College of Dentistry
Phd in oral sciences, training the 'next-generation' of oral health professionals heading link copy link.
This program trains the next generation of oral health scientists. PhD in Oral Sciences utilizes cutting edge biomedical technology and knowledge to address basic and clinical research questions of importance for promoting and maintaining oral health. The program also offers an opportunity to combine PhD training with a DMD for a dual degree in 8 years. Students admitted to the dual degree DMD/PhD track start with PhD to complete 90% of research work before the of start the DMD curriculum.
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Program description.
The curriculum consists of a core based on the University of Illinois Chicago’s Graduate Education in Medical Sciences (GEMS) Program coupled with selectives in Oral Sciences: Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology; Biomaterials Science; or, Microbiology/Immunology. Students participate in an oral science topics series throughout the program. Students who are candidates for the PhD will usually complete the program within 4-5 years. Students who are candidates in the combined DMD/PhD program will earn both the DMD and PhD degrees within 8 years. A preliminary (candidacy) exam and a final thesis defense are required. More information on degree requirements (including curriculum and research thesis) is available from the UIC Graduate College .
Research and Training
Research has demonstrated the definitive associations between oral and systemic diseases such as periodontitis, cardiovascular disease and preterm birth. Students and faculty in the PhD in Oral Sciences program focus on the areas of oral health research, all of which integrate the oral cavity with systemic and whole body health: Wound Healing, Cancer Biology and Tissue Engineering. The program prepares students for faculty and research positions in interdisciplinary oral health research. Training emphasizes bench research and the evaluation of scientific data in addition to didactic course work. In addition, training will include presentation, grantsmanship and writing skills, as well as other activities essential for developing an independent researcher.
Admissions Requirements
Candidates with an undergraduate degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution are eligible to apply for the PhD in Oral Sciences. Additional requirements for international candidates include having minimum levels of English proficiency as set by the University’s Office of Admissions .
Tuition & Fees
Please visit UIC’s tuition and fees page for current tuition rates for the PhD program. Please visit the UIC Office of Financial Aid for information about how to fund your education.
How to Apply
Step 1: Statement of interest All candidates must express interest in writing to:
Christina Nicholas, PhD Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]
Step 2: Online application All applicants must complete the UIC graduate application for the PhD in Oral Sciences, Program Code 20FS6204PHD . All materials requested during the online application (official transcripts and application fee) must be uploaded directly to the University’s Office of Admissions’ online application. All applicants should carefully read the directions available from UIC Graduate Admissions .
Applicants will also be required to upload the following:
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation
Dates and deadlines for the application are available from the UIC Graduate College .
Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Graduate Studies Committee. The committee will ask you to interview, in-person or online video conference accommodations are available. Candidates chosen will be notified by email.
The DMD/PhD Program
The DMD/PhD program integrates our innovative DMD curriculum and clinical training with a customizable basic and translational oral sciences track to offer graduates both a DMD and PhD in Oral Sciences. Students work closely with faculty mentors and multidisciplinary science teams to gain valuable experience in the lab and clinic to prepare for careers in science, academics or specialized clinical practice.
Watch these videos to hear from current DMD/PhD candidates on the advantages of combining clinical training with oral science research experience.
Multidisciplinary Oral Science Training (MOST program)
Research areas, craniofacial pathology, regenerative science, clinical, translational & community research, resources heading link copy link.
- Oral Sciences Graduate Program Manual
- Research Funding & Resources
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For more information about the PhD in Oral Sciences program, and to apply, please contact:
Amsa Ramachandran Academic Advisor DMD/PhD Program Office of Research [email protected]
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PhD Program
Program description.
The Oral Health Sciences PhD program usually requires five years. Students are expected to devote the full twelve-month year to their graduate work (allowing time for vacation and holidays). Graduate students will have the opportunity to assist in the teaching program of the department as a practical means of gaining experience in the presentation of lectures and laboratory work. Some opportunities exist to teach to dental and graduate students.
Courses Requirements
The course requirement is a minimum of 90 credits (including at least 27 credits of thesis). Through their coursework, students are expected to gain proficiency in one or more basic biologic sciences and to master modern biological approaches in addition to gaining expertise in the subject area of oral and craniofacial sciences. At least 19 credit hours must come from courses in departments other than Oral Health Sciences, and of the 19, 12 must be science courses. Of the 19 credits, a minimum of six (6) credits must be CONJ or PABIO courses, a minimum of six (6) credits must be non-OHS science courses, plus at least one non-science course should be completed. These will include courses offered through the Molecular and Cell Biology Program and courses selected to match the basic science interests of the student. Cross-disciplinary training in Bioengineering is also available. Courses in the School of Public Health such as the Epidemiology series are also available to students interested in Dental Public Health research. All graduate students are also expected to attend and participate in departmental seminars (OHS 575).
