University of California

What you'll study

This master's combines advanced clinical care, didactic coursework and a research or capstone project. Core themes include contemporary restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary treatment planning, implant therapy and geriatric or medically complex patient care.

• Advanced Restorative Techniques — biomaterials, adhesive techniques, digital workflows and occlusal rehabilitation.
• Endodontics and Endodontic Surgery — diagnosis, retreatment, microsurgery and pain management.
• Periodontics and Implant Dentistry — soft and hard tissue management, implant planning and maintenance.
• Prosthodontics — fixed and removable prostheses, full‑arch rehabilitation and CAD/CAM prosthetic design.
• Oral Surgery and Management of the Medically Complex Patient — surgical techniques, sedation, and perioperative care.
• Diagnostic Imaging and Digital Dentistry — CBCT interpretation, intraoral scanning and 3D planning.
• Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods — statistics, critical appraisal, research design and ethics, culminating in a supervised project or thesis.
• Clinical Rotations and Seminars — multi‑disciplinary case conferences, specialty rotations and supervised patient treatment in teaching clinics.

Programme structure typically mixes coursework and supervised clinical hours across two or more years, and assessment includes clinical competency examinations, written assignments and a research or capstone project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised primary dental qualification (DDS, DMD or equivalent). Typical additional requirements are:

• A minimum academic record from the primary dental degree; institutions commonly seek evidence of strong clinical performance.
• Clinical experience in general dentistry; some programmes favour applicants with a period of post‑qualification practice.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees who can comment on clinical ability and suitability for advanced training.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining clinical interests, career aims and research ideas.
• Curriculum vitae that lists clinical experience, any publications, presentations and relevant continuing professional development.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is normally required (accepted tests and minimum scores vary by campus).
• Some campuses require an interview or clinical skills assessment as part of the final selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with enhanced clinical competencies and research literacy that open several career pathways. Common directions include:

• Advanced general practice or referral practice managing complex restorative, surgical and implant cases.
• Entry into specialty residency training programmes (where the master’s supports a route to specialisation, depending on regulatory requirements).
• Academic careers in dental schools, combining teaching, clinical supervision and research.
• Clinical leadership and management roles within hospital dentistry, community clinics or large group practices.
• Positions in dental research, industry or specialist consultancy, particularly in biomaterials, digital dentistry and implant technologies.

Why study at University of California

The University of California offers access to strong research environments and integrated clinical training across its campuses, with experienced faculty in restorative, surgical and preventive disciplines. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with medical, biomedical engineering and public health departments, access to diverse patient populations for broad clinical exposure, and opportunities to engage in funded research projects and clinical trials.

The system’s teaching clinics and affiliated hospitals provide supervised, high-volume clinical experience alongside mentorship from clinicians who are active in specialist practice and academic research, helping graduates transition into advanced practice, specialist training or academic careers.