Oral & Craniofacial Sciences PhD
Combine an interest for lifelong learning with discovery. Our Oral & Craniofacial Sciences (OCS), in concert with the School of Graduate studies, offers a doctoral program that allows our scientists to research pioneering fields while achieving the highest level of learning. As part of the Natural Sciences PhD program, students with OCS as their Primary Discipline must select a  secondary discipline that will be a good match for their research interests. The program varies from three to five years depending on a student’s academic background and abilities. Work culminates with a PhD degree. A list of potential secondary disciplines is included in the Natural Sciences PhD program description in the catalog (see Resources).

Within the OCS Department, there are three areas of research focus:

Biomaterials/Bioengineering of Biological Tissues and Replacements
The overall goal of this program is to apply an integrated approach involving innovative computer modeling and organic synthesis, novel biocompatibility evaluation, comprehensive materials characterization, and mechanistic development of improved dental biomaterials. One component of this program is an engineering component that emphasizes micro- and nano-structure/property characterization of natural biomaterials such as bone, dentin, and enamel as a tissue engineering approach to the development of replacement materials.

Craniofacial Development & Mineralized Tissue Biology
This program is aimed at studying craniofacial development with a focus on genetics and pathology of craniofacial anomalies during embryonic development and in the adult.  Another aspect is determining basic biological mechanisms of tooth development, bone formation and resorption.  Approaches include the use of basic in vitro methods combined with genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and transgenic technology.

Translational and Clinical Research
Translational and clinical research involves results from clinical observations translating into basic research and incorporates basic research findings into clinical assessment and practice. The identification, characterization and synthesis of materials for clinical use requires the combined efforts and expertise of clinical scientists, biostatisticians, bioengineers, geneticists, life scientists, chemists, physicists, and computer scientists.