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In response to a growing interest in research among students of dentistry and today's strong demand for biomedical researchers in the oral health arena, the University of Maryland Dental School is offering a combined DDS-PhD program. The program is designed to prepare outstanding clinical and basic biomedical scientists, thoroughly versed in the science underlying clinical practice and capable of identifying and addressing significant problems in oral health. Although designed as a seven-year program, an exceptional student can complete the program in six years. 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 research-oriented students. Since the start of the program in 1997, more than 100 University of Maryland dental students have undertaken research training at the School or at other Baltimore-area institutions. Many have presented their work at national or international meetings and several have published their studies in peer-reviewed journals. University of Maryland Dental School students have been especially successful in garnering prestigious NIH Summer Research grants. Their research experience at the University of Maryland Dental School has prepared them for new opportunities in the field of biomedical science at universities, hospitals, and laboratories around the country.
Curriculum Overview
Here is a typical program timeline:
Years 1 and 2
Similar to year 1 and 2 of the dental predoctoral curriculum, with addition of:
Graduate-level courses in biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology
Weekly research seminars and journal club meetings
Biostatistics and start of laboratory rotations (suummer between years 1 and 2).
Years 3, 4, 5
Research laboratory work
Completion of elective coursework tailored to students' chosen research area
Progression through doctoral degree candidacy
Completion of doctoral dissertation
Reassessment of clinical skills (spring semester, year 5 ), followed by preclinical courses as appropriate to address additional training needs.
Years 6 and 7
Completion of clinical requirements of DDS degree (equivalent to years 3 and 4 of Dental School) and additional research-related activities. Upon completion of the clinical program, students receive DDS and PhD degrees simultaneously.
Financial Assistance
Students enrolled in the program will receive financial support for at least five years of the seven-year program. Students are also encouraged to apply for individual DDS-PhD fellowships from the National Institutes of Health. In addition, short-term dental student training fellowships are available for research conducted the summer before entering dental school.
Mentoring
Upon admission, a student is assigned to a program oversight committee codirected by a clinical mentor and a basic science mentor. The student meets regularly with the committee for guidance and evaluation throughout the program.
To Apply
Applicants interested in the combined DDS/PhD Program must be first admitted to the DDS Program at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dental School, University of Maryland, Baltimore. If you have applied to the DDS program and you are interested in the combined degree program, complete the on-line Pre-Application form. Outstanding applicants will be invited to complete a second application for admission to the combined program. However, applications for the combined program may be submitted at anytime during the first two years of dental school. For further information about the combined degree DDS/PhD Program, please contact Dr. Norman Capra, Program Director.
University of Maryland Dental School
Department of Neural and Pain Sciences
650 W. Baltimore St., Suite 8 South
Baltimore, MD 21201
Dr. Norman Capra
(410) 706-4219
ncapra@umaryland.edu
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