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Postdoctoral Programs

Admission Requirements
Postdoctoral programs are available to qualified students interested in obtaining the Master of Dental Science (MDS) degree and/or certificate in endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics; programs leading to a certificate are available in anesthesiology, and maxillofacial prosthodontics. A clinical training program is offered in advanced education in general dentistry. In conjunction with the medical school, a residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery, leading to certification and an MD degree, is also offered.

Postdoctoral programs require candidates to have earned a DDS or DMD degree or its equivalent. Applicants for admission to graduate status must also possess the baccalaureate degree or its equivalent, with a QPA of 3.00 be admitted in full status. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)must be taken if the applicant's native language is not English or if the applicant has not graduated from a US or Canadian dental program. A minimum score of 650 on the TOEFL is necessary for admission.

Applications for the advanced education in general dentistry, oral-maxillo facial surgery, and prosthodontic programs must be made through the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS).

Applications for the anesthesiology, endodontics, maxillofacial prosthetics, orthodontics, and periodontics programs can be made directly through the School of Dental Medicine Office of Student Services. Beginning in July 1997, all applications, with the exception of anesthesiology, must be made through PASS. In addition, applicants for the orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics programs must also utilize the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program.

Application deadline dates vary depending on the programs into which entry is being sought. Application deadlines are firm and must be met. Acceptance to programs is decided by program admissions subcommittees and the school's postdoctoral admissions committee.

Information on any of the above mentioned programs is available through the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Office of Student Services, Room 429 Salk Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261-1945. Phone: (412) 648-8424.

Curriculum
The postdoctoral curriculum permits students to pursue new and stimulating directions in postdoctoral education. The curriculum consists of a series of courses applicable to and mandatory for all postdoctoral students seeking an MDS degree. Those students in the oral and maxillofacial surgery program are formally enrolled in the School of Medicine and successful completion of their program results in a combined MD degree and certificate in oraland maxillofacial surgery. Individuals participating in the advanced education in general dentistry program are to enroll in as many of the courses comprising the curriculum as feasible. The required courses conducted under the auspices of the School of Dental Medicine will provide students with salient educational components for developing a scientific base upon which they can continue to build throughout the remainder of their professional careers. Departmental courses specific to a student's individual clinical specialty vary with each program.

In addition to formal course offerings, entering postdoctoral students receive a six-hour orientation to procedures and policies regarding their academic requirements, the clinic scheduling and charting procedures, patient care procedures, as well as infection control policies. Special sessions are provided for orientation to the library services. Emergency medical procedures for the School of Dental Medicine and certification in the AHA basic life support (BLS) area are required offerings in the first summer of a student's education. Additionally, recertification of BLS is required for students in July of their third year of study.

In addition to the required courses, there is available a broad spectrum of basic science and clinical electives that afford the various program directors the flexibility of enrolling students in appropriate ADA-specified instruction required for each of the accredited specialty programs. (All course offerings and sequencing are subject to change without notice.)

(* = Required; S1 = Session 1; S2 = Session 2)

FIRST YEAR Course # Credits

SUMMER SESSION II (July-August)

*Orientation to Graduate Programs	none
*Introduction to Computers in Dentistry	DENT 2194	0.5
*Review of Library Services	none
*CPR and Emergency Management Procedures	none

FALL TERM (September-December)

*Pathophysiology and Management of Acute Medical Emergencies	DSANE 2114	2.0
*Dental Statistics (S1)	DENT 2110	2.0
*Dental Research Design and Methodology (S2)	DENT 2112	2.0
Advanced Head and Neck Anatomy I (S1)	ANAHS 2114	2.0
Advanced Head and Neck Anatomy II (S2)	ANAHS 2215	2.0
Intravenous and Inhalational Sedation I	DSANE 2211	1.0

SPRING TERM (January-April)

Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology	DSMIC 2240	2.0
Diagnosis of Oral Lesions I	DIASCI 2110	2.0
Oral Histopathology	DIASCI 2030	2.0
Radiology and Imaging	RESTD 2140	1.0
Scientific Basis of Clinical Pharmacology	DSPHL 2243	2.0
Intravenous and Inhalational Sedation II	DSANE 2242	1.0

