Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
1. Master of Science Degree in Oral Biology
2. Ph.D. Degree
3. Combined DMD-PhD Degree
4. Clinical Resident Training
1. Master of Science Degree in Oral Biology
The M.S. degree in Oral Biology is run by the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in conjunction with the Graduate School.
Areas for research training include: molecular, cellular and craniofacial biology; craniomaxillofacial diagnostic imaging; neural crest-related craniofacial and cardiovascular disorders; biochemistry of calcium-regulating hormones; regulation of gene transcription; oral microbiology; inflammation and immunology; cellular mechanisms of salivary gland secretion; gene mapping of complex traits and birth defects; infection control; protein glycosylation; protein expression and trafficking; interrelationships between oral and systemic disease; periodontology; dental materials science; orthodontics; endodontics; prosthodontics; oral and maxillofacial pathology; and health services research related to dentistry.
Further details may be obtained from the program secretary, from the Graduate School, or from the M.S. in Oral Biology program website.
Application details are available here.
2. Ph.D. Degree
Researchers at the School of Dentistry mentor students seeking the degree of PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies. Didactic instruction is the responsibility of multiple units, typically the Center for Oral Health & Systemic Disease; and Departments of Biochemistry; Microbiology and Immunology; and Anatomy. While PhD research topics are broad, most candidates will rely on the mentorship of faculty from the Center for Oral Health & Systemic Disease or the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Craniofacial Biology.
In addition. Faculty in the Center for Oral Health & Systemic Disease are members of the Graduate School and are also cross-appointed into various departments of the Medical School at the University of Louisville. Thus, thesis-based Ph.D.s in various disciplines (Pharmacology and Toxicology; Microbiology and Immunology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) can be sought under the tutelage of the principal investigators within our research group.
Individuals interested in pursuing a Ph.D. within the Oral Health and Systemic Disease Research Group are advised to contact Dr. David Scott, Program Director.
3. Combined DMD-PhD Degree
A 7 year DMD/PHD combined degree program is available for highly motivated students. The DMD portion follows the conventional curriculum but is spread out over a longer period to allow ample time for research. The PhD portion is in Interdisciplinary Studies. Didactic instruction, therefore, is the responsibility of multiple units, typically the Center for Oral Health & Systemic Disease; and Departments of Biochemistry; Microbiology and Immunology; and Anatomy. While PhD research topics are broad, most candidates will rely on the mentorship of faculty from the Center for Oral Health & Systemic Disease or the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Craniofacial Biology. For further details, please contact the Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise, Dr. Don Demuth.
4. Clinical Resident Training
Clinical Residents can pursue scientific training through the MS and PhD programs. Interested individual should contact Dr. David Scott, Graduate Program Director.
5. Summer Research Program
The Summer Research Program offers the opportunity for qualified School of Dentistry students to actively participate in research and learn from experienced research faculty from the Oral Health and Systemic Disease Research Group or other University of Louisville investigators. Student researchers may be eligible to earn up to $3,000, depending on the number of projects funded and the weeks worked. Further details are available from the director of the Summer Research Program, Dr. Don Demuth.
