Graduate Certificate in Periodontics

The Graduate Program in Periodontology at Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry provides qualified dentists with specialized clinical training and evidence-based education in all facets of periodontology and dental implantology. The curriculum places an emphasis on a wide range of osseous, regenerative and periodontal plastic surgical techniques as well as all aspects of surgical oral implantology. Students earn a graduate certificate in Periodontics and a simultaneous Master of Science on Oral Health Sciences, which is a requirement of the program.

The rigorous 36-month, full-time postgraduate program prepares students for practice, teaching and research in periodontology and oral implantology. You will receive advanced education related to the attachment apparatus of the dentition, and the diseases and conditions that affect them. You’ll also study the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those diseases.

Fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, the Periodontology and Oral Implantology program’s curriculum comprises didactic coursework, which takes place primarily within the first year and integrates scientific periodontal and oral implantology literature with oral health sciences coursework. You will perform individual research and receive clinical instruction in Kornberg’s Graduate Clinic of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, gaining real-world experience with treating a diverse patient population. 

The program’s emphasis on clinical patient care ensures competency in all areas of periodontal therapy including

  • contemporary approaches to anti-infective periodontal chemotherapy;
  • resective, regenerative and periodontal plastic surgical techniques;
  • surgical oral implantology including guided surgery;
  • advanced site preparation techniques;
  • sinus lift augmentation surgery; and
  • interpretation and use of cone beam computed tomography.

The Kornberg School of Dentistry is a highly sought, accredited institution located in the heart of Philadelphia. In addition to the unique opportunities that come with attending school in a large city, including visiting lecture series and an abundant and diverse patient pool, the postgraduate Periodontology program offers

  • collaboration with a large DMD student population;
  • internationally recognized faculty;
  • modern, spacious clinics;
  • the Oral Microbiology Testing Service Laboratory—the only nationally based diagnostic periodontal microbiology testing service in the U.S. providing microbial culture and antibiotic susceptibility analysis of subgingival biofilm bacteria; and
  • various research opportunities.

The Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology faculty participate in research at the forefront of the field. Recent research studies include the following.

  • Analysis of antibiotic resistance patterns in major periodontal pathogens
  • Analysis of antimicrobial activity of iodine-based mouth rinses against periodontal bacterial pathogens
  • Evaluation of a rapid biologic indicator system for monitoring dental instrument sterilization
  • Evaluation of genetic factors in molar-incisor pattern periodontitis
  • Examination of titanium particle release during laser-assisted debridement of implants exhibiting peri-implantitis
  • Exploration of silver diamine fluoride antimicrobial effects against subgingival periodontal pathogens

Learn more about current research at Kornberg.

A patient in the Kornberg School of Dentistry receiving periodontics work.

Oral Health Sciences MS

Students in the Graduate Program in Periodontics apply for the Master of Science in Oral Health Sciences upon acceptance to the program. In this 30-credit postgraduate master’s program, students apply modern biological principles and research techniques that aid in diagnosing, treating and preventing oral and craniofacial diseases and anomalies.

Through the interdisciplinary curriculum, students study the structure, development and function of oral tissues; their interrelationships; and their connections to other organ systems. Research areas include advanced general dentistry, clinical fields, and periodontal and craniofacial regeneration.

The program’s Clinical Specialty Track is specifically tailored for postgraduate students currently enrolled in an advanced training certificate in the Kornberg School of Dentistry. Coursework in students’ postgraduate certificate programs count toward the required 30 credits for the Oral Health Sciences MS degree.

Learn more about the Oral Health Sciences MS.

Program Format 

Graduate periodontology students matriculate at the beginning of July each year and must remain in continuous residence for the entire program. Part-time options are not available.

Classes & Curriculum

The comprehensive program combines core required courses in periodontology and oral implantology with various courses in the oral health sciences. Clinical work and research are intended to give you advanced experience in a hospital setting and an understanding and compassion for patients. 

Students are required to take the following courses.

  • Classical Periodontal Literature Review
  • Conscious Sedation
  • Current Periodontal Literature Review
  • Introduction to Postgraduate Periodontology
  • Oral Implantology Literature Review
  • Periodontology Case Presentations
  • Practice Teaching in Periodontology

Learn more about the requirements for the Periodontics Graduate Program.

Related Professional Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Careers

Students who graduate from the Periodontology program are well-prepared to pursue a specialized career in periodontics—in academics, administration, clinical and private practice, and research. Graduates have expertise in periodontics and oral biology, and they have the experience and compassion necessary for a patient-centered practice.

Career Development

Through the Office of Student Affairs, students pursuing careers in dentistry can get counseling and support during their tenure at Kornberg and after they graduate. The office regularly hosts career events and guest speakers covering a wide range of topics including

  • corporate and private practice careers,
  • debt management,
  • general practice residencies,
  • military service, and
  • specialty education.

Once enrolled in the Periodontics Certificate (Graduate) program, you will receive regular notifications about career opportunities. Additionally, the school provides a list of job opportunities that is updated regularly for dental professionals across the U.S.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Certificate in Periodontics offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. 

Learn more about our tuition and fees.

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Additional Program Information