Dedicated to education, research and the community, Temple University's Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry has maintained a tradition of excellence throughout its almost 150-year history. Founded in 1863 as the Philadelphia Dental College, the Kornberg School of Dentistry is the second oldest continuously operating dental school in the U.S. The School established the Hospital for Oral Surgery in 1878, the first hospital devoted entirely to oral surgery. After becoming part of Temple University in 1907, the School of Dentistry moved to its current location at the Health Sciences Campus in Philadelphia forty years later.
The year 2003 marked the opening of Temple University's Dental Museum, which tells the story of the School of Dentistry through its vast collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits. In 2006, the School was named for Maurice H. Kornberg, who devoted himself to the profession after graduating from the Temple University School of Dentistry in 1921. A generous donation from the late Dr. Kornberg's family has made several scholarship opportunities possible for Temple University students.
Educational Opportunities
The Kornberg School of Dentistry enrolls approximately 125 students into its DMD program every year. The School also offers graduate study programs for dentists interested in becoming the following dental specialists:
- Orthodontist (dental braces)
- Periodontist (gum disease treatment)
- Endodontists (root canal therapy)
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry
The Kornberg School of Dentistry is home to state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the clinical experience of its students. Dental students start their clinical work in the preclinical laboratory, a highly sophisticated teaching facility that simulates a dental operatory. Each student is provided with his or her own teaching station, where real dental equipment is used on mannequin heads. Students also have access to the technique laboratories, which contain dental X-ray units, lathes, ovens and other dental equipment found in professional dental offices.
The Kornberg School of Dentistry is affiliated with several Philadelphia area hospitals and all dental students perform clinical rotations at Temple University Hospital. Students are also offered several research opportunities through Temple University's dental school -- a select number of pre-doctoral students are selected each year for the Summer Research Training Program, funded through an NIH student research training grant. The Kornberg School of Dentistry also provides continuing education classes for dental professionals.
