Program Director

Jaime L. Lozada, DDS, DABOI
Professor of Restorative Dentistry

For a list of other faculty or the Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry, click here.

Important Update

The application process for all Advanced Dental Education Programs has changed. Please apply directly through PASS beginning May of this year.

General Information

Length of program: 36 months in residence
Number of applicants accepted each year: Three (3)
Match participant: No
Applications accepted as of: May
Application deadline:

September 1
Program start date: July following year

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

Application Method

PASS application: An PASS application is required
LLU supplemental application: Is required and will be emailed to applicant
Match application: Not applicable

Contact Information

Program phone number: 909-558-4980
Fax number: 909-558-4803

Program Description

Mission Statement: ​For our graduate students to become well-versed and competent in implant dentistry, prosthodontic and surgical principles. Learning the art and craft of implant dentistry in its fullest context, participating in research and teaching. For our patients to obtain optimal and innovative care in a unique atmosphere.

The Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry is a three-year program leading to the award of a specialty 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.

Program participants can expect to obtain advanced training in the following areas:

  • Basic and advanced implant dentistry surgical procedures
  • Patient management in an operating room (OR) environment
  • Complex prosthodontic rehabilitation of implant-supported prostheses
  • Participation in didactic courses exclusively related to advanced prosthodontics, periodontics, and implant dentistry
  • Interdisciplinary treatment planning
  • Hands-on application of state-of-the-art imaging technology
  • Clinical and/or laboratory research in implant dentistry related areas
  • Clinical and/or laboratory research and thesis for MS degree candidates
  • Teaching implant dentistry to pre-doctoral students

The goals of the Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry are:

Goal 1 To educate graduate students of the Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry to the competency level and capable to deliver implant dentistry treatment.
Goal 2 To provide in-depth didactic and clinical instruction in problem based patient situations that require implant prosthodontic and surgical solutions.
Goal 3 To train graduate students of the Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry to develop the concepts and guidelines in the implementation of clinical practice.
Goal 4 To achieve highest levels of patient treatment satisfaction.
Goal 5 To educate graduate students of the Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry to perform research and practice teaching.

Two Master's Degree Tracks Available

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry offers two master's degree tracks for graduate students/residents enrolled in the advanced education certificate programs.

Master of Science (MS) degree track:

The Master of Science (MS) degree track can be invaluable to students who wish to pursue an academic career in clinical dentistry, research, and teaching. The didactic and clinical components of the certificate program fulfill the academic requirements for the MS degree. Candidates must be admitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), conduct a graduate level research project, write a thesis, and hold a public thesis defense. Students have five years from the date of acceptance of the certificate program to complete the requirements for the MS degree.

Candidates who meet the admissions requirements must submit an application to FGS through the Office of Advanced Dental Education and that application must be supported by the applicant's program director.

Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree track:

Graduate students/residents may elect to apply for the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree track.  The MSD degree track is intended to provide individuals with an advanced degree widely recognized as having completed a dental specialty program.  Applicants must be recommended for admission to this degree track by their program director and subsequently approved for admission by the Associate Dean for Advanced Education. The MSD degree is awarded upon successful completion of the certificate program, completion of an approved graduate research project, and submission of a report of that research project in the form of a publishable paper in the format of a journal selected by the candidate and approved by the program director.  Candidates must also hold a public presentation of their research in a format similar to a thesis defense.  All the MSD requirements may be complete during the program but no later than one year from the candidate’s program completion date.

Graduates of the certificate, MS degree program, and MSD degree program are educationally qualified for certification by the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and, upon application, may be qualified as an associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).

Application and Admission Process

Submit application to the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) beginning May of this year. PASS application. The Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry participates in the PASS application service of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) allowing applicants to apply to multiple participating institutions using one standardized format. We strongly recommend that you apply within the first two months. After your PASS application is received by LLUSD, a supplemental application invitation will be emailed to you. This can take several weeks after the PASS application has been submitted.

Invitation to interview - All complete applications that meet the minimum admissions requirements are reviewed (refer to Admissions Requirements below). The top candidates are invited for an interview by a selection committee composed of department faculty and outside faculty/administrators and chaired by the program director. A laboratory practical and treatment planning evaluation are included in the evaluation process. The candidates are ranked in two categories: 1) nominations for admission and 2) nominations as alternates.

Admissions decisions - The program director presents the list of nominations for admission (with alternates) for discussion and approval by the graduate admissions committee. The committee meets monthly, and candidates will be notified of a decision as soon as possible.

Acceptance - Candidates offered acceptance are required to submit a nonrefundable electronic deposit of $1,000 to hold a place in the entering class. These funds will be applied towards tuition and fees for the first quarter of study.

Background check - Accepted students must complete a background check in order to register and begin the program.

