Graduate programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MS) degrees are offered as follows:

Special admissions requirements are noted for each graduate program. Persons who meet these requirements may apply for admission to the Graduate School through an online application form at http://graduate.umaryland.edu/admissions/instructions.html. 

Dental School faculty are affiliated with the Graduate Program in Life Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Applicants seeking admission to the PhD program should consult this site for more information and to apply on-line.

The following courses are offered by Dental School faculty and may be taken for credit toward any of the above-listed graduate degrees pending approval of the student's advisory committee.

Courses

DBMS 604. Current Trends in Cellular and Molecular Biology of Oral Tissues (1). Presentations by students, faculty members, and guest speakers consist of original research work and related issues and trends in molecular biology research of oral tissues. The course emphasizes new methods in molecular and cell biology.

DBMS 605. Scientific Method, Writing, and Ethics (1). Lectures cover the scientific method, including the relationship of empirical vs. rational approaches. The course emphasizes the formulation of hypothesis and experimental design and critical review of literature. The course also includes ethical issues and writing styles for scientific papers and research grant proposals. Fall semester.

DBMS 614. Physiology of Aging (2). This course for graduate students in health professions and others with an interest in gerontology focuses on cell biology, metabolic processes, cardiovascular, and neurobiological aspects of aging. Lectures include the pathophysiological basis for health problems of older adults. Students study alterations at the cell, organ, and system levels to provide the basis for clinical management of common health problems. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MPHY 600 or equivalent.

DBMS 618 Special Topics in BMS (1-3). This multi-section course offers students research and educational opportunities in both the traditional biomedical disciplines and in several emerging areas of the “new biology.” Small groups of students and graduate faculty arrange the offerings. Areas of specialization include:

DBMS 620. Biological Aspects of Dental Caries (2). This course provides current evidence-based information about biological aspects of dental caries. Basic microbial ecology of the oral cavity and microbial mechanisms of caries are presented. Other topics include histopathology of enamel, dentin, and root surface caries; chemistry and functions of saliva as they relate to dental caries; and associations between saliva and oral structures.

DBMS 621 Advanced Dental Microbiology (4). This course, intended for graduate students of oral microbiology, is supplemented with library readings and advanced laboratory experimentation. Four lecture hours each week with some laboratory experience. Fall semester.

DBMS 628. Advanced Head and Neck Anatomy (2-4). Students are given a working knowledge of the functional anatomy of the head and neck through detailed dissection and lectures.

DBMS 631. Oral Motor Function (2). Biomedical sciences students receive an updated, in-depth presentation of mandibular function and neuromuscular control mechanisms involved in mastication, swallowing, and speech. Lectures and student presentations cover the morphology, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology of structures required for oral motility. Emphasis is on the clinical relevance of basic science information. Spring semester, alternate years.  Prerequisite: MPHY 600.

DBMS 633. The Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint (1). Graduate and postgraduate students learn about developmental, microscopic, and gross anatomic features of the temporomandibular joint through lectures and seminars by the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology and clinical disciplines.

*DBMS 635. Bacterial Genetics (4). This course covers induction, expression, and selection of mutants; molecular basis of mutations; transfer of genetic information by transformation, transduction, and conjugation; complementation and recombination in phage and bacteria; plasmids; and recombinant DNA. Offered first semester, alternate years. Two lectures and two laboratory periods per week deal with the genetics of bacteria and bacterial viruses. Cross-listed: GPLS 635.

DBMS 636. Pharmacology of Anesthetic Drugs (3). Students learn basic pharmacologic aspects of general and local anesthetic drugs and drugs used for pain control. Topics include theories on the mechanism of action, structure-activity relationships, physiological effects of these agents, and drug interactions and clinical aspects. Spring semester.

DBMS 638. Biostatistics (1-3). Students are introduced to research design and statistics as they apply to dentistry to allow students to evaluate literature in their fields and work cooperatively with a statistician on research projects. Summer.

