Department of Restorative Dental Science

• Advanced Clinical Expertise:
  • Proficiency in diagnosing and treating complex restorative, endodontic, and operative cases.
  • Expertise in esthetic rehabilitation, including porcelain laminate veneers and indirect ceramic restorations.
  • Ability to manage patients with complex endodontic needs, including surgical endodontic therapy and trauma management.
• Scientific & Analytical Skills:
  • Advanced knowledge of the microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of dental biomaterials.
  • Competence in research methodology and statistical techniques to conduct and defend an original thesis.
  • Critical evaluation of scientific literature to support evidence-based clinical decisions.
• Professional & Collaborative Skills:
  • Demonstration of professional behavior, ethical conduct, and lifelong learning.
  • Ability to coordinate comprehensive patient care by interacting effectively with other health practitioners.
  • Mastery of digital workflows for treatment planning and clinical documentation. 

• Degree: A Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS) from KSU or an accredited university.
• GPA:
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25/5.0 (Above Average).
  • Specialty courses at the bachelor’s level must have a minimum GPA of 3.75/5.0 (Very Good).
• English Proficiency: A minimum score of 61 in TOEFL-iBT or an equivalent standardized test.
• Professional Status:
  • Completion of a 1-year internship and receipt of the internship certificate.
  • Occupational classification from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).
• Entrance Exams:
  • Passing a written examination administered by the department.
  • Passing an applied/clinical examination (e.g., in root canal treatment for Endodontics track). 

First Year – First Semester

DENS 517 – Color Science, Biomechanics, and Instrumentation – 1 Credit Hour
DENS 518 – Dental Materials – 1 Credit Hour
DENS 520 – Research Methods & Scientific Writing – 1 Credit Hour
DENS 501 – Advanced Head and Neck Anatomy – 1 Credit Hour
DENS 502 – Advanced Histology – 1 Credit Hour
DENS 503 – Evidence-Based Dentistry – 1 Credit Hour
DENS 504 – Principles of Oral Physiology – 1 Credit Hour
DENS 505 – Oral Pathology Foundations – 1 Credit Hour

Total Basic Core Courses: 8 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester (Specialty Courses Begin)

Operative Dentistry Track (Examples):
DENS 511 – Preclinical Simulation – 2 Credit Hours
DENS 512 – Advanced Cavity Preparations – 2 Credit Hours
DENS 513 – Restorative Materials Application – 2 Credit Hours
DENS 514 – Digital Dentistry Applications – 2 Credit Hours

Endodontics Track (Examples):
DENS 521 – Endodontic Simulation on Extracted Teeth – 2 Credit Hours
DENS 522 – Biological Principles of Pulp Management – 2 Credit Hours
DENS 523 – Endodontic Techniques & Materials – 2 Credit Hours
DENS 524 – Digital Endodontics – 2 Credit Hours

Total Specialty Courses per Semester: 8 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester (Specialty & Advanced Training)

Operative Dentistry or Endodontics Advanced Rotations – 4–6 Credit Hours
Digital Technologies in Clinical Practice – 2–4 Credit Hours

Total Advanced Specialty: 6–10 Credit Hours

Second Year –Second Semester (Research & Thesis Phase)

DENS 590 – Master’s Research Project I – 3 Credit Hours
DENS 591 – Master’s Research Project II – 3 Credit Hours

Total Research & Thesis: 6 Credit Hours

Program Totals

• Basic Core Courses: 8 Credit Hours

• Specialty Courses: 20 Credit Hours

• Advanced Specialty / Clinical Competence: 10–14 Credit Hours

• Research & Thesis: 6 Credit Hours

• Overall Total: 44–48 Credit Hours