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Residencies Applications & Admissions Details

The College of Dentistry's Residency programs are housed under the UK College of Medicine's Graduate Medical Education. The GME office is charged primarily with handling the administrative aspects relative to resident and fellow training and accreditation, while the individual programs are responsible for clinical training. 

General Practice Residency (GPR) Admissions

Admissions

  • Application Deadline: October 15
  • Starting date: July 1
  • Application fee: None
  • Degree/Certificate offered: Certificate
  • Faculty: 4
  • First year enrollment: 7
  • Ratio of acceptances/applicants: 1:5
  • Length of program: 12 months. An optional second year of residency is available but is not an accredited program by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 

Admissions criteria in order of importance:

  1. DMD or DDS from an accredited U.S. or Canadian dental school
  2. Commitment to general dentistry
  3. Class rank
  4. Grade point average
  5. National Board scores
  6. An interview is required for acceptance
  7. Applicants with a dental degree outside of US or Canada may be considered on an individual basis.

Send applications to:

The General Practice Residency program participates in the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) and the National Matching Service. The PASS application, along with instructions, is available on their website at ADEA.org
 

Questions about the Program? Contact:

Dr. Nelly Elwany
Program Director
General Practice Residency Program
nelly.elwany@uky.edu
 

Required disclosures for prospective students:

The Annual Safety and Security Report includes the latest statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by UK; and on public property immediately adjacent to campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security. You can access the report at http://go.uky.edu/safetyreport. Paper copies will be provided upon request.

The Annual Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported fires in on-campus student housing facilities, such as residence halls, Greek housing, graduate housing, or at any facility designated as a place of residence for students. The report also includes a description of fire safety systems; yearly fire drills; policies on portable electrical appliances, furniture, decorations, bicycles/motorized scooters, and open flames; evacuation procedures; policies on fire safety education and training; and contact information. You can access the report at http://go.uky.edu/firereport. Paper copies will be provided upon request.

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) requires co-educational institutions of higher education that participate in federal student aid and have intercollegiate athletic programs to prepare an annual EADA report. The Report on Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data includes athletic participation, staffing, revenues and expenses for men's and women's teams. You can access the report at http://go.uky.edu/eadareport. Paper copies will be provided upon request.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Admissions

  • Application deadline:  October 1
  • Starting date: July 1
  • Application fee: PASS fees $190 for application to one program, $70 per each additional program
  • Degree/Certificate offered: Doctor of Medicine/Certificate
  • Length of program: 6 years

Applications

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program participates in the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) and the National Matching Service. The PASS application, along with instructions, is available on their website at www.ADEA.org.  

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the completed applications, transcripts, and letters of recommendation are received by the October 1 deadline. Materials should be mailed to:

Dr. Travis McMaine
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Director
University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
770 Rose Street; D-508
Lexington, KY 40536-0297

When applying to the program, please keep in mind the following:

  • Candidates accepted into the residency program will be required to obtain a Kentucky dental license before orientation.
  • It is expected that residents will successfully complete all aspects of the training including the didactics afforded through the medical school. Failure in any portion of the program in either the clinical portions of the training or in medical school will result in dismissal from the training program.

Salary/Stipend & Other Benefits

Pediatric Dentistry Admissions

Admissions

  • Application deadline: September 15 of the year prior to intended enrollment
  • Starting date: July 1
  • Application fee: None
  • Degree/Certification offered: Certificate
  • Length of program: 24 months
  • Applicants accepted/year: 4
  • Ratio of acceptance: 1:40

Applications

The Pediatric Dentistry program participates in the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) and the National Matching Service. The PASS application, along with instructions, is available on their website at www.ADEA.org.  

A completed application consists of:

  • Completed PASS application
  • Official transcripts of pre-professional and professional academic record
  • Successful completion of National board Part I and Part II
  • A 2x2 inch personal photograph
  • ADAT test, accepted but not required

Your board scores are usually included with your PASS application.  If so, an official copy is not required.  If your board scores are NOT included with your PASS application, a copy of your board scores should be sent directly to the program. Mailing address for application materials:

Cassie Springer, Program Coordinator
Pediatric Dentistry
A262 Kentucky Clinic
740 S. Limestone
Lexington, KY  40536-0284

Admissions criteria in order of importance:

  • DMD or DDS from an accredited  U.S. or Canadian College of Dentistry
  • Commitment to Pediatric Dentistry
  • Class rank (Recommended minimum rank of applicants is upper 50%)
  • Grade point average
  • Bachelor's degree

When applying to the program, please keep in mind the following:

  • Individuals with international dental credentials are not considered.
  • An interview is required for acceptance.
  • The program does not give preference to new graduates, private practice experience, UKCD graduates, or Kentucky residents.
  • UK Healthcare Notice of Nondiscrimination Information

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry follows strict non-discriminatory policies when selecting residents. The selection criteria does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. 

Applicants will be informed of their status as the selection process continues through emails. Applicants can also contact the program (see above for contact person) to request information on their status.

