Postgraduate Education
Postdoctoral Certificate Program in Endodontics
Gunnar Hasselgren DDS, PhD
Program Director
Division of Endodontics
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
630 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
Tel: (212) 305-6736
Email: bgh1@columbia.edu
Columbia University offers two postdoctoral endodontics
programs, a certificate program and a combined certificate and Masters of Arts
degree program, both of which prepare the student to be a qualified endodontist
with a strong background in the biomedical sciences and proficient clinical
skills in the specialty of endodontics. Each year five candidates are accepted
to the certificate and/or combined certificate and Masters’ Programs. Both
programs, which begin July 1st of each year, are accredited by the
American Dental Association and meet the requirements of the American Board of Endodontics.
The certificate program, a 24-months course of study, incorporates advanced courses in biological sciences with clinical applications to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pulp and periapical tissues. This program has a research requirement whereby postdoctoral students are expected to either take part in ongoing research within the Division of Endodontics or carry out a freestanding research project. Upon completion of the program, students receive a Certificate in Endodontics. The combined certificate and Masters of Arts degree program is a 36-months course of study with an in-depth research component to the endodontics education. Upon completion of the combined program, students receive a Certificate in Endodontics plus a Masters of Arts degree in Endodontics.
Approximately 55% of program time is dedicated to clinical training. Through supervised training students gain experience in all aspects of endodontic therapies, including non-surgical and surgical treatment. Students also learn to use clinical aids, such as digital radiography, enhanced microscope, and endoscope.
Didactic instruction concentrates on advanced courses in applied biomedical sciences and those courses related to the practice of endodontics. Students take courses in biostatistics, stomatology, oral biology, biology of mineralized tissues, pulp biology, panoramic radiography, and tempormandibular joint disorders. Emphasis is also placed on the concept of life long learning whereby students are educated to become endodontists capable of self directed learning. For instance, by discovering new information supported by evidence based research studies, students are able to adjust treatment plans and treatment modalities for a particular patient.
Faculty includes part-time faculty with different educational backgrounds who are established practitioners in the Greater New York area. This diversity of faculty gives students many opportunities to become exposed to different approaches to clinical problems. As we strongly believe that the best way to learn is to teach, the program includes a teaching component whereby postdoctoral students teach pre-doctoral dental students in the preclinical laboratory and in the clinic.
Admissions Requirements
- Applicants must have a DDS/SMS or equivalent dental degree (LDS, BDS, etc.)
- US and Canadian applicants shall have passed the National Board Part I, and if possible, Part II.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score is required for those applicants whose native language is not English.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test scores are required for those applicants applying to the combined Certificate and Masters’ program.
- Transcript from dental school is required.
- Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, including both pre-professional and professional studies, (US and Canadian applicants only) are required.
- Course-by-course evaluation of dental degree records from Educational Credentials Evaluators (ECE) is required from non-US/non-Canadian applicants.
- Three letters of recommendation, including a dean’s letter from the applicant’s dental school, are required.
Application Procedure
Application form is available on line (https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=COL-COD)
Application deadline is September 15.
Candidates must submit the following:
- Online application
- Supporting documentation to:
Gunnar Hasselgren DDS, PhD
Program Director
Division of Endodontics
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
630 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
Tel: (212) 305-6736
Email: bgh1@columbia.edu
- Official transcripts for each of the colleges or university attended for both pre-professional and professional studies.
- Official proof of current licensure.
- Official National Board scores from the National Board of Dental Examiners.
- Three letters of recommendation including a letter from the dean of the applicant’s dental school.
- Official GRE scores for those candidates applying to the combined Certificate and Masters of Arts program.
- Official TOEFL scores for those applicants for whom English is not their native language.
- Course-by-course evaluation of DDS degree from Educational Credentials Evaluators (ECE) for applicants whose dental training was received outside the US.
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