Overview
The Doctorate Degree in Operative Dentistry is an advanced post graduate program designed to develop academic and clinical excellence in restorative dentistry and minimally invasive clinical practice. The program emphasizes adhesive dentistry, biomaterials science, caries management, esthetic restorations, and the critical evaluation of clinical evidence. The program integrates advanced scientific knowledge, research training, and clinical expertise to support innovation and leadership in academic, clinical, and research settings.
About the Program
The Doctorate Degree in Operative Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University is a four-year program comprising an initial year of two academic semesters followed by a comprehensive exam, thesis submission and defense and final exit exam. Upon successful fulfilment of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an officially accredited Doctorate Degree certificate specifying the approved field of specialization and the title of the thesis.
How to Apply
For application, doctoral candidates are required to submit a thesis research protocol, approved by the Department Council from January to May of each calendar year. Applications for international students in Egypt are centrally managed through the "Study in Egypt" platform (admission.study-in-egypt.gov.eg) and the Ministry of Higher Education's system (wafeden.gov.eg).
Admission Requirements
●The applicant must hold a Master’s degree in the same specialty from a university recognized by the Supreme Council of Universities, or an equivalent degree approved by the Council.
● Applicants must submit an official approval from their employer confirming permission to be enrolled in the Doctorate Degree in Operative Dentistry and commitment to full-time study throughout the program duration.
● Applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency for program registration by passing the university exam or submitting a valid certificate (Local TOEFL with a minimum score of 500, IELTS with a minimum overall score of 7.0, or their equivalent). The certificate is valid for one calendar year during which the applicant must complete registration for the degree; international students could submit the certificate within one year from enrollment in the program.
Program Structure and Duration
● Program Structure: The Doctorate Degree in Operative Dentistry is a four-year program. Candidates should complete a total of 70 credit hours; 20 credit hours over one year (two semesters), including a comprehensive series of courses, 20 credit hours for the final exit exam in addition to 30 credit hours for the thesis.
● Course load: During the first academic year, candidates study advanced compulsory and elective courses, distributed over two semesters (first and second semesters). A student becomes eligible to sit for the final exit exam only after successfully completing all first-year courses and fulfilling the approved academic requirements.
● Semester Duration: 16 weeks per semester.
● Clinical Training: The clinical training provides advanced, research-informed experience in operative dentistry with direct patient care. It emphasizes the diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of dental caries and other restorative conditions using evidence-based clinical protocols. Training includes the clinical applications of contemporary restorative materials and techniques, with a focus on operative procedures, adhesive dentistry, and minimally invasive approaches. Emphasis is placed on correlating clinical outcomes with biological principles, material performance, and current scientific evidence, supporting the development of clinical judgment and research competence in operative dentistry.
● Didactic Courses and Seminars: Doctoral candidates participate in a structured curriculum of advanced courses and seminars designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and critical insight into the science and practice of operative dentistry covering adhesive dentistry, caries science, biomaterials selection, esthetics, and evidence-based practice. Emphasis is placed on scientific reasoning and critical evaluation of emerging technologies and clinical research.
● This program requires the completion and public defense of a thesis.
Requirements for Graduation
● Full-time Study: Students must commit fully to the program.
● Attendance: Regular attendance is required; up to 25% absence may be excused in special cases.
● Academic requirements: All courses should be passed with a minimum grade of (C) and a cumulative GPA of at least (2.44).
● Practical training: Students must complete all required practical tasks, documented in a logbook. A minimum of 75% completion is required to sit for exams.
● Successful submission and defense of the doctoral thesis.