Peridontics Preceptorship Program

Admission to the Periodontal Preceptor Residency Program (PPRP) is competitive. Because limited openings are available, preference in admission is given to WVU School of Dentistry (WVUSoD) senior dental students who seek participation in this one-year PPRP following dental school graduation.

Prior to enrollment, the applicant must hold a DDS or DMD from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and possess a West Virginia dental license. The successful candidate must demonstrate outstanding communication abilities, both written and oral, in the English language. Applicants who have completed an advanced dental program in the United States, but from countries where English is not the native language, are exempt from the TOEFL examination.

Criteria to evaluate candidates include:

• Letter of interest and career goals
• Dental school transcripts
• NBDE (Part 1 and 2)
• Recommendations from three dental faculty
• Personal interview which includes onsite composed essay
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and spoken
• Congruence between the applicant’s skills and abilities and PPRB objectoives

The applicant’s didactic; laboratory and clinical performance in Orthodontic courses will be closely evaluated.

Application Requirements, Deadline and Fee

Application deadline is May 2nd of each year. This is subject to extension based on the application pool. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the WVU School of Dentistry website or contact the program director to confirm current deadlines.

An application fee to West Virginia University as a non-degree graduate student is required and must accompany the application.

The following information is required for a complete application:

• A current resume
• Letter of interest describing applicant’s strengths, accomplishments, and career goals
• Official dental school transcript
• Three letters of reference from dental faculty who can address the applicant’s: a) clinical skills in dentistry b) communication skills (written and oral) c) interpersonal skills d) maturity e)likelihood of success in the PPRP

The application and instructions are available online.

Official academic transcripts must be submitted directly to:
WVU Admissions Office
One Waterfront Place
PO Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506-6009

Candidates who receive favorable review of the aforementioned application materials must participate in a personal interview before the WVU Department of Orthdontics Admissions Committee.

Prior to commencing the PPRB, students must obtain criminal background clearance. The background check is conducted by a screening agency designated by the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Detailed information is available on the website. The CBI is at the applicants’ personal expense.

Conditions Following Offer of Admission:
Individuals admitted to the 9-month PPRB must comply with all regulations and standards established by the School of Dentistry, WVU, and WVU Board of Governors.

All enrollees must comply with the immunization and diagnostic procedures required by the WVU Board of Governors, WVU University, the WVU Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center and/or the School of Dentistry. Proof of immunizations must be submitted prior to commencement of program.

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