GRADUATE PROGRAMS

GENERAL INFORMATION

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. 

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

The Department of Biomedical Sciences is part of the greater campus community and interacts with graduate programs in the biological and related sciences throughout the University of Maryland System. Students are trained as molecular and cell biologists, neuroscientists, and microbiologists. Since its inception, the program has made significant progress in graduate training, has obtained several major training grants from the National Institutes of Health, and has produced graduates who have taken postdoctoral and teaching positions at prestigious institutions.

The primary graduate program of the department is the PhD degree in biomedical sciences. From the standpoint of general policies and requirement, the program is organized in parallel fashion to other successful doctoral programs on campus. This organization facilitates participation in other campus interdepartmental and interdisciplinary programs (e.g. Neuroscience Program). The PhD degree may be completed with a focus in one of the three research tracks. The major tracks within the department reflect the composition of the basic science faculty and include: molecular and cell biology, infectious diseases and immunology, and neuroscience. The principal goals of scholarly activities within the PhD program are to increase the knowledge of the students and prepare them to become independent researchers.

Core Curriculum

All students, regardless of their degree objectives, are required to follow a small but important interdisciplinary core curriculum. The core is designed to insure that all students are given a firm grounding in scientific methods and experimental design and introduce them to ethical issues in the conduct of science. In addition the core provides students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with research opportunities in the department. The core courses include:

*Depending upon the research track selected by the student, this requirement may be met by taking either NACS 630 Fundamentals of Biostatistics (Neuroscience track) or PREV 620 Principles of Biostatistics (Molecular and Cell Biology Track).

In addition to the core courses, all students in the PhD program are required to take four credit hours of seminar and an additional 12 credit hours of dissertation research. Students in the MS program are required to complete 6 hours of thesis research. Additional credit hours to meet the requirements for the PhD and the MS degree vary within each track. More information about course requirements may be found in the track description

Upon completion of courses, students either take preliminary examinations for admission to candidacy for the PhD degree or complete their MS thesis research. After successful completion of the preliminary examinations and admission to candidacy, PhD and combined degree students direct their efforts toward research and thesis preparation.

Research Tracks

Infectious Disease and Immunology

The campus-wide affiliations of members of this track are Graduate-School-based programs in microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. In addition to the 6-hour core, students are required to take Advanced General Microbiology (DBMS 650 and 651), 4 credit hours of seminar, and 12 credits of dissertation research. Additional courses will be defined by the faculty affiliated with the infectious disease and immunology track. Additional elective courses may be selected from the Graduate Catalog with the recommendation of the student's academic or research advisor. The IDI track includes facilities for electron microscopy and provide research opportunities in areas such as molecular pathogenesis, regulation of gene expression, biofilm formation and bacteriophages.

Molecular and Cell Biology

The campus-wide affiliations of faculty members in this track include Graduate-School-based programs in physiology, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and pharmacology. In addition to the 6-hour core, the student is required to take Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MBIC 608), Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (MMCB602), Fundamentals of Cell Biology (MMCB601), 4 credit hours of seminar, and 12 credits of dissertation research. The molecular and cell biology track provides a range of molecular and cell biology research areas, and includes preparative ultracentrifugation, gene cloning and sequencing, and a modern animal care facility. Research in this track is also supported by a campus Biopolymer Laboratory that provides peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis and nucleic acid and peptide sequencing. Students in this track have access to state-of-the-art computer facilities and a comprehensive Health Sciences Library.

Neuroscience

Faculty affiliations in the neuroscience track are primarily through the campus-wide Neuroscience Program which consists of over 100 faculty. The neuroscience track of the department offers a broad-based training program in Integrative Neuroscience. Participating faculty have well-funded research laboratories. A major focus of research in this is the study of sensory processing including pain, touch, and proprioception. Others are pursuing studies of sensorimotor integration, motor control systems, and higher cognitive processes. Anatomical, physiological, behavioral, and molecular techniques are employed to gain a better understanding of how the nervous system processes changes in environmental stimuli, and how they affect behavior. For students with a clinical orientation, there are laboratories for psychophysical studies and assessment of treatment modalities for pain relief in humans. Faculty employ immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, electron microscopy, computer image processing, and other contemporary methodologies. Their areas of research expertise relate to the functional and developmental morphology of the oral region and to brain processes underlying sensation and motor control. Students are required to take Introduction to Neuroscience (NACS 641), 4 credit of seminar, and 12 credits of dissertation research. Additional required courses will be defined by the faculty affiliated with the Neuroscience Track. Elective course work may be taken from the other tracks or other appropriate 600 or 700 level courses in the Graduate School with the approval of the student's academic or research advisor.

