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)
Course List | Code | Title | Course Units |
| Systematic Reviews | |
| Head and Neck Anatomy | |
| Maxillofacial Radiology | |
| Ethics | |
| Grand Rounds Conference | |
| Biostatistics | |
| Osteoimmunology | |
| Pharmacology | |
| Wound Healing | |
| Interdisciplinary Seminars Grand Rounds | |
Endodontics MADS
Course List | 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
Course List | Code | Title | Course Units |
| Biological Systems | |
| Brightman Conference | |
| S. Gary Cohen Conference (Fall and Spring) | |
| Pathology | |
| Oral Medicine | |
| Brightman Conference II | |
| Cohen Conference II | |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Complex | |
| Oral Medicine Rotation | |
Pediatrics
Course List | Code | Title | Course Units |
| Pathology | |
| Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Dentistry I | |
| Embryology, Genetics, and Congenital Malformation | |
| Trauma | |
| Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Dentistry II | |
| Pediatric Rotation | |
Periodontics
Course List | 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
Course List | Code | Title | Course Units |
| Orthodontics | |
| 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 | |
| Penn Orthodontic Department Lecture Series II | |
Prosthodontics
Course List | 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 Rotation | |
| Current Literature Review Seminar II | |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.