Prosthodontics
Application Deadline
September 1
The Advanced Education in Prosthodontics residency provides fifteen residents specialty training in the study of prosthodontics, occlusion, implants and clinical applications of biomaterials with emphasis on detection, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of complex restorative therapies. The clinical activities are located on the fourth floor of the school with additional laboratory space on the third floor.
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Overview
Thank you for visiting our web site, and for your interest in prosthodontics! This is one of the fastest growing specialties in dentistry, and one of the most rewarding.
The goal of this program is to train prosthodontists who will be able to effectively rehabilitate patients who present with severely compromised oral conditions. Clinical treatment of patients is exemplified by excellence in three areas: planning, precision, and performance. Residents should exemplify these qualities by the end of the residency program. The primary goals of the didactic program are to provide a literature base of the best available evidence from which to make sound clinical decisions, to train residents in the use and evaluation of literature to solve clinical problems, and to present a foundation of sound prosthodontic principles on which the resident can build in future years. The primary goals of the clinical program are to supply a breadth of experiences for residents to develop the clinical skills necessary for effective patient treatment in all aspects of prosthodontics.
While laboratory procedures are a necessary part of any prosthodontic program, the program utilizes lab support within the school as well as commercial dental labs to meet the needs of our patients. The latest digital workflows are constantly being utilized and improved and the residents are active in planning and designing restorations and implant position as well as radiographic and surgical guides. All of our residents design, assist, and place implants, and many with an interest in this area develop considerable surgical experience.
Our program is clinically oriented, and we are fortunate to have an extensive patient base and demand for prosthodontic services. Because of this, we are able to offer multiple clinical experiences in oral rehabilitation, esthetic dentistry, implant reconstructions, surgical implant placement, and removable and fixed prosthodontics. We also interface with the Maxillofacial Prosthetics program helping patients with cancer, trauma and craniofacial anomalies.
We look forward to reviewing your application and meeting you at UAB.
Dr. Chin-Chuan Fu DDS, MS, FACP, Interim Program Director
UAB Graduate Prosthodontics
1919 7th Ave South
Birmingham, Alabama 35294
Phone: (205) 996-5110
ccfu@uab.edu -
Facilities
The AEP program employs a modern 13 chair clinical area which is shared with the Maxillofacial Prosthetics program. The clinical area is specifically oriented to fixed, removable and implant prosthodontics. There is an associated laboratory with work and storage space assigned to each resident.
Our clinical area is currently under renovation to accommodate the latest in digital dentistry to support advanced prosthodontic treatment. Updated images will be posted soon.
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Applications
Please see the prospectus for specific admissions requirements for the Advanced Education in Prosthodontics program. For questions regarding the admissions process or status of your application, please contact our School’s Admissions Office:
Admissions Office, Graduate Programs
UAB School of Dentistry
Phone: (205) 934-5470The application deadline for our program is September 1.
As part of a national effort to make the application process less time consuming for the applicant, this Prosthodontics program is a participant in the PASS (Postdoctoral Application Support Service) central application service sponsored by the American Dental Education Association.
Application materials can usually be obtained from your dental school or by writing:
PASS
Suite 600
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036-2212
Telephone: (202) 332-8795Admission to any program is a complicated equation, involving dental training, recommendation letters, grades, personal statements, interviews, and other such items. Our AEP program receives many applications which are reviewed by the program director and invite selected applicants to visit the school in the early fall for a formal interview. The AEP program participates in the MATCH process and notification of acceptance through MATCH is typically by mid-November. We accept foreign applicants as about half of our residents were trained outside the US. Specific information regarding applications and procedures can be found on the UAB Dentistry web site.
We are pleased to have visitors at UAB, and we invite you to come and see our clinic in person. However, please call or email to let us know when you are coming. It is helpful to have your PASS application on file before the time of your visit. A number of 3rd year dental students visit our program and we look forward to this early opportunity to meet prospective applicants.
Prospective students should fly in Birmingham International Airport (BHM, 20 minutes from school by hotel shuttle). The Hilton Birmingham at UAB hotel gives discounted rates, so mention this when booking a room.
