DScD in Operative Dentistry

A limited number of candidates are accepted into this DScD program, which takes at least three years in addition to the time commitment for the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Operative Dentistry to complete. Candidates must complete all basic science and clinical requirements for the CAGS program. The program also requires that candidates complete a major research effort related to operative dentistry. This research is usually conducted in conjunction with research faculty of the University.

Curriculum

In addition to the basic science and clinical requirements for the CAGS program below, the following is required:

• SDM OP 992, 993, 994 Research: Operative Dentistry (12 cr, 1st–6th sem.)

At the discretion of the program director and/or department chair, research students may participate in clinical activities during their research years.

Year 1

• SDM PR 750 Preclinical Restorative (1 cr, 1st sem.)
• SDM OP 803 Seminar: Operative Dentistry (1 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.)
• SDM OP 807 Preclinical Technique (1 cr, 1st sem.)
• SDM OP 912 Clinical Operative Dentistry I (6 cr, 2nd sem.)
• SDM OS 761 Medical Concerns of the Dental Patient (2 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.)
• SDM OS 828 Anxiety and Pain Control (1 cr, 2nd sem.)
• SDM OS 831 Head and Neck Anatomy (1 cr, 1st sem.)
• SDM PA 801 Oral Pathology (2 cr, 2nd sem.)
• SDM PE 764 Current Concepts in Periodontology (1 cr, 1st sem.)
• SDM PE 827 Applied Dental Pharmacology (1 cr, 2nd sem.)
• SDM PE 830 Applications of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology (1 cr, 2nd sem.)
• SDM PH 763 Bioethics and Law (1 cr, 1st sem.)
• SDM PR 761 Occlusion (2 cr, 1st sem.)
• SDM PR 809 Prosthodontics Seminar and Literature Review (1 cr, 1st sem.)
• SDM PR 810 Case Presentation and Patient Care Conference (1 cr, 2nd sem.)
• SDM PR 813 Literature Review in General Dentistry (1 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.)
• SDM PR 825 Postdoctoral Biomaterials (4 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.)
• SDM PR 828 Esthetic Dentistry (2 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.)
• SDM PR 844 Implantology Literature Review (2 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.)
• SDM PR 845 Implantology Topics (2 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.)
• SDM EN 820 Endodontics and Pulpal Therapy for the General Practitioner (1 cr, 1st sem.)
• SDM PH 803 Biostatistics (2 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.)

Year 2

• SDM OP 913 Clinical Operative Dentistry II (20 cr, 3rd and 4th sem.)

Tuition

Tuition for the operative dentistry program is the same for all postgraduate programs. Please click here for financial information.

Benefits

Personal days

Students are given a maximum of 10 personal days per year. These may be used for board exams, interviews, religious holidays, etc. There are no sick days. If a resident is out due to illness, personal days will be deducted.

Holidays

There are 12 University-recognized holidays in which the school and all clinics are closed.

Winter Intersession

Between the fall and spring semesters there is an approximately two-week vacation for residents. This usually begins mid-December and lasts until the first week of January.

Instruments

All supplies and materials must be purchased through the Boston University Dental School Supply Store. Please see the financial information web page for operative dentistry program instrument kit costs. It is recommended that residents also purchase an intraoral camera for case documentation.

Clinic Schedule

A typical schedule is as follows:

Students are scheduled in the clinic or in preclinical exercises five days a week for a total of 40 hours.

During the first semester of the first year, emphasis is placed on the preclinical exercises and biomedical science classes. Students are in preclinical exercises from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m every day. Classes are held either before clinic from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or after clinic from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Starting the second semester of the first year, the actual clinic hours increase and students are scheduled in the clinic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m five days a week. Classes are held either before clinic from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or after clinic from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.