Academic Programs

POST DOCTORAL CERTIFICATE IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

The Postdoctoral Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program was established in July, 1963.  The program consists of a minimum of four consecutive years (48 months) of progressive educational experiences and may lead to a master's degree if candidate fulfills additional requirements.
 

The first year of the program exposes residents to fundamental knowledge related to the evaluation of patients in the hospital environment.  On call duty every third night at the emergency room, work with medically compromised patients at the outpatient clinic, a physical diagnosis course with first year medical students, seminars, literature reviews and case presentations, and an advanced Oral Biology course provide basic knowledge and skills for oral and maxillofacial surgery diagnosis and treatment.  Residents are also introduced to basic research concepts, biostatistics, and scientific methodology so that they may apply them in future situations along their professional lives.

The second year consists of rotations in the medical departments of Anesthesiology (5 months), Internal Medicine (2 months), and Neurosurgery (1 months).  During the second year, residents also participate in the outpatient clinic and in seminars, literature reviews, and a case presentation course.

The third year includes rotations in Tumor Service (1 month), Trauma Service (2 months), and the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (1 month) of the General Surgery Department.  Residents also have elective rotations in the Oto-Head and Neck Surgery Department (1 month).  On the third year, residents work towards the mastery of basic oral and maxillofacial surgery principles, evaluation of the medically compromised patient, treatment of complicated odontectomies, periodontal surgery, dental implant and site preparation, benign tumors of the oral cavity, fractures of the facial skeleton, debridement and suturing of oral and facial lacerations, and mastering intravenous sedation techniques.

The fourth year seeks to refine surgical techniques.  Residents are expected to treat conditions such as congenital and acquired anomalies of the mouth and face, develop expertise in reconstructive procedures of the maxillofacial area, understand and apply the principles of bone grafting, different tissue, and the use of alloplastic implants; as well evaluation and treatment of facial plastic surgical procedures (cosmetic surgery).  Each resident must complete a significant publishable research project on a clinical subject related to oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The program consists of 48 consecutive months of full-time study.  All courses must be approved in order to obtain certification. The faculty may add or eliminate courses to meet particular circumstances.  Participation is encouraged in other relevant courses. F or detailed information regarding available courses and/or rotations, contact the School of Dental Medicine.

Interested candidates must submit an application through the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) in addition to the application form provided by the School of Dental Medicine. Local aplicants most participate in the matching program.

SPECIAL SIX-MONTH TO A YEAR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Besides the four year Post-Doctoral Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the School of Dental Medicine offers a six-month to a year special program, which is not conducive to a degree, certificate, or diploma.  Students receive a letter of completion of the program.  The program provides interested foreign dentists from caribbean basin and latin american, the basic didactic and clinical experiences related to the latest concepts, diagnostic methods, modalities of treatment, and surgical techniques in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Graduation Requirements
Residents must pass all required courses satisfactorily and have a minimum grade point average of 2.75, as certified by the Registrar.

POSTDOCTORAL CERTIFICATE IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

TOTAL CREDIT-HOURS: 74 SEMESTER C.H. + 6 TRIMESTER C.H.

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Second Semester

 First Trimester

Second Trimester

Third Trimester

SECOND YEAR
First Semester

Second Semester

THIRD YEAR
First Semester

Second Semester

FOURTH YEAR
First Semester

Second Semester

The following additional courses are also required for certification:

- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Required Rotations 12 Months Total

Requirement to fulfill master’s degree:

INTERNSHIP IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
SPECIAL SIX-MONTH TO A YEAR PROGRAM

Besides the four year Post-Doctoral Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the School of Dental Medicine offers a six-month to a year special program, which is not conductive to a degree, certificate, or diploma.  Students receive a letter of completion of the program.  This program is designed for foreign dentists from caribbean basin and latin american interested in the regular advanced education program and provides the basic didactic and clinical experiences related to the latest concepts, diagnostic methods, modalities of treatment, and surgical techniques in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

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