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Prospectus
Advanced Education in Prosthodontics Program
University of Alabama School of Dentistry
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Advanced Education in ProsthodonticsThe advanced program in Prosthodontics is designed to meet the needs of the graduate dentist seeking preparation for the specialty of prosthodontics. In order to meet these needs, the program includes instruction in fixed, removable and implant prosthodontics and dental occlusion as well as exposure to maxillofacial prosthetics. Selected basic science courses and research opportunities are included to augment a well-founded background for the practice of prosthodontics, research or teaching. Additionally, our program offers a solid program in the surgical placement of dental implants and associated procedures.
Types of Programs Available
The program in prosthodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [CODA], a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. Upon successful completion of study, the candidate will be “educationally qualified” and receive a Certificate in Prosthodontics. All graduates of the program will be eligible for examination by the American Board of Prosthodontics to be “Board Certified” in the specialty of Prosthodontics
An additional optional choice includes a graduate course of study leading to a Master of Science in Dentistry degree. This program is available through the UAB Graduates School and requires the approval of the AEP program director in order to enroll.
Description of Programs
The Post Graduate Program: AEP
This is a three-year Advanced Education in Prosthodontics certificate program designed for those who wish to become qualified to practice the specialty of prosthodontics and to eligible for board certification. The curriculum includes core courses in fixed, removable, and implant prosthodontics; dental occlusion and articulation; applied basic sciences, and dental biomaterials. The residents participate in departmental seminars, treatment planning seminars, patient treatment presentations, review of the literature, and applications of the related sciences.
Emphasis is placed on patient care. Clinical training is in the broad field of prosthodontics, covering accepted prosthetic procedures. All students will experience patient management in complete dentures, fixed and removable partial prosthodontics, implant prosthodontics, and temporomandibular disorders.
The Graduate Program Option: Master’s Degree
In order to earn the optional Master of Science degree in Dentistry, the candidate must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate School of the University and those of the School of Dentistry. Additionally, approval of the Program Director is mandatory.
This program is designed for those who wish to prepare themselves thoroughly for prosthodontic practice, research and scholarship. It is in addition to the AEP Program and requires that the candidate must design and conduct an original research project and successfully complete a written thesis dissertation and an oral examination.
Admission to the UAB Graduate School is provisional. This status remains in effect until the student has been in the AEP program for one academic year and has demonstrated potential competence by completing nine semester hours of clinical and six hours of basic science study. The candidate should anticipate 36 months or more for completion of the program.
Specific Qualifications for Admission to the AEP Program
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited US or Canadian school of dentistry. All foreign trained applicants are evaluated by the program director and/or the AEP program selection committee.
All applicants must complete a PASS application and register with the MATCH program. Selection for this program is based on scholarship (particularly at the professional school level), motivation, aptitude, character, experience, and a sincere desire to participate in the program. The prescribed PASS application and supporting documents must be on file before consideration can be given to an applicant.
Interviews are by invitation after review of the application. Applicants who are strong candidates will be invited for personal interviews prior to final selection. Foreign applicants must document their abilities in the English language by presentation of an acceptable score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination and usually can be considered only if they are able to financially support themselves and possess the appropriate US Visa – see UAB International Office.
Individuals accepted for advanced education programs at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and who are eligible to obtain State of Alabama dental licensure are encouraged to do so because of matters related to professional liability and third party pay patients.
Participation in advanced dental education programs is considered to require concentrated full-time effort on the resident's part. Consequently, each resident should plan his or her other obligations and responsibilities accordingly.
The program begins July 1st. Applications should be filed through PASS and candidate selection is managed by MATCH as defined elsewhere in this website.
Fees, Stipends and Insurance
Tuition/fees for the certificate (non-degree) program is approximately $15,000.00 per academic year or $45,000 for the 3-year program. This does not include a UAB compatible laptop computer, a clinical camera, clinical magnification glasses and textbooks.
A overall estimate of expenses ranges from $57,000 - $60,000 for the 3 year program with a greater expense in the first year for items mentioned above. This does not include living expenses, food, clothing etc.
There are several opportunities available for financial support:
- The AEP Program does not have a “stipend” program or funds.
- There are no funds directly under the control of the program director for this purpose.
