Geriatric Dentistry
Geriatric Dentistry Master Program
The Master of Science or Certificate in Geriatric Dentistry program is suitable for dentists interested in learning more in-depth knowledge about the unique needs of older adult patients. The program will have a combined focus on the common medical, physical, psychological, and social factors influencing the patient; and, in developing subsequent treatment plan priorities. Thorough discussions and recommended treatments for oral lesions and orofacial pain conditions more likely to be seen in older adult cohorts are covered.
- We are accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and University Committee of Academic Review (UCAR)
- We are not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- We do not provide a stipend, and this is not a clinical training program
Application Deadlines
- Fall – July 15th
- Spring – November 15th
- Summer – April 15th
More Program Information
| Student Type | US/International Dentists |
| Required Work Experience | DDS (or equivalent) |
| Rolling Admission | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Estimated Program Length** | 37 months** |
| Courses | 17 courses |
| Units | 30.5 |
| Delivery Format | (90%) online learning and (10%) educational activities |
| Typical Week | 2-3 weekly streaming video lectures, one live weekly video conference and online quizzes |
| Employment Impact | Ability to continue working full time with classes |
| On-Ground Bootcamp (summer only) | Yes (1 week) |
| Capstone Project | Students to prepare and present a research paper (usually a systematic review) on a topic in orofacial pain, oral medicine or dental sleep medicine |
| Program Type | part time |
| Estimated Tuition* | $2354 unit |
**Following the approved program of study. Actual completion time may vary depending on the length of time required to complete your courses.
*adjusted annually
Geriatric Dentistry Certificate Program
If you are interested in the medical conditions that affect older patients, consider applying to the Online Certificate in Geriatric Dentistry. This program is a unique and innovative opportunity for practicing dentists and dental hygienists who want to learn more on a wide variety of issues while focusing on the unique dental needs of older adult patients within the context of their medical, psycho-social, and physical conditions.
- We are accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and University Committee of Academic Review (UCAR)
- We are not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- We do not provide a stipend, and this is not a clinical training program
Application Deadlines
- Fall – July 15th
- Spring – November 15th
- Summer – April 15th
More Program Information
| Student Type | US/International Dentists/Dental Hygenists |
| Required Work Experience | DDS (or equivalent) / RDH (or equivalent) |
| Rolling Admission | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Estimated Program Length** | 12.5 months |
| Courses | 8 courses |
| Units | 12 |
| Delivery Format | (90%) online learning and (10%) educational activities |
| Typical Week | 2-3 weekly streaming video lectures, one live weekly video conference and online quizzes |
| Employment Impact | Ability to continue working full time with classes |
| On-Ground Bootcamp (summer only) | Yes (1 week) |
| Program Type | part time |
| Estimated Tuition* | $2354 unit |
**Following the approved program of study. Actual completion time may vary depending on the length of time required to complete your courses.
*adjusted annually
Student Testimonials
“The more I cared for older patients the more I realized that I really didn’t know as much as I needed to and that I needed to learn more and seek out more training in Geriatric Dentistry.”
“The fact that it was a hybrid program meant I could do it while still working and staying in my current location. That was huge.”
Limited Status Enrollment
The Limited Status Enrollment program is intended for individuals who wish to take a limited number of courses at USC without enrolling in a full program. Limited Status Students still have access to all the same resources that traditional, full-time students have; they’re able to interact with the cohort and join a collaborative learning experience. Becoming a Limited Status Student is the perfect way to see if a complete Master or Certificate program is a good fit!
Instructions to Register as a Limited Status Student:
- Contact us at online@ostrow.usc.edu. We will provide further instructions on registering.
- Complete the Limited Status Registration Form.
- Submit the form and $100 processing fee to the Registrar One Stop Center in person or by mail.
If you are unable to submit the form in person, you may designate a representative to act on your behalf. Please contact online@ostrow.usc.edu for specifics on the documentation needed to designate a representative.
If you wish to mail in your form, please include a copy of your driver’s license or passport. If you wish to mail your payment, please consider using certified mail.
