The professional Certificate in Prosthodontics requires a minimum of 36 months of study. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the certificate. It prepares individuals for specialty clinical practice in the discipline.

The curriculum includes didactic courses and clinical training in all of the disciplines that make up the broad specialty of prosthodontics, including fixed and removable prosthodontics, digital dentistry, dental implants, and maxillofacial prosthetics. Patient care is completed in close collaboration with the other dental specialties. Clinically related basic science instruction complements the clinical curriculum.

Students working toward the Certificate in Prosthodontics must pursue the Master of Science in oral science in conjunction with the certificate.

The certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Successful completion of the program satisfies the formal training requirement for eligibility to take the American Board of Prosthodontics certification examination.

Graduate Study

The MS program prepares individuals for careers in dental education and research and for independent study and professional growth. Students must prepare and defend a thesis for the MS in oral science based on original research. Facilities and support personnel for research are available through the college's Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research. See the MS in oral science in the catalog. Successful completion of the MS may allow further PhD study.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. They must hold a DDS or a DMD degree from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association or an equivalent degree.

The certificate program begins around July 1 each year. Applications are only made through Match, which places applicants into positions for their first year of training in postdoctoral dental education programs. A personal interview is required for select applicants; selection for an interview is based on qualifications and is by invitation only.

For more information, see the Department of Prosthodontics website.