Program at a Glance
About our program
The MN-DOCTR mission is to train the next generation of dental investigators by providing the foundation for a successful career in craniofacial and oral biology research that will advance our understanding, treatments, and diagnostic tools for dental, oral and craniofacial conditions. The MN-DOCTR Program’s training will:
- Expose trainees to specific craniofacial and oral biology research topics
- Teach techniques to analyze large data sets
- Emphasize ethics and rigor and reproducibility in research
- Build skills to create independent lines of research
- Provide networking and career development opportunities
Unique features of our program include trainee introductions to current problems and research in oral/craniofacial biology through coursework such as “Research Topics in Oral Health and Biology”, as well as instruction in bioinformatics concepts and techniques in our Bioinformatics and Computational Biology or Health Data Sciences classes.
Trainees will attend weekly Oral Biology seminars and specific MN-DOCTR cohort meetings every other month. MN-DOCTR mentors participate in mentor training and have regular, substantial and meaningful interactions with the mentee. The program’s goal is the creation of a cohort of rigorously trained, scientifically competent and innovative young scientists focused on increasing our understanding and treatment of dental, oral and craniofacial conditions.
Trainees
Predoctoral Trainees
Predoctoral trainees should apply after passing preliminary exams.
MN-DOCTR Year 1
- Complete MN-DOCTR required coursework:
- OBIO 6500: Topics in Oral Health and Biology
- Data Science course (BICB 8510 or PUBH 7462)
- Grantwriting course (RSC 8206, CMB 5910 or similar)
- OBIO 8001: Principles of Scientific Reproducibility and Rigor
- Begin full-time dissertation research project
- Take skills and interest inventory, and develop Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Prepare and submit individual fellowship grant application
- Clinical & translational experience
- Attend weekly Oral Biology seminars and bimonthly MN-DOCTR seminars
- Attend RCR Summer Refresher workshops
MN-DOCTR Year 2
- Continue full-time dissertation research project
- Conference presentation
- Publication(s)
- Exit interview
Dual DDS/PhD Students
Dual DDS/PhD Students should apply prior to starting training or during PhD year 1.
MN-DOCTR Year 1
- Complete Oral Biology required coursework, including: OBIO 6500: Topics in Oral Health and Biology, and OBIO 8001: Principles of Scientific Reproducibility and Rigor
- Select advisor and identify project
- Take skills and interest inventory, and develop Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Attend weekly Oral Biology seminars and bimonthly MN-DOCTR seminars
- Complete required Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training
MN-DOCTR Year 2
- Complete required coursework, including minor program
- Preliminary exams
- Prepare and submit individual fellowship grant application
- Clinical & translational experience
- Attend weekly Oral Biology seminars and bimonthly MN-DOCTR seminars
- Attend Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Summer Refresher workshops
Postdoctoral Trainees
MN-DOCTR Year 1
- Complete MN-DOCTR required coursework:
- OBIO 6500: Topics in Oral Health and Biology
- Data Science course (BICB 8510 or PUBH 7462)
- Grantwriting course (RSC 8206, CMB 5910, or similar)
- OBIO 8001: Principles of Scientific Reproducibility and Rigor
- Establish and meet with Trainee Advisory Committee
- Take skills and interest inventory, and develop Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Submit manuscript
- Conference presentation
- Clinical & translational experience
MN-DOCTR Year 2
- Attend Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Summer Refresher workshops
- Submit publication
- Prepare and submit grant application (K-series or similar)
- Exit interview
Take the Next Step
Applications are now being accepted for all trainee types! See the table below for required application materials.
Submit all materials by
9:00 AM on August 20, 2026 for Fall 2026 start dates.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CV & Research Statement | Attach a CV and 2-page research statement to your application form. Your research statement should emphasize the dental, oral and craniofacial impacts of the project and your future career plans. |
| Letter of Recommendation | One letter of recommendation from the proposed faculty advisor must be sent directly by the author to [email protected]. Faculty letters must offer insight on the candidate’s future career goals, their potential to successfully advance to the next career stage, and current funding available to support the trainee’s research. |
| Transcript |
|
Unaffiliated Mentors: If an applicant to the program is mentored by a faculty member not currently affiliated with the MN-DOCTR Program, the MN-DOCTR Executive Committee will discuss a co-advising arrangement with the mentor or recommend that the mentor apply for program membership.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Predoctoral trainees must pass preliminary exams prior to or during the application process. Dual degree trainees must be admitted to the DDS program and PhD in Oral Biology prior to or during the application process. Postdoctoral trainees must complete a PhD prior to or during the application process. Strong preference is given to applicants seeking their first postdoctoral position.