Cariology & Operative Dentistry

Get advanced education in cariology and operative dentistry

Contact us

Office of Graduate Education
1121 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
  • Phone: 317-274-8408
  • Email: dsgrad@iu.edu

As a student in the Graduate Cariology and Operative Dentistry Program at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, you will receive advanced didactic and clinical training in preventive dentistry strategies, direct and indirect restorative materials and techniques, implant restoration, and dental esthetics as you work toward a Master of Science in Dentistry degree.

Guided by a treatment philosophy of minimally invasive intervention, the three-year program has an evidence-based curriculum that incorporates the most current advancements in cariology, dental biomaterials, CAD/CAM technology, and smile design. The program also provides valuable didactic and clinical teaching experience.

Upon completion of the program, you will be well prepared for dental school faculty positions teaching didactic and clinical courses in cariology, operative dentistry, dental materials, and dental esthetics to pre- and postdoctoral students.

About the Master of Science in Dentistry degree program

The Master of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D.) degree and a clinical certificate are awarded upon completion of required didactic and clinical coursework, oral and written qualifying exams, and a research project culminating in a thesis or journal manuscript. This is a combined degree/certificate program; the school does not offer the option to earn only a clinical certificate.

The M.S.D. program starts the first week of July each year; students may not enter the program in the spring semester. If you are an international student, you must arrive on campus at the end of May to complete the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) placement test.

View the degree requirements

Core competencies

If you successfully complete the program, you will be able to demonstrate competency in:

  • Managing caries risk patients based on Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA)
  • Discussing current direct and indirect dental restorative materials (gold, dental amalgam, ceramics, glass ionomer cement, and resin-matrix composite), including associated setting reactions, physical properties, and indications and contraindications for their clinical use
  • Performing routine and advanced restorative procedures
  • Demonstrating a broad knowledge base of dental restorative materials and procedures
  • Demonstrating knowledge of current restorative dentistry scientific literature
  • Developing and presenting evidence-based restorative dentistry lectures
  • Developing a research protocol and performing controlled dental research

How to apply

You will use the IU Graduate CAS Application to apply for admission to the program.

The application deadline is September 1 each year.

Learn how to apply

Costs and financial aid

M.S.D. students pay an annual flat rate for tuition. The rate varies based on your residency classification (whether you’re considered an in-state or out-of-state student). Other costs include university fees and instrument rental or purchase.

Federal student loans are available to qualified students. A limited number of small scholarships are awarded by academic departments.

Learn more about costs and financial aid

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