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

PhD Program (Prosthodontics Specialty)

Program Description

The Dentistry PhD, Prosthodontics specialty is a six-year full-time program. This specialty is designed to prepare students for careers in the specialty of prosthodontics with particular emphasis on developing clinical teachers and researchers. Extensive clinical training is provided under close supervision in the Faculty of Dentistry Prosthodontics and the Implant Prosthodontic Unit. Strong surgical, communication, and interpersonal skills are developed in addition to the core prosthodontic skills.

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 (Prosthodontics 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 an appropriate master's degree, 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 in a discipline appropriate to the intended field of doctoral study.

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)
- Year 2:
  - 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 Prosthodontics, complete 20.0 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)
  - DEN1016H⁺⁺ Occlusion: Function and Dysfunction (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1017H⁺⁺ Temporomandibular Disorders (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1042Y Prosthodontics II: Key Concepts in Prosthodontics and Laboratory Management (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN1060H Oral Physiology: Sensory and Neuromuscular Function (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1090H Inhalation and Oral Minimal and Moderate Sedation for Dental Procedures (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN3005H Head and Neck Anatomy (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN7011Y Prosthodontic Treatment Planning (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7031Y Prosthodontic Topical Seminars I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7041Y Prosthodontic Current Literature I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7051Y Prosthodontics and Implant Surgery I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7061Y Clinical Prosthodontics I (1.0 FCE)
  - Develop a thesis proposal, form a supervisory committee, and complete an ethics review (if applicable)
- Year 2:
  - DEN1070H⁺⁺ Advances in Dental Materials Sciences (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN7012Y Prosthodontic Case Presentations I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7032Y Prosthodontic Topical Seminars II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7042Y Prosthodontic Current Literature II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7052Y Prosthodontics and Implant Surgery II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7062Y Clinical Prosthodontics II (1.0 FCE)
  - 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:
  - DEN7013Y Prosthodontic Case Presentations II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7033Y Prosthodontic Topical Seminars III (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7043Y Prosthodontic Current Literature III (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN7063Y Clinical Prosthodontics 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 (Prosthodontics 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 Prosthodontics. MSc students who transfer to the PhD must fulfil the admission requirements listed under the PhD program and successfully complete the transfer examination.