Program Overview

Program Overview

The Periodontics program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) offers a comprehensive education in oral biology, problems, techniques, and treatments for periodontal care. Through a combination of seminar, clinical, and didactic training, students gain an in-depth understanding of the periodontium and develop advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills.

Program Details

• Program Type: Certificate
• Academic Unit: School of Dentistry
• Standard credit hours: 51
• Delivery Mode: In-person
• Typical Program Length: 35 months
• Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester

Program Objectives

As a resident in this 35-month residency program, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the periodontium at a mastery level
• Demonstrate comprehensive diagnostic skills
• Learn to perform advanced periodontal therapy
• Evaluate the outcomes of treatment
• Understand the scientific method as it relates to the field of periodontics

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Periodontics program can pursue careers as:

• Dentist
• Periodontist
• Dental researcher for university The median salary for dentists is $172,006 per year, according to data from Lightcast.io.

Potential Courses

The program includes specialized courses such as:

• Periodontal Residency: Nine courses that examine advanced periodontal principles and techniques
• General Anesthesia: A course that covers anesthesiology rotation, operating room procedures, emergencies, anesthetic agents, and drug interactions
• Physiology of Oral Mineralized Tissues: A course that examines the physiology of oral hard tissues, including growth, remodeling, and healing of maxillomandibular bones and dentinogenesis

Related Programs and Pathways

UMKC offers related programs in:

• Dentistry (Doctorate)
• Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (Doctorate)
• Endodontics (Certificate)
• Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (Master's)
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Certificate)

Application Process

To apply to the Periodontics program, students must:

1. Gather materials:

• Official dental school transcripts
• Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) scores (not required for application review)
• Institutional Evaluation Form (IEF)
• Minimum of three dental faculty evaluators for the Professional Evaluation Form (PEF)
• Register with the National Matching Services

2. Complete the American Dental Education Association's (ADEA) Postdoctoral Application Support Services (PASS) application and submit all documentation materials directly through PASS.
3. Check admissions requirements: Ensure you meet discipline-specific requirements.
4. Submit the UMKC general application and pay the application fee.
5. Submit application documents: Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

Application Dates

• Final deadline: August 15 (year prior to enrollment)
• Classes begin in July

Financial Aid

UMKC offers various financial aid opportunities, including automatic and competitive scholarships, grants, and expert financial guidance. A significant percentage of first-year students seeking master's, doctoral, or graduate certificate degrees receive financial aid.