Periodontics MSD

The Periodontics Program begins July 1 of each year and is of thirty-six months duration. Upon completion of the program, the student will be awarded a Certificate in Periodontics, will be eligible to take the American Board of Periodontology examination, and receive a Masters of Science in Dentistry Degree. The program is multifaceted and uses facilities and faculty to provide:

1. A strong foundation in the basic sciences, including surgical anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, and others.
2. Clinical science courses that include Occlusion, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, and Minor Orthodontic Tooth Movement, and several multidisciplinary courses, such as Periodontics-Prosthodontics, Periodontics - Endodontics, Dental Implantology, etc.
3. An extensive review of the periodontal literature to provide the basis for understanding current philosophies of therapy and to establish a biologic basis for formulating comprehensive treatment plans.
4. Exposure to a wide range of periodontal problems requiring a variety of therapeutic procedures. Students are encouraged to work with several full- and part-time faculty to gain experience in all periodontal techniques available including Lasers, Microsurgery and others. There is a total of 5 full time and 6 part time faculty members in the department, 10 of which are Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology.
5. Research opportunities are available in either basic science or clinical areas to enable the student to accomplish a meaningful original research project.
6. Training and experience with IV sedation is provided and all graduates are eligible to get their IV sedation certification.  As part of their IV sedation training, residents also complete an IV sedation rotation in the LSUHSC Anesthesiology Department.
7. Teaching experience in both the classroom and clinic to communicate those principles and skills acquired during training to their peers. In addition, faculty input into these various areas is supplemented by several guest lecturers during the year.

On average, two to three applicants are accepted annually. Candidates should possess competitive academic credentials, and should have demonstrated a definite interest in periodontics. All applicants must have passed the National Dental Board Exams. In addition to those, international applicants must provide acceptable TOEFL scores. Additional experience beyond dental school (internship or residency, military service, private practice, graduate school, etc.), strengthens the applicant’s credentials. A personal site visit/ interview is required for the benefit of both the applicant and the faculty.