Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics

  • Total # of Credit hours
    106

Program Overview

Mission Statement:

The Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics at Ajman University is committed to developing elite prosthodontic specialists who exemplify clinical excellence, academic leadership, and ethical responsibility. Through advanced, research-integrated clinical training, scholarly innovation, and purposeful community engagement, the program empowers graduates to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based prosthodontic care of the highest calibre. Graduates will emerge as leaders capable of shaping the future of oral healthcare through their contributions to education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the advancement of prosthodontic science and practice.

 

  1. Admission Requirements to Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics

 

  1. - Applicants must hold one of the following academic qualifications:
    • A Master’s degree in Prosthodontics, or Restorative Dentistry, or an equivalent discipline; or
    • A Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS or DDS) with a minimum cumulative GPA of

3.2 on a 4.0 scale or its officially recognized equivalent. In addition, the applicant must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Have published at least one scientific paper in a peer-reviewed journal; or
  • Have achieved a minimum grade of 80% in the graduation project

In specific cases, applicants may be considered for conditional admission in accordance with Ajman University policies.

  1. Applicants who have not completed an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the language of instruction must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English before admission. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer- based), or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required for admission to the program.

 

  1. Two letters of recommendation from two prosthodontics course coordinators who have known the applicant and are familiar with his/her work confirm his proficiency in

 

  1. Interview: Applicants to the Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics program will be interviewed by a minimum of two senior faculty members to assess their suitability for admission.

 

 

  1. Medical clearance: The applicant should be medically fit to study, and particular immunization status against blood-borne infectious diseases needs to be ascertained.

 

 

B)  Conditional Admissions:

 

A student will be considered for conditional admission to the DClinDent Prosthodontics program in one of the following situations; Research Proposa

 

  1. Conditional Admission due to Non-fulfillment of Cumulative GPA Requirement: An applicant may be offered a conditional admission due to non-fulfillment of cumulative GPA condition, if he/she satisfies the following:
    1. He / She is a holder of a bachelor degree in Dentistry issued from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research, UAE
    2. He/She holds a Bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or its "

 

  1. He / She has attained English proficiency requirements as indicated in general admissions (see section A above). Such a student must meet the following requirements during the period of conditional admission or be subject to dismissal:

 

  • May take a maximum of eleven credit hours in the first semester of study;
  • Must achieve an overall grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale in the first eleven credit hours of the proposed new program.

 

  1. Conditional Admissions due to Non-fulfillment of English Proficiency Requirement: An applicant may be offered a conditional admission due to non-fulfillment of English Proficiency requirement, if he/she satisfies the following:
  • He / She is a holder bachelor degree in Dentistry issued from an accredited university

by the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research, UAE.

  • His / Her bachelor degree was completed with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3 on a scale of 4.0, or its equivalent
  • He/she has attained a score between 530 and 550 in TOEFL or its equivalent. Such a student must meet the following requirements during the period of conditional admission or be subject to dismissal:

 

  • Must achieve a TOEFL or IELTS score as specified in the general requirements (see A above) by the end of the student’s first semester of study;
  • May take a maximum of nine credit hours in the first semester of the proposed new program;
  • Must achieve an overall grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale in the first nine credit hours of the proposed new program.

 

 Graduation requirements

The Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics degree shall be awarded upon the successful fulfillment of the following requirements, demonstrating advanced academic achievement, clinical excellence, and scholarly contribution:

1.     Academic Excellence:

Completion of the full curriculum comprises 106 credit hours. Candidates must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Failure to meet this threshold necessitates enrollment in additional clinical coursework in subsequent semesters, as prescribed by the academic advisor, to achieve the required academic standing.

 

2.     Clinical Competence:

Fulfillment of the clinical training requirements, including the comprehensive treatment of assigned patients across a range of complex prosthodontic cases, in accordance with the program’s competency-based clinical framework. The attached document outlines the minimum clinical requirements for graduation, which cover the following core domains: Fixed Prosthodontics

 

  • Removable Prosthodontics (Complete and Partial Dentures)
  • Implant Dentistry
  • Maxillofacial Prosthetics
  • Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
  • Occlusion
  • Restorative Dentistry (including Endodontics and Operative Procedures)
  • Periodontics
  • Endodontics
  • Aesthetic Dentistry
  • Digital Dentistry
  • Clinical Rotations
  • Logbook Documentation (clinical cases)
  • Self-Directed Innovation Log
  • Reflective Practice and Peer Review
  • Portfolio of Complex Cases

These components collectively ensure that candidates achieve comprehensive clinical competence, maintain systematic case documentation, and are well-prepared for advanced independent practice and leadership in prosthodontics.

