Mar 28, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2020-2021 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The Degree of MSc in Medical Sciences - Oral Medicine [Graduate]


The Department of Dentistry offers a thesis-based MSc degree in Medical Sciences for dental graduates which focuses on Oral Medicine. The program offers clinical training leading to eligibility to sit the oral medicine specialty credentialing examination of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. The program commences in September.

Clinical expertise is supplemented by off-service rotations in a variety of medical disciplines. (See Medical Sciences .)

Entrance Requirements


The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent with an average of 3.0 on a four-point scale in the last ★60 or two years of undergraduate or graduate work at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.

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 and the following minimum score on each of the individual skill areas: Listening 22, Reading 22, Speaking 26, and Writing 24;
  • CAEL minimum score of 80 with at least 70 on each subtest;
  • or an IELTS (Academic) minimum score of 7.5 with at least 7 on each band.

Applicants are also required to provide 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 within the last two years prior to applying to the program is preferred.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who have successfully completed the National Dental Examining Board of Canada’s (NDEB) Certification process.
  • 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 Oral Medicine Admissions Committee, the Department of Dentistry 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 Oral Medicine the application deadline is September 1 for the following September admission.

Program Requirements


Students are required to complete a minimum of ★50 in required coursework. The program also consists of seminars, a clinical component and a thesis. Student progress will be monitored through an annual written and/or oral assessment in the Spring Term.

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

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 time required to complete the program is three years.

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