The University of Maryland (at Baltimore) Dental School ranked first in an unofficial list of American dental schools compiled by the Galt Technology website, and it is renowed for its use of cutting-edge technology. The University of Maryland has seven postgraduate programs. Its Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program enhances the knowledge gained by students with a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree. Both one- and two-year programs are available. The university's accredited oral-maxillofacial surgery program lasts from four to six years and trains dentists in anesthesiology, head and neck pathology and all aspects of oral and facial surgery. The school also offers graduate programs in endodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics and periodontics.
Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine in New York City offers several specialized degrees in fields sanctioned by the American Dental Association. The school offers a master of science degree in orthodontics. This 36-month course offers clinical sessions on cleft palates and craniofacial work, hands-on instruction on treatment of malocclusions (improper bites) and introduction to techniques used in aligning patients' teeth. Columbia also offers master's degrees in periodontics, a program that also lasts 36 months and focuses on implant methods and treatment of the gums and other structures supporting teeth. A similar degree programs in prosthodontics (cosmetic replacement of teeth with dentures, bridges or implants) is also offered.
Ohio State University's College of Dentistry has graduate programs in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, periodontology, prosthetic dentistry and advanced endodontics. Ohio State offers a two-year postgraduate training program in conjunction with Columbus Children's Hospital. Students who complete a thesis within this period receive a master of science degree in pediatric dentistry. The school's advanced periodontics program lasts 36 months and is accredited by the American Dental Association. After fulfilling master's degree requirements, students receive a certificate in periodontics. The 27-month advanced endodontics program emphasizes emergency care of problems resulting from diseased tooth pulp. Pursuit of a master of science degree is determined by consultation with instructor.
The University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center at San Antonio offers students who've earned a general dentistry degree several ways to continue their education. Dental students can earn a master of science degree, earn a specialty certificate or enroll in a residency program. UT's graduate periodontics program lasts three years and leads to a master of science degree in periodontics. Students learn implant methods, surgical and non-surgical treatment and other key issues in treating the gums and bones that support teeth. Students in the 35-month certificate Orthodontic Residency Program have the option of earning a master of science degree.