Registrar One Stop Center
700 Childs Way, JHH 106
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0912
Phone: (213) 740-8500
Setting Up Your Account and Paying Fees:
Once we process your request, we will email you confirmation of your registration. To pay your tuition bill and to view other student services, please visit the Student Financial Services page.
You can also visit MyUSC, your personalized online portal at the University of Southern California that provides access to a variety of campus resources.
- Financial Aid is not available for limited status students.
Master Curriculum
The Geriatric Dentistry Master’s is a 3-year program. Courses outlined by trimester are completed throughout the 3-year period.
Online Courses
Summer Trimester
OFPM 702a Soft Tissue Disease for Dental Residents (1 unit)
Instructor: Dr. Anette Vistoso
This two trimester course involves lectures on mucosal, cutaneous, gingival, salivary diseases and local anesthesia methods and minor surgical procedures in the oral and maxillofacial region.
OFPM 704 Bony Pathology, Radiology and Advanced Imaging for Dental Residents (1 unit)
Instructor: Dr. Reyes Enciso
Lectures on the osseous and odontogenic pathologies in the oral and maxillofacial region, plus information about the various imaging methods used to examine this anatomic region.
GDEN 712d Capstone Research Project for GDEN Students (0.5 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This is a four trimester course where residents conduct and write up a report on their selected topic (usually a systematic review) and defend it in front of the faculty review committee.
GDEN 713 Common Systemic Conditions in Older Patients (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This series of lectures will educate the resident about the aging patient. Highlighted areas will include dementia, Parkinson’s disease, common cancers, renal and bladder issues, sexually transmitted diseases, elder abuse issues, post-menopausal issues (including osteoporosis, andropausal issues and BPH), and hearing and vision disorders in aging patients.
Fall Trimester
GDEN 733 Research Methodologies in Dentistry (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Reyes Enciso
This course focuses on the basic elements of clinical research design and teaches how to critically assess the literature.
GDEN 712b Capstone Research Project for GDEN Students (0.5 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This is a four trimester course where residents conduct and write up a report on their selected topic (usually a systematic review) and defend it in front of the faculty review committee.
GDEN 714 Topics in Gerontology (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
The purpose of this course is to educate the student about common gerontology topics. Lectures will include clinical assessment tools for geriatric patients, policy issues, myths and theories of aging, social supports, housing arrangements, consent and other legal issues, successful aging principles, communication in the clinical setting, self-help tools to successful aging, sociology, kinesiology, behavior management, balance, falls and physical and occupational therapy.
GDEN 722 Internal Medicine and Systemic Disease for Dental Residents (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of common systemic diseases and how they may affect the oral health of the patient; and conversely, how medications and other treatments for oral conditions may have adverse effects on systemic disease. Each session of the course will involve the study of a particular system and the possible conditions related. An understanding of the physiology, histology, pathology and pathophysiology of the relevant systems will be covered.
GDEN 730 OFPM Case Portfolio Preparation for Dental Residents (0.5 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This is a case portfolio presentation course where students must: (A) participate in weekly online (web-based) conference presentations and discussions of de-identified patient cases on orofacial pain and Oral medicine that have been posted for discussion and analysis; (B) oral and written presentation of assigned weekly cases; (C) based on these weekly discussions the students will be given a set of case-driven learning need assignments that they must deliver within two to three weeks after the assignment at the appropriate scheduled weekly follow-up case conference.
GDEN 731 Case Portfolio Preparation for GDEN Students (0.5 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This is a case portfolio presentation course where students must: (A) participate in weekly online (web-based) conference presentations and discussions of de-identified patient cases on geriatric dentistry issues that have been posted for discussion and analysis; (B) oral and written presentation of assigned weekly cases; (C) based on these weekly discussions the students will be given a set of case-driven learning need assignments that they must deliver within two to three weeks after the assignment at the appropriate scheduled weekly follow-up case conference.
