Limited openings available for this program!
Duration: 12 months
The Fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology is a structured, full-time one-year program (12 months). It is a full participatory course and requires the candidate to have a certificate of registration (license) to practice dentistry in Ontario from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
This program is designed for dentists who have completed a recognized advanced education program in Prosthodontics. This fellowship emphasizes comprehensive training in the design and fabrication of both intraoral (e.g., obturators, implant-supported reconstructions) and extraoral (e.g., ears, noses, orbital prostheses) maxillofacial prostheses.
This program combines a robust didactic foundation in advanced prosthodontics with extensive hands-on clinical training in both intraoral and extraoral prosthetic rehabilitation. By leveraging the resources of the University of Toronto’s Graduate Prosthodontics Program, the Craniofacial Prosthetic Unit at Sunnybrook, and the Department of Dentistry, this fellowship prepares participants to excel in the highly specialized and evolving field of maxillofacial prosthetics.
Key features
- Integration with the Graduate Prosthodontics Program at the University of Toronto, leveraging advanced didactic courses and topical reviews.
- Direct clinical exposure at the Dental Clinic and Craniofacial Prosthetic Unit (Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre).
- Alternating OR observation with Head & Neck Surgeons for surgical insight.
- Focus on evidence-based treatment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the psychosocial aspects of patient care.
Program Goals and Objectives
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- Acquire advanced skills in designing and fabricating intraoral (e.g., obturators, speech aid prostheses) and extraoral (ears, eyes, noses, facial prostheses) maxillofacial restorations.
- Gain expertise in implant-retained craniofacial rehabilitation, mastering the integration of prosthetic components with intraoral and extraoral implants.
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- Participate in the Graduate Prosthodontics didactic framework, including advanced topical reviews, treatment planning seminars, and current literature discussions.
- Incorporate the critical appraisal of scientific literature and research findings into daily clinical decision-making.
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- Work closely with head and neck surgeons, ENT specialists, medical and radiation oncologists, and anaplastologists for a truly multidisciplinary approach.
- Appreciate the roles of various specialties in comprehensive patient care, particularly for patients with head and neck oncologic or congenital conditions.
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- Engage in at least one research project or case series relevant to maxillofacial prosthetics.
- Develop skills in clinical study design, data analysis, and professional presentation/publication of findings.
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- Foster leadership and teaching skills by actively participating in seminars and case conferences.
- Enhance communication competencies for counseling patients with facial differences and working with diverse care teams.
Didactic Curriculum
Fellows will integrate into selected courses from the Graduate Prosthodontics Program (University of Toronto):
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- Weekly seminars on complex diagnostic protocols and interdisciplinary treatment approaches.
- Fellows present maxillofacial cases for faculty and peer critique.
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- Rotating advanced topics in prosthetic rehabilitation (including maxillofacial), occlusion, biomaterials, and implant innovations.
- Fellows are expected to present relevant literature and novel techniques twice a year.
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- Weekly or bi-weekly journal club focusing on recent research in prosthodontics, implantology, and maxillofacial rehabilitation.
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- Possible tumor board or combined prosthodontic–oncology sessions.
- Fellows discuss cases requiring resection and subsequent maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation.
Weekly Schedule and Clinical Rotations
Below is a sample weekly schedule that emphasizes didactic integration at the University of Toronto and clinical immersion at the Craniofacial Prosthetic Unit (CPU) and Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Sciences.
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Morning: Topical Reviews / Literature Seminars
- Fellows join the Graduate Prosthodontics residents for advanced topical discussions, critical appraisals, and literature reviews.
Afternoon: Treatment Planning Seminar
- Group presentations of complex cases (including maxillofacial) with faculty and peer feedback.
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All Day: Hands-On Extraoral Prosthetics
- Fellows observe and participate in the design, fabrication, and fitting of prostheses for patients requiring external facial reconstruction (ears, noses, orbits, etc.).
- Collaboration with anaplastologists, ENT surgeons, and other specialists.
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Alternating Schedule:
- CPU Clinic: Additional day for follow-ups, advanced fabrication techniques, color matching, and patient consults.
- Head & Neck Surgery OR: Observation/assistance during surgical resections, implant placements for craniofacial prostheses, or reconstructive surgeries.
- Fellows gain an appreciation for the surgical side of maxillofacial rehabilitation and collaborate directly with the OR team.
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All Day: Clinical Sessions for Intraoral Maxillofacial Prosthetics
- Fellows manage patients needing obturators, speech aids, and complex intraoral reconstructions, including implant-supported prostheses for oncologic or congenital defects.
- Emphasis on a “comprehensive approach,” from initial consult and impressions to final fit and post-insertion care.
Lab Work / Research (as scheduled)
- Opportunity to utilize department labs, incorporate digital scanning/3D printing, or refine ongoing research projects
Clinical Responsibilities
- Patient Management: Perform thorough examinations, interpret CBCT scans, collaborate with radiologists and surgeons, and develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Prosthesis Fabrication: Participate in all phases of prosthesis construction (impressions, wax-ups, silicone or acrylic processing, coloration) for both intraoral and extraoral devices.
- Interdisciplinary Care: Communicate effectively with surgeons, oncologists, anaplastologists, and speech pathologists to ensure each patient’s rehabilitative goals are met.
- Patient Support: Provide empathetic counseling and education for patients coping with facial differences post-oncology or congenital conditions.
