Advanced Dental Studies, MADS
The MADS program offers participants a graduate degree, and the ability to concentrate in one of seven dental specialties through a carefully designed hybrid program consisting of both synchronous and asynchronous online courses as well as in-person clinical rotations during spring. Participants will learn to operate in an integrated healthcare system, communicate effectively with multiple clinical disciplines and develop targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies which are supported by evidence. In the clinical rotations, students will observe various clinical procedures and work with specialty program residents to review cases, develop diagnosis and treatment planning. Students can pursue a MADS with concentration in the following areas: Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics.
Directed to both domestic and international dentists, MADS is designed for clinicians who wish to enhance their knowledge in a clinical discipline or improve their qualifications when applying to U.S. residency programs. The program also serves international dentists with U.S. specialty degrees whose home country requires a Master’s degree for recognition of the specialty or U.S. graduates of specialty programs who wish to refresh their knowledge in their field through a structured program. The MADS program is unique among U.S. dental schools, allowing dentists to pursue professional enrichment to enhance their career while providing the flexibility to do so while continuing their dental practice or training.
For more information: https://www.dental.upenn.edu/admissions-academics/advanced-degree-programs/master-of-advanced-dental-studies-mads/
This degree requires a minimum of 16 Credit Hours.
Curriculum
MADS Core Curriculum (each of the 7 specialties will complete these courses)
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics, Professionalism and Jurisprudence | ||
| Evidence-based clinical practice | ||
| Oral and systemic diseases | ||
| Oral infection and immunity | ||
| Conservative and regenerative clinical practice | ||
| Vulnerable populations across the lifespan | ||
| Grand Rounds Conference | ||
| Interdisciplinary Seminars Grand Rounds | ||
| Electives: Up to 1.0 CU in GADS 5000 and above per semester | ||
Endodontics MADS
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Review I | ||
| Literature Review III | ||
| Topic Presentation I | ||
| Literature Review II | ||
| Literature Review IV | ||
| Topics Presentation II |
Oral Medicine MADS
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Systems | ||
| Brightman Conference | ||
| S. Gary Cohen Conference (Fall and Spring) | ||
| Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology | ||
| Oral Medicine | ||
| Brightman Conference II | ||
| Cohen Conference II | ||
| Oral and Maxillofacial Complex | ||
| Oral Medicine Rotations - 6 weeks 2 |
Pediatrics
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Pathology | ||
| Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Dentistry I | ||
| Embryology, Genetics, and Congenital Malformation | ||
| Trauma | ||
| Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Dentistry II | ||
| Pediatric Dentistry Rotations - 6 weeks 2 |
Periodontics
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Implant Dentistry | ||
| Introduction to Periodontology | ||
| Classic and Current Literature Review | ||
| Periodontics Case Presentation | ||
| Periodontal Prosthesis Case Presentation Fall | ||
| Fundamentals of Periodontics Fall | ||
| Classic and Current Literature Review Spring | ||
| Periodontics Case Presentation Spring | ||
| Periodontal Prosthesis Case Presentation Spring | ||
| Fundamentals of Periodontics Spring |
Orthodontics
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodontics I | ||
| Case Presentation I | ||
| Penn Orthodontic Department Lecture Series I | ||
| Orthognathic Surgery/TMJ Lecture Series I | ||
| Orthodontics II | ||
| Case Presentation II | ||
| Orthognathic Surgery/TMJ Lecture Series | ||
| Orthodontics Rotations - 6 weeks 2 | ||
| Penn Orthodontic Department Lecture Series II |
Prosthodontics
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Advanced Fixed Prosthodontics | ||
| Introduction to Advanced Removable Prosthodontics | ||
| Literature Review Seminar | ||
| Treatment Plan Seminar | ||
| Current Literature Review Seminar | ||
| Literature Review Seminar II | ||
| Treatment Plan Seminar II | ||
| Prosthodontics Rotations - 6 weeks 1 | ||
| Current Literature Review Seminar II |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
The program is online.
Following the online portion of their program, students will participate in an on-campus clinical rotation. In the clinical rotations, students work with specialty program residents to review cases, develop diagnosis and treatment planning, observe various clinical settings, and other appropriate clinically related activities. They will not treat patients. There will be one six-week observation period for each student with up to 8 hour days. They are enrolled students that will not have any patient contact. The clinical rotations will be conducted as an observer.
Clinical Scholar Certificate Option: MADS students can now choose to spend an additional six weeks on campus to earn a Clinical Scholar Certificate. This certificate is awarded from the School of Dental Medicine and will not appear on academic records.
The on-campus clinical rotations will be approximately 20% of the overall program. Students will have between 32 - 40 hours week for the on-campus clinical rotation. They will have 200 contact hours in clinic related activities. This portion of the program is 2.08cu (equivalent to 6.25 Credit Hours).
Participants in the Master of Advanced Dental Studies program are considered full-time enrolled students earning a graduate degree. They are not interns/residents at the hospitals engaging in clinical work and receiving payment for their services.
They are full-time students engaged in lectures and seminars throughout the yearlong program. Students are required to complete six weeks of clinical rotations. They are not paid for this experience and we do not count the students as employees.