attending dental school, a future dentist will typically obtain a bachelor's degree and must complete prerequisite undergraduate courses with labs in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics, according to the "Preparing for Dental School" section of the American Dental Education Association website.
Aspiring dentists should also be aware that there is a dental school entrance exam, the Dental Admission Test. This multiple-choice assessment includes science puzzles, math problems, spatial reasoning exercises and reading comprehension questions. Scores range from 1 to 30, with 19 as the national average.
"Ultimately, schools are interested in applicants who show an interest in the field of dentistry, which includes a strong interest in science, competitive academic scores, passion for volunteering and service, and desire to help those in need," says Lopez, who has a Ph.D. in health professional education.
Lopez notes that the University of Minnesota uses a holistic admissions process to identify compelling dental school candidates, adding that dental schools with a holistic admissions process consider many factors besides grades and scores. They also consider the time someone has spent shadowing dentists, community service and volunteering experiences, leadership accomplishments, research background and interpersonal skills, she says.
Dr. Inna Chern, a dentist based in New York City, says one sign that a person has what it takes to be a dentist is if he or she enjoys building or crafting. Those hobbies involve the type of artistry and dexterity that are necessary for dentistry, Chern explains.
Another indication that dentistry is a suitable profession for someone is if he or she is intrigued by scientific advancements that are improving preventative dental care, says Dr. Edward Coryell, vice president of clinical affairs at DentaQuest, a multistate network of dental health care centers.
Dr. Marc Lazare, a general and cosmetic dentist in New York City, emphasizes that dentists need to be versatile. "With patients," he wrote in an email, "you are not only their oral health care provider, but at times you are their therapist, health educator, and the quarterback who coordinates between other dental specialists and other medical providers."
A dentist who runs his or her own practice is not only an owner and manager but also a "staff coordinator and peacemaker," Lazare says. Such a dentist may also be responsible for marketing and promoting a dental practice, he says.
According to the ADA, anyone who hopes to become a U.S. dentist must obtain a license to practice within the state where they intend to work, and every U.S. state requires that its licensed dentists pass the National Board Dental Examination.
Aspiring dentists can opt for a career in general dentistry or focus on a dental specialty, in which case they must complete a residency within that specialty. The length of a dental specialty residency depends on the specialty and the school it is affiliated with, so a specialty residency can range from two years to six.
Dr. Shahira Saad, a general dentist in Los Angeles, says prospective dental students who intend to specialize should investigate dental schools' residency placement rates. "Some dental schools are known to have a higher match rate than others and therefore a higher percentage of students that historically get accepted into residency," she wrote in an email.
Dental school grads embarking on a career in general dentistry sometimes pursue a general dentistry residency, which in some cases is mandatory. In the state of New York, for example, new dental school grads must spend at least one year as residents in order to qualify for a license to practice dentistry independently. 2ff7e9595c
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