Benefits

See details on stipends, benefits, and more here

General Practice Residency (GPR)

The General Practice Residency (GPR) program is designed to extend a dentist's capability to perform all phases of general dentistry in either private practice or hospital settings.

Learn More

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program is designed to offer residents extensive training in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. 
 

Learn More

Pediatric Dentistry

The Pediatric Dentistry program offers dentists interested in building on their foundational knowledge and experience in treating the dental needs of child patients, including children with special healthcare needs.

Learn More

Masters of Science Programs Applications & Admissions Details

Students enrolled in post-graduate programs in Periodontology, Orthodontics, and Orofacial Pain receive both a Master of Science degree from the University of Kentucky Graduate School and a certificate.

The goal of the Master of Science degree program is to produce graduates who are clinically adept, well-grounded in research and the biological basis of dentistry, and prepared to function at a high level in clinical practice and academic dentistry. The program is interdisciplinary, drawing faculty from the College of Dentistry and departments throughout the University of Kentucky.

The UK College of Dentistry programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education

Periodontology Admissions

Admissions Details

  • Application deadline: September 1 of the year prior to the planned admission date
  • Starting date: July 1
  • Graduate School Application Fee: See site for details. Applicants only need to apply to the UK Graduate School following completion of National Match acceptance.
  • Degree/Certification offered: Master of Science and Certificate in Periodontology
  • Length of Program: 36 months
  • Applicants accepted/year: 2-3

Applications

Application to ADEA PASS for the Graduate Periodontology Program is required. If accepted to the program following the National Match, you will then complete the application to the UK Graduate School.

All Applicants:

Register and complete the ADEA PASS application here. 

All applicants must submit documentation to ADEA PASS, including:

  • Four (4) Letters of Recommendation (one must be from a Dean)
  • National Board Scores (if available for international applicants) or INBDE
  • Pre-dental Transcripts (which includes high school transcripts if international)
  • Dental School Transcripts with degree granted or in-process (provided in English)

If accepted to the program, applicants must also complete the online UK Graduate School application. See application process information here.
Graduate School Contact Information:  
Visit website here.
Email: grad.admit@uky.edu 
Phone: 859-257-3603

International Applicants: 

In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should also be prepared to provide the following:  

  1. Bank Statement showing available funding
  2. Proof of English proficiency
  3. Copies of passport for yourself and any accompanying family members

The Graduate School may request additional information as necessary. To see more about coming to the University of Kentucky as an international student, click here.

Orthodontics Admissions

Admissions

  • PASS Application deadline: August 15, 2025. Applicants will need to apply to the UK Graduate School if accepted as a graduate student.
  • UK Interview Day: Interviews are by invitation only, and are typically held the last week of October.
  • Starting date: First Monday of August
  • Degree/Certification offered: Master of Science and Certificate in Orthodontics
  • Length of Program: 34 months
  • Applicants accepted/year: 3 

Applications

There are two applications required for the Orthodontics program: 1) the ADEA Pass application; 2) and the UK Graduate School application. Applicants will only need to apply to the UK Graduate School if accepted as a graduate student. Postdoctoral Dental Match Program (the "Match") registration is also required. The Match registration can be completed with the ADEA PASS application or completed separately. 

Please note: The Orthodontic Graduate Program at the University of Kentucky participates in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program. Our faculty believes the MATCH to be fair and beneficial to applicants. Consequently, we will only consider applicants who are applying exclusively to graduate programs participating in the MATCH.

Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS)

The PASS application, along with instructions, is available on their website at www.ADEA.org. Our PASS program number is PGM #927. The PASS application process will be available online in May. The following items will need to be completed and submitted to PASS:

  • Application
  • Essay
  • Official dental transcript
  • Three Professional Evaluation Forms (PEF)
  • MATCH number (obtained at natmatch.com/dentres/)
  • Domestic Students:
    • ​Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
    • National Board Dental Examination score(s) – NBDE Part I & Part II or INBDE scores accepted
    • Optional: Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)
  • International Students:
    • Optional: ​Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)
    • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
    • TOEFL (for all applicants whose native language is not English) minimum score of 550 written, 213 computer based or 79 internet based
    • Optional: National Board Dental Examination score(s) – NBDE Part I & Part II or INBDE scores accepted

All application material will be due to PASS by August 15 in order to meet our deadline of August 31. In addition to the requirements of PASS, you must have also earned or be earning a degree from a recognized, accredited dental school and have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during the three years of the program. No supplemental materials are requested or should be sent directly to the Graduate Program, including transcripts, scores, letters, etc. Everything required for application to the program should be entered directly into PASS.

For any questions related to UK requirements for the PASS application or UK Orthodontic Graduate Program questions, please contact the UK Orthodontic Graduate Office at 859-323-5371. 

UK Graduate School Application

If accepted as a graduate student, applicants will need to apply to the UK Graduate School ($65 for domestic and $75 for international students). The applicant should follow the online graduate school admission and application instructions found at these Graduate School website links:  

GRE Scores: the applicant should send GRE scores directly from the Educational Testing Service to the UK Graduate School using institution code R1837. 
International Students: TOEFL scores should be sent directly to the UK Graduate School using institutional code 1837.

