Department of Periodontics: Students

One of our foremost goals in the Department of Periodontics is to encourage the spirit of inquiry among our post-graduate students, as we help them develop into future leaders in the specialty. Our philosophy is one that derives from critical thinking and analysis of available data. 

The specialty of Periodontics is constantly changing as new information becomes available.  Exploring all possibilities and considering the perspectives of the faculty in our large department, as well as the periodontal literature, is an important part of graduate education.  Taking part in a debate among faculty is a far more valuable experience than being indoctrinated in a “departmental philosophy."

For example, our literature review is a forum for faculty and residents to openly discuss and express divergent views.  The opportunity for all to be comfortable exchanging ideas relative to controversial issues is a key component of our progressive program.  It is critical to avoid a dogmatic approach to patient care; our residents are encouraged to explore multiple ways of handling each clinical problem they encounter while here at UIC. 

Our program has as its foundation a strong clinical experience.  In addition to routine treatment of periodontitis that includes resective and/or regenerative therapy, we now have many other modalities available to us to help our patients maintain a functional and esthetic dentition.  These include periodontal plastic surgery, endosseous implants, site preservation and development for implants (guided bone regeneration, sinus augmentation, block grafts from the ramus or chin, distraction otseogenesis).  The faculty in our department and I ensure that all of our residents have ample opportunity to achieve proficiency in both treatment planning and execution of these surgical procedures.  It is also important that our residents leave our program with the ability to critically evaluate new research, information, and products available to help in the treatment of our patients. 

One way to achieve this goal is to contribute to knowledge to the periodontal community through completion of a research project.  In developing a research question, planning experiments to address the question, and finally analyzing their data, residents develop the ability to critically evaluate the work of others.  As an essential part of graduate education, this will allow the future periodontist to continue to grow and remain current throughout their many years of clinical practice.

The City of Chicago is a tremendous resource both professionally for the programs at the UIC College of Dentistry, and personally for all who study here.  Any aspiring periodontist needs adequate numbers of patients with diverse needs for optimal post graduate training.  The Chicago area includes a population of over 10 million people, many of whom need our services.  Our location is conducive to meeting the needs of our patients as well as the educational needs of our students.  Chicago is an exiting and very livable city, though metropolitan in many ways, it is also a wholesome environment in which to live and raise a family.  The opportunities to experience a wide variety of cultural, sports, dining and other activities are endless.  Some of the best schools in the nation are available in the metropolitan Chicago area.  The mass transit system is second to none, allowing easy commuting for work and leisure.  One may choose to live in the downtown area or in one of many suburbs with easy access to UIC.  In fact, depending on what location you choose, a privately owned vehicle may not be needed.    

On behalf of the faculty of UIC, I wish you much success in your search for graduate education opportunities in the specialty of Periodontics.  I hope you will consider our UIC as you are looking for a program that fits your educational goals.  I invite you to browse our website for more information about our program and UIC’s College of Dentistry.