Advanced Prosthodontics

Length of Program: 3 years

Number of Positions: 2 for graduates of CODA-accredited dental schools

Financial Arrangement: UC Salary Breakdown

Program Director: Dr. Kumar Shah

Our Advanced Prosthodontics residency program at UCLA is an internationally renowned, CODA accredited postgraduate certificate program that prepares future leaders in prosthodontics patient care, research, and teaching. The curriculum provides a scientifically-based rationale for diagnostic, treatment planning, and patient care decisions. As residents become acquainted with the philosophies and principles of prosthodontic treatment with fixed, removable, implant, and maxillofacial prosthodontics, the fundamental rationale of clinical and laboratory techniques, CAD/CAM, biomechanics, dental material selection, and tissue management are emphasized.

Besides replacing oral structures and tissues, one of the program’s primary goals is to teach residents the importance of preserving the supporting structures through coordinated effort with other dental specialties. We also strive to teach positive patient management skills for these often demanding, long-term cases.

The research enterprise at the UCLA School of Dentistry provides an innovative, collaborative environment where our residents can conduct research under the mentorship from leaders in the field.  All residents are required to conduct a research project during their training on impactful topics, including CAD/CAM, dental materials, bioengineering, bone biology, and prosthodontics.

For those who wish to further engage in a formal research training, we also offer an optional Master’s degree program in Oral Biology. Our faculty is committed to helping our graduates navigate the certification process administered by the American Board of Prosthodontics. Advanced and specialized methods required for care of complex and multidisciplinary cases are stressed. Upon successful completion of the program, residents are awarded two certificates: a certificate of postgraduate study from the UCLA School of Dentistry and a certificate of residency from the UCLA Health’s hospitals and clinics.

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Selection Process & Factors

Selected candidates will be invited to interview. If you have been selected, you will be notified by telephone and/or email.

Timing of Interviews: September-October

The admissions committee considers the following criteria in its decisions:

  • Academic achievement (GPA and class rank if available)

  • Performance on NBDE (National Board Dental Examination)

  • Content of personal statement

  • Content of recommendation letters

  • Leadership activities

  • Research experience

  • Demonstrated interest in prosthodontics

  • Overall impression from the personal interview

Applicants will be notified of acceptance through the Match service. To find out when results will be available, please consult the Match service. A letter of acceptance signed by the Program Director and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will be issued upon acceptance.

Accreditation Statement

The program in Advanced Prosthodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and has been granted the accreditation status of "Approval without Reporting Requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653, by visiting www.ada.org/coda, or by mail at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.