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 g.p.a. 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 M.S. track that corresponds with the certificate. Each program combines the minimum requirements of the M.S. 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 M.S. track. They also must prepare, submit, and defend their thesis based on the results of research conducted during their course of study. See the M.S. in oral science in the Catalog for additional information about requirements and admission.

Core Courses

OPRM:5200Stomatology Literature Review0-1
OPRM:5226Oral Pathology for Graduate Students0-1
OPRM:5242Clinical Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology0-1
ORSC:5200Seminars in Dental Research1
ORSC:5210Dental Sciences Research Methodology2
ORSC:5212Statistical Methods for Dental Research3
ORSC:5215Research Design in Dentistry2
ORSC:5600Research in Oral Science (taken for a total of 9 s.h.)9
OTO:8199Foundations of Otolaryngology2

Track Courses

OPRM:5225Manifestations of Oral and Paraoral Disease0-1
OPRM:5227Surgical Oral Pathology1
OPRM:5240Histopathology1
OPRM:5256Advanced Oral Pathology0-1
DPH:6017Teaching Methods and Evaluation2
MED:8133Mechanisms of Health and Disease II7
MED:8134Mechanisms of Health and Disease III11
ORSC:5280Advanced Dental Therapeutics1

Applicants must have successfully completed an accredited program leading to the D.D.S. or D.M.D., or an international equivalent, and must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. They must have a cumulative g.p.a. 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.