SUMMER TERM (May-August)

*Chemical Dependence (S1)	DENT 2194	0.5
Scientific Writing (S1)	DENT 2183	0.5
Oral Histopathology Laboratory (S1)	DIASCI 2247	1.0
Management of Dental Fears and Anxiety (S1)	BHVSCI 2191	0.5
Intravenous and Inhalational Sedation III (S1)	DSANE	0.5

SECOND YEAR

FALL TERM (September-December)

*Pathobiology	DIASCI 2143	1.0
*Management of Medically Compromised Patient I	DIASCI 2111	1.0
Dentofacial Deformities	ORTHO 2117	2.0
Diagnosis of Oral Lesions II	DIASCI 2142	2.0
Research and Thesis: MDS Degree	DENT 2000	1.0-3.0

SPRING TERM (January-April)

*Management of Medically Compromised Patient II	DIASCI 2141	1.0
Physical Anthropology	ANAHS 2241	1.0
Craniofacial Anomalies	ORTHO 2140	2.0
Research and Thesis: MDS Degree	DENT 2000	1.0-3.0
*CPR Recertification (S2)	none

THIRD YEAR

FALL TERM (September-December)

Research and Thesis: MDS Degree

DENT 2000

1.0-3.0

SPRING TERM (January-April)

Research and Thesis: MDS Degree

DENT 2000

1.0-3.0

SUMMER SESSION (May-June)

Research and Thesis: MDS Degree

DENT 2000

1.0-3.0

Course Abstracts (*denotes required course)

Orientation to Postdoctoral Programs*

Students admitted for postdoctoral studies are informed of the School of Dental Medicine's policies and procedures during a three-day orientation session. Topics addressed in these required sessions include academic requirements, curriculum, graduation procedures, clinic operations, and infection-control requirements.

DENT 2194 Introduction to Computers in Dentistry* 1 cr.

Introduces students to both mainframe and microcomputing systems. Students are instructed in the use of PITTCAT and Grateful MED as well as the University's Electronic Mail System. PC software instruction will be given in word processing, spreadsheet, and database application programs. Additionally, students will be introduced to specialized dental/medical applications such as digitizing radiographs.

Review of Library Services*
A special individualized session is provided by the Falk Library staff to orient incoming students to library facilities, services, and computer searches.

CPR Emergency Management Procedures*
To obtain and maintain clinic privileges, American Heart Association certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) is offered to all graduate students. Additionally, procedures for acquiring medical emergency assistance and locating emergency drug carts within the School are provided.

DSANE 2114 Pathophysiology and Management of Acute Medical Emergencies 2 crs.

Provides the pathophysiology of systemic diseases and presents health risks and drug interactions associated with dental therapy. Prevention, recognition,and treatment of medical emergencies that can occur in the dental setting are covered. Differential diagnosis is presented according to basic pathophysiology and the presenting symptomatology. Emphasis is placed in the proper office protocol during an emergency, including the assembly of an emergency drug kit. Experience with IV and IM techniques is included.

DENT 2110 Dental Statistics* 2 crs.
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to determine the most appropriate statistical procedure (both descriptive and inferential) to employ for data analysis in a proposed study, interpret the output generated from the SPSS and BMDP statistical software packages for the procedures presented in the course, and determine if the proper statistical procedures were employed in published journal articles and if sufficient information was included. Students will be required to discuss the statistical results presented in selected journal articles of their choosing.

DENT 2112 Dental Research Design and Methodology* 2 crs.

Students will be introduced to the concepts of research design and epidemiological research. Emphasis will be given to the area of clinical epidemiology so that students understand how clinical research becomes the foundation for clinical practice. Various systems employed for classifying types of research will be presented including both biological and behavioral sciences approaches. Particular emphasis will be placed on the proper design of clinical trials, research paradigms, and various methods that can be employed to control for sources of extraneous variance.

