DSc in Oral Biology
This program is designated for students who wish to pursue an academic or research-oriented career. It is an advanced science degree program focusing on basic physical, biological, and clinical sciences relevant to the advancement of oral medicine. The research project is conducted with Oral Biology faculty in the Department of Translational Dental Medicine. The DSc program is geared toward dentists who have previous educational experience in biological sciences; for these individuals the doctor of science program may be combined with a clinical (CAGS) program. Candidates with nonclinical degrees (BS or MS) may also be accepted into the DSc program.
Students are required to fully participate in the research activities of the advisor’s laboratory, learning experimental approaches by carrying out specific research protocols related to a dissertation project. In addition to learning appropriate techniques, students are taught how to devise research strategies to answer specific questions, relate the strategy to previous studies, develop testing protocols, and analyze the resulting data. Upon completion, students will be capable of writing a well-developed manuscript and grant application. Attainment of the DSc requires a minimum of three years.
Doctor of Science Curriculum
Year 1
- GMS BI 751 A1 Biochemistry/Cell Morphology
- SDM OB 763 Basic Processes in Oral Biology
- SDM OB 766 Oral Immunology & Microbiology
- SDM OB 850 Journal Club
- SDM OB 991 Research: Oral Biology
Year 2
- SDM OB 850 Journal Club
- SDM OB 992 Research: Oral Biology
- SDM OB 993 Research: Oral Biology
Year 3
- SDM OB 994 Research: Oral Biology
- SDM OB 995 Research: Oral Biology
Completion is not tracked by unit accumulation but by successful completion of individual courses and duration requirements.
Doctor of Science without CAGS
Students enrolled in the doctor of science program without a CAGS have a time commitment of at least three years. During their first year, in consultation with a faculty advisor, the student selects and participates in related didactic courses. Courses may be selected from courses offered by the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine postdoctoral program or by other schools at Boston University. The second and third years are dedicated to conducting and completing research. In most cases the program is designed so that it can be completed in three years.
Doctor of Science combined with CAGS
Students enrolled in the combined doctor of science/CAGS program have a time commitment of at least three years in the research program portion and two or three years in the clinical program depending on the discipline. The entire program will take five or six years and follows a sequential pattern depending on the area of specialization and background of the candidate. The research requirements for the DSc and the clinical requirements for the CAGS must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of the faculty in all relevant departments.