 

3.     Research Contribution:

Thesis Requirements

Graduate students pursuing a professional doctorate degree at Ajman University are required to complete a dissertation based on original research, conducted under the supervision of their designated supervisor. As part of the program’s research component, students must successfully pass three key examinations:

  • Comprehensive Examination, as described in the PRO715 Research Proposal
  • Proposal Defense Examination, as described in the PRO715 Research Proposal
  • Submission of Research
  • Dissertation Submission and Defense Examination, as described in the DPR928 Thesis Preparation V course.

Publication Requirements

Doctoral students are required to publish, or provide confirmation of final acceptance of, research papers derived from their dissertation in peer-reviewed journals recognized by Ajman University, prior to submitting a dissertation defense request.

As a minimum requirement for professional doctorate programs, such as the Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics, a completed manuscript must be submitted to an internationally recognized journal before the dissertation defense may be scheduled. Submission of this manuscript is a prerequisite for the defense. Where applicable, the submitted paper(s) must also be provided to the Dissertation Examination Committee (DEC) along with the dissertation.

 

  1. Professional and Teaching Engagement: . Active participation in teaching and mentoring is required through structured involvement in Preclinical/Clinical Teaching and Advanced Teaching Activities, preparing the candidate for future academic roles in dental education. This is achieved through the completion of two required non-credit courses: Preclinical/Clinical Teaching and Clinical Teaching, as well as participation in an Advanced Teaching Activity.

 

Doctoral students are also required to organize and present an Advanced Teaching Activity, approved by the College of Dentistry (CoD) Continuing Education Office, in accordance with the following criteria:

  • Demonstrate mastery of the subject
  • Target interns, general practitioners, and graduate
  • Obtain approval from the Continuing Education Office, College of
  • Receive evaluations and feedback from students and faculty
  • Comply with any additional requirements specified by the Continuing Education Office (CoD) or the program lead.

These organized activities can take place during the third or fourth year of the program.

 

5.           Conference Participation Requirement

To foster scholarly engagement and professional development, doctoral students are required to actively participate in at least one national or international scientific conference during the program. This participation may include presenting a poster, delivering an oral presentation, or contributing to conference proceedings based on the student’s research.

Participation in conferences enhances the student’s academic visibility, promotes knowledge exchange, and aligns with Ajman University’s commitment to advancing research excellence and academic leadership.

Program Learning Outcomes

Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics Program learning outcomes (PLOs)

On successful completion of the DClinDent (Prosthodontics) program, graduates will be able to:

K)  Knowledge

 

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and a comprehensive theoretical, practical, and real- world understanding of basic and applied sciences in prosthodontics and implantology, with the ability to effectively apply fundamental principles.

 

  • Demonstrate comprehensive and up-to-date highly specialized knowledge of principles, ethics, behavior, technical skills, laboratory techniques, best clinical practices, and professionalism in prosthodontics and dental implantology.

 

  • Demonstrate broad knowledge of basic and clinical research, including analytical methods, to critically appraise scientific papers, engage in informed discussions, and solve complex challenges with flexible and innovative solutions.

 

S)    Skills

 

  • Demonstrate and apply advanced cognitive skills and intellectual independence in analyzing diverse information sources and utilizing evidence-based approaches to make informed clinical decisions, solve complex problems, and design optimal treatment plans.

 

  • Apply critical thinking to evaluate existing knowledge, adhere to systematic research methods, critically analyze scientific literature, and develop the skills needed to design and conduct research while ensuring compliance with ethical standards and best research practices.

 

  • Demonstrate exceptional communication skills in patient interactions, interdisciplinary teamwork, and professional collaborations to ensure high-quality prosthodontic care and optimal treatment outcomes.

 

  • Independently conceptualize, plan, and perform complex prosthodontic procedures with exceptional precision and expertise, integrating interdisciplinary approaches while upholding the highest standards of clinical excellence and ethical integrity.

 

  • Implement best clinical practices and adopt a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to preventive, restorative, and prosthodontic care while upholding the highest ethical, clinical, and evidence-based standards in modern dentistry.

 

R)  Responsibility

 

  • Demonstrate self-direction, autonomy, and the ability to self-evaluate

when analyzing and critically assessing intricate concepts, while effectively discussing them with peers and other professionals.

 

  • Demonstrate responsible citizenship, professional practice management aptitude, and take responsibility for critical decisions and governance while considering social and cultural norms.

 

  • Practice professional spectatorship, engagement, and leadership qualities while instilling values and morals when working in a team or collaborating with other healthcare

 

  • Demonstrate the ability to initiate, oversee, and manage professional tasks within a challenging environment while fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration.

 

  • Develop critical thinking and lifelong learning skills for self-development, enabling the management and formulation of possible solutions to complex ethical, moral, clinical, and research issues as part of professional growth.

 

R.6 Demonstrates strong competence, independence, and integrity in both scientific and professional domains, coupled with a sustained commitment to advancing new or innovative approaches to remain at the forefront of the field of prosthodontics.