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.

DBMS 606. General Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics (3). The course covers material presented to predoctoral dental students and emphasizes general pharmacologic principles and drugs used in dental practice. Students complete a summer research project or term paper.

DBMS 607. Advanced Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics (3). Students complete a summer research project or term paper. With DBMS 606, the course provides necessary and sufficient information for neuroscience track students with a focus in pharmacology.
Prerequisite: DBMS 606.

DBMS 608. Introduction to Biomedical Sciences-Dental School (1-2). Student are provided an overview of the department's three research tracks, and the teaching, research focus, and interests of faculty members. Offered fall semester, two one-hour sessions per week.

DBMS 610. General Biochemistry (5). This advanced and comprehensive coverage of modern biochemistry serves as a prerequisite for DBIC 612, 613, 614, 616, and 708, and biochemistry courses in other university components.

DBMS 611. Principles of Mammalian Physiology (6). This course 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. Offered spring semester.

DBMS 612. Human Neuroanatomy (3). Lectures cover macroscopic and microscopic study of the basic functional organization of the nervous system, including ultrastructure of neurons, synaptic organization of neuronal systems, and organization of the spinal cord and brain.
Cross-listed: MANA and NACS 612.

DBMS 613. Biochemistry of Lipids and Membranes (3). This course emphasizes chemistry and metabolism of lipids in membranes. Topics include serum lipoproteins, lipid methodology, eicosanoids, liposomes, fat-soluble vitamins, protein-solubilizing detergents, cholesterol, and atherosclerosis.
Prerequisite: DBMS 610 or equivalent.

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. Offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: DBMS 611 or MPHY 600, or equivalent.

DBMS 615. Nutrition and Metabolism (2). Lectures focus on nutrition and its relationship to energy metabolism. Topics include the different classes of nutrients, energy metabolism (dealing with the use of energy-containing major nutrients), metabolic interrelationships of nutrients, and the role of nutrition involved with various conditions.

DBMS 616. Biochemistry of Carbohydrates (3). Students are instructed in the structure and function of the carbohydrates and their pathways of biosynthesis and degradation, with emphasis on metabolic control and regulation. Covers both normal and abnormal metabolism.
Prerequisite: DBIC 611 or equivalent.

DBMS 618. Special Topics in DBMS (1). This course is offered in several sections that provide 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 anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, immunology, molecular and cell biology, molecular endocrinology, and mineralized tissues.

DBMS 619. DBMS 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 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). Intended for graduate students of oral microbiology, this course is supplemented with library readings and advanced laboratory experimentation. Offered fall semester. Four lecture hours each week with some laboratory experience.

DBMS 622. Immunology and Oral Disease (3). Basic immunologic principles, clinical immunology, and immunologic studies of oral diseases are topics of this course. Offered spring semester.

DBMS 623. Human Histology (6). Detailed studies of cells, tissues, and organ-systems of the human body are treated with emphasis on recent advances in this field of study.

DBMS 624. Microbiology of the Periodontium (2). The role of microorganisms in periodontal tissues and the factors that influence the development of disease processes are presented. Offered spring semester in alternate years.

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

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 630. Experimental Virology (4). The course emphasizes experimental techniques used to study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of viruses, and the molecular basis of virus-cell interactions. Topics include techniques used to purify and characterize viruses, fractionation procedures, and methods used to study the synthesis of viral components. Offered fall semester in alternate years. Two lectures and two laboratory periods per week deal with the molecular biology of viruses.
Prerequisite: a course in general virology or equivalent.

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.
Prerequisite: DBMS 611 or equivalent.

DBMS 633. The Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint (1). 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 634. Viral Oncology (2). The course includes a study of oncogenic viruses responsible for neoplasms in animals and their use as models to study the possible role of viruses in certain human cancers. Topics include tumor classification, experimental tumor production, theories of carcinogenesis, properties of normal and transformed cells, oncogenic DNA viruses, and oncogenic RNA viruses. Offered spring semester in alternate years.
Prerequisite: DBMS 651 or equivalent virology course.

