Geriatrics & Special Needs

The Certificate Program in Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry (GSND) prepares dentists to be leaders and teachers in geriatric dentistry and dentistry for adults with special health care needs. After successful completion of this one-year program, graduate students receive a Certificate in Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry.

Overview

Established in 2012, the Certificate Program in Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry at the University of Iowa offers a comprehensive educational experience that integrates clinical training with didactic learning. Designed to prepare dental professionals for the unique challenges of caring for older adults and individuals with special health care needs, the program emphasizes a holistic approach across the full continuum of care—from preventive services to complex treatment planning.

With Iowa’s aging population and rising disability rates, the program focuses on delivering patient-centered dental care that addresses complex medical and social needs. Residents gain hands-on experience in preventive, restorative, prosthetic, and minor surgical treatments, while learning to adapt care for individuals with disabilities and dental anxiety. This includes the use of oral anxiolytics, nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation, and accessibility accommodations such as wheelchair lifts and bariatric dental units. Collaborations with University of Iowa Health Care, the VA Medical Center, and other institutions further enrich the learning experience.

Two key initiatives set the program apart. The Geriatric Mobile Unit delivers comprehensive dental care directly to nursing home residents, giving residents invaluable experience in community-based care using advanced portable equipment. Complementing this, the program’s robust didactic curriculum includes interdisciplinary rotations in Geriatric Medicine, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, and home- and community-based programs. Seminar-style courses explore current topics in geriatric and special needs dentistry, deepening students’ understanding of the medical, psychological, and social dimensions of care.

Although the program does not offer direct training in operating room-based care, our residents work with hospital dentistry providers in preparing medically compromised patients for treatment under general anesthesia. Together, these experiences equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to develop realistic, patient-centered treatment plans for individuals with complex health care needs.

Usual Weekly Schedule

Monday: Clinical rotation at Geriatric Mobile Unit site / Interdisciplinary rotations

Tuesday: Didactic courses / Clinical case reviews / Administrative or lab time

Wednesday: Clinical rotation at Geriatric and Special Needs Clinic / Weekly seminar

Thursday: Clinical rotation at Geriatric Mobile Unit site / Interdisciplinary rotations

Friday: Clinical rotation at Geriatric and Special Needs Clinic

Application Process

Complete the following steps to apply to the GSND Certificate program:

Step 1: Our program participates in the American Dental Education Association Postdoctoral Application Support Service (ADEA PASS). Please visit our ADEA PASS program webpage to apply.

Step 2: Apply online through the University of Iowa’s Graduate Admissions portal—from the application sign-in page, go to the section under Graduate/Professional Applications and choose the Non-degree application.  Indicate Geriatrics & Special Needs Certificate as the “Purpose for Attending”.

Step 3: Send any required additional materials to the program and the University of Iowa’s Office of Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are required meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate College at the University of Iowa and the requirements of the Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry program. Those requirements include:

• D.D.S. or D.M.D. from a CODA-accredited dental school, or foreign equivalent
• International applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of recent clinical experience following graduation or have a master’s degree / certificate in Prosthodontics.

Application Procedures

The deadline for application is December 1 of the year prior to the anticipated date of starting the program. 1-2 students are accepted to the program each year. A stipend is available. The program begins on July 1.

Materials to submit to ADEA PASS

• A set of your unofficial academic records/transcripts. If you are admitted, official transcripts will be required before enrollment.
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Course-by-Course Evaluation Report for international applicants.
• TOEFL scores for international applicants.
• National Board Dental Exam scores, if available. Recommended, but not required for international applicants.
• Three letters of recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement
• Official copy of dental diploma
• Official copy of dental license
• A copy of your Supplemental Application

Materials to send to the program

• Email a recent 2 x 2 head shot photo directly to the program. State your name and application # in the subject line. 

Materials Sent to the University of Iowa Office of Admissions

• A second set of your official academic records/transcripts (current and former UI students do not need to provide UI transcripts)
• International students may also be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to comply with the university's English Language Proficiency Requirements.
• Once recommended for admission, international students must send a Financial Statement.

Related Educational Opportunities

The program is also offered in conjunction with the Master of Science in Dental Public Health program. A separate application must be made to that program, and candidates must state their intention to apply to the joint program (typically 3 years long). Please contact the program director directly before applying. Admissions decisions for each program are made independently.

Program Information, Stipend, and Costs

Contact Information

Program Director
Dr. Rohit Nair, BDS MDS
Department of Preventive & Community Dentistry
The University of Iowa
Dental Science Building
Iowa City, IA 52242
Email
319-335-8471

Enrollment Management
The University of Iowa
2900 UCC
Iowa City, IA 52242
Email
319-335-1525