M.S. Degree in Dentistry - Emphasis in Oral Biology

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry in collaboration with the joint basic science departments at UAB School of Dentistry offers graduate studies leading to a Master of Science degree with emphasis in Oral Biology. The objective of the program is to relate basic biological sciences to health and disease of the oral cavity. This program is designed for individuals holding a D.D.S., D.M.D., or B.S. in Science (e.g. biology, chemistry, etc.) with little or no experience in basic research. This program will provide insight into dental academics and teaching in basic or applied research.

Students are required to pursue studies in oral biology and in the basic biological sciences. These studies include course work, seminars, journal club, and a laboratory component. Course work includes formal lectures from within the School of Dentistry and courses offered by the basic sciences departments, School of Public Health and the School of Medicine. The seminars include the “Dean’s Seminar Series” and the Institute of Oral Health Research seminars. The Seminars cover a wide array of topics relevant to various research areas as well as other disciplines of dentistry or dental education. A significant portion of the program is devoted to the design and completion of a thesis research project in the form of one publishable paper in a reputable scientific journal which is a requirement of the program. The publication of the paper will be carried out under the supervision of the faculty mentor. Faculty involved in this M.S. program are actively engaged in research that represents a variety of oral and basic biomedical disciplines within the Dental School and Medical Center. The diversity of the research interests offers opportunities for students to pursue studies in a stimulating research environment.

The program requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits. Of these, at least 24 credits must be selected from graduate-level courses approved for the program and a minimum of 6 credits at the master's research level. Each student must orally defend a master's thesis based on their research. If the applicant holds a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree, the M.S. program may be combined with a clinical dental specialty training only after acceptance into the clinical program and as long as the research leading to a M.S. in Oral Biology constitutes basic and not clinical research.

Admission

Applicants must hold a D.D.S., D.M.D., B.S. in Science or an equivalent degree and should possess a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Students whose first language is not English must earn a score of 560 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

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