Health Clearance Information and CPR Training for Incoming Graduate Students and Residents - All individuals accepted into an Advanced Education Program must receive a health clearance from Student Health Service before they are permitted to start their program. A health clearance includes passing a PPD (tuberculosis), Hepatitis B, and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) test. In addition, all incoming graduate students/residents also must undergo Health Care Provider CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training and obtain certification prior to the start of their program.

How to obtain information regarding policies on blood-borne and infectious diseases:
Federal OSHA (www.osha.gov) In search menu type: Bloodborne Pathogens 1910.1030
State Cal/OSHA (www.dir.ca.gov) In search menu type: Bloodborne Pathogens Standards 5193

Admissions Requirements

The following information and documentation are required for all applications to the Implant Dentistry Program:

1.  Transcript(s) - from all post-secondary institutions from which the applicant received credit whether or not the work pertains to their LLU degree.  Only official transcript(s) will be accepted.  An official transcript is one that is submitted directly from the school, college, or university to Loma Linda University.  Transcripts that are hand-carried or mailed by an applicant, even if in a sealed envelope, cannot be considered official and will be recorded as still missing.  Transcripts should be mailed directly to: Admissions Processing, 11139 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350.

Applicants who have transcripts from non-US dental schools must submit a translated course-by-course transcript report from one of the following agencies (See International Transcript Information):

  1. World Education Services (WES) *
  2. American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
  3. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE)
  4. American Education Research Corporation (AERC)

* If ordering an evaluation from WES, you must order a WES ICAP course-by-course evaluation. Academic copies of transcripts/mark sheets and degree certificates included in official WES reports, are considered by Loma Linda University, as official and fulfill the document requirements for those schools listed on the report.

2.  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.

Applicants who are uncertain as to whether or not their transcript lists graduation information and degree earned should contact their school before requesting a separate degree certificate.

3.  GPA and Class Rank - A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Applicants should request the dean of their dental school to provide a letter with their official GPA and class rank.

4.  English Proficiency Exam - Regardless of nationality or citizenship, 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:

  1. 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)
  2. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. LLU minimum score is 6.5
  3. MELAB LLU minimum score is 77

5.  National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) - Successful completion of the National Board Dental Examination Part I 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

6.  Letters of Recommendation - Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have known and worked closely with the candidate are required in support of an application.  Letters of recommendation are valid for no more than two consecutive years for the same program.  Letters of recommendation also must be program specific (ie, support an applicant for the actual program to which he/she is applying).  Any applicant applying to more than one Advanced Education Program in the same year must submit a set of three letters of recommendation specifically identifying and supporting the candidate for each program.

7.  Curriculum Vitae - Applicants must include their curriculum vitae sent electronically with the online application or mailed directly to the Office of Advanced Dental Education.

8.  Photograph - A passport-style photograph can either be sent electronically with the online application or mailed directly to the Office of Advanced Dental Education (this is optional, but recommended).

Important Instructions for the Transmittal of Official Documents

All official documents must be mailed from the issuing institutions. Applicants must not mail originals or official copies of transcripts, GRE scores, National Dental Board scores, and TOEFL scores themselves.

An application is not considered complete until all required supporting documents have been received. Only completed applications go to committee for consideration. This policy holds true for both U.S. and non-U.S. applicants. So please apply early.

Tuition and Fees

Get details on the standard cost of attendance at LLU. View Estimates

Graduation

Study may extend beyond 36 months for those pursuing a Master of Science (MS) degree or the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) Degree.

Fellowship in Implant Dentistry

The Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry was the world’s first university-based program in implant dentistry, established as a certificate program in 1976 by Dr. Robert James. There have been many educational enhancements since the program started, including the offering of a Master’s degree in 1990. Additional educational opportunities include an Internship Program (formerly known as a preceptorship) started in 1992 and a one-year Advanced Dental Education Fellowship Program in Implant Dentistry initiated in 1995.

Advanced Dental Education Fellowship Program in Implant Dentistry

The Fellowship Program is designed for individuals who have already completed one of the specialty programs in dentistry and desire additional experience in implant dentistry. This program includes attendance at advanced courses in implant dentistry as well as clinical patient treatment. In addition to performing their own patient treatments, fellows assist and/or observe faculty as they perform both routine and advanced implant treatment procedures on patients. Also, they both observe and assist graduate students as they perform clinical patient care, thereby providing experience with a wide range of surgical and prosthodontic procedures.

This program provides fellow students with advanced didactic and clinical education as well as the opportunity to individually interact with program faculty who have extensive experience in implant dentistry. The faculty teaching the courses and providing clinical supervision in the Loma Linda Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry have, collectively, 65 years of clinical experience and have published over 300 papers and multiple textbooks. In fact, faculty have published 4 articles that are listed amongst the most highly cited articles in implant dentistry as well as two articles that are listed in the top 100 cited articles in prosthodontics. Faculty also have received many national and international awards in recognition of their contributions to the profession, implant dentistry, and prosthodontics.