DBMS 642. Nociception, Pain, and Analgesia (2). The course emphasizes the nervous system mechanisms responsible for nociception, pain, and the alleviation of pain. Classical and current research in the neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and neurophysiology of pain relate to clinical observations, pain syndromes, and mechanisms of analgesic drugs. Material is most relevant for dental, medical, and nursing graduate students. Fall semester.

DBMS 643. The Neurobiology of Nociception, Pain (2). Designed for neuroscience graduate students in all health disciplines, this course focuses on the basic science and research aspects of nociception and pain. Topics include the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and the psychophysics of nociception and pain. Weekly, two-hour class meetings consist of student presentations and group discussions, based on a reading list provided by the faculty. Spring, every other year. Prerequisite: GPLS 641. Cross-listed: GPLS 643.

DBMS 708 Laboratory Rotations (1-3).  This course provides students with practical laboratory experience in a variety of techniques and allows them to become familiar with the faculty members and their research. Doctoral students are required to complete at least two rotations in different laboratories in the program. Rotations may run either one full semester or one half semester (eight weeks). All rotations should be completed by the end of the 4th semester in the program. Offered throughout the year.

DBMS 799 Master's Thesis Research (1-12)
DBMS 899 Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-12)

Courses Available Upon Request

DBMS 611 Principles of Mammalian Physiology (6).  Focuses on ideas of human physiology. Topics include cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, renal, and endocrine systems; didactic method and seminar methods of instruction; and research aspects of physiology. Spring semester.

DBMS 619 Biomedical Science Seminar (1).  Presenting seminars and participating in discussions is an important part of graduate education. Attendance at departmental seminars is a program requirement. The multidisciplinary program provides students and faculty the opportunity to learn about research across the curriculum. Students must present one seminar each year. Students register for and earn 1 credit hour in the semester that they present. Students must earn at least 4 credits with a minimum grade of B for graduation.

DBMS 622 Immunology and Oral Disease (3).  Covers basic immunologic principles, clinical immunology, and immunologic studies of oral diseases. Spring semester.

DBMS 625 Mammalian Oral Histology and Embryology (2).  Developing and definitive oral and paraoral structures are presented, with special emphasis on recent advances in this field of study.

DBMS 641 Introduction to Neuroscience (4).  This required course is for students interested in doing doctoral dissertation research in neurosciences. While the course provides an overview of the field, its emphasis is on mastery of core ideas, assessed through quizzes, problem sets, and examinations. Lectures, taught by a small group of faculty members from several departments, cover a comprehensive textbook of neurosciences. Prerequisites: basic biology, chemistry, and physics. Cross-listed: GPLS 641.

DBMS 653 Techniques in Microscopy (4).*  Students learn techniques used to prepare biological material for examination with light and electron microscopes. The course covers theory of light and electron optics. Students get to use some techniques to help solve problems that may require a microscope in individual research projects. Fall semester, alternate years.

*A permission slip from the program director or instructor is necessary to enroll in this course

Developed in response to the strong demand by universities, hospitals and laboratories for biomedical researchers in the oral health arena, the DDS/PhD program prepares outstanding clinical and basic biomedical scientists who are thoroughly versed in the science underlying clinical practice and capable of identifying and addressing significant problems in oral health. Students complete the dental program’s predoctoral requirements with the addition of graduate level basic science training, progressing through doctoral degree candidacy and doctoral dissertation. Upon completion of all predoctoral and graduate requirements, students receive the DDS and PhD degrees simultaneously.

If you are interested in being considered for this program, please complete the preapplication form that will assist in identifying faculty you might be interested in speaking with during the interview process.  See the program description for more information. 

Length of Program

Seven years

Curriculum

In years one and two, DDS/PhD students complete the dental program’s preclinical requirements with the addition of graduate level basic science courses, weekly research seminars, biostatistics and laboratory rotations. In years three to five, students complete elective coursework tailored to a selected research area, progressing through doctoral degree candidacy and doctoral dissertation. The student’s dental preclinical skills are reassessed in the spring semester of year five, followed by appropriate training before the return to the dental program in years six and seven.

