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UBC Dentistry OFFERS New Clinical Specialty Graduate Programs: Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Prosthodontics
Reaffirming its commitment to developing new clinical specialty graduate programs, the Faculty of Dentistry is offering three new programs in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics. These three new programs were recently approved by the UBC Board of Governors and complement UBC Dentistry’s existing clinical specialty graduate programs in periodontics and endodontics and the postgraduate programs in oral medicine/oral pathology and general practice residency.
The clinical specialty graduate programs are combined degrees. This means that the diploma in a clinical specialty is completed in conjunction with a PhD or MSc in Craniofacial Science to ensure that all students receive training as clinicians and researchers. In addition, to develop their teaching abilities, all students are actively involved in the undergraduate curriculum.
Dr. Edward Putnins, associate dean of Research and Graduate/Postgraduate Studies, explains there is a recognized shortage of dental academics in BC, Canada, and the world who are prepared to conduct outstanding research and teach at dental institutions. “Due to the aging of current faculty and expansion of the number of North American dental schools, this shortage will continue to increase—UBC Dentistry is meeting this demand not only with clinical specialists but is also preparing the next generation of dental faculty members with graduate training in a wide variety of clinical specialties and research as well.”
This is a much more inclusive portfolio of recognized specialty degree programs and allows UBC Dentistry to provide more integrated management for their patients with complex oral and craniofacial disorders. “We envision that these special patients could be referred from across the province or western Canada.”
UBC Dentistry’s undergraduate dental students—those studying for general practice— will also benefit from the increased number of graduate programs. Studying at a dental school next to professionals undertaking additional clinical specialty training will enable them to observe this full range of treatment. “This valuable exposure during their dental education will help them become more effective oral physicians,” remarks Putnins.
“Our integrated clinical specialty graduate programs are positioned to meet the critical need for basic science and clinical research. The recently funded Centre for High Through-Put Phenogenomics will ensure that state-of-the-art equipment required to undertake basic science research is available. In addition, these programs are well positioned to conduct clinical research and monitor patient outcomes by evaluating novel therapeutic approaches prior their use in the undergraduate programs and general practices. The Faculty is working to establish itself as a centre of clinical research excellence. The opportunities for graduate students in the various disciplines are limitless.”
The clinical specialty graduate programs at UBC Dentistry accept both national and international applicants. Normal length of study for the PhD option is six years while the MSc option is three years. Graduates will be eligible to take the examinations for their specialty certification offered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada or its equivalent.
Visit the graduate programs page for further information.
