Program Overview

The UCLA Maxillofacial Prosthetics Residency Program is a one-year program devoted specifically to Maxillofacial Prosthetics. The applicants must have had completed an ADA accredited postdoctoral training program in prosthodontics or its equivalent. The residency begins on July 1 of each year. Upon successful completion of the residency, the candidate is awarded two certificates: a Certificate of Postgraduate Study from the School of Dentistry and a Certificate of Completion of Residency from the UCLA Hospitals and Clinics. Total of 3 residents are accepted each year.

Length of Program - 1 year beginning on July 1

Number of Residents Accepted Each Year - 3

Curriculum

The purpose of the program is to provide advanced training in the diagnosis and supportive treatment of patients with maxillofacial anomalies. The residents will have the opportunity to treat patients with severe oral and facial deformities from cancer, trauma, or congenital malformations. The training is enhanced by a facility that is modern and well-equipped. The Maxillofacial Prosthetics/Hospital Dentistry Clinic is an outpatient clinic of the UCLA Medical Center, a relationship which enables  residents to have close interactions with faculty, interns, and residents from other disciplines.

What to Expect

The didactic program is flexible and takes into account the individual’s prior training and experience. Courses are available in head and neck anatomy, oral pathology, pharmacology, fixed and removable prosthodontics, radiation biology, and biostatistics. Didactic training in research methodology is available, with an original research project if residents are so motivated. Required courses are presented in various phases of maxillofacial rehabilitation, including speech pathology, speech therapy, restoration of congenital and developmental defects, and restoration of various acquired maxillofacial defects. Periodic seminars with regular review of pertinent subjects in the literature are a regular part of the program.

Clinical training includes cleft palate prosthodontics, restoration of acquired oral and facial defects and implant prosthodontics. Residents are also afforded the opportunity to work with radiotherapists and evaluate and maintain the oral and dental health of patients before, during, and after their radiation therapy. Residents work closely with surgical disciplines in restoring a variety of defects, including construction of cranial and soft tissue implants, immediate surgical obturators, surgical splints, and other required prostheses.

Requirements/Pre-requisites

• Graduates of accredited U.S. or Canadian dental school
• Successful completion of an ADA accredited postdoctoral training program in prosthodontics or its equivalent
• Successful completion of both Part I & II of the National Board Examination
• DDS or DMD from an ADA Accredited US or Canadian dental school.  A list of Accredited dental schools is available upon request from the American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Application Process

• Maxillofacial Prosthetics specific application (contact the director)
• Personal statement
• Four letters of recommendation
• Official National Dental Board Examination scores (if U.S. applicant)
• Official undergraduate and dental school transcripts
• Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

Timeline

Application deadline is September 1. Interviews are scheduled in October-November. Applicants are notified of the decision either in December or January.

Selection Factors

• Performance on National Board exams
• GPA and class rank (if available)
• Substance of the personal statement
• Substance of the recommendation letters
• Overall impression at the personal interview

Contact Information

For information about the program and about the status of your application, please contact:

John Beumer III, D.D.S., M.S.
Director, Maxillofacial Prosthetics Residency Program
UCLA School of Dentistry
Box 90095 (Rm B3-087 CHS)
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668
vsandoval@dentistry.ucla.edu