Orthodontic and pediatric dentistry services are provided at the Parnassus clinics, San Francisco General Hospital dental clinic, and Buchanan dental clinic. In addition, multidisciplinary consultation and treatment of children with various birth defects is delivered in the Center for Craniofacial Anomalies. Postgraduate programs in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and developmental biology complete the department's instructional activities. As in the predoctoral program, strong emphasis is placed on integrating contemporary biological knowledge with clinical practice. Thus, as presently formulated, postgraduate education in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry takes three years and includes the attainment of the MS degree in oral biology as well as clinical certification.
Additional training leading to the PhD in oral biology is also possible.
Please see the section on Postgraduate Programs in this bulletin for further details, or write to the department chair for specific information on the programs in orthodontics or pediatric dentistry. In the predoctoral dental curriculum, the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery teaches both theoretical and clinical courses in oral and maxillofacial surgery. In the dental hygiene and pre-doctoral dental programs, the department also offers instruction in medical emergencies. Basic research studies in the department include investigations of the mechanisms of wound healing, bone growth and replacement, and the use of lasers and cryosurgery. Clinical studies include ongoing investigations of the mechanisms of pain, as well as studies of treatment and outcomes of implant, orthognathic, TMJ, and reconstructive surgery.