Academic Progression

First Year Program

In the first year of the program, the resident is introduced to the specialty of prosthodontics, its scope, and its history. The resident receives instruction in the laboratory and clinical aspects of complete dentures, removable partial dentures, fixed partial dentures, maxillofacial prosthetics, implant prosthodontics, implant surgery and treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction. The resident is required to know and use the materials and techniques for fabricating oral prostheses and to become proficient in performing all phases of laboratory work related to clinical patients.

The resident will participate in seminars on specific topics in prosthodontics and on the relationship of prosthodontics to the other specialties. The resident will study biostatistics, research methodology, and select an in-depth research problem for thesis development and publication.

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 prosthodontics. The resident will spend more time conducting a research study and in the development of a thesis. A topic in the field of prosthodontics will be selected and developed into a high quality table clinic for presentation at the American College of Prosthodontists annual session.

Third Year Program

The third year of the program continues with more advanced clinical treatment and concepts of prosthodontics, including the completion of three patients to meet the current requirements for presentation to the American Board of Prosthodontics. The resident will spend a significant amount of time treating older adult patients.

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 of 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 Prosthodontics.