The department offers the professional Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. The educational requirements of the certificate program meet the requirements for preparation of dental specialists set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the certificate.
Oral science involves the study of structure, function, and diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region. Study methods include examination of related histories, evaluation of clinical signs and symptoms, and use of biochemical, microscopic, and radiologic procedures to establish a diagnosis and plan for therapeutic management.
The department's programs are diverse and flexible, allowing students to obtain advanced clinical, didactic, and research-related education while earning a professional certificate. Students working toward the certificate may pursue a Master of Science in oral science in conjunction with the certificate; see "Graduate Study" below.
Graduate Study
Students earning the department's certificate may pursue a Master of Science in oral science while they work toward the certificate. They pursue the MS track that corresponds with the certificate. Each program combines the minimum requirements of the MS and the certificate; completion time usually is 36 to 48 months.
All students in the combined programs pursue comprehensive study of basic biologic and health sciences in preparation for teaching and research. They must complete the courses listed below, including the core courses and the basic science and departmental courses listed for their MS track. They also must prepare, submit, and defend their thesis based on the results of research conducted during their course of study. See the MS in oral science in the catalog for additional information about requirements and admission.
Core Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OPRM:5200 | Stomatology Literature Review | 0-1 |
| OPRM:5226 | Oral Pathology for Graduate Students | 0-1 |
| OPRM:5242 | Clinical Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology | 0-1 |
| ORSC:5200 | Seminars in Dental Research | 1 |
| ORSC:5210 | Dental Sciences Research Methodology | 2 |
| ORSC:5212 | Statistical Methods for Dental Research | 3 |
| ORSC:5215 | Research Design in Dentistry | 2 |
| ORSC:5600 | Research in Oral Science (taken for a total of 9 s.h.) | 9 |
| OTO:8199 | Foundations of Otolaryngology | 2 |
Track Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OPRM:5225 | Manifestations of Oral and Paraoral Disease | 0-1 |
| OPRM:5227 | Surgical Oral Pathology | 1 |
| OPRM:5240 | Histopathology | 1 |
| OPRM:5256 | Advanced Oral Pathology | 0-1 |
| DPH:6017 | Teaching Methods and Evaluation | 2 |
| MED:8133 | Mechanisms of Health and Disease II | 7 |
| MED:8134 | Mechanisms of Health and Disease III | 11 |
| ORSC:5280 | Advanced Dental Therapeutics | 1 |
Applicants must have successfully completed an accredited program leading to the DDS or DMD, or an international equivalent, and must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. They must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 (or international equivalent) to be considered for admission.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official test scores to verify English proficiency. Applicants can verify English proficiency by submitting official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The department's faculty makes final decisions on acceptance of applicants who meet the requirements for admission. A personal interview is required.