ANAHS 2114 Advanced Head and Neck Anatomy I 2 crs.

This is a seminar and demonstration course of advanced human head and neck anatomy. The course emphasizes the clinical relevances of the osteology and skeletal-muscle relationships to dental diseases and their treatment. The course is offered to post-DMD students pursuing their specialty training in orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics.

ANAHS 2215 Advanced Head and Neck Anatomy II 2 crs.

Seminar and demonstration course of advanced human head and neck anatomy. Emphasizes the clinical relevance of the vascular and nerve supply to the head and neck as they relate to local anesthesia, prosthetics, dental and medical emergencies, TMJ, and oral infections.

DSANE 2211 Inhalation and Intravenous Sedation I 1 cr.

Didactic course dealing with the philosophy and methods of pain and anxiety control in dentistry. Principles of psychologic and pharmacologic management are explored. The advantages, disadvantages, and complications of a broad range of techniques are compared to enable students to select rationally the best modality for their patient.

DSMIC 2240 Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology 2 crs.

Covers advanced topics in oral microbiology, immunology, biochemistry. Topics include: oral colonization, the microbiology of periodontal disease, the biology of cytokines and their relationship to oral immunology, the biochemistry of saliva, and molecular biology as it relates to oral health.

DIASCI 2110 Diagnosis of Oral Lesions I 2 crs.

Course provides the student with a logical approach to the differential diagnosis of oral lesions. The definitive information necessary for the establishment of a final diagnosis is then provided. The course consists of a series of lectures augmented by laboratory sessions and clinical pathology conferences.

DIASCI 2030 Oral Histopathology 2 crs.

Provides the essential information for histologic diagnosis of oral pathologies. This individualized program provides concentrated instruction in the microscopic aspects of those oral diseases related to the specific clinical specialty in which the resident is enrolled.

DIASCI 2140 Radiology and Imaging 1 cr.

An advanced radiology course for dental specialty residents. The objective of the course is to instill in the student an in-depth understanding of radiation physics, biology, and protection; radiographic anatomy of the maxillofacial skeleton; modern imaging concepts; and radiographic interpretation of pathologic entities. Topics will be covered in both a lecture and seminar format. Active participation and the preparation of a paper will be required.

SDSPHL 2243 Scientific Basis for Clinical Therapeutics 2 crs.

The basis for clinical pharmacology and dental therapeutics is presented in this graduate course. The course emphasizes the elements of controlled trials by critiquing published articles relevant to dental therapeutics. Pharmacologic agents of interest include local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, opioid analgesics, sedative/hyponotics, and antibiotics.

DSANE 2242 Inhalation and Intravenous Sedation II 1 cr.

This is a continuation of Inhalation and Intravenous Sedation I. Advanced pharmacologic strategies for safe and effective anesthesia are emphasized.

DENT 2192 Chemical Dependency * 0.5 cr.

Course informs graduate students about substance abuse and chemical dependency, the impact on dental care and the lives of chemically dependent dentists, dental students, and their families. The objective is to make students aware of laws regulating use of drugs, of risk factors and abuse potential of drugs prescribed in practice, and to present current concepts of the etiology of the disease. The knowledge and skills to recognize and manage the chemically dependent patient are provided. Mechanisms for obtaining help through state and local assistance programs for the chemically dependent dentist are discussed.

DENT 2183 Scientific Writing 0.5 cr.

The components parts of a research paper and a thesis are presented, and the differences between writing for the thesis/dissertation and a journal manuscript are discussed. Various reference studies will be presented with particular emphasis placed on the School of Dental Medicine's accepted style for thesis and dissertations. Students are required to use a grammar and style software package to assist and direct them in the development of their writing skills.

DIASCI 2247 Oral Histopathology Laboratory 1 cr.

Represents an individualized program designed to provide concentrated instruction in the microscopic aspects of those oral diseases related to the specific clinical specialty in which the student is enrolled. The course is offered by appointment and given one hour per week.

DHVSCI 2191 Management of Dental Fears and Anxiety 0.5 cr.