*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: MMIC 636.

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.

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.

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: MANA/NACS/MPET/MPHY 641.

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. Offered fall semester.
Prerequisite: DBMS 611 or equivalent.

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. Offered spring, every other year.
Prerequisite: MANA/NACS/MPET/MPHY 641.
Cross-listed: NACS 643.

DBMS 650. Advanced General Microbiology (4). Required of all students enrolled in the microbiology and immunology program, this fall-semester course covers structure and functional relationship, growth and nutrition, metabolism, macromolecular synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, microbial taxonomy, ecology, mycology, and introduction to oral microbiology. Two lectures and two three-hour laboratory periods per week.

DBMS 651. Advanced General Microbiology II (4). Lectures include immunology, genetics, virology, Mycoplasma, rickettsiae, Chlamydia, stalk and gliding bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, and spirochetes. Offered spring semester. Two lectures and two three-hour laboratory periods a week.
Prerequisite: DMIC 650.

*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 use some techniques to help solve problems that may require a microscope in individual research projects. Offered fall semester, alternate years. Two lectures and two three-hour laboratory periods per week.

DBMS 656. Dental Toxicology and Therapeutics (2). Students receive instruction and training in dental pharmacology, therapeutics, and toxicology to anticipate potential hazards in treatment procedures that use new drugs, chemicals, and prosthetic materials.

DBMS 709. Nonthesis Master's Research (1-6)
DBMS 799. Master's Thesis Research (1-12)
DBMS 899. Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-12)

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

Admission and Application Procedures

Applicants to the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental School graduate program must fulfill minimum requirements for admission to the University of Maryland Graduate School, Baltimore and meet the additional criteria described below. The minimum grade point average (GPA) for unconditional admission to the Graduate School is a "B" average, or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, for an undergraduate student who has completed a program of study resulting in the award of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A strong background in biological science is essential; typical students will have completed courses in general biology, physics, and chemistry. All students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and earn a combined score of at least 1800. Combined degree applicants may substitute the GRE scores with DAT or MCAT scores.\

International students must attain a minimum TOEFL score of 600 on the paper examination and a minimum of 250 on the computer based examination. Tests of written English skills are strongly recommended.

Application information for the Graduate School and an online application form may be downloaded from the Internet at http://graduate.umaryland.edu/admissions.html. Applicants should designate the four letter code DBMS on the application.

To request an application contact: Graduate School of University of Maryland Baltimore, Lombard Building, 511 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

A complete application package includes: 1) A completed application form submitted to the Graduate School with the required nonrefundable application fee; 2) A letter of intent (statement of the academic objective and goals); 3) Official transcripts from each college attended; 4) Letters of recommendation (these may be sent directly to the Department of Biomedical Sciences, 666 W. Baltimore St., Room 5-A-12, Baltimore, MD 21201)

Applications may include other supporting materials if so desired. Although there is no formal deadline for application, admissions are made on a rolling basis and it is in the best interest for competitive students to apply for the limited number of positions as soon as possible. Once an application is received and processed by the Graduate School, it is forwarded to the Department of Biomedical Sciences. The Graduate Studies Committee evaluates the application, interviews the student when possible, and then develops an admission recommendation. The committee submits its recommendation to the Graduate School Admissions Office. The Graduate School then notifies the applicant of the decision.

Financial Assistance

All applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for financial support. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to receive financial support from the department’s NIH training grant or from a graduate research assistantship. International students are eligible for the graduate research assistantship. Successful applicants will receive a regionally competitive stipend and tuition. In addition, individual health insurance and student fees are paid by the department.
Students accepted into the combined DDS/PhD program will receive the same benefits as the PhD student for the first five years of the program and will be eligible for additional support for the remainder of the program.

COMBINED DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY AND DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

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.

Length of Program

Although designed as a seven-year program, exceptional students can complete the program in six 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.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences 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, 666 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 .

