University of Missouri-Kansas City

What you'll study

The programme delivers a blend of advanced clinical practice, contemporary didactic teaching and a research or scholarly project. Core areas of study typically include advanced restorative dentistry, implantology and prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, occlusion and temporomandibular disorders, advanced radiology, and oral pathology. Students also study evidence-based dentistry, research methods and biostatistics, patient management and interprofessional care.

• Clinical rotations and supervised practice: extensive hands-on patient care under faculty supervision, managing complex restorative and surgical cases.
• Advanced restorative techniques: fixed and removable prosthodontics, esthetic dentistry, full‑mouth rehabilitation and digital workflows.
• Implant dentistry: treatment planning, surgical placement fundamentals, prosthetic restoration and maintenance.
• Specialty-focused modules: exposure to periodontics, endodontics, paediatric and oral surgery depending on clinical track or electives.
• Research or capstone project: hypothesis-driven project or clinical audit with supervision, plus training in research ethics and scientific communication.
• Teaching and leadership: opportunities to tutor undergraduate students, develop presentations and learn practice management and quality improvement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a primary dental qualification (DDS, DMD or equivalent) from an accredited institution and to demonstrate recent clinical experience. Typical supporting materials include a professional CV, references from clinical supervisors, a personal statement outlining clinical and academic goals, and an academic transcript. Candidates who are not graduates of English-medium programmes will usually be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Some tracks or certificates within the advanced programme may require additional prerequisites such as specific clinical case experience, a state licence or completion of an advanced education residency. International graduates should check additional credential and licensing requirements for clinical practice in the United States.

Career prospects

Graduates use the programme to progress into a range of clinical and academic careers. Typical paths include:

• Advanced general dentistry in private practice, offering complex restorative and implant services.
• Entry to specialty residency programmes or enhanced candidacy for competitive specialty training (prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics).
• Academic roles such as clinical faculty, teaching staff or educational programme leaders in dental schools.
• Positions in hospital dentistry, community clinics or public health dentistry providing care to diverse populations.
• Research and industry roles focusing on biomaterials, dental technologies or clinical trials.

Why study at University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC School of Dentistry is an established clinical training centre with strong links to community dental clinics and health systems across the Kansas City region. The programme emphasises high-volume, supervised clinical experience alongside interprofessional collaboration with other health disciplines. Students benefit from experienced faculty who combine clinical practice with research and teaching, access to modern clinical facilities and digital dentistry equipment, and opportunities to treat a diverse patient mix that builds confidence managing complex cases.

Additionally, UMKC supports scholarly activity and provides pathways to further specialty training and academic careers. The School’s community partnerships and outreach programmes also give students real-world experience in population oral health and service delivery.