The four-year PhD in Oral Biology encourages students to focus in one of five areas: biomaterials and biomechanics, epithelial biology and carcinogenesis, microbiology and immunology, sensory neuroscience or bone biology, craniofacial development and tissue engineering.
The program is designed to ensure that graduates will develop the capability to initiate independent research programs in important areas of oral biology. Most students execute projects that advance mechanistic understanding.
Program at a Glance
Joining the Program
Apply
We welcome a diverse pool of applicants, including international students.
Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent, or a DDS/DMD degree or equivalent (international dental degrees (BDS, etc.) are acceptable).
PhD applications are due December 1 for the program beginning the following fall. Applicants are not admitted during the spring semester.
Applications must be completed online and should include a personal statement, a research essay, a diversity statement, CV or resume, proof of English language proficiency, letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Program Requirements
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Test scores | GRE is not required. |
| Transcripts | Unofficial transcripts are allowed for application. Official transcripts required for matriculation. |
| CV/Resume | Applicants must submit their resume or CV. |
| Supplemental application | No supplemental application is required. |
| Dental licensing | N/A |
| Degree | Must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, or a DDS/DMD degree or equivalent (international dental degrees (BDS, etc.) are acceptable). |
| Additional requirements | Applicants must submit a personal statement, research essay, diversity statement and three letters of recommendation. Application Instructions |
| International applicants | We welcome international applicants. Applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through testing or coursework. English proficiency guidelines |
Curriculum
The first year of the PhD program consists primarily of coursework. Students select courses with their advisor's approval from a core curriculum recommended by the Graduate Faculty for each area and their minor program. The core curriculum provides students with a working knowledge of the major concepts and research paradigms in that scientific area, a working vocabulary and the basis for continued learning.
In the second year, students complete all coursework and the written and oral preliminary exams. The written and oral exams capture the student’s ability to think critically about the field and the application of logical experimental designs to test hypotheses and answer questions. Upon completion of this two-part preliminary examination of the research proposal, the student will work largely on the dissertation research project through month 45 in residence.
Months 45 through 48 will be used for dissertation writing. Students must also present a public seminar describing their dissertation research (which is attended by the final oral exam committee) no later than six months before defense of the thesis. The dissertation will be defended in another public seminar in month 48.