- Documentation: Maintain thorough patient records, digital scans, and photographic series to track progress and outcomes.
Research & Scholarly Activity
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Fellows undertake at least one case series, clinical study, or technique report under the guidance of the Program Director and faculty.
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Weekly or monthly sessions to discuss recent findings in maxillofacial prosthetics, implantology, and oncologic dentistry.
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Fellows are encouraged to submit abstracts to professional meetings (e.g., AAMP, ACP, IADR) and present their findings.
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Aim to submit at least one manuscript or case report to a peer-reviewed journal by the conclusion of the fellowship.
Evaluation and Assessment
- Clinical Competency: Ongoing faculty evaluations of clinical work, including case complexity, quality of prostheses, and patient management.
- Didactic Performance: Attendance, participation, and presentations in seminars and journal clubs.
- Professionalism & Collaboration: Observed interactions with interdisciplinary teams, leadership in group discussions, and ethical conduct with patients.
- Research Output: Assessment of the fellow’s research or case series presentation, manuscript submission, and contributions to departmental scholarly activities.
A formal mid-year and final review with the Program Director ensures continuous feedback and goal setting.
Faculty and Key Collaborators
- Dr. Eszter Somogyi-Ganss, DMD, MSc (Prostho), PhD, FRCD(C) – Program Director, Director of Graduate Prosthodontics Program; Clinical & Research Director, CPU
- Dr. Nick Blanas, BSc, DDS, FRCDC (OMFS), Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, and Dentist-in-Chief at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Dr. Kevin Higgins, BSc, MD, MSc degrees, and FRCSC (OHNS)
- Mr. David Morrison, CCA
- Mr. James Vanderkleyn, anaplastologist
- Ms. Mariana Fernandez, anaplastologist
Certification of Completion
Successful completion of this course will result in the participant receiving a Certificate of Completion of the Fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology, Continuing Dental Education, from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry. This Certificate does not confer specialty or advanced degree status.
Application Requirements
Applicants for this program must fulfill the following eligbility requirements:
- Be a licensed dentist registered in good standing with the RCDSO or being eligible to apply for licensure (RCDSO education certificate of registration – restricted).
- Completion of a recognized specialty program in Prosthodontics.
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident in Canada, or a foreign national having in his/her possession a visa permitting temporary status in Canada.
In order to be considered for this program, applicants must submit a completed Application Form and supporting documentation to CDE via email by the application deadline date. All documents (except photo) must be submitted as PDF files.
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A copy of your degree/diploma and your official transcripts from a minimum four-year university dental program. Degrees/diplomas and transcripts that are not in English must be submitted with a certified translation.
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If your dental school instruction was not in English, you must provide documentation of English language proficiency as set out by the RCDSO. Please see their website for further information.
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A resume/CV summarizing your Dental Education, your Professional Dental Experience, any Continuing Dental Education courses, and other Additional Information, such as awards, publications, affiliations, etc.
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A letter of intent, describing your reason for participating in this program, and how it relates to your academic background, career goals, and qualifications.
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Letters should consist of:
- One letter by a recognized dental faculty member or a specialist in the field.
- One letter of choice. This additional letter should be from an instructor or similar individual who is able to evaluate the applicant’s knowledge, skill, character, and potential for success in the program.
Letters should include an assessment of the applicant’s dental background, knowledge, skill, character, and potential for success in the program. Letters must be signed and on official letterhead. Only letters written in English will be accepted.
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A recent passport-size colour photo with a white background. Submit a high-quality version of the photo. (Accepted file formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG.)
Fees
Tuition Fee
Total tuition fees for 2025 admission:
- $85,000
Payment Schedule
Will be communicated upon acceptance.
Refunds
Failure to meet the tuition fee deadlines will result in the cancellation of your position in the program. No refunds will be issued in this case.
Additionally, regardless of reason, no refunds will be issued after the start date of the program.
Admissions Process
1. Application
In order to be considered for the program, applicants must:
- Meet all program Application Requirements
- Submit completed Application Form and all supporting documents for review to: cde@dentistry.utoronto.ca
Review and verification of documentation may take 3-5 business days upon receipt. Once completed, an email will be sent to notify applicants if their application is complete, or if anything is still pending.
2. Interview
Applicants are invited to interview by personal invitation only and will be notified via email if they are selected. The email invitation will include scheduling instructions and further details. Interviews will be in-person if possible, or online via Zoom.
Please note: Candidates are required to interview for further admission consideration.
3. Decision Process
Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- academic achievements,
- English language proficiency,
- content of letters of recommendation,
- strong work ethic, and
- outstanding interpersonal strengths.
4. Acceptance
Applicants who meet the standards for acceptance into the program will be provided a letter of acceptance via email.
A position in the program will only be secured when applicant has paid the deposit fee.
Acceptance will be on a rolling basis until the program is full.
Post Admission
Upon acceptance into this program, participants are responsible for meeting the following requirements.
- Participants must submit Health and Immunization Forms per Faculty of Dentistry and Hospital requirements prior to beginning the program.
- Before beginning the program, you are required to obtain your Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) qualifications that will be valid for the duration of program.
Contact Us
This program is organized by Continuing Dental Education at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto.
For inquiries, please contact us:
Phone: +1 416-864-8100
cde@dentistry.utoronto.ca