Required Didactic Courses in the Fellowship Program

IMPD 547 Implant Dentistry Grand Rounds

IMPD 601 Literature Review in Implant Dentistry

IMPD 604 Current Literature Review in Implant Dentistry

IMPD 612 Advanced Implant Dentistry

IMPD 634 Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Implant Dentistry

At the current time, didactic courses may be taught online via Canvas and Zoom with real-time participation expected of all attendees. Zoom participating students must maintain their video active during class.

Required Clinical Courses in the Fellowship Program

IMPD 631 Oral Implant Surgery

IMPD 725 Clinical Practice in Implant Dentistry

IMPD 727 Clinical Practice of Prosthodontics in Implant Dentistry

Additional Recommended Courses

IMPD 505 Patient Presentation Seminar

IMPD 611 Introduction to Implant Dentistry

Optional Course

IMPD 654 Practice Teaching in Implant Dentistry

Attendance Requirements

1. Daily attendance in the Implant Dentistry clinic and/or laboratory.

2. Surgical assistance of Graduate Students, Fellows, and Faculty based on a rotation schedule.

3. Students not treating patients and not assigned to surgical assistance are required to be in the clinic or laboratory during normal clinic hours.

Length of program:

1 year

Number of applicants accepted each year:

2 to 4

Applicant method:

Paper application to Implant Dentistry

Applications accepted as of:

January 1st each year

Application deadline:

August 15th each year

Program start date:

June and September each year

Implant Dentistry Practicum Course

Effective January 1, 2010, the Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry will offer a new Implant Dentistry Practicum Course for graduates of U.S. and international dental schools.

This two-year, non-degree program consists of one year of internship training that includes didactic and laboratory courses in which students establish a foundation in the diagnosis, treatment planning, operating room protocol, and the laboratory procedures required for the fabrication of dental implants.  In the second year, participants continue their didactic courses, engage in the surgical placement of dental implants, perform the required laboratory procedures for their cases, and restore implants for patients with a wide range of treatment needs. 

Graduates of approved U.S. Advanced Education Programs in General Dentistry (AEGD), General Dentistry Residency (GPR) programs, and those who have completed two to four years of service as a dental officer in a branch of the U.S. armed services, Indian Health Service, U.S. Public Health Services, or Veterans Administration may be exempt from the one-year internship requirement and be permitted to proceed directly to the second year for surgical training upon the successful completion of the summer quarter preclinical courses.

Alternatively, individuals who have successfully completed a U.S. or Canadian Advanced Education Program in a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association may wish to apply to the one-year Fellowship Program in Implant Dentistry.

The standard graduate tuition and fees apply for those accepted into the Implant Dentistry Practicum Course.

Externship and Internship Programs in Implant Dentistry

The externship/internship program was designed to provide general dentist an opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding of implant dentistry. Trainees attend didactic courses, literature seminars, and interdisciplinary treatment-planning sessions in addition to assisting in advanced clinical and surgical implant procedures.

Training typically ranges from a little as three (3) months (externship) to as long as twelve (12) months (internship). In the Implant Dentistry Clinic the activity of externs and interns is limited to clinical and surgical assistance for faculty, fellows, and students enrolled in the three-year training program.

Externs/Interns can expect to obtain training in the following areas:

  • Clinical assistance and observation in basic and advanced surgical procedures in implant dentistry.
  • Clinical assistance and observation in advanced prosthodontic rehabilitation supported by dental implants.
  • Attendance in didactic core courses common to other graduate programs.
  • Attendance in didactic courses exclusively related to advanced implant dentistry.
  • Participation in clinical and/or laboratory research in implant dentistry.
  • Participation in didactic undergraduate teaching of implant dentistry.

Enrollment in the externship/internship does not warrant nor is it a prerequisite to being accepted into the Advanced Dental Education Program in Implant Dentistry.  These two programs have different prerequisites and require different application processes.

This program emphasizes theory and technique related to implant dentistry through lectures, seminars, and courses. Clinical activity is secondary and limited to observation and/or assisting in advanced clinical and surgical procedures related to implant dentistry. Participants register as non-degree students, and their tuition is based on the length of their study as follows:

1 month or less = 1/3 quarterly tuition

Up to 2 months = 2/3 quarterly tuition

Up to 3 months = full quarter's tuition

Application: THE APPLICATIONS BELOW ARE FOR NON-DEGREE STUDENTS ONLY and are not to be used for anyone applying to the certificate program. Please select the correct application below: