Directed Study or Research
School of Dental Medicine Policy
Directed Study or Research for Postdoctoral Students
Students may register for directed study or research with approval of the faculty member concerned. In the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, directed study and research courses at the 900 level must be passed with a grade of B or higher.
Students who are interested in research or advanced teaching may pursue the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD). In general, the MSD is awarded either in the same area as the CAGS, Oral Biology, or Dental Public Health. Requirements vary with individual programs and students are encouraged to review specific program descriptions. Requirements for the MSD include relevant coursework and completion of a research project and/or thesis under faculty supervision.
Students pursuing a Doctor of Science in Dentistry (DScD) or Doctor of Science (DSc) must commit to a minimum of three years in the program. During the first year, the dissertation advisor selects related didactic courses to support the student’s area of research. During the second and third years, students focus on conducting and completing their research. It is expected that the dissertation or manuscript will be written before completion of the program.
Directed Study or Research for Predoctoral Students
Program Structure
Because of its unique curriculum, the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine offers formal research training for units to students. Students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher in their didactic and clinical courses are considered for research training. The rotation is based on a five-day week as follows:
- Students dedicate two days for research training and three days for the Applied Professional Experience (APEX) clinical assignment;
- Students dedicate three days for research training (30 hours per week) and two days for the APEX clinical assignment under the Intensive Research Elective Course (IREC).
- Students can do research on a voluntary basis and are expected to spend no less than 10 hours per week in research training. Advanced Standing students can start research during the second term of their dental education.
The Intensive Research Elective Course (IREC)
The goal of the IREC is to provide an intensive and structured research experience throughout the dental school curriculum for students who are interested in careers in oral health research. There will be three options to the IREC:
- IREC 1 – Intensive Research DMD year 1 (under APEX);
- IREC 2 – Intensive Research DMD year 2; or
- IREC 3 – Intensive Research DMD year 3.