Academic Advisers

Upon admission, a student is assigned to a program oversight committee codirected by a clinical mentor and a basic science mentor. The student meets regularly with the committee for guidance and evaluation throughout the program.

Admissions Requirements

Financial Assistance

Students enrolled in the program receive financial support from the training program in biomedical sciences for at least five years of the seven-year program. Other funding opportunities exist for supporting students for the full program. Students are also encouraged to apply for individual DDS/PhD fellowships from the National Institutes of Health. In addition, short-term NIH dental student training grants are available for research conducted the summer before entering dental school.

The objective of the combined DDS-COHRT program is to graduate outstanding individuals with a combination of excellence in clinical skills and training in clinical research or public health to prepare them for an academic career in dentistry.  Graduates of this program will understand the scientific principles that form the basis of clinical practice, will be able to identify significant problems in oral health and will have the requisite tools to develop testable hypotheses that address these problems.

Length of Program

Five years.

Curriculum

UMB Master's program courses (either MPH or MSCR) are substituted for DDS program courses as appropriate to fulfill didactic requirements (~6-15 credits) of both programs (DDS and Master's) during the third program year.  Development of a research project and formulation of the mentoring team occurs during the summer prior to that year (program year three and DDS junior year).  Additional coursework and the research project or practicum or capstone experience comprise the fourth program year to complete the Master's degree requirements.  Elective credits (3) from the DDS curriculum during the fifth program year (DDS senior year) are available for students completing their research and are used towards time to prepare and submit research results.  Research topics follow the Dental School's research themes:  pain and neuroscience; microbiology and infectious diseases; cell and molecular biology; epidemiology and community health, and selected discipline-specific clinical topics.

Academic Advisors

Advisement of trainees is an integral part of the combined DDS-Master's programs, with two advisors assigned:  One from the student's primary school (Dental School) and one from the Master's program faculty.  Advisement begins with the application process.  Once a track and concentration are selected by the student, the trainee develops an appropriate mentoring team.  The Master's program directors meet with the mentors to set educational goals for the trainee, individualized according to the specific project.

Expenses and Financial Assistance

The program is supported by the DDS-COHRT T32 program funded through National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Search (NIDCR), NIH.  Students are supported by a stipend and tuition during their full-time year of Master's degree study.

Admission and Application Procedures

Applicants who wish to enter the dual MS degree programs must first be admitted to the DDS program through the Dental School's usual admission process.  Once they are accepted to the DDS program, they may apply to the graduate program through application at the pre-application website (http://nps.dental.umaryland.edu/Pages/Application_DDSMS.aspx) and through discussion with the program director, Dr. Sharon Gordon, Director of Graduate Research Education.

The Master of Science program is designed for dentists who wish to pursue a master’s degree combining graduate education with a postgraduate certificate program (endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, or advanced education in general dentistry). The program provides an interdisciplinary graduate foundation in the biological and clinical sciences to prepare for careers in dental research, dental education, the practice of dentistry or a dental specialty.

Length of Program

Students should be able to complete the requirements of the Master of Science and certificate programs within three years.  An option to study for the PhD degree in combination with specialty training may be arranged for highly motivated individuals

Curriculum

Although lecture courses comprise most of the curriculum, many of the basic science courses include a laboratory component. A significant portion of the program is devoted to the design and completion of a thesis research project, which is a requirement of the program. Students have the opportunity to select research advisors from several disciplines and research topics from many basic and clinical sciences.

Students are required to have a minimum of 30 semester hours in courses acceptable for credit toward a graduate degree, as follows:

All students must maintain a 3.0 (B) or better academic average. Each student will be required to write a thesis based on the master’s research and to defend it orally.

Academic Advisors

Students enrolled in the Master of Science program will have their respective specialty program director as their academic advisor.

