Advanced Periodontic Program for Internationally Trained Dentists

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers an Advanced Program for Internationally-Trained Dentists (Observership) program in Periodontic Dentistry. This Advanced Periodontics Program is a flexible program that is designed to meet the needs of internationally trained dentists and periodontists wishing to enhance their knowledge in the specialty of periodontics.

Participants in this program attend school on a full-time basis, attending classes with the periodontics residents. Upon completion and meeting the requirements of the Advanced Periodontics Program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the office of Continuing Dental Education.

This program is not intended to prepare individuals to practice the specialty of periodontics. It is expected that the individual will return to his/her country after gaining insight and improving his/her knowledge in the specialty of periodontics.

The Advanced Periodontics Program will include learning to identify and diagnose periodontitis patients, and analyzing and creating complex treatment plans, including dental implants.  Course participants will attend foundational courses inclusive of current literature and classic literature seminars along with interdisciplinary and periodontics-based treatment planning, diagnosis, and advanced surgical technique seminars. As a part of their clinical exposure, each participant will be assigned to a team of residents to observe and assist in graduate periodontics treatment procedures and implant therapy under the supervision of clinical faculty. Participants who enroll in the 12month program, upon the approval of the periodontics faculty, may have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research projects.

The Advanced Periodontic Program certificate awarded for this program is a continuing education program certificate.  This is not the same certificate as the postgraduate program certificate. 

To Apply:

Students can submit their application and documents via the Advanced Program for Internationally-Trained Dentists Application.

Deadline for submission of applications

June 1 for the Fall semester

October 1 for the Spring semester

Admission process

Upon submission of all required documentation, the applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee.  As required, an in-person, phone or virtual interview might be scheduled with the applicant.  Admission criteria to the Advanced Periodontics Observership Program includes, but is not limited to, academic achievements, demonstrated interest in Periodontics, TOEFL scores, performance in previously attended academic programs, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation. 

Application Requirements

• Completed application
• Application fee ($160.00 USD)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement/letter of intent
• Notarized copy of dental school diploma/degree
• Original transcripts/translated into English
• ECE/WES course-by-course evaluation
• TOEFL score reports
• Three letters of recommendation
• Passport biographical page
• J-1 Visa (minimum requirement), H-4 and O-3 Visas accepted

English Language Test Requirements:

• TOEFL (minimum 80 internet-based test, 550 paper based)*
• IELTS (minimum 7.0 total bandwidth score) please attach results*

*Scores from these exams must be no more than two years old at the time of submission of the J-1 request.

Tuition
Six months:           $30,000.00 USD

One year:              $60,000.00 USD

International Student Admissions Standards

International Students who require J-1 visa sponsorship to attend the University of Maryland must demonstrate English proficiency and financial responsibility before the Office of International Services (OIS) can issue the appropriate visa document for the program of study.

English Proficiency

International students requiring visa sponsorship from the Office of International Services (OIS) must demonstrate English proficiency.  Proficiency is most often verified through the TOEFL or IELTS English Language Proficiency tests.  For students whose native language is English, the TOEFL requirement may be waived.

Financial Responsibility

International students who require visa sponsorship must ensure they have sufficient funding to cover the cost of the program and living expenses while in Baltimore. Financial responsibility may be proven by a variety of methods. These include the following:

• Personal or family funds
• Government or international organization sponsorship

The documentation must state the name of the person or organization that will sponsor the student and specify the amount of financial support provided to the student.

If using personal or family funds, a bank statement from within the past 6 months must be provided.  Additionally, if receiving financial support from a friend or family member, that person must also write a letter specifying the exact amount of funding they will provide to you during your program.

The expenses of a married student are considerably more than that of a single student. In addition to funds for his or her own expenses, the married student must show an additional $5,000 per year for each dependent.  A dependent is classified as a spouse and/or children under the age of 21.

Prior to processing visa paperwork, the OIS requires evidence of the minimum financial support amount committed to your education.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance is required for all University of Maryland Students. You must prove that you have coverage equivalent to the University of Maryland’s minimum requirements, or purchase the policy offered by the University of Maryland to all students.

Cancellation policy

To participate in this program, you must be pre-registered with the Office of Continuing Dental Education. No refunds of any tuition paid will be made after the program has started.

Contact Information

For application inquiries, please contact:

Keith Groves, DMin, MPC
Executive Director of Continuing Education
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Suite 6207
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: kgroves@umaryland.edu

Michelle Howell, BS
Assistant Director of Continuing Education
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Suite 6207
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: mhowell@umaryland.edu

For program inquiries, please contact:

Mary Beth Aichelmann-Reidy, DDS, ABP Diplomate
Division Chief, Periodontics
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Suite 4209
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-706-3749
Email: mreidy@umaryland.edu