Prosthodontics Residency

Advanced training in prosthodontics consists of 3 years of formal study in an integrated program. The 3 years of training fulfill the requirements for examination and certification by the American Board of Prosthodontics. Those candidates in prosthodontics who wish to pursue the specialty of maxillofacial prosthetics may apply for a fourth year (fellowship) of formal training.
The curriculum also includes military subjects that enable dental officers to undertake contingency roles and to perfect their skills in military leadership and personnel management.

The First Year

In the first-year, residents are introduced to the specialty of prosthodontics, its scope and its history. They receive in-depth instruction in the laboratory and clinical aspects of complete dentures, removable partial dentures, fixed partial dentures, maxillofacial prosthetics, implant prosthodontics, and geriatric prosthodontics. Residents are required to know and use the materials and techniques for fabricating oral prostheses and to perform all phases of laboratory work related to their clinical cases.

Residents participate in literature and treatment planning seminars on specific topics in prosthodontics and on the relationship of prosthodontics to other specialties of dentistry. Each resident must conduct a research study in the field of prosthodontics and develop and present a table clinic on a subject related to prosthodontics.

The Second Year

The second-year program is a continuation of the first year of training, with increased emphasis on the clinical treatment of patients and the advanced concepts of prosthodontics. The resident is involved in the teaching aspects f the specialty via continuing education course lectures, patient treatment presentations and seminar moderating. The research study is completed by the end of the second year.

The Third Year

The Primary focus of the third year is on increased complexity and intensity of clinical prosthodontics. Specific enhancement of skills in implant prosthodontics, geriatric prosthodontics and prosthodontic practice management is emphasized. Additional teaching/mentoring exposure is gained by didactic and clinical mentor assignments within the prosthodontics and comprehensive dentistry programs. Prosthodontics research studies, if deemed appropriate, are submitted for competition and/or publication in refereed journals. Throughout their training, residents are encouraged to be inquisitive regarding all phases of prosthodontics and to use their own initiative at every opportunity so that their ability and resourcefulness may be fully developed. A resident is taught to be a severe critic of his or her own accomplishments and to support clinical decisions with references from the literature.