Advanced Periodontology Certificate

The advanced periodontology program offers a 36-month course of study leading to a certificate of clinical training in periodontology. Interested applicants have the option to enroll in a 24-month Master of Science in Biomedical Implants and Tissue Engineering (BITE) in conjunction with the Periodontology certificate. The program in periodontology is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation, and the United States Department of Education. The program also meets the educational requirements of the American Board of Periodontology. Preparation for board certification process is an integral part of the curriculum, and all graduates are highly encouraged to achieve diplomate status of the American Board of Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery.

The curriculum provides a sound foundation in basic sciences and clinical sciences with direct application to clinical periodontology and dental implantology. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based clinical practice in order to select appropriate therapies rooted in scientific evidence.

The USC Advanced Periodontology Program is designed to train clinicians with the competency and advanced skills to practice clinical periodontology at the highest level. Residents will acquire expertise in diagnosis and treatment of patients with periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. Residents master various therapeutic procedures such as controlling inflammation through non-surgical and surgical therapy including respective and regenerative procedures, reconstructive/periodontal plastic surgery, replacement of missing and hopeless teeth with dental implants as well as hard and soft tissue surgery for dental implant site development. Clinical training is provided to achieve competency in pharmacosedation, including inhalation sedation as well as adult minimal enteral and moderate parenteral sedation as defined by the ADA Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students. During the course of the study, periodontology residents work very closely with other disciplines such as prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, and oral medicine in delivering complex interdisciplinary patient care.