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE

The Master of Science degree program in dental hygiene is an innovative program designed to prepare dental hygienists to assume positions of responsibility beyond those assumed by the graduate of a baccalaureate program and to provide a foundation for doctoral level study. The program is student-centered, individualized and flexible. The faculty is committed to facilitating the development of professionals who are competent to pursue careers in teaching, research, administration/management or public/community health. Self-evaluation, self-direction, and critical thinking are encouraged throughout the program. Students have the opportunity to share their experiences, knowledge and skills, work cooperatively with colleagues, and explore a variety of resources to help them reach their maximum potential as health care professionals.

Program concentrations include education, management and community/institutional health. Students in the community/institutional health concentration may choose to focus on acute/hospital care or chronic/geriatric care. Within each concentration, practical career-oriented applications of knowledge and theory are emphasized.

The Curriculum

Full-time students can expect to complete the graduate program in approximately 18 months. Part-time students usually complete the program in 24 to 36 months. All students must complete a total of 30 semester credits to graduate.  Under the guidance of a thesis advisor and committee, students design and conduct original research for a total of six credits.  

Core Courses

DHYG 414. Educational Program Development (3). In this course, students explore various ways in which effective instructional skills may contribute to a career in dental hygiene. Learning experiences are designed to enable the student to develop these skills and to project their application in such areas as public school systems, community health programs, higher education and consumer education.

DHYG 427. Health Care Management (3). Students are introduced to skills essential for effective management in their personal and professional roles. Areas of emphasis include the dental team environment, managerial planning and decision-making, fiscal issues, career planning, resumes, and interviewing. Management principles are applied to a variety of oral health care delivery settings.

DHYG 601. Seminar: Literature Review and Evaluation for Dental Hygienists (3). Students gain appreciation for the literature as the knowledge base for dental hygiene theory and practice in a changing environment.  Participants analyze issues and identify research questions relevant to dental hygiene education and practice.

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

Research Design, Methodology and Statistics (6).  Several options are available for these courses.

Practicum Options (based on concentration selected)
DHYG 618. Effective Clinical Teaching Credits (2-3). Through independent study, seminar, and clinical experience, the beginning dental hygiene clinical teacher will identify, analyze, and develop the skills and attitudes necessary for successful clinical instruction. This course must be taken concurrently with a clinical teaching practicum.

DHYG 619. Teaching Practicum (2-4). Graduate students, working with a faculty advisor, gain experience teaching in didactic, clinical, and/or laboratory settings. An analytical approach to teaching effectiveness is emphasized. Placements in junior colleges, baccalaureate programs, elementary or secondary schools, or the Dental School are arranged according to each student's career goals.

DHYG 629. Health Care Management Practicum (2-4). In cooperation with a faculty advisor, graduate students observe and participate in the administrative activities of a health care program. Placements are arranged to support the student's career goals.

DHYG 639. Advanced Clinical Practice Practicum (2-4). Graduate students work with a faculty advisor to gain knowledge and experience in an advanced clinical area of dental hygiene practice, such as nutritional analysis and counseling, periodontics, or orthodontics.

Elective Offerings

Electives may be chosen from the courses offered by the schools and departments at any of the University of Maryland or University System campuses.

Electives that apply to the concentrations of teaching, management and community/institutional health must be approved by the student's faculty advisor before registration.

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. A limited number of part-time graduate teaching positions may be available through the department, and University fellowships may be available from the Graduate School. Scholarships are also available from the American Dental Hygienists' Association Institute for Oral Health. Part-time employment opportunities for dental hygiene practice are excellent in the community.

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, as an undergraduate student in a program of study leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in dental hygiene. Students who fail to meet these minimum requirements may be admitted to graduate study as provisional students. Applicants must be graduates 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.

Three copies of the application for admission, three letters of recommendation and two sets of official transcripts from each college or university attended must be received by the University of Maryland Graduate School by April 1 for admission in the fall semester and by October 1 for admission in the spring semester.

For more information about the Master of Science degree program in dental hygiene visit the Dental School’s web site at www.dental.umaryland.edu/admissions/hygieneMS.asp.

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY

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 oral and maxillofacial pathology 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

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

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.

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.

DPAT 618. Seminar (1) One period each week. Recent advances in oral pathology.
 
The prerequisite for all courses cited above is a basic course in pathology. Approved electives will supplement these courses until the credit requirements of the program are met.

DPAT 899 Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-12)

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