DSc/DScD in Oral Biology
This program is designated for students who wish to pursue an academic or research-oriented career. It is an advanced science degree program focusing on basic physical, biological, and clinical sciences relevant to the advancement of oral medicine. The student is able to select areas of research interest from a number of research programs ongoing in the various departments of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
The program is designed for individuals with strong interests in a basic science education. While similar to a PhD program, the DSc program is specially suited for dentists by taking into account their previous educational experience in biological sciences. The doctor of science is offered singularly or combined with a specialty. Candidates with non-clinical degrees (BS or MS) may also be accepted into the program. Admission into the program is based on academic record and professional experience.
The student is required to fully participate in the research activities of the advisor’s laboratory, learning experimental approaches by carrying out specific research protocols related to a dissertation project. In addition to learning appropriate techniques, students are taught how to devise research strategies to answer specific questions, relate the strategy to previous studies and analyze the resulting data, and develop a protocol to test it. Furthermore, he/she should be capable of writing a well-developed manuscript and grant application. Upon completion of the doctor of science, it is anticipated that the student will have acquired the essential skills to pursue an academic career and is qualified for a junior faculty position. Attainment of the DSc or DScD requires a minimum of three years.
Doctor of Science without CAGS
Students enrolled in the doctor of science program without a specialty have a time commitment of at least three years. During their first year, in consultation with a faculty advisor, the student selects and participates in related didactic courses. Courses may be selected from courses offered by the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine postdoctoral program, by the medical and dental sciences program, or by other schools at Boston University. Final approval of courses selected is given by the chairman of the department in which the candidate is enrolled. During the second and third years, no—or only minimal—didactic courses are required. The thrust of the second and third years is to conduct and complete the research. In most cases the dissertation and/or manuscripts will be designed so that it can be completed in three years.
Doctor of Science combined with CAGS
Students enrolled in the combined doctor of science/CAGS program have a time commitment of at least three years in the research program portion and two or three years in the clinical program depending on the specialty. The entire program will take five or six years and may follow a sequential or integrated pattern depending on the area of specialization and background of the candidate.
CAGS in Periodontology/DSc in Oral Biology
A limited number of candidates are accepted into a program that combines the requirements for a CAGS in Periodontology with the requirements for a DSc in Oral Biology. The combined program requires a minimum of five years to complete. The didactic curriculum for this combined program is individualized but comprises all essential elements of both programs.
The research project is conducted with faculty in the Division of Oral Biology. The clinical requirements for the CAGS in Periodontology and the research requirements for the DSc must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of the department’s faculty.
