CAGS/DScD in Prosthodontics
The combined program in fixed, removable, and implant prosthodontics provides the candidate with clinical proficiency and comprehensive knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with missing/damaged teeth and orofacial defects by using biocompatible artificial substitutes. The curriculum includes didactic and clinical instruction in complete dentures, removable partial dentures, fixed prosthodontics, implant dentistry (including implant surgery), geriatrics, temporomandibular disorders, and maxillofacial prosthodontics. The didactic background and the clinical and laboratory skills of these areas of prosthodontics are stressed.
Emphasis is placed on the periodontal integrity of the patient and the supportive therapy of all other disciplines in achieving total patient care. This integration is achieved through interdisciplinary seminars with the other specialties and through coordinated treatment planning.
The intensive and systematized library reading assignments and literature review seminars are an important aspect of the curriculum. They are designed to acquaint the student with the principal facets of the prosthodontic discipline, evidence-based healthcare, and methods of critically reviewing the dental literature.
This program follows the standards established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation for advanced educational programs in prosthodontics and the multidisciplinary scope of the specialty certificate examination of the American Board of Prosthodontics.
CAGS/DScD Curriculum
A limited number of candidates are accepted into the DScD program. Candidates must complete all biomedical science and clinical requirements of the CAGS program. In addition, the program requires successful completion of a major research effort related to the specialty, a doctoral thesis, and a thesis defense. The total full-time commitment for the combined CAGS/DScD program is a minimum of 60 months.
In addition to the requirements for the CAGS in Prosthodontics program, the following are required:
- SDM OB 830 Research Writing
- SDM PH 803 Biostatistics
- SDM PR 830 Advanced Biomaterials
- SDM PR 991 Research Prosthodontics
- SDM PR 992 Research Prosthodontics
- SDM PR 993 Research Prosthodontics
Completion is not tracked by credit accumulation but by successful completion of individual courses and duration requirements.
Other coursework may be assigned at the discretion of the research advisor, program director, or department chair.
