Founded in 1868, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is an accredited private dental school situated in downtown Boston. Since its inception, Tufts Dental has played an integral part in the development of oral health care services and dental education. The school’s mission is “Education committed to clinical excellence; Knowledge to improve general oral health; Care and Community”. This is accomplished through providing “a contemporary curriculum with themes of integration, as well as a preclinical and clinical environment that incorporates emerging practice models and technologies”. The school also emphasizes the “alignment of research and scholarship to contribute to knowledge and practice for oral and general health”. It provides dental education to diverse predoctoral and postdoctoral students and prepares them to practice dentistry in the 21st century for different patient populations of 4 million people in the greater Boston area, in various dental specialties, and varied practice settings. Tufts’ education occurs in an “environment promoting a culture of inclusivity and contemporary care for faculty, staff, students, alumni and patients locally and globally”. Interdisciplinary care and education is emphasized in the graduate programs where prosthodontic and periodontic residents learn and treat complex patients together. Having the clinics next to each other, as well as having a common shared space for implant planning makes this conducive for positive learning and collegiality. We feel that these ideals and the interactions between the two departments bring a wonderful opportunity for ITI scholars to thrive at TUSDM.

During the Scholarship year, the ITI Scholar will participate in the following clinical activities: 

☒      Treatment planning sessions  
☐      Performing oral hygiene procedures and maintenance   
☒      Observing patient treatment  
☒      Assisting in patient treatment  
☒      Treating patients under faculty supervision 
     ☒      Placing implants  
      ☒      Restoring implants  
☐      Treating patients alone  
     ☐      Placing implants  
     ☐      Restoring implants  
☒      Laboratory and procedures associated with treatment 

ITI Scholars will need to obtain a limited license to work with patients. Language skills and level needed to work with/treat patients: English 

During the Scholarship year, the ITI Scholar will participate in the following research activities:  

☒      Development and coordinated involvement with existing center research activities
☒      Involvement in preclinical research
☐      Involvement in translational research
☐      Involvement in clinical research
☒      Mentors will be assigned to the Scholar according to their research preference
☒      Scholars will be able to start their own research projects

The Scholar's time will be allocated to the activities below as follows (estimate): 

• 20% patient care
• 40% research
• 20% didactic (lectures and/or courses the Scholar can attend)
• 20% teaching

The lectures, classes and/or courses the Scholar can attend will be held in the following language: English 

Language requirements: 

☒      Basic language skills in English are required and skills higher than basic are an advantage
☒      Language required for treating patients (legal requirements): English0 
☒      Language skills and level needed to follow lectures and engage in day-to-day conversation: English
☒      TOEFL or IELTS certificate as proof of proficiency in English (for non-native English speakers) by the beginning of the ITI Scholarship year.

TOEFL or IELTS scores within 2 years will be acceptable. Applicants must meet the minimum sections scores of the following (higher scores preferred):

TOEFL
a. Reading - 21
b. Listening - 17
c. Speaking - 24
d. Writing - 25

IELTS
a. Reading – 6.5
b. Listening - 6
c. Speaking – 7.5
d. Writing – 6.5  

Special requirements: 

Minimum 3 years' clinical experience. At least two years' postgraduate training in Periodontology, Oral surgery or Prosthodontics. Research experience supported by scientific publications is desired.

Scholarship Center Chair: Dr. Damian Lee
Department of Prosthodontics
One Kneeland Street - Boston, MA 02111

E-mail:  [email protected]