Site and Facilities

The primary training site is the Dental School, University of Maryland. Courses and research opportunities are available in oral pathology and the disciplines of anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology, molecular biology, and neurophysiology, which are included in the department of oral and craniofacial biological sciences. Laboratory space and equipment are readily available for student training. Facilities are also available at other schools of the University of Maryland as well as the University of Maryland Baltimore County and College Park campuses.

Admission Requirements

Applications for the specialty certificate programs may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions and Career Advancement, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dental School, University of Maryland, 650 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201.  Application information for the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program may be obtained from the University of Maryland Graduate School, 515 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201.

Additional information about graduate studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore is available by visiting www.graduate.umaryland.edu .

The Master of Science program in dental hygiene at the University of Maryland, Baltimore prepares the dental hygienist to assume advanced leadership roles in a diversity of health care settings, in academia, and in private industry. Through a variety of individualized educational and field experiences combined with a substantive core curriculum, adult learning skills are fostered. The program promotes the development of critical thinking professionals who are competent to pursue careers in dental hygiene education, research, public health, administration and management, in both the private and public sectors. Program specialization tracks include (1) education, (2) public health, and (3) administration/management.

Applicants are accepted for fall and spring matriculation and may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. The program is individualized and flexible with the many courses offered online.

Length of Program

All requirements for the Master of Science degree must be completed within a five-year period. Courses completed more than five years before the expected date of receiving the Master's degree will not count toward the degree. Full-time students can complete the program in about 24-36 months. Part-time students usually devote 36-48 months to the program. Candidates require at least 37 credits to graduate.

Curriculum

Students must complete a total of 37 semester credits to graduate.  Under the guidance of a committee, students design and conduct original research for a total of six credits.

*Students may choose from courses offered by the schools and departments at any of the University of Maryland campuses in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and College Park, or other campuses in the University System of Maryland. The Graduate Program Director must approve all electives prior to student registration.

The following courses are offered by Dental School faculty.  Courses not included in core requirements must be approved by the student's advisory committee.

Courses

DHYG 601 Literature Review/Evaluation (3).  Through an analysis and critique of literature pertinent to the dental hygienist, student examine biological, clinical, research, political, sociological, and educational trends that influence dental hygiene. Students identify potential research questions.

DHYG 602 Research and Professional Writing (2).  This course is designed to develop students’ writing skills in preparation for thesis development and execution. Emphasis will be placed on the tenets of scientific writing and written research communication. Rules of grammar and syntax will be reviewed and applied in student created documents. Students will evaluate the quality of writing in published reports and create their own abstracts for peer and faculty review.

DHYG 603 Issues in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (2).  This course explores issues in oral health care delivery related to health promotion and disease prevention. Topics will include how patient and provider ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, and cultural competence affect health, illness and the delivery of care. Social, psychological and economic impacts of oral conditions and treatments will be discussed. The current state of general health and oral health in the United States, including oral health disparities, will be addressed.

DHYG 619 Area of Specialization Pract (3).  Working with faculty advisers, students gain experience teaching in didactic and clinical or laboratory settings. Faculty advisers emphasize an analytical approach to teaching effectiveness.

DHYG 799. Master's Thesis Research (6). 

Master's Level Research Design, Methodology, and Statistics (6)

Elective Offerings

Electives may be chosen from courses offered by schools and departments of the University of Maryland or University System campuses. Electives must be approved by the Graduate Program Director prior to registration. Some courses may not be offered every semester or year.

Expenses and Financial Assistance

See the Student Accounts Web page at http://www.fincsvc.umaryland.edu/sa/tuition.cfm for tuition and fees. Financial aid, in the form of loans, grants, and work study, is awarded on the basis of demonstrated need. The only financial support that the Master of Science program offers is a Teacher Development Program Award to full-time students (at least 9 credits) in the education track. The ADHA Institute for Oral Health also lists various scholarship opportunities: http://www.adha.org/institute/index.htm. The University of Maryland, Baltimore's financial aid website is http://www.umaryland.edu/fin/.

