Why study this program?
The Department of Dentistry offers the MSc and PhD in Medical Sciences degrees (see ) for post-DDS applicants or for those proceeding from a BSc or equivalent degree. Research may be carried out in a variety of dentistry-related disciplines for which faculty members in the department have active research programs. Inquiries should be directed to the Graduate Program Administrator, Department of Dentistry ().
The Department offers the MSc in Medical Sciences program in the following areas of specialty: Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Oral Biology, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics,Ìýand Periodontology. The PhD programs are offered in Dentistry, Oral Biology,ÌýOrthodontics and Periodontology.
Application for admission should be directed to the º£½ÇÉçÇø’sÌý.
Entrance Requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are listed below by program.
Entrance Requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the º£½ÇÉçÇø, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution (see: Ìýfor details on Graduate GPA calculation).
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to ). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- TOEFL (internet-based) minimum score 95 and the following minimum score on each of the individual skill areas: Listening 22, Reading 22, Speaking 26, and Writing 24.
- CAEL minimum score of 80 with at least 70 on each subtest;
- or an IELTS (Academic) minimum score of 7.5 with at least 7 on each band.
All applicants are also required to submit the following:
- a current curriculum vitae
- a statement of intent
- three letters of recommendation (two must be professional)
- An official letter from the Dean of the Dental School stating that the applicant had no professional conduct issues.
- Applicants that are not licensed by Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C), need to be registered on the Education and Research Register from the ADA&C by August 1 prior to starting the program.
- Applicants who are not licensed but in a Canada/USA accredited GPR program are required to obtain a letter from the Director of Graduate Studies stating they are in good standing with no professional conduct issues.
- A personal interview is required for short-listed applicants. These applicants will be advised of the arranged interview date by e-mail.
Admission is dependent upon the approval of the Graduate Periodontology Selection Committee, the Department of Dentistry’s Graduate Studies Committee and the Medical Sciences Graduate Program Committee.
For the MSc in Periodontics the application deadline is June 1 for the following September admission.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 69.5 units in required coursework. The program also consists of a clinical component, seminars, and a thesis. Student progress will be monitored through an annual written and/or oral internal or external assessment. Feedback from this assessment serves to identify areas that require additional attention by the student. The assessment will permit the development of specific clinical and/or didactic improvement objectives before the next annual assessment.
Note
In exceptional circumstances, a student may be required to complete additional graduate-level coursework that is above the required program credit load in preparation to undertake their thesis research. These courses will be chosen in consultation with the student’s supervisor and supervisory committee (where applicable), and approved by the department.
Seminars
Students have an attendance requirement for the Discover Dental Sciences seminars and to participate in the Graduate Student Research Day.
Requirements for Clinical courses
These requirements must be met prior to starting the clinical courses. If there is an associated fee, students are responsible for the costs incurred.
- Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: To ensure, insofar as possible, both student and patient safety, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry requires that all students must have their immunization status reviewed and updated as necessary by a qualified healthcare professional upon acceptance into a health sciences program. ()
- Police Information Checks and Protection for Persons in Care: Applicants should be aware that a clear Police Information Check (PIC) is required as a condition of admission and that any criminal charges pending must be declared. (); ()
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (CPR) is required for all students registered in the program. The School will only accept Canadian or American Heart and Stroke: Basic Life Support CPR for healthcare providers. No other courses will be accepted to meet the CPR requirement. Students must provide evidence of valid CPR certification at the beginning of each fall term throughout the course of their program. A CPR BLS Provider certificate is valid for one year from the completion date of the course. Online CPR course certifications will NOT be accepted; students must attend an in-person course. Students who do not have current Basic Life Support Provider CPR certification cannot participate in clinical courses. You may visit the Heart and Stroke website at to find courses offered in Basic Life Support CPR for health care providers.
We encourage all students, even those with existing certification, to ensure their certification will cover the entire academic year. Students with existing certification are strongly encouraged to renew early to be in sync with the academic calendar. Students are responsible for the costs associated with this training. - Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: ()
- The Department of Dentistry Technical Standards Policy: defines the necessary knowledge, skills, professional behaviors, and attitudes expected of students. ()
Courses
Dentistry related graduate courses can be found in , under the subject headings Dentistry (DENT), Dental Hygiene (D HYG)Ìýand Oral Biology (OBIOL).
Funding from fellowships and studentships may be available on a competitive basis, but candidates should be prepared financially for the program. Supervisors may support students from operating grants and limited financial assistance may also be available from the Department. Other sources of funding may be sought as described in the Graduate Financial Aid and Awards sections of the University Calendar, from provincial bursaries, from professional associations and private foundations, etc.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email dentistry.gradstudies@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
º£½ÇÉçÇø
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1