OFPM 704 Bony Pathology, Radiology, and Advanced Imaging for Dental Residents (1 unit)
Instructor: Dr. Elham Radan
Review of the oral and maxillofacial region osseous and odontogenic pathologies and the various imaging methods used to examine this anatomic region.
OFPM 707 Pharmacology Series for Dental Residents (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Glenn T. Clark
Lectures on common medications used in the practice of oral medicine and chronic orofacial pain, and discussion about medication interactions.
OFPM 726 Immunology and Immunosuppression for Dental Residents (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Anette Vistoso
Lectures on immunology and immunosuppression for oral and maxillofacial disease.
Spring Trimester
GDEN 712a Capstone Research Project for GDEN Students (½ unit)
Instructor: Dr. Reyes Enciso
This is a four trimester course where residents conduct and write up a report on their selected topic (usually a systematic review) and defend it in front of the faculty review committee.
GDEN 712c Capstone Research Project for GDEN Students (½ unit)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This is a four trimester course where residents conduct and write up a report on their selected topic (usually a systematic review) and defend it in front of the faculty review committee.
GDEN 715 Geriatric Dentistry Issues (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
Each session of the course will involve the study of a particular topic in Geriatric Dentistry, including prevention, diagnosis, dental restorative materials and treatment, as well as practice management and dental care delivery models.
GDEN 725 Epidemiology, Nutrition and Aging for Dental Residents (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
Lectures on the epidemiology of oral diseases and nutritional topics as related to the aging patient. Highlighted areas will include the epidemiology of oral disease in the elderly; the most common systemic diseases and the changes in disease presentations seen with aging; and various aspects of nutrition in the aging population, including its effects upon healing and maintaining the health of the oral tissues as aging occurs.
GDEN 730 OFPM Case Portfolio Preparation for Dental Residents (½ unit)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This is a case portfolio presentation course where students must: (A) participate in weekly online (web-based) conference presentations and discussions of de-identified patient cases on orofacial pain and Oral medicine that have been posted for discussion and analysis; (B) oral and written presentation of assigned weekly cases; (C) based on these weekly discussions the students will be given a set of case-driven learning need assignments that they must deliver within two to three weeks after the assignment at the appropriate scheduled weekly follow-up case conference.
GDEN 731 Case Portfolio Preparation for GDEN Students (½ unit)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This is a case portfolio presentation course where students must: (A) participate in weekly online (web-based) conference presentations and discussions of de-identified patient cases on geriatric dentistry issues that have been posted for discussion and analysis; (B) oral and written presentation of assigned weekly cases; (C) based on these weekly discussions the students will be given a set of case-driven learning need assignments that they must deliver within two to three weeks after the assignment at the appropriate scheduled weekly follow-up case conference.
OFPM 702a Soft Tissue Disease (1 units)
Instructor: Dr. Anette Vistoso
Seminars on the various mucosal, cutaneous, gingival and salivary diseases and lesions in the oral and maxillofacial region.
OFPM 705 Neurogenic Based Oral and Facial Pains for Dental Residents (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Glenn T. Clark
Lectures on the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures appropriate for chronic neurogenic-based pain disorders that occur in the orofacial region.
OPR 701 Bone Pathology and Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (1 Unit)
Instructor: Dr. Elham Radan
Lectures and seminars on the role of conventional dental imaging in the diagnosis of head and neck pathology along with the basics of various medical radiographic modalities such as MRI, PET-Scan, and CT.
On-Ground Courses
Summer Trimester
GDEN 710 Knowledge Assessment for GDEN Students (1 unit)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This course focuses on 5 days of practical training and 3 days of competency testing of the geriatric dentistry students with multiple methods, including: (1) written theoretical papers based on a set of case problems; (2) multiple choice/short answer comprehensive exam based on all content covered in the prior year; (3) practical examinations and (4) oral examinations. This assessment course is based on the courses that the students have taken in previous year(s).
