Advanced Education Program in Periodontology
Application Deadline
August 1
At UAB Periodontology, our Advanced Education Program in Periodontology aims to produce clinically proficient, scientifically oriented, patient centered periodontists. Graduates should be able to continue as life-long learners and leaders in the field of periodontology!
Our program is a CODA-accredited 36-month program designed to provide an individualized educational experience that will propel motivated graduates to leadership positions as clinicians and academicians. All residents graduate with a Certificate in Periodontics after completion of their residency. We also offer combined degree programs, including a Certificate/M.S. program and a Certificate/Ph.D. program.
Clinical Training at UAB
Our residents work in the Graduate Periodontal Clinic, a state-of-the-art clinical facility with five surgical suites and 12 treatment rooms. We have dedicated front desk staff, three skilled dental assistants, and two experienced dental hygienists. Digital x-ray facilities located in each operatory and Panoramic and CBCT radiography housed in the periodontology clinical facility make for a seamless approach to patient care. We also work closely with other dental and medical healthcare providers to deliver high-level clinical care in a patient-centered environment.
What can I expect to learn during residency?
At UAB, our resident experience goes well beyond the requirements for accreditation set by CODA. Our residents work with faculty to learn all aspects of periodontology and deliver care in a patient-centered manner. During their residency, residents become proficient in the treatment planning and management of inflammatory periodontal and peri-implant inflammatory disease, dental implant surgery, regenerative procedures around teeth and in edentulous areas, esthetic and mucogingival procedures, tooth extraction and implant site preparation, conscious sedation techniques, and pre-prosthetic surgery.
Our program focuses on individualized patient needs and providing each patient with a treatment plan that best fits him or her. We focus on interdisciplinary treatment with other dental and healthcare providers and emphasize collaboration with our restorative and other dental and medical colleagues.
Combined Degree Programs
Residents may choose to combine the certificate program with a Master of Science Program and/or a Ph.D.
Master of Science/Certificate Program: This program combines didactic courses, intensive clinical activities, performance of original research and the defense of a thesis resulting from this research. The original research may be in the field of clinical periodontics, including implantology, or basic science related to periodontics. Upon successful completion of all portions of this combined program, the resident will earn a Certificate in Periodontology and a Master of Science degree in Dentistry. Residents elect to seek a Master of Science degree by January 1 of their PGY1 year in training.
Ph.D./Certificate Program: This program allows for an in-depth scientific training while also completing the 36-month clinical training required for a Certificate in Periodontology. The program combines didactic courses, intensive clinical activities, individual mentorship, and original research leading to the publication of at least two (2) scientific first-author manuscripts and a defense of the thesis resulting from this research. The original research will allow the candidate to work closely with a mentor either within the field of periodontology or other basic sciences that relate to periodontal health and/or treatment. Upon successful completion of all portions of the combined program, the resident will earn a Certificate in Periodontology and a Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Admissions
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Application Process
Our Advanced Education Program in Periodontics offers the students a broad-based clinical and didactic experience that prepares them for the study and practice of periodontics in an academic or practice setting. We offer customizable programs including a 3-year certificate and a Master's degree program as well as other advanced education.
We strive to create a collaborative working environment and look for residents who are seeking the highest levels of excellence in clinical and didactic learning environments.
Our residency accepts applicants through the ADEA PASS website. For more information, go to the ADEA PASS website.
Our Application deadline is August 1, 2025 (for UAB Perio class of 2028). This is the deadline for all application materials, including those submitted to ADEA PASS.
Interviews for our program will be held August through October.
Official Transcripts should be uploaded to ADEA PASS (all colleges, other education, and dental school). If you have attended a non-U.S. college/university, it is required that all international transcripts be evaluated by either ECE or WES foreign credentialing services.
At least two Professional Evaluation Forms (Letters of Recommendation) must be included in the PASS application.
Institution Evaluation Form (formerly called the Dean’s Letter) submitted by the Dean’s Office to ADEA PASS. This form will include GPA, Class Rank and National Board Examination results, if applicable.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) scores uploaded to ADEA PASS, for international applicants who did not receive their dental degree training in English. TOEFL test scores taken more than 3 years before application date will not be accepted.
A curriculum vitae (CV) must be submitted to ADEA PASS.
Application Fee of $25.00. This can be paid through this secure link or Ms. Susie Moorer (
smoorer@uab.edu ) in the UAB Admissions office will provide a personalized payment link by email if she is contacted. We also accept checks drawn on a US Bank or money orders. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars and must be issued by an American bank. Please make any checks payable to “University of Alabama at Birmingham” or “UAB” and send the check to the following address: Ms. Susie Moorer, UAB School of Dentistry, Office of Admissions, 1720 2nd Avenue South, SDB 124, Birmingham AL 35294-0007 telephone number 205.934.5470.Pay Application Processing Fee
If you have questions regarding the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the Program Director, Dr. Mia L. Geisinger (
miagdds@uab.edu ), or our office associate Ms. Emily Turner (turnerer@uab.edu ). They can be reached by telephone at (205) 934-4984.If accepted into the program, a $100 deposit is required to hold your position.
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Requirements At-a-Glance
- ADEA PASS Application with Transcripts and Professional Evaluation Forms
- Curriculum Vitae
- Institutional Evaluation and Professional Evaluation Forms
- Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
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Tuition & Fees
Our tuition for the Certificate in Periodontology was $14,116.00 as of 2024-2025 academic year (data subject to change). Tuition and other expenses related to the Graduate School are listed in the Graduate School bulletin and are in addition to the School of Dentistry tuition and fees.
Books and supplies may also be required. Documentation of clinical cases requires high-quality clinical photography and specific photographic equipment will be recommended prior to arrival to the program. The cost of this equipment may vary and the department and faculty will work with residents to select the best fit for their needs.
Other expenses associated with special courses or conferences should be expected. Each student must annually take a national In-Service Examination at a current cost of $135 for American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Student Members. Students are required to be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Students are encouraged to join appropriate professional organizations and Student membership in the AAP is required while enrolled in the program. Current cost is $135; these fees vary yearly.
Students may be eligible for various loans. These might include the Student Loan Fund of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Fund of Dental Education, Minority Student Loan, and loans under the Higher Education Act Loan Program. The application and arrangement of student loans will be the responsibility of the student.
International students can be considered only if they are able to provide affidavits of ability to support themselves financially.
We are committed to allowing our residents to concentrate on their studies and work with you for your financial aid package. Our financial aid office can be reached by visiting www.uab.edu/cost-aid/types-of-aid.