Admission and Application Procedures

Admission to graduate study is the exclusive responsibility of the University of Maryland Graduate School. The minimum standard for admission is a B average, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale  The applicant must be a graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program and possess a baccalaureate degree in dental  hygiene or a related field.  A personal interview with the program director is strongly recommended.

See Graduate School admissions instructions to apply. Letters of recommendation and the required forms should be faxed directly to the Division of Dental Hygiene at 410-706-0349 by June 30 for admission in the fall semester and by November 30 for admission in the spring semester.

See the admissions pages for more information about the Master of Science degree program in dental hygiene.

Objectives

Scope of Training

In this unique program, which is one of only 14 nationally accredited programs, students receive experience and training in surgical oral pathology, clinical oral pathology, and the basic sciences. An extensive series of lectures, seminars, and case conferences are conducted to provide a comprehensive curriculum that meets the requirements both for American Board certification and the confirmation of a graduate degree from the University of Maryland Graduate School.

A faculty advisor is assigned to guide each candidate through the didactic curriculum and research thesis. Research interests of the faculty include connective tissue, bone, stress proteins, retroviruses, and epidemiology of oral disease.

Site of Training

Most clinical training is conducted within the Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences of the University of Maryland Dental School. Didactic courses are taken in various schools on the University of Maryland campus and at the Baltimore County campus. Electives and special courses may also be taken at the University of Maryland College Park campus or at The Johns Hopkins University. All of the above sites, as well as the National Institutes of Health, the National Library of Medicine and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in the Washington area, may serve as resources for the development and completion of the research thesis.

Number of Positions

No limit

Faculty

Length of Program

PhD, four years

Special Requirements

DDS, DMD, or equivalent degree

Curriculum

With few exceptions, all students enrolled in the Ph.D. program must take the following:

1.  GPLS 610, 602, 603. Molecular Mechanisms in Biomedical Sciences I, II, III, C2, 2 (4)

2.  DPAT 618. Seminar (1)  One period each week.  Recent advances in oral pathology.  This is required each semester; students are expected to attend departmental seminars and to present a research seminar twice yearly. Beginning students who do not yet have a research project are expected to report on a current literature survey of a topic of their choice.

3.  DPAT 899. Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-12)  A total of 12 hours of dissertation research is required by the Graduate School.

4.  The student will also do rotations of approximately 8-10 weeks in faculty research laboratories. First year students select the laboratories in which they will work after consulting the departmental file on opportunities and their Advisory Committee. Additional laboratory rotations may be done at the student's option.

In addition, a student may be required to take one or more of the following:

1.  DPAT 612, 613. Special Problems in Oral Pathology (2,2) Two hours lecture per week.  A comprehensive review of oral and maxillofacial pathology.

2. DPAT 614, 615. Methods in Histopathology (4,4) Two four-hour laboratory periods each week. The laboratory methods used in preparing pathologic tissues for microscopic examination.

3. DPAT 616, 617. Advanced Histopathology of Oral Lesions (3,3) One hour of lecture and four hours of laboratory each week. The study of common, uncommon and rare lesions of the head and neck.

4. DPAT 799. Master's Thesis Research (1)

 Desirable Courses:

1. PATH 601. Pathology for Graduate Students

2. PATH 602. Systemic Pathology

3. PATH 608. Autopsy Pathology (Required for American Board of Oral Pathology)

4. PATH 609. Surgical Pathology (Required for American Board of Oral Pathology)

Anatomic Pathology, Surgical Pathology and Clinical Pathology are taught in University Hospital.

Students will be expected to have basic knowledge of Cell Biology, Biostatistics, and computer usage in addition to the above subject areas. Students must take at least 38 credit hours of course work beyond the 12 required credits of Dissertation Research. Courses covering areas of special interest will be selected by the students in consultation with, and with the concurrence of, the Advisory Committee or Dissertation Advisor.

Students are expected to earn grades of B or better in all courses. Those who fail to maintain a B average are subject to the rules of the Graduate School, which are published in the Graduate School catalog.

Click here for additional program information and course requirements.

Return to Top

Return to Table of Contents