The University of Iowa College of Dentistry

The goal of these programs is to develop competent diagnosticians and clinicians. Specifically, advanced education students will:

1. learn the scientific and clinical basis of endodontics,

2. develop clinical skills,

3. gain knowledge and experience of the educational process in order to function confidently as dental educators,

4. recognize the value of academic research by developing skills in designing, conducting, reporting, and publishing the results of original research,

5. establish a foundation of life-long learning.

Further information may be obtained from the following sources:
Anne Williamson, D.D.S., M.S.
Graduate Program Director
Department of Endodontics, DSB #S435
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Iowa City, IA 52242-1001
(319) 335-7471 Work
(319) 335-9663 Fax

The University of Iowa Graduate College maintains a Web site for graduate and professional students at the following address: http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/graduate/index.html.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry maintains a Web site at the following address: http://www.dentistry.uiowa.edu.

Program strengths
A major strength of advanced endodontic training at The University of Iowa is the strong didactic curriculum. This problem-solving approach is used to develop skills in diagnosis and treatment-planning. An intensive study of the scientific literature provides the biological basis for understanding the etiology of pathosis as well as the rationale for treatment. Such an approach, combined with clinical experiences encompassing a variety of challenging diagnostic and treatment problems, establishes a strong foundation for a career as an endodontist.

Maintenance of Academic Status
Students in all programs must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 to receive the certificate and/or degree. If a student falls below this average, he/she will be allowed one semester to raise the average to the minimum level. The circumstances creating the deficiency will receive careful consideration.

Dental Practice Privileges
Students in all programs maintain a license and practice privileges in the College of Dentistry, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and the Veteran's Administration Hospital. Students accepted and enrolled in any of the programs shall WILL NOT involve themselves in private dental practice enterprises outside these areas. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in dismissal from the program.

Financial Support
Persons applying to the programs must be able to support themselves financially until they complete the program. Besides living expenses, the student should plan on expenses for tuition, books, specialized equipment, instrument usage, and thesis costs. All stipends are determined on a yearly basis and are dependent on available funding.

Admissions Requirements
Application for the M.S. and certificate programs are accepted from both U.S. and foreign graduates (or those about to graduate). Applicants must be graduates of (or graduating from) an American Dental Association Council on Dental Education accredited program leading to the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree. Persons with equivalent degrees from schools outside the United States are also eligible to apply if sponsored by their institution and agreeing to return to teach full-time. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a scale of 4.0) or equivalent is necessary for consideration for any of the programs.

Application
Application forms for the Certificate Program and Combined Oral Science MS/Certificate Program can be obtained from the Graduate College at the address listed below.

Office of Admissions

The University of Iowa

107 Calvin Hall

Iowa City, IA 52242-1396

Office of the Associate Dean for Research

Dental Science Building #N-419

University of Iowa College of Dentistry

Iowa City, IA 52242

Important Notes:
Before submitting your application, please follow the checklist of instructions in the section entitled "Where to Send Your Completed Application."

Do not send an application that is not complete. Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant, which could delay the process or cause your application not to be reviewed.

Make sure that you ask for and receive your letters of recommendation and other materials prior to mailing your completed application. Please keep in mind the September 1st deadline.

Where to Send Application Materials
Your materials must be sent to two different University offices: the Office of Admissions and the Department of Endodontics.

For All Programs (Combined Oral Science MS/Certificate Program, Certificate Only Program, and Ph.D. Program), submit the following parts of the application to the Graduate College Office of Admissions at the address listed below. Follow the directions that accompany the online application link.

Office of Admission

The University of Iowa

107 Calvin Hall

Iowa City, IA 52242-1396

Application Instructions:
Application for Graduate Admission--Items A-C (white copy)

Please use the following instructions depending on your interest:

 

A) If applying for the Oral Science MS/Certificate Programs, choose these answers:

Which session are you applying for?	Summer
List intended Department or Graduate Program:	Oral Science (Code #151)
Indicate sub-area of interest or specialization:	Endodontics

 

B) If applying for the Certificate Program, choose these answers:

Which session are you applying for?	Summer
List intended Department or Graduate Program:	Oral Science
Intended Degree:	Certificate only
Indicate sub-area of interest or specialization:	Endodontics

 

C) If applying for the Ph.D. Program, choose these answers:

Which session are you applying for?	Summer
List intended Department or Graduate Program:	Oral Science (Code #151)
Intended Degree:	Ph.D.
Indicate sub-area of interest or specialization:	Endodontics

1)     Application for Graduate Admission--Items G-I (signed and dated)
2)     Application for Graduate Admission--Items J: Financial Statement for International Applicants (international applicants only).
3)     $60 application processing fee ($85 for international students). This nonrefundable fee is required of all applicants, and must accompany your application in order for your request for admission to be considered. Without the appropriate fee, your application will not be processed. All fees must be paid in U.S. dollars in either a check drawn on a U.S. bank, a U.S. Postal Service money order, or an international money order. Make checks payable to "The University of Iowa." Do not send cash.
4)     Office academic records; one (1) set of official (notarized) academic records/transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
5)     Official GRE/GMAC test score report (if available) from Educational Testing Service. (For information on the GRE, for information on the GMAC); The University's institution code is 6681 (See section below entitled "Graduate Record Examination and TOEFL" for GRE requirements..
6)    Official TOEFL score report (if applicable) from Education Testing Service. (For information on the TOEFL); The University's institution code is 6681. (See section below entitled "Graduate Record Examination and TOEFL" for TOEFL requirements).

