A graduate certificate or diploma (the terms are used interchangeably in North America) in dentistry denotes specialization in a sub-field or discipline of dentistry gained through intensive graduate-level study. As such, it supplements an already established area of expertise (in dentistry or not related to the field) and adds value to a previously earned Bachelor's or graduate degree. Delivered in various formats from residential to online, graduate certificates in dentistry comprise 4 - 6 courses (typically 12 - 18 credit hours) taken in a prescribed sequence at the graduate level.
The concurrent graduate certificate or diploma in dentistry allows students currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree program in the field to pursue an in-depth exploration of one aspect of their field. For example, a student working towards a Master's in Dentistry with a specialization in Pediatrics, may take the Graduate Certificate in Orthodontics to augment their expertise.
The stand-alone, direct-entry graduate certificate/diploma program in dentistry provides an opportunity for graduate-level study of theory and research to students who are not interested in pursuing a full graduate degree. This could include professionals with a Bachelor's degree working in the field or anyone who does not have the time or interest in a traditional graduate program in dentistry. Then too, some students who take the stand-alone certificate already have a graduate degree and use their certificate to augment a particular area of interest.
A selection, but not inclusive list, of graduate certificates/diplomas in dentistry includes
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (General)
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Endodontics
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Orthodontics
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Dentistry
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Periodontology
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Programs in Dental Education
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Prosthodontics
Graduate Certificate in Craniofacial Biology
Graduate Certificate in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine
