Program Overview
The Master of Advanced Dental Studies (MADS) is a highly flexible graduate program designed for dentists who want to advance your academic foundation, strengthen your clinical understanding, or enhance your competitiveness for advanced dental education programs.
Created to serve a global community of dental professionals, MADS welcomes:
- Dentists worldwide seeking high‑quality academic enrichment.
- U.S. graduates and practicing dentists looking to update and deepen your expertise through a structured, one‑year program.
Since its launch in 2022, our graduates have successfully progressed to postgraduate training programs, advanced standing dental school programs for international students, clinical practice, and academic careers, demonstrating the program’s strong outcomes and international relevance.
Our hybrid curriculum blends synchronous and asynchronous coursework with on‑campus clinical rotations, allowing you to personalize your experience through a chosen concentration, targeted elective courses, and faculty mentorship.
Eligibility
You must hold a dental degree (BDS, DDS, DMD, or equivalent).
Program Highlights
Flexible, Personalized Learning
You may enroll in up to 1.0 course unit of electives per semester, customizing your online curriculum with multiple elective options across all Penn Dental Medicine programs. This flexibility enables you to tailor the curriculum to your professional goals, whether expanding clinical depth, exploring new areas of interest, or preparing for competitive postgraduate training.
Clinical Exposure
All MADS students complete six weeks of on‑campus clinical rotations, working with our world-renowned faculty and observing clinical decision‑making in real time.
Optional Clinical Scholar Recognition
If you choose to extend your on‑campus clinical engagement by an additional six weeks, you may earn our prestigious Clinical Scholar recognition, further distinguishing your professional profile.
Dedicated Mentorship & Academic Support
Throughout the program, you will work closely with a faculty mentor in your chosen concentration. Our mentors provide individualized guidance, academic coaching, and ongoing support to help students meet your goals.
Program Structure
The MADS program is designed as an intensive, one‑year academic experience that offers both structure and flexibility. You will select one concentration that aligns with your professional interests:
Within your concentration, you will engage in specialized coursework, elective options, and faculty‑guided experiences that prepare you for advanced training, global practice, or academic pathways.
Tuition & Fees »
Admissions and Application »
Contact
Program Director
Sinem Esra Sahingur, DDS, MS, PhD
For information about the applications/admissions, please contact:
PDM-MADSAdmissions@dental.upenn.edu
For general information about the programs, please contact:
PDM-MADS@dental.upenn.edu