The Division of Periodontology produces graduates with advanced specialty training in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease, especially for patients who are medically compromised. The Periodontology graduate program is a full-time course of study consisting of clinical, research, and didactic components. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for careers in either academic periodontology or private specialty practice.
In addition to the division's 36-month periodontology program, the division also offers shadowing opportunities and clinical observational experiences—see below for more details.
In keeping with the philosophy of the College of Dentistry, the collegial atmosphere of the program fosters meaningful interactions and strong mentorship between students and faculty.. The program has a rich heritage, and graduates have gone on to positions of importance in the specialty. During the 1960’s, the program was one of the most progressive and innovative in the country, and in the mid-1980’s was one of the first to offer formal coursework in implantology. This heritage of innovation continues as current graduate students are exposed to a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including regenerative therapy, implantology and sinus augmentation.
The didactic component consists of seminars and coursework in a variety of subjects including periodontal biology and pathology, periodontal therapy, implantology and biomaterials, management of medically compromised patients, conscious sedation, and epidemiology. A strong emphasis is placed on evidence-based decision-making and the program has a repository of evidence-based diagnostic and treatment protocols that are used in the delivery of patient care. Graduate students document and present their cases in a formal case presentation/treatment planning seminars. The case analysis and defense exercises are patterned after the oral examination of the American Board of Periodontology.
The program is especially strong in the areas of management of medically compromised patients, implant surgery, conscious sedation, and cosmetic surgery. Residents place numerous implants, as well as performing sinus augmentations and a wide range of periodontal surgical procedures. There are numerous opportunities for multidisciplinary interaction with other dental and medical clinicians.
Graduate students will work in an area consisting of nine treatment rooms, a sterilization area, and reception areas. Each treatment room has its own computer terminal, with access to our computerized risk assessment technology and images. The college has digitized radiology services (including a Cone-Beam CT unit). A large variety of other instruments and materials is available for use (e.g., Laser unit Periolase 7, piezosurgery unit).
There is a rotation on anesthesiology, and all graduate students are required to become ACLS-certified.
Close cooperation with colleagues in other disciplines (orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, otolaryngology, biomedical engineering) is encouraged, as are interdisciplinary seminars and educational opportunities.
Explore admissions requirements, application procedures, and program details for the Periodontology Graduate Program. Review deadlines, eligibility criteria, and instructions for submitting your application through PASS and the National Matching Service, as well as required institutional disclosures.
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The Cost of Attendance (COA) budgets represent the University of Kentucky’s (UK’s) best estimate of both institutional (directly billed) and non-institutional (variable and not billed by UK) costs, students will incur during the 2025-26 academic year and should help students budget their resources effectively.
Department Chair of Oral Health Practice, Professor, Program Director Graduate Periodontology
dolph.dawson@uky.edu
Division Chief of Periodontology, Professor
malsa2@email.uky.edu
Assistant Professor
Marcelo.Mattos@uky.edu
Professor, Associate Dean for Research
lshaddox@uky.edu
p.mishra@uky.edu
Julie.Tokatlian@uky.edu
bmcame2@uky.edu
edneum2@uky.edu
Fadi.Masoud@uky.edu
Periodontology Graduate Teaching Assistant Senior
mya259@uky.edu
Periodontology Graduate Teaching Assistant
Shelby.Maurice@uky.edu
Jillian.Curtis@uky.edu
Cameron.Brown@uky.edu
Ahmed.Hanafy@uky.edu
Periodontology Graduate Student
tbu293@uky.edu
asa541@uky.edu
The Periodontology Graduate Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). CODA is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.