GDEN 732 Case Portfolio Defense for GDEN students (0.5 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This is a case portfolio defense course where students must work up 18 patient cases, submit their written and narrated case work up and attend an in person oral defense in front of the faculty panel. There will be GDEN 730 (2 trimesters in Year 1) and GDEN 731 (2 trimesters in Year 2) and GDEN 732 is at the summer trimester of year 3 unless otherwise arranged. Progressively across these 5 trimesters, the residents are expected to select, prepare and defend their e-Portfolio that includes their own 18 patient cases worked up. The specific focus of GDEN 732 in the last trimester (summer of year 3) of the master program will involve the residents in the presentation and defense of their approach to 18 patient cases that they have documented. These 18 cases are due at the end of the 3rd year (Spring trimester).
Certificate Curriculum
The Geriatric Dentistry Certificate is a 12.5 month program. Courses outlined by trimester are completed throughout the 12.5 month period.
Online Courses
Summer Trimester
GDEN-713 Common Systemic Conditions in Older Patients (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
This series of lectures will educate the resident about the aging patient. Highlighted areas will include dementia, Parkinson’s disease, common cancers, renal and bladder issues, sexually transmitted diseases, elder abuse issues, post-menopausal issues including osteoporosis, andropausal issues and BPH, and hearing and vision disorders in aging patients.
Fall Trimester
GDEN-722 Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases for Dental Residents (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
Seminars on common systemic diseases and the potential interactions with oral disease and treatment.
GDEN 731 Case Portfolio Preparation for GDEN Students (0.5 units)
This is a case portfolio presentation course where students must: (A) participate in weekly online (web-based) conference presentations and discussions of de-identified patient cases on geriatric dentistry issues that have been posted for discussion and analysis; (B) oral and written presentation of assigned weekly cases; (C) based on these weekly discussions the students will be given a set of case-driven learning need assignments that they must deliver within two to three weeks after the assignment at the appropriate scheduled weekly follow-up case conference. The students are expected to select, prepare and defend their e-Porfolio that includes their own 6 patient cases worked up. At the end of the certificate program, the residents need to present and defend of their approach to 6 patient cases that they have documented.
Spring Trimester
GDEN-714 Topics in Gerontology (2 units)
Gerontology topics for dentists, including clinical assessment tools for aging patients, policy issues, myths, social supports, and consent and communication issues in the clinical setting.
GDEN 715 Geriatric Dentistry Issues (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
Each session of the course will involve the study of a particular topic in Geriatric Dentistry, including prevention, diagnosis, dental restorative materials and treatment, as well as practice management and dental care delivery models.
GDEN 725 Epidemiology, Nutrition and Aging for Dental Residents (2 units)
Instructor: Dr. Roseann Mulligan
Lectures on the epidemiology of oral diseases and nutritional topics as related to the aging patient. Highlighted areas will include the epidemiology of oral disease in the elderly; the most common systemic diseases and the changes in disease presentations seen with aging; and various aspects of nutrition in the aging population, including its effects upon healing and maintaining the health of the oral tissues as aging occurs.
GDEN 731 Case Portfolio Preparation for GDEN Students (½ unit)
This is a case portfolio presentation course where students must: (A) participate in weekly online (web-based) conference presentations and discussions of de-identified patient cases on geriatric dentistry issues that have been posted for discussion and analysis; (B) oral and written presentation of assigned weekly cases; (C) based on these weekly discussions the students will be given a set of case-driven learning need assignments that they must deliver within two to three weeks after the assignment at the appropriate scheduled weekly follow-up case conference. The students are expected to select, prepare and defend their e-Porfolio that includes their own 6 patient cases worked up. At the end of the certificate program, the residents need to present and defend of their approach to 6 patient cases that they have documented.
On-Ground Courses
Summer Trimester
GDEN 710 Knowledge Assessment for GDEN Students (1 unit)
Instructor: Roseann Mulligan
This course focuses on 5 days of practical training and 3 days of competency testing of the geriatric dentistry students with multiple methods, including: (1) written theoretical papers based on a set of case problems; (2) multiple choice/short answer comprehensive exam based on all content covered in the prior year; (3) practical examinations and (4) oral examinations. This assessment course is based on the courses that the students have taken in previous year(s).