Periodontics | UCLA Dentistry

Length of Program: 3 years

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

Financial Arrangement: UC Salary Breakdown

The UCLA Periodontics Residency Program is a 3-year, full-time specialty-training program. It is designed to provide an advanced level of education and clinical experiences in periodontology and surgical implantology for highly qualified graduate dentists who are interested in a specialty career.

The goal of the UCLA Periodontics Residency Program is to train residents in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of patients with a variety of periodontal diseases and conditions. There is an emphasis on preservation of periodontal supporting structures and regeneration or reconstruction of lost periodontal/alveolar structures. Replacement of missing and hopeless teeth involves all aspects of surgery related to site preparation and placement of dental implants. Periodontal and implant treatment plans are developed and coordinated with other dental specialties as indicated by the individual patient’s needs. Patient management skills are stressed, and residents are encouraged to approach all aspects of care with a biological, scientifically-based rationale.

One of the major strengths of the UCLA Periodontics Residency Program is the quality and dedication of our clinical faculty. Two clinically active faculty members are available during each clinic session while six residents are treating patients. As a result, residents get excellent faculty coverage, and they are exposed to a variety of treatment philosophies by periodontists who have diverse experiences.

Residents are prepared to treat patients with a variety of light to moderate conscious sedation techniques including nitrous oxide, oral, and intravenous conscious sedation. The program provides the didactic and clinical experiences required for a conscious sedation permit in the State of California.

A research thesis based on original work in clinical periodontics or on any of a number of related fields, but focused on problems relevant to periodontics, is required. The principles of scientific research design and evaluation are stressed. A Master's degree in oral biology or PhD in oral biology can be pursued concurrently with the UCLA Periodontics Residency Program. Admission into this degree program requires a separate application through the UCLA Graduate Division.

During the course of the program, residents will devote approximately 50% of their time to clinical activities, 20% of their time in didactic courses, 20% of their time involved in research and independent study, and 10% of their time teaching periodontics in the predoctoral clinics. A certificate of specialty training in Periodontics from the UCLA School of Dentistry is awarded upon completion of the program.

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
Clinical experience
Leadership activities
Research experience
Teaching experience
Demonstrated interest in periodontics

Applicants will be notified of acceptance directly. Decisions will be available upon completion of selection process. A letter of acceptance signed by the Program Director and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will be issued upon acceptance.

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Accreditation Statement

The program in Periodontics 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.