MS/Certificate in Periodontics
Welcome to the Advanced Education Program in Periodontics at Ohio State
The Advanced Education Program in Periodontics at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is a 36-month program that provides training in four areas: didactic, clinical, research and teaching. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and provides advanced clinical specialty training in periodontology at the graduate level, which fulfills requirements for eligibility to the American Board of Periodontology. The program accepts only highly qualified students. All students must participate in research leading to a Master's degree. The Certificate in Periodontics is awarded upon completion of all program requirements and only after all Master's degree requirements have been completed.
If you are a dental student interested in exploring the specialty of periodontology and would like to arrange a visit to the Advanced Education Program in Periodontics, externships are available.
Degree Granted
MS plus certificate
(PhD Optional)
Students Accepted
4
Program Length
36 months
Application Deadline
August 1
Program Overview
- PASS system: Yes
- Post Doctoral National Matching Program: Yes
- International students accepted: Yes (TOEFL required)
- Stipend: $17,382 during academic year 2026-27 (effective August 2026)
- Fulfills requirements for eligibility to the American Board of Periodontology
Students in a clinical residency program can pursue a PhD program as an alternative to the MS degree program. You must be accepted by both the specialty program and the Oral Biology PhD program.
Application
NEW FOR 2026-2027: All applications for the Graduate Periodontics Program must be submitted through the American Dental Education Association Postdoctoral Application Support Service (ADEA PASS). ADEA PASS simplifies the application process by allowing you to complete one standardized application, rather than individual applications to each program.
The program deadline is August 1.
Supplemental Application Fee
A nonrefundable fee of $75.00 is charged for each application.
Pay the Supplemental Application Fee
The supplemental application fee can be paid by credit or debit card at the above link. If you need other payment options, please email GradPerioApplications@osu.edu.
Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program
We participate in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program through National Matching Services Inc. (NMS). The Match is used by applicants and programs to determine the final placement of applicants into positions after the application and evaluation process is completed. All applicants are required to be registered for the Match.
International Applicants
We do accept international applicants with dental degrees from institutions not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
International applicants must submit either the ECE or WES dental school transcript course-by-course translation and evaluation through PASS.
Proof of English proficiency is required. Details can be found on our PASS Program Profile.
Before submitting an application, international applicants are encouraged to review the additional requirements on the OSU Graduate Admissions page, particularly the financial review, and make sure that they will be able to fulfill those requirements.
Interviews
Following application, candidates are selected and invited for an interview. An in-person interview is mandatory in order to be considered for acceptance. Interview dates are fixed, and typically occur in August, September and October. Interviewees meet with all available full-time faculty and current residents.
Post-Match
Candidates who MATCH will be contacted about completing an application to The Ohio State University Graduate School and submitting any required documents.
Curriculum
The program of study for the clinical component of specialty training consists of didactic courses and seminars, clinical management of patients with periodontal disorders and teaching experiences.
Core courses:
- periodontal anatomy
- oral pathology
- clinical periodontal conferences (case reviews including diagnosis, treatment planning and therapy)
- periodontal literature reviews
Interdisciplinary courses and seminars:
- oral histology
- biostatistics
- analgesia and conscious sedation
- orofacial pain management
- endodontic-periodontic relationships
- prosthetic-periodontic relationships
- implantology
- practice management
Teaching
Experiences in clinical and didactic teaching are provided through opportunities to participate in DDS didactic and clinical courses in periodontology at the College of Dentistry. Residents will be appointed as Graduate Teaching Associates and provided with a stipend and payment of half of the tuition. These grants are annually renewable (to a maximum of three years) depending on availability of funds and on positive teaching outcomes as reviewed annually by the division chair and program director.
Thesis
To receive the MS in periodontics, you are required do original research leading to the submission and defense of an approved thesis or dissertation. This is coupled with an award of the clinical certificate which denotes advanced clinical specialty training.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical training in the periodontics program focuses on the diagnosis and therapy of diseases and conditions affecting the tooth-supporting tissues, and on implant surgery. Your clinical experiences will include the full spectrum of periodontal treatment modalities:
- conventional non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy
- periodontal plastic surgery
- soft and hard tissue regenerative procedures
- advanced surgical techniques (guided bone regeneration, block grafts, sinus augmentation)
- implant surgery
Students provide comprehensive periodontal health care in the advanced education clinics at the College of Dentistry. You will completely manage the oral health needs of your assigned patients by:
- integrating periodontal therapy with other clinical disciplines
- practicing conscious sedation measures for pain control, to include inhalation analgesia and intravenous sedation
- managing emergencies
Salary and Benefits
Periodontics residents will receive a stipend of $16,092 during academic year 2025-26 (effective August), and waiver of half of the Ohio resident or non-resident tuition throughout the 36 month program.
Health insurance, parking fees, meals and housing are not covered and must be paid by the individual.
Questions? Contact Us
Laura McCallister, Perio Residency Program Associate
GradPerioApplications@osu.edu
The Advanced Education Program in Periodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: coda.ada.org.
Ohio State academic programs are designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information at odee.osu.edu/students/state-authorization#licensure. Click on the link for State Dental Boards.