Program Overview

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Graduate Program in Prosthodontics

The Graduate Program in Prosthodontics is a comprehensive program that combines dental specialty training and a Master of Science degree in Prosthodontics. It is designed to establish itself as a globally leading program, equipping students with the necessary skills for education, patient care, service, and research. This program mandates approximately 60 percent of clinical participation, encompassing fixed, removable, implant, and maxillofacial prosthodontics.

Curriculum

The didactic portion of the curriculum includes essential core courses across various departments, such as anatomy, histology, pathology, biology, pharmacology, epidemiology, sedation, and research design. Additionally, students will engage in specialized courses that cover prosthodontics, research methods, dental education, oral pathology, biostatistics, and dental materials.

The first year of the prosthodontics program consists of a 6-week “basecamp,” in which residents attend interdisciplinary seminars in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, treatment planning, and more. The non-prosthodontics didactic offerings are concentrated during the first year. Second and third-year residents spend more time in direct patient care and board exam preparation. All residents participate in weekly literature seminars.

Program Overview

The program emphasizes the development of expertise in a variety of topics, including:

• Complex case management
• Interdisciplinary treatment planning
• Surgical planning and placement of dental implants
• Maxillofacial prosthetics
• Fixed and removable prosthodontics
• Digital dentistry and emerging technologies (i.e., CAD/CAM)
• Preparation for the American Board of Prosthodontics certification

Program Requirements

Each resident is required to act as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), which usually involves teaching at the pre-doctoral level, both in clinical and pre-clinical settings.

Research is emphasized in order to stimulate the resident to make clinical judgments based on sound scientific principles and to afford the resident the ability to critically evaluate the scientific literature. An independent research project is mandatory for the successful completion of the program.

All residents are encouraged to actively participate in all phases of laboratory work and manage laboratory procedures with assistance from laboratory technicians.

Admissions

Applicants must utilize the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) administered by the American Dental Education Association and the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (MATCH).

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: August 1

Admissions Requirements

All prospective students must hold a DDS, DMD or equivalent degree from a dental school.

Admission criteria are applied equally to all applicants regardless of race, sex, color, national origin or religion. Minority students are encouraged to apply.

Required Supplemental Materials

• National Dental Board Part I (II if available) or IBNDE
• National Board Scores optional for international students, but should be submitted if available

International Students

In addition to the above items, international applicants must include the following in their PASS application:

• Foreign transcripts evaluation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score
• International applicants must report official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores directly from the testing center. Must be current and no more than 2 years old.

School Policies

Applicants may view the Adams School of Dentistry policies.

Tuition, Stipend Support and Benefits

The cost of attending graduate school includes tuition, fees, and health insurance, for which the student is billed directly. Tuition and fees for the master’s programs in the Adams School of Dentistry are available through the University Cashier.

Graduate students must pay tuition and fees during all years of study and training. These charges are subject to change at any meeting of the NC Board of Trustees and a yearly increase of 5-10 percent should be anticipated each year. Estimates for living expenses are available through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.

Out-of-state students and international students with permanent resident status (“green card”) are required to establish legal residence in North Carolina and to apply for classification as a state resident for tuition purposes when eligible. Failure to do so will result in the denial of tuition remission and in-state award. Guidelines and application forms for establishing residency are available from the UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School.

Stipend Support

Stipends are contingent on availability of funds. Regardless of the availability of stipend support, teaching responsibilities are required as a part of the program.

Tuition Remission

Tuition remission, or the reduction by 50% of the out-of-state to the in-state tuition rate, is awarded by the semester as is a 50% in-state award which also reduces tuition cost.

To meet the general eligibility requirements, the student must be enrolled as a full-time student during the semester of the award.

Awards are contingent on availability of funds; having a teaching or research assistantship does not guarantee remission will be awarded. There is no application process for tuition remission. Tuition remission is not offered during the summer.

Research Component

Graduates are expected to participate in research oral presentations during the 1st year of residency, and to present their thesis research in the Adams School of Dentistry’s Research Day during the third year of residency. Preparation of a master’s level project with submission to a peer reviewed journal and an oral defense are required. Students will be encouraged to prepare abstracts and/or table clinics for scientific or educational meetings, as appropriate.

North Carolina Licensure/Intern Permit

Students who are not graduates of an ADA-accredited dental school must complete a simulation exam as part of their NC intern permit process. Such candidates must pass and complete the simulation exam within two months of their formal matriculation in the program. If a candidate does not pass the simulation exam within the two-month interval, they cannot advance in the clinical program and will be subject to dismissal from the program. These students are also required to take and pass Applied Pharmacology in Summer Term II.

National Prosthodontics Awareness Week (NPAW)

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) encourages outreach by celebrating National Prosthodontics Awareness Week (NPAW) in April every year.

Since 2010, the Adams School of Dentistry’s Graduate Program in Prosthodontics has provided denture therapy for edentulous patients who are unable to receive care through other philanthropic resources in the Triangle area as a part of NPAW.

Meet the Residents

Matilde Beraja, DDS

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2026

About Matilde

Matilde Beraja was raised in Miami, Florida. She attended the University of Miami (go Canes!) where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a minor in Chemistry. She received her dental degree at Touro College of Dental Medicine in Valhalla, New York. She participated in research and validated her love for dentistry and working with patients. After graduation, she moved to Chapel Hill to begin her prosthodontics residency at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. In her free time, Matilde enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking/cooking, painting, and watching her favorite shows. She is looking forward to attending farmers markets in the area and exploring what Chapel Hill has to offer.

