The Master in Geriatric Dentistry is a hybrid online/on-campus program that consists of 30.5 units of coursework across 17 courses delivered online, leading to a master’s degree in geriatric dentistry.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to prepare students to work in the area of geriatric dentistry. The program consists of a series of didactic courses where the students will gain in-depth knowledge about older adults from a variety of perspectives that will include learning about the aging process and how it affects and is affected by social, behavioral and health factors commonly seen with aging.
The Master in Geriatric Dentistry online program will focus on the most common medical and oral health conditions seen in older adults including oral lesions and orofacial pain conditions and their treatments, as well as cognitive changes, mental disorders and social factors that will impact and thus require adjustments to oral health care delivery.
All master students are required to choose and finish a capstone project and 18 portfolio cases during the program duration. The students will attend USC for 8-10 days during two summer trimesters for knowledge assessment courses.
As part of the graduation requirements, the students are required to successfully defend their capstone project and portfolio cases during their last summer term and pass all the courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or more.
Career Outcomes
Graduates can find careers in the below fields:
Academic
Faculty positions in public and community health academic programs
Advocacy
Specialized knowledge to provide the depth needed to promote and address the oral health crises and health care challenges
Clinics/Practices
Positions available in schools and universities, private practice, non-profit organizations, medical centers, community health centers as well as local and state departments
Research
Research being conducted related to community and oral health at health institutes, local and national public health departments and private companies
Administration
Workplace advancement opportunities in federal, state, local, private, non-profit and non-governmental organizations
Clinical Practice
Clinician to address the needs of vulnerable populations in hospitals, universities, governmental agencies and private businesses
Industry
Private companies and governmental organizations seek those with knowledge on emerging importance for oral health in all communities
Earn your Master in Geriatric Dentistry online. Request information today.
Experiential Learning Requirement
(90%) online learning and (10%) educational activities. There is a week-long on-site bootcamp in the summer of the student’s second and third year.
