Center for Oral Biology

Research Programs in the Oral Sciences

The Center for Oral Biology offers a Master of Science program in Dental Science, as well as two programs which support Ph.D. and postdoctoral level training: the Training Program in Oral Infectious Diseases and the Oral Cellular and Molecular Biology Program. All students admitted to our training programs may receive full scholarships and generous stipends. The Center is actively committed to recruitment of underrepresented minorities. In addition, the Center offers a Summer Research Training Program for dental students to enable them to gain academic-based career experiences. Particular emphasis is placed on recruiting minority students, career counseling and follow-up to assist trainees in achieving their career goals. This program has been in place for more than a decade and was the first of its kind in the country.

The focus of doctoral study in the Center for Oral Biology is to supplement a program of study in a basic science with additional proficiency in an area of oral science. All students must be accepted as Ph.D. candidates by the appropriate University of Rochester department, center, or program. The Center for Oral Biology coordinates the application process for all graduate degree programs related to oral science. Inquiries for these programs should be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies at the address above.

Graduate students who hold appointments in the Center for Oral Biology may pursue the Ph.D. degree in any of the clusters in the Graduate Education in the Biomedical Sciences (GEBS) and will receive a Ph.D. in anatomy, biochemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, biophysics, genetics, health services research and policy, microbiology and immunology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, or toxicology. Entrance requirements are in accordance with the policies of the individual department, center or program. The Ph.D. candidate is registered in the department or center in which the degree will be granted. The candidate attends classes and seminars, and carries out a research program directed toward the solution of a problem pertinent to oral science in the appropriate basic science center or department. Course Listings.

Training Programs in Oral Science

Training Program in Oral Infectious Diseases
The aim of the PHS Training Program in Oral Infectious Diseases is to prepare creative, imaginative and highly skilled professionals in the field of oral biology --- professionals who can initiate independent research, lead a multidisciplinary team of researchers to address the many facets of oral disease prevention, teach graduate students, and act as a resource person in the field of oral microbiology and immunology. Trainees are provided a core curriculum of didactic coursework (e.g. immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, statistics), along with a broad range of courses that have immediate and direct relevance to oral biology. Before deciding on a research project, and as an aid in that decision, students have the opportunity to rotate through several laboratories allowing familiarization with a wide range of techniques and expertise.

Preference for this highly competitive program is given to trainees who have expressed a firm commitment to scholarly achievement, have a demonstrated aptitude for scientific investigation, and whose plans include a career in academic dentistry or medicine. The program is committed to recruiting members of groups that are underrepresented in the clinical and pre-clinical sciences. Deadline: January before the year of entry. Back to the top.

Oral Cellular and Molecular Biology Program
The primary objective of the Oral Cellular and Molecular Biology Program is to train individuals committed to careers in oral science in the approaches of cellular and molecular biology. Training is provided in these areas to the Ph.D. level for dentists, students beginning their 4th year of dental school, and predoctoral candidates who have a commitment to careers in oral science. Opportunity for experience in several laboratories is provided before a final decision on a dissertation project is made. Individualized programs are available to dentist/Ph.D.s who wish additional scientific training prior to accepting an initial faculty level position. In addition to rigorous training in cell and molecular biology, attention is also given to practical issues such as grant writing and laboratory management. Support is also available for highly qualified students currently matriculating in dental school. Selected students receive intensive research training during an eight- to ten-week summer session. The objective of the program is to expose students to the opportunities available in an academic-based career. Research training is offered in biochemistry, developmental biology, pharmacology, physiology, molecular biology, and microbiology and immunology. In addition, trainees attend a weekly seminar to share their program experiences with each other. Particular emphasis is placed on recruiting minority students, career counseling and follow-up to help summer trainees in achieving their educational and ultimate career goals.

D.D.S.-Ph.D. Training Program Brochure
University of Rochester, School of Medicine & Dentistry
Marquette University, School of Dentistry
http://www.marquette.edu/dentistry/about/ddspost.shtml

D.M.D.-Ph.D. Training Program Brochure
University of Rochester, School of Medicine & Dentistry
University of Puerto Rico, School of Dentistry

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Master of Science Degree in Dental Science
This degree is offered for individuals with a D.D.S., D.M.D., or equivalent degree. Special permission may be granted to predoctoral candidates in some circumstances. The course of study for the M.S. degree usually takes two calendar years and consists of 30 credit hours; 18 of formal course work and seminars, and 12 of research. Requirements include:

• Participation in didactic courses and seminars offered by the Center for Oral Biology;
• The choice of a basic science area as a "minor" for advanced study;
• The choice and completion of a research project in an area of oral biology; and
• Preparation and presentation of a thesis on the research work and the results.

Fellowship stipends sufficient to meet living costs are available to selected students on a competitive basis. For more information: Graduate Education in the Biomedical Sciences (GEBS). Back to the top.