Prosthetic Dental Treatment

College: Graduate School of Health Sciences

This specialization focuses on the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth and oral structures using prosthetic devices. Students develop skills in fixed and removable prosthodontics, implant dentistry, and digital dentistry. Graduates are prepared for careers in prosthodontic practices, dental clinics, and academic institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of prosthodontics and prosthetic dentistry.
• Develop skills in designing, fabricating, and placing fixed and removable prosthetic devices.
• Learn implant dentistry techniques, including surgical placement and restoration of dental implants.
• Explore principles of occlusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and comprehensive patient care.
• Analyze and interpret prosthodontic data and research findings.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making skills for effective prosthodontic treatment.

Major Outline:

1. Introduction to Prosthodontics - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in prosthodontics and prosthetic dentistry. - Basics of tooth loss, restoration options, and patient management.
2. Fixed Prosthodontics - Principles of fixed prosthodontics, including crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers. - Techniques for designing, fabricating, and placing fixed prosthetic devices.
3. Removable Prosthodontics - Principles of removable prosthodontics, including complete and partial dentures. - Techniques for designing, fabricating, and fitting removable prosthetic devices.
4. Implant Dentistry - Principles of implant dentistry, including surgical placement, osseointegration, and restoration of dental implants. - Techniques for planning, placing, and restoring dental implants.
5. Digital Dentistry - Principles of digital dentistry, including CAD/CAM technology, intraoral scanning, and 3D printing. - Techniques for utilizing digital technologies in prosthodontic treatment.
6. Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) - Principles of occlusion, including bite analysis, occlusal adjustment, and temporomandibular joint function. - Techniques for managing TMD and occlusal problems.
7. Comprehensive Patient Care - Principles of comprehensive patient care, including treatment planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient education. - Techniques for delivering comprehensive and patient-centered prosthodontic treatment.
8. Prosthodontic Research - Principles of prosthodontic research, data analysis, and evidence-based practice. - Techniques for conducting and evaluating research in prosthodontics.
9. Clinical Prosthodontics - Real-world experiences in prosthodontic practice, including patient care, case presentations, and clinical rotations. - Application of acquired skills in practical prosthodontic scenarios.
10. Prosthodontics Capstone Project - Comprehensive project applying skills in fixed prosthodontics, implant dentistry, or digital dentistry. - Presentation of a polished prosthodontic treatment plan, clinical case presentation, or research study.

Assessment Methods:

Fixed and removable prosthodontic treatment plans, implant dentistry case studies, digital dentistry projects, occlusion analyses, comprehensive patient care plans, research methodology projects, clinical case presentations, capstone projects, and clinical assessments.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics" by Shillingburg et al.
• "McCracken's Removable Partial Prosthodontics" by Stewart et al.
• "Contemporary Implant Dentistry" by Misch.
• "Digital Dentistry: A Step-by-Step Guide and Case Atlas" by Wismeijer and Evans.
• "Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Occlusal Problems" by Dawson.
• "Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion" by Okeson.
• "Comprehensive Patient Care in Prosthodontics" by various authors.
• "Research Methods in Prosthodontics" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Completion of a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

Suitable for dental graduates interested in specializing in prosthodontics.

Specialization Duration:

Typically two to three years for a certificate or Master of Science (MS) in Prosthodontics, including coursework, clinical training, and research projects.

Certification:

Graduates can obtain a certificate or Master of Science (MS) in Prosthodontics and may pursue board certification through the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP) or other relevant certifying bodies.

Target Audience:

Aspiring prosthodontists, dental specialists, and individuals seeking careers in prosthodontic practices, dental clinics, and academic institutions.

This specialization equips students with the necessary clinical, technical, and research skills to excel in prosthodontics, supporting careers in prosthodontic practices, dental clinics, and academic institutions.