Program Description

This 35-month program consists of 3 nine-month academic years, 2 three-month summer sessions and 1 two-month summer session. The two month summer session begins the program in early July and consists of core courses taken by all graduate students regardless of specialty which lead up to the Fall semester of the first year. During the first year, students receive the major part of the didactic training, and learn to employ all of the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques employed in clinical periodontics on the patients assigned to them at the beginning of the program. They are encouraged to utilize a variety of techniques rather than to follow a single method of treatment. In consultation with faculty advisors, the first year student also selects a research project for the thesis, and develops the review of literature section and the research protocol for approval by the graduate and research committees. Both research and clinical experience are enhanced by in-depth reviews of both current and topical periodontal literature.

The first 3-month summer session between the first and second year is primarily spent in conducting the planned research and in clinical practice. Didactic courses in IV sedation and surgical training in implants are given during this time.

The second year is devoted to comprehensive treatment of complex cases, further acquisition of an in-depth knowledge of the periodontal literature, and refinement of skills in the more sophisticated treatment techniques. In addition, research projects continue and data collection and analysis begin. Oral and written examinations for the MSD degree are usually taken at the end of the 2nd year.

The second 3-month summer session is primarily spent in progress on the thesis research and in clinical practice.

During the third year, students conduct in-depth reviews of current technologies and topics of current interest in periodontics. Clinical skills in periodontics and IV sedation are refined and results of therapy are carefully analyzed. In addition, the Master's Thesis is written and defended during this time.

In addition to clinical experience in the dental school, each Periodontics Graduate Student assists in hospital surgical procedures and is also given the opportunity to perform the procedures.

Recently, IUSD was the only graduate periodontics program with two faculty members who were simultaneously Directors of the American Board of Periodontology (ABP). While they no longer serve as Board Directors, their recent experience and expertise is invaluable in teaching students, especially those interested in becoming Board Certified in Periodontics.  We encourage all of our students to actively pursue certification with the APB.  to help prepare them for Part I, we participate in the annual American Academy of Periodontology Inservice Examination.  Each student also gives a formal case presentation and defends each year of the three year program.

Research opportunities at IUSD are virtually limitless. The faculty can provide guidance for both clinical and basic science research. Students have access to the the resources of IUSD, the IU Medical Center, and a variety of other institutions in and around Indianapolis. Students are encouraged to give some consideration to a research topic prior to beginning graduate school.