Overview
The Doctorate Degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics is an advanced postgraduate program designed to develop academic competence and specialized clinical expertise in the rehabilitation of partially or completely edentulous patients using prosthetic approaches. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical evaluation of evidence, and advanced prosthetic principles, enabling candidates to contribute original research and enhance both academic excellence and clinical practice.
About the Program
The Doctorate Degree in Oral & Maxillofacial Prosthodontics 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 fulfillment 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 (D.D) of Oral & Maxillofacial Prosthodontics 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 Oral & Maxillofacial Prosthodontics 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 of 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 oral and maxillofacial prosthetics with direct patient care. It focuses on the assessment, treatment planning, and rehabilitation of patients who are partially or completely edentulous, as well as those with acquired or congenital maxillofacial defects. Training includes clinical management and fabrication of conventional removable prostheses and implant-supported removable prostheses, in addition to maxillofacial prosthetic appliances. Emphasis is directed toward restoring function, esthetics, and quality of life through evidence-based clinical protocols, while integrating prosthetic outcomes with biological, biomechanical, and material considerations to support advanced clinical judgment and research-oriented competencies in oral and maxillofacial prothesis.
● Didactic Courses and Seminars: Candidates participate in advanced lectures and seminars covering principles of oral and facial prosthetics, biomaterials, digital technologies, maxillofacial defects and rehabilitation, implant-retained maxillofacial prostheses, surgical–prosthetic treatment planning, and research methodology. Emphasis is placed on critical appraisal of scientific literature and evidence-based decision-making.
● 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.