Endodontics
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Graduate Program in Endodontics
The UNC Adams School of Dentistry offers a three-year postdoctoral program leading to a certificate in endodontics and a Master of Science degree.
Upon completion of the program, the residents are eligible for examination and certification by the American Board of Endodontics.
The UNC Adams School of Dentistry master in endodontics graduate program is approved and accredited by the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association.
Curriculum
The Graduate Program in Endodontics seeks to develop specialists with expertise in all aspects of endodontic therapy, including diagnosis of orofacial pain, nonsurgical endodontic treatment, advanced surgical techniques; provide training in both research and educational methodologies; and foster an attitude of critical inquiry and life-long learning throughout a professional career.
Admissions
Application Deadline: July 1
Applicants must utilize the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) administered by the American Dental Education Association.
Endodontics Program
“You will gain great leadership experience, make lifelong friends, and build an excellent foundation with the knowledge and the skills that you need to become a successful endodontist.”
John Olmstead, DDS
Adjunct Professor
Additional Information
Application Deadline: December 1
Applicants must utilize the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) administered by the American Dental Education Association.
Prospective students have to include the following in their application to PASS:
- Unofficial transcripts from your dental school program
- Candidate essay
- A letter of recommendation / evaluation from the dean of your dental school (institutional evaluation)
- Two other letters of recommendation (professional evaluations)
- National Dental Board Examination Result (part 1 and, when available, part 2)
Applicants should not apply to the UNC graduate school until accepted into the program.
All prospective residents must hold a DDS, DMD or equivalent degree from a dental school.
Additional training such as AGD, GPR or practice experience is recommended but not required. Admission criteria are applied equally to all applicants regardless of race, sex, national origin or religion. Minority students are encouraged to apply.
In addition to the above items, international applicants must include the following in their PASS application:
- Foreign transcripts evaluation
- TOEFL examination scores
International students are required to take the TOEFL exam with a minimum of 90 on the internet-based test, or the IELTS with a minimum score of 7.5. The exam score must be less than two years old.
International applicants must submit official academic records bearing the signature of the registrar or another academic official and either a raised or ink stamp or seal of the issuing institution. Records must be issued in the original language and be accompanied by certified English translations. International applicants must also submit verification that the degree has been awarded or a copy of the degree award.
Applicants may view the Adams School of Dentistry policies using the links below including, but not limited to, Bloodborne Pathogens and Infectious Disease.
The cost of attending graduate school includes tuition, fees, and health insurance, for which the student is billed directly. Tuition and fees for the master’s programs in the Adams School of Dentistry are available through the University Cashier.
Graduate students must pay tuition and fees during all years of study and training. These charges are subject to change at any meeting of the NC Board of Trustees and a yearly increase of 5-10 percent should be anticipated each year. Estimates for living expenses are available through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.
Out-of-state students and international students with permanent resident status (“green card”) are required to establish legal residence in North Carolina and to apply for classification as a state resident for tuition purposes when eligible. Failure to do so will result in the denial of tuition remission and in-state award. Guidelines and application forms for establishing residency are available from the UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School.
Stipend Support
Stipends are contingent on availability of funds. Regardless of the availability of stipend support, teaching responsibilities are required as a part of the program.
Tuition Remission
Tuition remission, or the reduction by 50% of the out-of-state to the in-state tuition rate, is awarded by the semester as is a 50% in-state award which also reduces tuition cost.
To meet the general eligibility requirements, the student must be enrolled as a full-time student during the semester of the award.
Awards are contingent on availability of funds; having a teaching or research assistantship does not guarantee remission will be awarded. There is no application process for tuition remission. Tuition remission is not offered during the summer.
Graduates are expected to participate in research oral presentations and peer study section during the 1st year of residency, and to present their thesis research in the Adams School of Dentistry’s Research Day during the third year of residency. Preparation of a master’s thesis and an oral defense are required. Students will be encouraged to prepare abstracts and/or table clinics for scientific or educational meetings, as appropriate.
