ORAL BIOLOGY

Frank Oppenheim, DMD, PhD, Chair

The oral biology program is designed for students who wish to pursue an academic and research-oriented career. As such, the program is flexible and is especially suited for students whose interests may span more than one discipline. Research programs focusing on oral medicine-related problems may be conducted in conjunction with other departments within Boston University Medical Center or affiliated institutions. Every effort is made to provide training in research that will enable students completing this program to continue as independent investigators.

In conjunction with their basic research studies, students receive advanced training and experience in biomedical specialties. This training may lead to an MSD, DSc, DScD, or PhD. With the approval of the appropriate clinical department, students may opt for a combined program that includes training in one of the clinical specialties (periodontology, endodontics, operative dentistry, prosthodontics, dental public health, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, or orthodontics), leading to the additional award of the CAGS. The clinical requirements of the selected specialty program must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of that department's faculty.

The MSD program can normally be completed in two years. Attainment of the DSc or DScD degree requires a minimum of three years. The PhD program requires a minimum of five years of study. Requirements for combination with a clinical specialty depend on the requirements of the chosen specialty.

The following curriculum comprises the core of the oral biology program. Course selection is contingent on the student's program of study.

Curriculum

Year 1

SDM OB 761 Oral Microbiology 1 cr, 2nd sem.
SDM OB 763 Basic Processes in Oral Biology 4 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.
SDM OB 840 Advanced Seminar in Oral Biology 1 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.
SDM OB 850 Oral Biology Journal Club 1 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.
SDM PH 803 Biostatistics 2 cr, 1st sem.
GMS BI 756 Biochemistry 3 cr, 2nd sem.
GMS BI 751 Biochemistry and Morphology 6 cr, 1st sem.
SDM OB 991 Research: Oral Biology 2 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.

Year 2

SDM OB 842 Advanced Seminar in Oral Biology 1 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.
SDM OB 852 Oral Biology Journal Club1 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.
SDM OB 992 Research: Oral Biology 2 cr, 1st and 2nd sem.

A description of the Ph.D. Program in Oral Biology is found in the Boston University School of Medicine Bulletin.

Application Information

> MSD, DSc, DScD programs

Ph.D Program

The Ph.D Program is administred jointly through the Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology at the School of Dental Medicine and the Department of Oral Biology at the School of Medicine. Applications are handled by the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences at the School of Medicine. Click here to access information about this program on the School of Medicine's website. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Philip Trackman, trackman@bu.edu, or Dr. Frank Oppenheim, fropp@bu.edu, at the School of Dental Medicine.