Periodontics Certificate
The Advanced Education Program in Periodontics is research-oriented and has trained clinician-scientists for careers in academia, research, teaching, or industry for more than 40 years.
FALL 2026 ENROLLMENT | Check Back Spring 2025 for Deadline
Program Director
Lisa Yerke, DDS MS
Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, 250 Squire Hall
lmyerke@buffalo.edu
About the Program
This program leads to a certificate of advanced study in Periodontics.
The primary long-term objective of this program is to train clinician-scientists who desire a career in academic dentistry, research, and/or industry. As such, research is a required component of the program. Students interested in the Periodontics program are expected to simultaneously enroll in a research degree program.
Research program options are detailed below.
Accreditation
The program in periodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of accredited without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is www.ada.org/en/coda.
Length of Study
The clinical program length is 33 months of full-time attendance beginning August 1st, the first year. Combined programs may entail a longer period of matriculation depending on the chosen graduate program. Students concurrent enrolled in a Master's program typically complete both programs within three years. Students opting for a PhD program typically complete both programs within five or six years.
Acceptance into any research program is a separate process. Research program options include, but are not limited to:
School of Dental Medicine:
MS in Oral Sciences | MS in Biomaterials | PhD in Oral Biology
School of Public Health and Health Professions:
MS in Epidemiology | Master of Public Health | PhD in Epidemiology
Admission is highly competitive and early application is recommended. If admitted to the Periodontics program, the applicant must submit an application to their research program of choice by the specified application deadline.
Our Residents
Our residents train together and come from a variety of backgrounds and institutions. We typically accept two to three new students each year.
(L-R) Dr. Rayan Alsuwailem, Dr. Omar Glover, Dr. Dam Soh, Dr. Layla Arab, Dr. Laura Cavallari, Director Dr. Lisa Yerke, Dr. Sawsan Almawla, Dr. Maryam Razmi, Dr. Marah Damdoum, Dr. Yahya Atassi, Dr. Isolde Rojas, and Dr. Saif Haif
Proven Success
Our students consistently score in the top 5% on National Examinations