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In response to a growing interest among students of dentistry and today's strong demand for clinician-scientists in the oral health arena, the University of Maryland Dental School is offering a combined DDS-Masters program. The program is designed to prepare outstanding clinical scientists, thoroughly versed in clinical research or public health and capable of addressing significant problems in oral health. Students can choose a Masters in Clinical Research or a Masters in Public Health and graduate with the DDS-MSCR or DDS-MPH. A maximum of two students are admitted into the program each year. A student may enter the program in year 1, 2, or prior to entering the third year of dental school.
The combined degree program builds on the School's tradition of attracting and cultivating high-caliber students. Since 1997, more than 100 University of Maryland dental students have presented their work at national or international meetings and several have published in peer-reviewed journals. The University of Maryland Dental School students have been especially successful in garnering prestigious NIH awards. Their experience at the University of Maryland Dental School has prepared them for new opportunities around the country.
The Program is directed by Dr. Sharon M. Gordon. Dr. Gordon earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Texas, a DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and completed a two-year general practice residency at Medical Center Hospital in San Antonio prior to joining the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health in 1993. She earned an MPH in Epidemiology in 1997 and her PhD in Clinical Investigation in 2003, both from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Gordon is board certified in the specialty of Dental Public Health. Dr. Gordon is currently on faculty at the University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dental Surgery.
Curriculum Overview
Upon admission, a student is assigned to an advisory committee. Projects will be overseen by a Dental School and School of Medicine mentor in the area of the student's project. The student meets regularly with mentors and advisors for guidance and evaluation throughout the program.
Years 1 and 2
Similar to year 1 and 2 of the dental pre-doctoral curriculum, with addition of:
· Masters courses selected from the Masters Program curricula
· Clinical research or Research Practicum for the Masters in Clinical Research
· Community and public health experience (Capstone Experience) for the Masters in
Public Health
Year 3
· Clinical research project, Research Practicum, or Capstone Experience
· Additional Masters-related course
Year 4
· Clinical requirements for DDS degree (equivalent to junior year of Dental School) and additional Masters-related courses.
· Progression through Masters degree candidacy
Year 5
· Unique DDS senior year clinical experience in a general practice stimulated setting.
· Completion of Masters coursework or project through electives and selectives.
Upon completion of all program requirements, students receive the DDS and Masters degrees simultaneously.
Financial Assistance
Students enrolled in the program will receive financial support in the form of a stipend for the one full-time year of the program In addition, short-term fellowships are available for research conducted in the summer before entering dental school and summer work during dental school.
Application Procedures
Applicants interested in the combined DDS-Masters Program are asked to complete the on-line Pre-Application form.
For More Information
University of Maryland Dental School
Department of Biomedical Sciences
650 W. Baltimore St., Suite 8 South
Baltimore, MD 21201
Sharon M. Gordon, DDS, MPH, PhD
(410) 706-1656
sgordon@umaryland.edu
Additional Information
Master of Public Health Degree, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, UMB
Masters of Science in Clinical Research, School of Medicine, UMB |