Dentistry: Dentistry PhD (Periodontics Specialty) | School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Calendar

PhD Program (Periodontics Specialty)

Program Description

The Dentistry PhD, Periodontics specialty is a six-year full-time program. The specialty in Periodontics is concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function, and aesthetics of these structures and tissues.

Students start the program in the Summer session. Upon completion of all program requirements, students are eligible for the PhD degree and certification in the chosen field of dental specialty. Program completion will be contingent upon completion of all requirements for the research and specialty training components of the program.

PhD Program (Periodontics Specialty)

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Dentistry's additional admission requirements stated below.
Students are normally admitted to the PhD program with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent, with at least an A– standing (3.7 out of 4.0 grade point average [GPA]) in the final year from a recognized university.

Program Requirements

Students undertake a customized program, approved by an advisory committee and the Associate Dean, Graduate Education, comprising advanced study and original research culminating in the defence of a thesis. After consultation with the Associate Dean, Graduate Education, a committee will be appointed to plan and arrange the student’s coursework and research programs, approve the course of study, and monitor progress as part of an annual report to the Associate Dean for approval and continuance of candidacy.
Students must successfully complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a thesis as follows:
- Year 1:
  - DEN1010H Research Ethics (Credit/No Credit; 0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1015H Introduction to Biostatistics (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1101H Introduction to Research Methods and Dissemination (Credit/No Credit; 0.5 FCE)
- Years 2 and 3:
  - DEN1100H⁰ Graduate Research Dissemination Seminars (Credit/No Credit; 0.5 FCE).
In the specialty of Periodontics, complete 18.0 required FCEs and 1.0 elective FCE as follows. Students have the option to take DEN1008H Cone Beam CT Imaging (Credit/No Credit; 0.25 FCE; prerequisite: DEN1007H), in addition to the total FCEs required for the specialty.

Note: course timing may vary between years. Please contact gradstudies@dentistry.utoronto.ca for details.
- Year 1:
  - DEN1007H Oral Radiology (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1014H Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Care (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1033Y Periodontology: Seminars and Clinics I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN1070H⁺⁺ Advances in Dental Materials Science (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1090H Inhalation and Oral Minimal and Moderate Sedation for Dental Procedures (Credit/No Credit; 0.5 FCE)
  - DEN6061Y Literature Review in Periodontics I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN6091Y Principles and Practice of Periodontics I (1.0 FCE)
  - Develop a thesis proposal, form a supervisory committee, and complete an ethics review (if applicable)
- Year 2:
  - DEN1002H Oral Pathology (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1022H Investigating Pathogenic Biofilms (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1034Y Periodontology: Seminars and Clinics II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN1091Y Parenteral Moderate Sedation for Dental Procedures (Credit/No Credit; 1.0 FCE)
  - DEN6062Y Literature Review in Periodontics II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN6071Y Clinical Case Presentation I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN6081Y Biomaterials and Implant/Reconstructive Dentistry I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN6092Y Principles and Practice of Periodontics II (1.0 FCE)
  - PDE9094Y⁰ Clinical Conferences (Credit/No Credit)
  - Continue with thesis research (RST9999Y)
  - Successfully pass a qualifying oral examination within 12 to 24 months to demonstrate an adequate capacity for oral health sciences research through previous work. Students will be examined on their thesis proposal and their breadth of knowledge relative to the research project.
- Year 3:
  - DEN1035Y Periodontology: Seminars and Clinics III (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN1311Y Oral Surgical Pathology (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN6072Y Clinical Case Presentation II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN6082Y Biomaterials and Implant/Reconstructive Dentistry II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN6093Y Principles and Practice of Periodontics III (1.0 FCE)
  - PDE9094Y⁰ Clinical Conferences (Credit/No Credit; 1.0 FCE)
  - Continue with thesis research (RST9999Y)
- Years 4 and 5:
  - 1.0 elective FCE in clinical, epidemiological, or basic science research methodology appropriate for clinical or public health practice
  - Complete any outstanding core or field-specific coursework
  - Continue with thesis research (RST9999Y)
- Year 6: Successfully submit and defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.
Participate in all graduate research activities of the advisor’s research group.
Present at meetings and publish original research findings in a timely fashion.
Participate as a member of departmental and student committees as applicable.
Residency. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.

Program Length

6 years

Time Limit

8 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

⁺⁺ Course is offered in alternate years.

PhD Program (Periodontics Specialty): Transfer

Transfer Requirements

Highly qualified MSc students in the thesis option may be considered for transfer to the Dentistry PhD in the specialty of Periodontics. MSc students who transfer to the PhD must fulfil the admission requirements listed under the PhD program and successfully complete the transfer examination.