Academic Progression

First Year Program

In the first year of the program, the resident is introduced to the specialty of periodontics, its scope and its history. The resident receives instruction in the scientific and clinical aspects of periodontics and implant dentistry.

Seminars on current and classic periodontal literature will be offered in addition to case presentations and interdisciplinary seminars. The residents will also participate in didactic courses in biostatistics and research methodology. The didactic activity will be combined with supervised patient care.

Second Year Program

The second year of the program is a continuation of the first year of training, with increased emphasis on the clinical treatment of patients and the advanced concepts of periodontics. The resident will spend more time conducting a research study and in the development of a thesis. 

Third Year Program

Throughout the training, the resident is encouraged to be inquisitive regarding all phases of treatment and to use initiative to be resourceful. The senior resident should become a severe critic of his or her own accomplishments and be able to support clinical decisions with references from the literature. Completion or a research problem and thesis are required and the resident must successfully defend the thesis to Committee. The senior resident will be expected to present lectures and patient presentations in preparation for Board certification and future teaching responsibilities. Satisfactory completion of this year of training qualifies the resident for examination and certification by the American Board of Periodontics.