These seminars provide training in actual assessment and treatment of dental fears (panic disorder, phobia, generalized anxiety) of patients. The topics are: (1) an evaluation of the literature regarding epidemiology and causation, (2) literature review of assessment options and training in assessing dental fear, (3) review of literature on treatments used to reduce dental fear, (4) application of specific behavioral techniques, (5) application of biofeedback as a desensitizing technique, (6) use of medications in alleviating dental fears. Opportunities to observe patient management techniques are provided.

DSANE 2243 Inhalation and Intravenous Sedatives III 0.5 cr.

Clinical application of the course in Inhalation and Intravenous Sedatives I and II. Participation in the course requires the demonstration of academic competence in the first semester course on inhalation and intravenous sedatives. Under the supervision of the anesthesia faculty, students will select and administer the various pain and anxiety control techniques learned in the classroom.

DIASCI 2143 Pathobiology* 1 cr.

An interdisciplinary course that presents current concepts in selected aspects of inflammation, immunology, and neoplasia. Clinical correlations with respect to diagnosis and patient management are integral components of the lecture material. Course relies on basic concepts provided in Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology.

DIASCI 2111 Management of the Medically Compromised Patient I* 1 cr.

Offered to graduate/specialty dental students in orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics. A seminar format is used for this course that presents patients having significant medical pathologies and taking systemic medications. Interactions with dental therapy will be discussed and proper patient management presented. Material presented during each case will be coordinated with the required text and current scientific review articles.

ORTHO 2117 Dentofacial Deformities 2 crs.

Seminar emphasizes the team approach for the treatment of patients with congenital and/or acquired deviations with manifestations in the craniofacial complex. Case presentations and group discussion is the format utilized. The differential diagnosis and treatment planning of these patients are evaluated and recommendations for treatment made.

DIASCI 2142 Diagnosis of Oral Lesions II 2 crs.

This course in oral pathology provides the student with a logical approach to the differential diagnosis of oral lesions. The definitive information necessary for the establishment of a final diagnosis is then provided. The course consists of a series of lectures augmented by laboratory sessions and clinical conferences. A one-term continuation of Diagnosis of Oral Lesions I.

DENT 2000 Research and Thesis: MDS Degree 1-3 crs.

A research offering provided for students in graduate programs at the School of Dental Medicine pursuing a Master's in Dental Science degree. These credits are provided for directed thesis research projects supervised by the chair of the student's MDS thesis committee.

DIASCI 2111 Management of the Medically Compromised Patient II* 1 cr.

Offered to graduate/specialty dental students in orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics. A seminar format is used for this course that represents patients having significant medical pathologies and taking systemic medications. Interactions with dental therapy will be discussed and proper patient management presented. Material presented during each case will be coordinated with the required text and current scientific review articles.

ANAHS 2241 Physical Anthropology 1 cr.

Course deals with the biological aspects of being "human." Topics for discussion will focus on genetic and epigenetic factors that have helped shape the human face, masticatory apparatus, dentition, locomotor apparatus, and somatic morphology in general. Discussions will include from topics such as: genetics and natural selection, functional morphology and biomechanics, primate systematic and hominid paleontology, and racial variation and human adaptation. Material for discussion will be drawn from traditional anthropological works.

ORTHO 2140 Craniofacial Anomalies 2 crs.

The material presented is a comprehensive introduction of the diagnostic and treatment planning principles of an interdisciplinary team approach to cleft lip and palate and craniofacial anomalies. The objectives of this course are to provide a sound basis for clinical examination, diagnosis, and interactive team management of patients with severe malocclusions associated with birth defects and craniofacial anomalies.

DIASCI 2111 Management of the Medically Compromised Patient III* 0.5 cr.

Offered to graduate/specialty dental students in orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics. A seminar format is used for this course that presents patients having significant medical pathologies and taking systemic medications. Interactions with dental therapy will be discussed and proper patient management presented. Material presented during each case will be coordinated with the required text and current scientific review articles.






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