Program Overview
The Master of Advanced Dental Studies (MADS) is a highly flexible, graduate program designed for dentists seeking to advance their academic foundation, strengthen clinical understanding, or enhance their 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 their expertise through a structured, one‑year program.
Since its launch in 2022, graduates have successfully progressed to post graduate training programs, advanced standing dental school programs for international students, clinical practice, and academic careers, demonstrating the program’s strong outcomes and international relevance.
The hybrid curriculum blends synchronous and asynchronous coursework with on‑campus clinical rotations, allowing students to personalize their experience through a chosen concentration, targeted elective courses, and faculty mentorship.
Eligibility: Applicants must hold a dental degree (BDS, DDS, DMD, or equivalent).
Program Highlights
Flexible, Personalized Learning
Students may enroll in up to 1.0 course unit of electives per semester, customizing their online curriculum with multiple elective options across all Penn Dental Medicine programs. This flexibility enables students to tailor the curriculum to their 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 world renowned faculty and observing clinical decision‑making in real time.
Optional Clinical Scholar Recognition
Students who choose to extend their on‑campus clinical engagement by an additional six weeks may earn the prestigious Clinical Scholar recognition, further distinguishing their professional profile.
Dedicated Mentorship & Academic Support
Throughout the program, each student works closely with a faculty mentor in their chosen concentration. Mentors provide individualized guidance, academic coaching, and ongoing support to help students meet their goals.
Program Structure
The MADS program is designed as an intensive, one‑year academic experience that offers both structure and flexibility. Students select one concentration that aligns with their professional interests:
Within their concentration, students engage in specialized coursework, elective options, and faculty‑guided experiences that prepare them 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