Open UK Graduate School Application Login.

For any questions regarding the UK Graduate School application or status of the UK Graduate School application, please contact the UK Graduate School at:

Phone: (859) 257-3603
Email:  grad.admit@uky.edu

When applying to the program, please keep in mind the following:

  • You must select the correct academic term. The Orthodontic Graduate Program starts in the Fall of the year you plan to enter.
  • Please select the correct program of study.

Orofacial Pain Admissions

Applications will be submitted via ADEA PASS. The next ADEA PASS cycle, for applicants interested in starting in 2027, will open on May 2026.

Candidates who are interested in the Master of Science Orofacial Pain Program will complete the admissions requirement for the two-year graduate program. Once accepted to this program, the candidate can become eligible to extend into the Master of Science Degree Program. The Master’s Program typically adds an additional year, making it a three-year program.   

Two year CODA approved Orofacial Pain Graduate Program

  • Application Deadline: September 1 of the year prior to beginning the program
  • Program start date: July 1
  • Application fee: None

In order to complete the online application for the Orofacial Pain Graduate Program, please have the below items ready to upload as part of the online application process. Applications cannot be submitted if incomplete. 

  • *Required: Electronic copy of original dental transcripts (jpg or PDF)
  • *Required, if non-US degree: Credentialing evaluation by ECE or equivalent. Please select the course-by-course option if using ECE (jpg or PDF)
  • *Required: A curriculum vitae including any publications, research experience, extracurricular activities and/or any awards received (jpg or PDF)
  • *Required if available: National Board Dental Examination scores (jpg or PDF)
  • *Required if English is not your native language: TOEFL score documentation (jpg or PDF). The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 79 internet-based; the minimum IELTS test score is 6.5.
  • *Required at least the name of two evaluators to complete letters of recommendation on your behalf. 

After September 1, the Admissions Committee, composed of Orofacial Pain faculty members, will meet to discuss all candidates and select the most qualified candidate(s) by consensus. The most qualified candidates will be invited to the campus for an interview. Candidates selected for the class will be notified by December 1 of the year prior to their starting date of July 1.

Orthodontics

The Orthodontics program offers a robust experience in comprehensive orthodontics, with an emphasis on goal-oriented diagnosis and treatment of different malocclusions. The division also offers a one-year Craniofacial Biology Professional Certificate option.

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Periodontology

The Periodontology program offers training in surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease, including exposure to a wide range of therapeutic modalities. 

Learn More

Orofacial Pain

The Orofacial Pain program is specifically designed for dentists who wish to gain a broad-based experience in the field of orofacial pain. 

Learn More

Graduate Certificate Programs

Endodontics

Applicants will apply via ADEA PASS

The following items will need to be completed and submitted via PASS:

  • Three (3) letters of recommendation, one of which should be from an endodontic faculty member or endodontist familiar with your previous clinical and/or didactic endodontic accomplishments.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Optional 2 X 2 photo
  • Statement of intent. Why are you applying for training in Endodontics? 

The official deadline for submission of applications is July 1 for the class matriculating the following summer.

Interviews with UKCD endodontic faculty are limited in number and granted only when all documents have been received. There will be two (2) dates for interviews selected.

Orofacial Pain

Applications will be submitted via ADEA PASS. The next ADEA PASS cycle, for applicants interested in starting in 2027, will open on May 2026.

Two year CODA approved Orofacial Pain Graduate Program

  • Application Deadline: September 1 of the year prior to beginning the program
  • Program start date: July 1
  • Application fee: None

In order to complete the online application for the Orofacial Pain Graduate Program, please have the below items ready to upload as part of the online application process. Applications cannot be submitted if incomplete. 

  • *Required: Electronic copy of original dental transcripts (jpg or PDF)
  • *Required, if non-US degree: Credentialing evaluation by ECE or equivalent. Please select the course-by-course option if using ECE (jpg or PDF)
  • *Required: A curriculum vitae including any publications, research experience, extracurricular activities and/or any awards received (jpg or PDF)
  • *Required if available: National Board Dental Examination scores (jpg or PDF)
  • *Required if English is not your native language: TOEFL score documentation (jpg or PDF). The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 79 internet-based; the minimum IELTS test score is 6.5.
  • *Required at least the name of two evaluators to complete letters of recommendation on your behalf. 

After September 1, the Admissions Committee, composed of Orofacial Pain faculty members, will meet to discuss all candidates and select the most qualified candidate(s) by consensus. The most qualified candidates will be invited to the campus for an interview. Candidates selected for the class will be notified by December 1 of the year prior to their starting date of July 1.

Endodontics

The college's Endodontic program produces graduates with specialty training in the areas of non-surgical and surgical management of endodontic disease.
 

Learn More

Orofacial Pain

The Orofacial Pain program is specifically designed for dentists who wish to gain a broad-based experience in the field of orofacial pain. 

Learn More