Students who are not graduates of an ADA-accredited dental school must complete a simulation exam as part of their NC intern permit process. Such candidates must pass and complete the simulation exam within two months of their formal matriculation in the program. If a candidate does not pass the simulation exam within the two-month interval, they cannot advance in the clinical program and will be subject to dismissal from the program. These students are also required to take and pass Applied Pharmacology in Summer Term II.
Meet the Residents
Jonathan Fine, DDS
UNC Endodontics Class of 2025
About Jonathan
Jonathan Fine received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Boston University, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the UNC Adams School of Dentistry.
Prior to dental school, Fine served as a medical sergeant in the United States Army Green Berets, with a deployment to Afghanistan in 2016. In his spare time, Fine enjoys spending time outdoors with his two dogs, Hank and Gus.
Ramneek K. Batth, DMD
UNC Endodontics Class of 2025
About Ramneek
Dr. Ramneek K. Batth was born and raised in the Central San Joaquin Valley of California. She completed her B.S. in Biological Sciences at the University of the Pacific, her M.S. in Oral Health at Boston University School of Medicine, and her DMD at Boston University School of Dental Medicine. After dental school, Batth completed her General Practice Residency at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Samuel Sinclair Dental of Rhode Island Hospital.
Gurmukh Singh Dhaliwal, DDS
UNC Endodontics Class of 2025
About Gurmukh
Gurmukh Singh Dhaliwal graduated from Maharishi Markandeshwar College of Dental Science and Research (India) in 2018. After graduation, he was involved in research focusing on Molecular characteristics of Irreversible Pulpitis; as an intern in the Division of Endodontics at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dhaliwal continued his education with an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Howard University, Washington D.C.
Kevin Driscoll, DDS
UNC Endodontics Class of 2026
About Kevin
Kevin Driscoll was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. He received a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry, in 2019. He received the Navy Health Professional Scholarship and was commissioned into the US Navy upon graduation from dental school. After four years of service he is excited to start his journey of Endodontics here at UNC.
In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, beach volleyball, hanging out with friends and trying new restaurants.
Tunwarut Srimuang, DDS
UNC Endodontics Class of 2026
About Tunwarut
Tunwarut (Mint) was born and raised in Saraburi, Thailand. She received a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Mahidol University, Thailand in 2020. Following her graduation, her strong interest in an academic career led her into joining the school of dentistry at Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai as an Assistant Lecturer. She is currently a recipient of the Royal Thai Government Scholarship and is looking forward to diving into the world of Endodontics and enjoying new experiences at UNC.
Steven Robertson, DMD
UNC Endodontics Class of 2026
About Steven
Steven Robertson was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina where he has practiced general dentistry for the last 5 years. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Erskine College and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Outside of residency, he enjoys time with his wife, Sara, his daughter, Reese, and their golden retriever, Lulu.
Fatemeh Sayyady, DDS
UNC Endodontics Class of 2027
About Fatemeh
Fatemeh Sayyady was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in 2024. Prior to pursuing dentistry, she earned a PhD in Operations Research from NC State University and worked as a Senior OR Specialist. She is a recipient of the 2024 AAE Predoctoral Student Achievement Award and is a member of the OKU honor society. Outside of residency, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
David Smith, DDS
UNC Endodontics Class of 2027
About David
David Smith was born in Tucson, Arizona before moving to the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota. He received a Bachelor of Science from South Dakota State University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. After graduation he practiced general dentistry in Iowa for 6 years before starting his endodontic residency. Outside of residency, he enjoys time with his wife, Hannah, and son Bodie.
Raphaela S. Rocha, DDS
UNC Endodontics Class of 2027
About Raphaela
Dr. Raphaela S. Rocha is from Brazil, graduated from the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) in 2009, followed by an Endo program in 2010 from the same institution. Since then, Rocha had worked as an endodontist in Brazil and Chile for about 10 years. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and friends.
Contact
Mailing Address
UNC Adams School of Dentistry
Campus Box #7450
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7450
Phone
(919) 537-3993
Program Director: Takashi Komabayashi, DDS, MDS, PhD
Student Services Assistant: Samantha Moody
