Program Description

The Advanced Education Program in Implant Dentistry is a three-year program leading to the award of a First Professional Certificate and an optional Master of Science (MS) or Master of Science in dentistry (MSD) degree. The certificate program has been offered for over 30 years allowing clinicians to undertake extensive training focused on clinical proficiency in both the surgical placement of dental implants and the complete fabrication of implant-supported restorations.

Graduates of the certificate, MS degree program, and MSD degree program are eligible to challenge the oral examination of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry during their last year and, upon completion of the program and application, may be qualified as an associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).

Notice to Graduates Licensed to Practice Dentistry in the State of California

Section 1054.1  Advertising Credentials.
Individuals who successfully complete the three-year advanced education program in implant dentistry, are awarded a professional certificate, and practice in the State of California fulfill the requirements of Section 1054. 

Section 1954.2. Advertising as a Specialist.
According to this section of the Dental Board of California, dentists may advertise they have “credentials from one of the dental specialty boards recognized by the Board of Dental Examiners of the State of California, pursuant to Section 1054.”  They also may advertise as a “specialist” if they are certified or eligible for certification by a dental specialty board recognized pursuant to Section 1054.

Program Website

Program Length

Thirty-six months in residence full time.

Possible Careers

Private Practice, Education

Application Deadlines

There are currently no published application deadlines.

Admissions Requirements

1. The applicant must have a DDS or equivalent prior to entering the program.

2. Official transcripts mailed directly from each post-secondary institution from which you have received credit, including colleges and dental school.

3. Applicants who have transcripts from non-US dental schools must submit a translated course-by-course transcript report from one of the following agencies: 4. An applicant whose native language is not English or whose secondary education has been given outside the U.S. is required to pass one of the following English proficiency tests:
a. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.  The institution code for Loma Linda University is 4062. TOEFL minimum scores are: 80 - Internet-based test , 550 - Paper-based test, including a minimum final score of 5.0 on the TWE part (Test of Written English)
b. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. LLU minimum score is 6.5
c. MELAB LLU minimum score is 77

5. A minimum cumulative dental school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

6. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have known and worked closely with you.

Official Degree Certificate (for all international applicants) - Any foreign transcript (or mark sheet) that does not list on it the graduation information, including the actual degree earned, must be supported by an official degree certificate or school-verified copy of the degree certificate mailed directly from the issuing institution to Admissions Processing, Loma Linda University.

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) - Successful completion of the National Board Dental Examination Part I and Part II (when available) or Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) (if applicable) is required for all U.S.-trained applicants. Please allow plenty of time for NBDE score report requests to be processed by the ADA. Have NBDE scores sent to admissions.app@llu.edu. We cannot accept NBDE scores reported in a Dean's letter as an official report of test results. Request NBDE scores

Prerequisites

There are no specific courses required for this program. Please reference the Admissions Requirements.
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2023-2024

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
12
Tuition & Fees $82,260
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school)
$10,060

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
  • $14,400
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
  • $23,040
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
  • $24,240
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
  • $8,640
  • Off Campus
  • $23,040
    Transportation Allowance $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,600
    Federal Student Loan Fees 0
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)
    Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)
    Available upon Request

    Notes

    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.