How to apply for post-graduate studies in Dentistry

Dr. Mohammed Alshehri BDS, AEGD, SSC-ARD, SF-DI

Prerequisites

• Degree transcripts and certified copies of certificates.

• Three references.• Curriculum Vitae (CV).• IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/NBDE I & II certificate (if

applicable).• PASS and Match systems.• Personal Photograph.• Scholarship.• Recognition of Minister of Higher Education.

Definition and terminology

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)/Doctor Medicine in

Dentistry (DMD) - the degree awarded upon graduation

from dental school to become a general dentist. There is

no difference between the two degrees; dentists who have

an DMD or DDS have the same education

• Master's Degree in Dentistry - appropriate for those who

want to develop advanced knowledge in dental specialty

discipline. Also open to individuals with a relevant graduate

degree in a related discipline

Definition and terminology

• PhD in Dentistry - appropriate for those who want to

earn an advanced degree in dentistry with a view to

pursuing a research or teaching career.

• Graduate Dentistry Diplomas / Certificates -

supplements an already established area of expertise

in dentistry or adds value to a previously earned degree

in a different, but related discipline. Is designed to

provide students with a specialized knowledge that is

less extensive than a Master's or PhD in dentistry

Degree level

Clinical Certificate Master Degree

e.g.

Master of Science in Dentistry

Master Of Craniofacial Biology

Doctoral Programs (Ph.D)

e.g.

Ph.D. in medical sciences

e.g.

Endodontic

Periodontic

………

Board

e.g.

American Board of EndodonticsAmerican Board of OMF Pathology American Board of OMF Radiology

Key Dentistry Organizations

• American Dental Association (ADA)– Information on all aspects of U.S Dentistry– Search engine for post graduate degrees– Information on licensure

• American Dental Education Association (ADEA)– Information on DMD and Advanced Standing Programs – Home of CAAPID , PASS and AADSASS application services

• International Association of Dental Students (IADS)– Global Exchange and Volunteerism

– Promotion of International Dentistry

DENTPIN - Your Identifier

• Dental Personal Identification Number • For all students involved in U.S Dental education

system• Register online at www.ada.org

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

• Course evaluation report by ECE (Educational

Credential Evaluators, Inc., PO BOX 92970,

Milwaukee, WI 53202-0970, 414.298.3400,

www.ece.org

• Choose course by course evaluation.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• The IELTS is a test of English for higher

education, immigration and employment, it

measures ability to communicate in English

across all four language skills.

• For more information, please visit www.ielts.org

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• The TOEFL is a test that measures the ability of

non-native speakers of English to use and

understand North American English as it is used

in college and university settings.

• For more information, please visit www.tofel.org

Graduate Records Examination(GRE)• The GRE is an examination that is used to

determine whether you will be admitted to a post-graduate program of study for a Master’s degree or PhD degree. This exam is taken after you have completed a Bachelor’s degree.

• For more information, please visit www.gre.org

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE)

• National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) is the United States national Dental Examination for students and professionals in the area.This examination is required in order to get licensure in United States or sometimes to apply to advanced postgraduate studies in any of the dental specialities after completing a dental degree. Foreign-trained dentist also have to take this test in order to get admission in one of the Advanced standing programs in any US dental school.

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE)

• First Part (NBDE I): Consists of 400 multiple choice questions about Basic Sciences with topics including:

1. Human Anatomy and Histology 2. Biochemistry and Physiology3. Microbiology and Pathology.4. Dental anatomy and occlusion.

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE)

• Second Part (NBDE II): It's a two day examination dealing with clinical dental topics including:

1. Endodontics2. Opeartive Dentistry3. OMFS / Pain Control4. Oral Diagnosis5. Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry6. Patient Management, Dental Public Health and

Occupational Safety7. Periodontics8. Pharmacology9. Prosthodontics

Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS)

• The Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) is a centralized application service of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). PASS is available for individuals applying to approximately 555 participating advanced dental Education (postdoctoral) programs.

Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS)

• PASS simplifies the application process by providing one standardized format. Advanced dental education programs benefit by receiving uniform information on all applicants. Each program has the right to request supplemental information from applicants.

Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (MATCH)

• Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program was initially developed and organized in 1985 by the Committee on Residency Education and Training of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) to fill positions in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residencies. Shortly after its introduction for OMS programs, General Practice Residency and Advanced Education in General Dentistry programs joined the Match, and the Match now includes Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontic and Dental Anesthesiology programs.

PASS & MATCH

• Currently, there are 560 postdoctoral programs (out of 700 total) using the ADEA PASS application service. Students can use the ADEA PASS portal to apply to both PASS and the Match or just one.

• For more info. www.portal.passweb.org

Programs in North America

• Non – Accredited Programs1. Endodontics2. Comprehensive Dentistry3. Esthetic Dentistry4. Implant Dentistry (Two-year Program)5. Interdisciplinary Dentistry6. Oral Medicine and Special Needs Dentistry7. Oral Surgery8. Oral Biology9. Orthodontics10. Pediatric Dentistry11. Periodontics12. Prosthodontics13. Consortium for Translational Orthodontic Research

Programs in North America

• These Non – Accredited Programs offer the

residence a certificates of attendance upon

successful completion of training period.

Programs in North America

• Accredited Programs1. Endodontics

2. Esthetic Dentistry

3. Oral Medicine

4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

5. Orthodontics

6. Pediatric Dentistry

7. Periodontics

8. Prosthodontics

9. Dental Anesthesiology

Programs in North America

• Accredited Programs11. Dual-Major (Periodontics & Prosthodontics /Periodontics

& Implant Dentistry /Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry /Orthodontic & Periodontic /Orthodontic & Pedodontic)

12. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

13. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

14. Dental Anesthesiology

15. Oral Biology

16. Dental Public Health

17. Dental Biomaterials

Programs in UK, Australia and Germany• Differences and qualification.

Program selection criteria

• Aim of the study.

• Location.

• Expenses.

• Duration.

• Qualification.

• Sponsor requirement.