Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry

• Scientific Synthesis: Critically evaluate and synthesize biological and dental science literature to support evidence-based clinical decisions.
• Research Proficiency: Design, execute, and defend a high-quality research thesis that addresses specific gaps in oral health knowledge.
• Ethical Leadership: Demonstrate a commitment to professional ethics, patient autonomy, and the legal standards of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

• Advanced Diagnostics: Mastery in diagnosing complex periodontal and peri-implant diseases using state-of-the-art imaging and clinical assessment.
• Surgical Competency: Proficiency in performing advanced periodontal surgeries, including regenerative procedures and dental implant placements.
• Therapeutic Management: Ability to manage medically compromised patients requiring specialized periodontal interventions.

• Epidemiological Analysis: Skills to assess the prevalence of dental diseases within the Saudi population using advanced biostatistical tools.
• Public Health Strategy: Ability to design, implement, and evaluate large-scale preventive programs and oral health policies.
• Resource Management: Efficiency in managing public health clinics and community-based outreach initiatives.

• Utilization of advanced dental technology (lasers, 3D imaging, and digital workflows).
• Mastery of statistical software for dental research analysis.
• Effective communication and teaching skills for academic environments.

• Academic Degree: A Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS) from KSU or an accredited university recognized by the Ministry of Education.
• Minimum GPA: A cumulative GPA of at least “Above Average” (3.25/5.0) or equivalent. Additionally, the GPA for specialized courses during the bachelor’s stage must be at least “Very Good” (3.75/5.0).
• English Proficiency: A minimum score of 61 on the TOEFL-IBT or an equivalent score on a recognized English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS).
• Clinical Internship: Completion of a mandatory 1-year internship and receipt of the internship certificate before starting the program.
• Professional Classification: Must obtain professional classification from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) prior to commencement.
• Entrance Exams: Successful completion of a written examination and, for certain clinical tracks, a practical/applied examination held by the department.

First Year – First Semester

Focus: Foundational & Basic Sciences

DENS510 – Biostatistics in Dentistry – 1 Credit Hour
DENS511 – Advanced Oral Biology – 1 Credit Hour
DENS512 – Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology – 1 Credit Hour

First Year – Second Semester

Track-Specific Courses

Periodontics Track

Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology – Credit Hours as per program plan
Advanced Pharmacology in Dentistry – Credit Hours as per program plan

Community Dentistry Track

Introduction to Public Health – Credit Hours as per program plan
Environmental Health – Credit Hours as per program plan
General Epidemiology – Credit Hours as per program plan

Second Year – First Semester

Focus: Advanced Specialty & Research Initiation

DENS520 – Research Methods & Scientific Writing – 1 Credit Hour

Second Year – Second Semester

Track-Specific Advanced Courses

Periodontics Track

Clinical Dental Therapeutics – Credit Hours as per program plan
Dental Implantology – Credit Hours as per program plan
Advanced Periodontics II – Credit Hours as per program plan

Community Dentistry Track

Advanced Oral Epidemiology – Credit Hours as per program plan
Health Planning & Evaluation – Credit Hours as per program plan
Health Administration – Credit Hours as per program plan

Third Year – First Semester

Focus: Clinical Mastery

Advanced Clinical Practice – Continuous Specialized Clinical Rotations

Specialty Seminars – Credit Hours as per program plan
Recent Advances in Dentistry – Credit Hours as per program plan

Third Year – Second Semester

Focus: Thesis Completion

Thesis Research – Credit Hours as per program plan
Thesis Defense – Successful Completion and Public Defense