Following is an approximate timeline for completion of the PhD degree. Because each student’s program and research goals will vary, completion of the requirements for the PhD degree may not necessarily follow this timeline.
Pathway to Oral Health Sciences PhD (PDF)
Schedule by Year
- Year 3 to Completion
Initial Course Work. All new students meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator before the start of classes in the Summer or Autumn Quarter to consider the student’s course work. The selection of courses will depend on the student’s background, research goals, and interests.
Research Rotation . During each quarter of the first year of graduate study, the student will register for OHS 578, Research Techniques. The purpose of this course is for students to carry out research projects with 1-2 faculty members in order to prepare for the choice of their PhD project mentor and to learn a variety of research methods.
Course Work . Students will continue to take courses that will include the remainder of the core courses required in Oral Health Sciences and courses in other disciplines relevant to the student’s dissertation research.
Teaching. Students are encouraged to take elective courses offered through the Medical Education and Graduate School which will help them in their future teaching careers. Also, beginning in the second year, graduate students will have the opportunity to take part in teaching one of the Department courses for undergraduate dental students. This experience prepares students for teaching responsibilities after receipt of the PhD and provides a good opportunity for consolidation of the student’s general oral biology background.
Research. Early in the second year of study, the student is expected to choose a thesis adviser and to define a dissertation problem.
The Supervisory Committee . Once a thesis mentor and research direction have been chosen, the student and mentor will select a Supervisory Committee. This should be done in year two of the training. The committee is composed of at least four faculty members, at least three of whom (Including the Chair and the Graduate School Representative) must be members of the Graduate Faculty with an endorsement to chair doctoral committees. The Graduate Program Coordinator will forward the list of recommended committee members to the Dean of the Graduate School who will officially appoint the Supervisory Committee. In accordance with Graduate School regulations, the Supervisory Committee will be responsible for advising and directing the student throughout the PhD program.
The General Examination. Late in the second year, the student will take the General Examination. This examination is in the format of a written research grant proposal that is presented to the PhD supervisory committee. All required coursework must be completed at this time. The purposes of this examination are (1) to determine whether the student is capable of recognizing an important research question in oral and craniofacial sciences, (2) to determine whether the student is able to develop this question into a comprehensive proposal complete with preliminary findings and suggested methods of procedure, and to orally defend the proposal, and (3) to provide the student an opportunity to receive feedback from the Supervisory Committee on the proposed research project.
The student will primarily engage in thesis research and additional advanced coursework.
The Dissertation and the Dissertation Examination. When the candidate has completed the research project, written the dissertation, and had it approved by the reading committee, the mentor will obtain approval from the Graduate School and set a date for the Final Examination. The Final Examination will be concerned principally with the subject matter of the dissertation and is conducted as an open seminar followed by examination by the Supervisory Committee.
The research project for the PhD dissertation will be chosen by the candidate and adviser and be approved by the candidate’s Supervisory Committee. The research must represent a worthy and fundamental contribution showing originality in concept and implementation.
Core Courses
The following courses are mandatory program requirements:
List of Conjoint/PABIO Offerings
Following is an example list of the CONJ/PABIO courses.
Recommendations for Prerequisites
Some students may need to take some lower level division courses in order to prepare for required classes. See the following list for suggestions:
Other Non-OHS Science Electives
Following is an example list of non-OHS science electives. Students are expected to take include courses in bioengineering, epidemiology, immunology, or other basic biological/medical sciences as appropriate for their research interests. The student will work with the Graduate Program Director and their mentor to select appropriate elective courses in their chosen basic biological science pathway. The list below is not meant to be exhaustive. Consult with the Graduate Program Director for potential approval of substitutions.
Other Oral Health Sciences Electives
Courses to prepare for teaching.
To prepare for teaching, students may take at least one class on educational methods. In addition, students may train undergraduate students enrolled in OHS 449 (Undergraduate Research). Consult with your PI. Such credits will not fulfill the requirement for non-OHS science courses but will count toward the total credits required. Suggested courses include, but are not limited to:
Biomedical Research Integrity Series
Students are also required to attend and participate in the Biomedical Research Integrity Series. This is a non-credit summer course taught through the Department of Medical History & Ethics and consists of a series of lectures and discussion groups. Each student will need to attend a minimum of three lectures and three discussion groups. NIH Trainees are required to attend every year of the duration of their federal funding.
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