Preston Browne, DDS

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2026

About Preston

Preston Browne grew up in Southern California and attended Loyola Marymount University. After college, Preston coached for his high school basketball team and worked in construction, which fostered his love for both teamwork, and working with his hands. This inspired him to pursue a career in dentistry. Preston attended the University of Southern California for dental school. Following dental school, he served as an active duty dentist for three years at Fort Bliss, Texas. Following his military service, he relocated to Las Vegas, NV. In Las Vegas, he worked as a private practice dentist for four years while serving in the Army Reserves. While working in private practice, he was exposed to many complex cases that sparked his passion for prosthodontics, which is how he ended up in the graduate prosthodontics program at UNC! In his free time, Preston enjoys golfing, traveling, and trying new things with his family and friends.

Amber Olson, DMD

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2026

About Amber

Amber Olson was raised in Merrimack, New Hampshire. She attended the University of New Hampshire, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. While at UNH, she volunteered on a couple of dental mission trips in Honduras where she and other volunteers were able to provide dental care to underserved communities. While in Honduras, her passion for dentistry and helping others grew and motivated her to pursue a career in dentistry. For dental school, she attended Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. While there, she served as a teaching assistant in the Occlusion and Removable Prosthodontics classes, further growing her love for prosthodontics and teaching. After dental school, she began her prosthodontics residency at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. She is excited to live outside of New England and explore all that North Carolina has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, hiking, baking cookies, and rooting for New England sports teams!

Robert Sutton, DDS

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2026

About Robert

Robert Sutton grew up in Central Arkansas and attended University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After undergraduate, Robert worked as a dental laboratory design technician for a prosthodontics group in Fayetteville, AR. He was exposed to the complexity and interdisciplinary care with patients regarding implant surgery, esthetics, and congenital disorders including Amelogenesis imperfecta and Ectodermal dysplasia. This inspired him to continue a career in dentistry and eventually Prosthodontics. Robert attended the Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX. After dental school, Robert was accepted in the graduate prosthodontics program at UNC! In his free time, Robert enjoys golfing, traveling, cooking and trying new things with his family and friends.

Pari Bhat, DMD

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2027

About Pari

Pari Bhat was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Augusta University where she completed her Bachelors of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology, as well as her Doctor of Dental Medicine in a combined 7-year BS/DMD program. Her time in Augusta furthered her love of dentistry and providing comprehensive care to her patients. After her graduation from the Dental College of Georgia in 2024, she moved Chapel Hill to start her prosthodontics residency at UNC. In her free time, Pari volunteers at UNC’s Pride Clinic, providing faculty coverage for pre-doctoral students. She loves to exercise, travel, and spend time with her amazing co-residents!

Marta Flores, BDS

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2027

About Marta

Marta Flores is originally from Curitiba, Brazil. She earned her Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC, Brazil). Marta also holds a Certificate in Prosthodontics from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR, Brazil). Additionally, she completed a Master’s in Oral Rehabilitation and a Doctorate in Forensic Science at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. During her doctoral studies, she participated in an exchange program at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Moreover, she worked as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at Face Lab, located at Liverpool John Moores University in Liverpool, England. In her free time, Marta enjoys cooking, traveling, and engaging in sports, particularly martial arts. She also loves spending time with her family, which includes her three-year-old and six-month-old children.

Yesenia Morales, DDS

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2027

About Yesenia

Yesenia Morales was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Creighton University (Roll Jays!). Her passion for comprehensive patient care, complex treatment planning, and critical thinking during dental school inspired her to specialize in Prosthodontics. After graduating in 2024, she moved to Chapel Hill to begin her prosthodontics residency at UNC. She is committed to excellence in prosthodontic treatment and lifelong learning. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and large family. Her hobbies include cooking, traveling, trying new restaurants, horseback riding, and working out.

Raymundo Salermo, DDS

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2028

About Raymundo

Ray was born and raised in Cuba, where he completed his early education through the country’s rigorous academic system. After finishing high school in the 9th grade level, he continued with “bachillerato” through 12th grade and went on to earn his Doctor in Dental Science degree after five years of study at the University of Dental Science and Medicine Mariana Grajales Cuello.

During dental school, Ray developed a deep passion for prosthodontics, inspired by its blend of precision, esthetics, and the transformative impact it has on patients’ lives. He found great fulfillment in restoring not just oral function and smiles, but also in building trust and confidence with those under his care.

His dedication to patient-centered care, lifelong learning, and clinical excellence led him to Chapel Hill, where he is honored to continue his training at UNC’s renowned prosthodontics program. Outside of dentistry, Ray enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and staying active by exploring nature. He looks forward to making the most of his time in Chapel Hill both personally and professionally.

Basant Sallam, DMD

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2028

About Basant

Basant Sallam, originally from Egypt, moved across different continents growing up. She completed her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees at the University of Connecticut (a Husky at heart, though now with a growing Tar Heel spirit). She went on to complete a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. Dr. Sallam is passionate about helping patients achieve not only healthy smiles but also a sense of confidence in their overall dental health. She is committed to empowering her patients by encouraging them to take an active role in their care, providing the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their oral health. Dr. Sallam is fluent in Arabic and can hold her own in Spanish — on the path of learning! When she’s not practicing dentistry, you could say she’s a little bit of each adventurous, outdoorsy, and artsy. On sunny warm days, you’ll find her kayaking or hiking, embracing the great outdoors. But when the weather’s less friendly or she’s in the mood for some indoor creativity, she’s diving into graphic design or pottery.

Jamil Young, DDS

UNC Prosthodontics Class of 2028

About Jamil

Dr. Jamil Young is originally from East Texas. He graduated dental school in 2023 from Texas A&M University. After dental school, he moved to North Carolina to further his education attending a General Practice Residency in Asheville, NC. While completing his dental residency, he truly enjoyed North Carolina’s atmosphere and decided to stay. When he is not doing dentistry, he enjoys fishing, hiking, barbecuing, reading, volunteering, and riding his road bike!