The Degree of MSc in Medical Sciences - Periodontology [Graduate]

The Department of Dentistry offers a thesis-based MSc degree in Medical Sciences - Periodontology. Through a combination of didactic and clinical courses, the program is structured to prepare the dental graduate for Periodontology practice and/or an educational academic appointment. This is a thesis-based program. In addition the clinical requirements involve successful completion of selected teaching cases. (See Medical Sciences ).

Entrance Requirements

The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last ★60 of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:

TOEFL (internet-based) minimum score 95 with at least 20 per section or equivalent;
MELAB minimum score of 91;
CAEL minimum score of 70 with at least 70 on each subtest;
or an IELTS (Academic) minimum score of 7.5 with at least 6 on each band.

All applicants are also required to submit the following:

a current curriculum vitae
a statement of intent
three letters of recommendation (two must be professional)
An official letter from their dental school noting their class ranking upon graduation from dentistry.
Completion of at least one year of experience as a licensed dentist immediately prior to the start of the program is preferred.
Applicants must have a license to practice Dentistry in Alberta, or must have passed the NDEB examination of Canada.
Applicants who are not licensed but in a Canada/USA accredited GPR program are required to obtain a letter from the Program Director stating they are in good standing with no professional conduct issues.
A personal interview is required for short-listed applicants. These applicants will be advised of the arranged interview date by e-mail.

Admission is dependent upon the approval of the Division of Periodontology Selection Committee, the Department of Dentistry’s Graduate Studies Committee and the Medical Sciences Graduate Program Committee.

For applicants that are not licensed by Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C), a condition of admission is for candidates to obtain registration on the Education and Research Register from the ADA&C by August 1 prior to starting the program in the fall term. Applicants who already possess a full license from the ADA&C do not need to obtain additional licensure.

For the MSc in Periodontology the application deadline is September 1 for the following September admission.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of ★66 in required coursework. The program also consists of a clinical component, seminars, and a thesis. Student progress will be monitored through an annual written and/or oral external assessment. Feedback from this assessment serves to identify areas that require additional attention by the student. The assessment will permit the development of specific clinical and/or didactic improvement objectives before the next annual assessment.

The program of study is determined by the department in consultation with the supervisor and supervisory committee.

Required courses (★66)

Thesis

Registration in 900-level THES. Students are required to complete and defend a thesis.

Seminars

Students have an attendance requirement for the Discover Dental Sciences seminars and to participate in the Graduate Student Research Day.

Requirements for Clinical courses

These requirements must be met prior to starting the clinical courses. If there is an associated fee, students are responsible for the costs incurred.

Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: To ensure, insofar as possible, both student and patient safety, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry requires that all students must have their immunization status reviewed and updated as necessary by a qualified healthcare professional upon acceptance into a health sciences program. (University Infectious Diseases Regulation)
Police Information Checks and Protection for Persons in Care: Applicants should be aware that a clear Police Information Check (PIC) is required as a condition of admission and that any criminal charges pending must be declared. (Requirement for Police Information Checks); (Protection for Persons in Care)
Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: (Professional and Ethical Standards)
The Department of Dentistry Technical Standards Policy: defines the necessary knowledge, skills, professional behaviors, and attitudes expected of students. (Technical Standards)

Length of Program

The minimum time required to complete the MSc is three years.

The maximum time permitted to complete the program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is four years.