Building on its portfolio of advanced degree options, Penn Dental Medicine has launched a new hybrid master’s program, the Master of Advanced Dental Studies (MADS), where students will take courses through an interactive online platform and attend a six-week on-campus clinical rotation. The new program is designed for clinicians who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills as dental practitioners. Students will have the opportunity to choose from seven specialty programs: Endodontics, Orthodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.

“The MADS program is unique among U.S. dental schools, as it gives clinicians the opportunity to pursue professional enrichment to enhance their career while providing the flexibility to do so while continuing their dental practice or training,” says Dr. Esra Sahingur, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Student Research and the MADS Program Director. “This global program will bring together a diverse group of clinicians and we are all very excited to welcome our first cohort.”

The curriculum offers a broad range of relevant courses, from in-depth seminars to discussion-based lectures, which culminates in an on-campus clinical rotation. During the clinical rotations, students will review cases, develop diagnosis and treatment planning, and observe various clinical procedures. Additionally, students will be assigned a mentor within their specialty to empower their professional development.

“The program will expose participants to the latest innovations and technological advances in dentistry and deepen their knowledge in basic and clinical sciences,” adds Dr. Sahingur.

The MADS program will welcome the first cohort in July 2022.