- The UAB School of Dentistry Department of Restorative Sciences currently employs second- and third-year AEP residents who teach in the pre-doctoral program for pre-clinical [PCD] and clinical dentistry [DMD] respectively Compensation from this activity is approximately $6,000 -$6,500 per year or around $12,000 total. This activity is based on available department funds on a year to year basis and may or may not be available for any year of residency.
- Career candidates from the Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs and Public Health Service are eligible for acceptance.
- Applications may be submitted for residency stipends from other various foundations, associations or governments which support advanced dental education for U.S. or foreign students.
The student is required to have or to acquire health insurance (available from the University), and the student must be capable of meeting financial responsibilities while in residence. Before registration all students must present verification of vaccination for (or immunity to) Hepatitis B and other diseases.
Professional liability insurance is required of all students and faculty of this institution. It is available through the UAB Medical Malpractice Liability Trust Fund at the time of matriculation.
General Information – AEP Program
Program Orientation
The advanced education in prosthodontics program is primarily clinic oriented. Emphasis is on patient examination with history and record accumulation to formulate an adequate diagnosis, sound treatment planning and utilization of modern instrumentation and technology to successfully treat the patient. Residents will be instructed in the utilization of several implant systems. Dental Implantology includes all aspects including the surgical placement of dental implants. Seminars and clinical instruction are related to theory and practice of the various concepts and instrumentation of gnathology, to the understanding and utilization of materials science, and utilization of the library and laboratory resources for expansion of knowledge and skills in prosthodontics.
Clinical Activity
The primary clinical activity is within the graduate prosthodontic clinic. The student is assigned patients selected by the appropriate department faculty to give increasingly more challenging treatment concepts. Also, specific treatment problems are assigned to demonstrate a particular concept. During the course of residency training, the resident may be assigned for rotation through the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Clinic and may be assigned for specific teaching responsibilities with the undergraduate programs in the School of Dentistry. Residents in the graduate prosthodontic program have the opportunity to surgically place implants.
Interdepartmental Relationships
There is a close liaison between the clinical departments in the School of Dentistry. All residents participate in interdisciplinary consultation and/or patient management. Particularly close relations exist among the various advanced education programs.
Continuing Education
The University of Alabama School of Dentistry offers an extensive range of Continuing Education courses. Prosthodontic residents are required to attend those primarily related to fixed, removable and implant prosthodontics and are encouraged to attend others which may be of interest or value. Tuition costs for continuing education courses may be provided by the Department of Restorative Sciences.
Service Responsibilities
The clinical activities are based on treatment of patients admitted to the School of Dentistry or affiliated hospitals and clinics of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Residents in the advanced education programs are expected to perform ethical, supervised and approved treatment for only those patients assigned to them by the appropriate faculty.
Restrictions
- Students are specifically forbidden by the Program Director to perform services for any patient not assigned by the faculty.
- Unauthorized absences from program assignments will not be permitted.
These measures are intended to protect the student from interference with a projected, planned program of graduate or postgraduate study.
Disclaimer
The contents of this prospectus represent the most current information available at the time of publication. It is possible that changes may be made with respect to this information without prior notice. Thus, the provisions of this prospectus are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the school and the student.
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Gainful Employment Disclosure
Interim Program Director:
Dr. Chin-Chuan Fu DDS, MS, FACP
(205) 996-5110Length of Program: 3 years
Match Participant: Yes
PASS Participant: Yes
Certificate Awarded: Yes
Degree Awarded: Optional, M.S. in Clinical Dentistry
Stipend Available: No
Teaching – 2nd/3rd year – if department funds availableTuition/fees: Approximately $15,000.00 per year
International Students Accepted: Yes
Application Deadline: September 1
Program Start Date: July 1
Application Materials Required:
- PASS Application completed, Dean's Letter, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Dental School Transcripts. Financial Statement (if international applicant) and TOEFL Score (if international applicant).
Application Fee: $25 - applying through PASS. Pay the application fee.
Acceptance Deposit Fee: A $300 deposit is due upon acceptance to and is non-refundable. Please pay this deposit ONLY when directed to do so by the School of Dentistry. Pay the acceptance deposit fee.