 

Do not send an application that is not complete. Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant, which could delay the process or cause your application to not be reviewed.

Office of Admissions

The University of Iowa

107 Calvin Hall

Iowa City, IA 52242-1396

Do not send an application that is not complete. Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant, which could delay the process or cause your application not to be reviewed.

Admissions requirements for the M.S. in Oral Sciences:
Deadline for application.......................August 15
Notification...................................late November
Session begins..............................on or before July 1

Administration of the Program

A. Certificate in Endodontics

The initial application is made to the Graduate College of The University of Iowa. Those applicants who are considered for admission will be asked to interview under most circumstances. Acceptance will depend upon a favorable decision by the Endodontics Admissions Committee. The course of study for Certificate students will be under the direct supervision of the Graduate Program Director in the Department of Endodontics.

B. MS in Endodontics with Certificate in Endodontics

Initial application of the student is through the Graduate College of The University of Iowa. The applicant should specify interest in pursuing graduate study and a Certificate in the Department of Endodontics. Applicants being strongly considered for the program will usually be asked for an interview by Departmental faculty. Upon acceptance into the program, the student will work with the Graduate Program Director in the Department of Endodontics and the MS thesis advisor. A course of study will be devised, which encompasses the areas of special interest to the student and culminates with the Certificate and Master's Degree. The student must seek the advice and permission of the Graduate Program Director before courses can be added or dropped. The Graduate Program Director will also be responsible for guiding the student in the selection of a thesis advisor who will coordinate research efforts, thesis preparation and defense.

C. Ph.D. Program

This program is primarily administered by the Associate Dean for Research and secondarily by the Graduate Program Director. Coordination of applications, interviews and acceptance is initially the responsibility of the Associate Dean for Research, who will work with the Endodontic Admissions Committee. The course of study is coordinated between the Associate Dean for Research, the Graduate Program in Endodontics director, and the Ph.D. research mentor.

Additional Information

Certificate in Endodontics

1. Each student follows a specific course of study and clinical practice for 24 months. Approximately half the program hours are spent in direct patient care.

2. At least one original research project will be completed, presented and prepared for publication. The certificate will not be granted until a manuscript has been completed and submitted for publication. A library research project does not fulfill the research requirement.

3. The mentor for the research may be from within or outside the Department of Endodontics.

4. Presentation of the research material is to be made at the local IADR meeting and possibly at one or more national meetings.

5. A table clinic is to be prepared and presented at a local, state or national meeting.

6. Clinical and didactic requirements are specified upon entrance to the program.

7. Transcripts will be generated and maintained, with grades given in all courses.

8. All completed cases will be reviewed and evaluated by a member of the Department of Endodontics faculty. Students will minimally complete 250 nonsurgical cases in the 2 years.

9. Students will rotate through The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as well as the Veterans Administration Medical Center clinic. The nature and number of cases completed in the hospital setting are credited toward the total required cases and are reviewed.

10. The student will prepare 15 cases in the format consistent with the criteria established by the American Board of Endodontics. These cases will be reviewed by external examiners.

11. The student is required to take an oral exit examination during the second semester of the final year. This examination will follow the format of the oral examination given by the American Board of Endodontics and in most circumstances, will be administered by individuals from outside the college.

Master of Science/Certificate

1. Information stated under the description of the Certificate program (items 2-5 on previous page) also applies to the MS/Certificate program, with the exception of research.

2. A thesis, based upon scholarly research, will constitute a partial requirement for a Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences. The graduate student, in consultation with the Graduate Program Director in Endodontics, will be primarily responsible for selecting a thesis advisor and thesis committee.

3. The MS thesis advisor may be a member of the Department of Endodontics or of another department of the College of Dentistry or the University. At least one member of the thesis committee must be a faculty member from the Department of Endodontics.

4. All graduate students will write a research planning document or a protocol. The protocol will be presented before the thesis committee and invited faculty.

5. Other faculty and graduate students may attend the final thesis examination.

6. Minimum number of graduate credit semester hours required for the Master of Science degree with a major in Endodontics will normally be thirty (30) semester hours.

7. The program will have a "vertical" curriculum. That, early in the program the majority of time is devoted to clinical courses and patient care, with more time for research toward the conclusion.

8. Stipends will be allocated to graduate students according to funding availability. This will be determined on a yearly basis.

9. All graduate students are subject to the rules of the Graduate College as set forth in the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College. Failure to fulfill or comply with requirements and guidelines as stated in the Graduate Program Information documents of the department shall constitute grounds for altering or extending the student's program, including probation or dismissal.

Ph.D. Program

1. The research faculty of the College of Dentistry and of the Department of Endodontics work closely with the Ph.D. Program Director to coordinate and manage each individual student's course of study and research.

2. Each student's program, as well as the nature and progress of research, has considerable flexibility and reflects individual interests and background.

3. Specific information on this program is available from the Office of the Associate Dean for Research, College of Dentistry.

4. The Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College apply to the conduct of those students enrolled in the Ph.D. program.

Advanced Education Program in Endodontics
Certificate of Specialization
Sample Curriculum Outline

Advanced Education Program in Endodontics
Certificate of Specialization / Master of Science in Oral Science
Sample Curriculum Outline