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

The Department of Dentistry offers the degree of PhD in Medical Sciences - Periodontology. It is a full-time research training program with clinical training integrated into it.

Entrance Requirements

The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent and a master’s degree 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.

Applicants without a master’s degree may be considered for admission provided they can demonstrate adequate prior relevant education and experiences as determined by both the Department of Dentistry and the Division of Periodontology.

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 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.
Identify a suitable supervisor to provide support.

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

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of ★69 in required coursework, including ★12 to be completed during the research component, and ★57 to be completed during the clinical component. The program also consists of seminars and a thesis.

The clinical requirements involve successful completion of a selected number of teaching cases. Clinical training will not start until defined research milestones are attained and the candidacy examination is successfully passed. Clinical training will start in September immediately after these conditions are met.

The program of study is determined in consultation with the supervisor and supervisory committee. The research component will be exclusively performed during the first two years.

Students enrolled in the PhD in Medical Sciences - Periodontology will not have the option of transferring to the MSc in Medical Sciences - Periodontology program but may switch to the MSc in Medical Sciences - Dentistry or MSc in Medical Sciences - Oral Biology.

Prior to clinical training (★12)

Required courses (★8)

Elective courses (★4)

Students must complete ★4 in graduate-level courses chosen in consultation with the program director and their supervisor.

First Year of Clinical Training (★27)

Second Year of Clinical Training (★18)

Third Year of Clinical Training (★12)

Thesis

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

Candidacy exam

Successful completion of the PhD candidacy examination will be required by October 1 prior to the academic year the student starts their clinical training. This will allow the allocation of a clinical training spot for the following September start.

Seminars

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

Clinical Requirements for Nursing 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.

Accepted applicants who are not licensed by the Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C) at the time of the start of the clinical component of the program must obtain registration on the ADA&C Education and Research Register by August 1 prior to the start of the clinical program in the Fall Term. Applicants who are in possession of an active full license from the ADA&C do not need to obtain additional licensure.
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 time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken.

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