Overview

The doctor of philosophy degree in Oral Health Sciences is a program of the Rackham Graduate School, offered at the School of Dentistry. The primary objective of this program is to train outstanding students to become leaders in academic research in oral health science.

Major areas of study include: developmental craniofacial biology; mineralized tissue biology and musculoskeletal disorders; oral and pharyngeal cancer; oral health disparities; oral infectious and immunologic diseases; oral sensory systems and central circuits; and tissue engineering and regeneration.

Admitted students engage in at least 3 research rotations in faculty labs, a foundation biostatistics course as well the following courses: cell and molecular biology, tissue engineering and regeneration and oral health science journal club and seminar series. Admitted students are able to select advanced courses in basic science, oral health and the area of their research specialization. By the end of the second year, PhD students will engage in a preliminary oral exam advancing them to candidate level PhD training.

Please, take the time to review the information on our webpages to learn more about the OHS PhD program, the requirements and the process of application. Note different deadlines for different tracks. Questions about application procedures and forms may be sent to [email protected].

OHS PhD Program Tracks

OHS PhD snapshot:

  • 5-6 year research training program
  • Application to Rackham Graduate School
  • Application Deadline December 5
  • Admit for Summer Term (June or July 1)
  • Academic Plan

The DDS/PhD program at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry provides training in dentistry and research through a series of clinical and research experiences and course work. Students are admitted to both the DDS program and the Oral Health Sciences PhD program.

  • 7-8 year research and clinical training program
  • Only open to US Citizens or permanent residents
  • Application for DDS through AADSAS
  • Application for OHS PhD through Rackham Graduate School
  • Please Note: The DDS/PhD is a student-initiated Dual Degree not a Rackham Dual Degree (do not check the Rackham box for dual degree)
  • PhD Application Deadline is October 15, please check here for DDS application due date.
  • Email letter of intent to apply to the dual degree DDS/PhD program, addressed to Dr. Yuji Mishina, Program Director. Send to [email protected]
  • Academic Plan
LICENSURE DISCLOSURE

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry DDS/PhD program is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry DDS/PhD program was designed to satisfy educational prerequisites to licensure for dentistry only in the state of Michigan. It has not been determined whether educational prerequisites to licensure would be satisfied in other states.

Students should consult the dental board in their state to confirm if the degree from University of Michigan School of Dentistry meets the criteria for professional licensure in their state. Contact information for the state dental boards can be found at the American Dental Association.

The program, which requires a minimum of six years, is designed to build advanced knowledge and skillsets in scholars who aspire to become clinician-scientists to advance our understanding of craniofacial diseases and disorders. Integrated into the program are biomedical graduate and advance science courses, research training, specialty residency education, interactive instructions in Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship, leadership and professional development. With the full commitment of the faculty team, the OHS program, the specialty programs, the School of Dentistry, and Rackham School of Graduate Studies, our ultimate goal is to prepare the scholars to become leaders, educators and researchers in the field of craniofacial diseases and disorders to advance academic dentistry and public health.

  • 2025 Admissions Cycle Update. Unfortunately, the DSPP program will not be accepting applications for the next admission cycle, but will be interested in applicants for the 2026 admissions cycle. That application will open in June 2025.
  • 6-7 year combined research PhD with dental specialty masters
  • Only open to US Citizens or permanent residents
  • Application for Specialty Program by the deadlines provided:
  • Academic Plan
  • Application for OHS PhD to Rackham Graduate School - due October 15
    Please Note: The MS/PhD is a student-initiated Dual Degree not a Rackham Dual Degree (do not check the Rackham box for dual degree)
  • Email letter of intent to apply to the dual degree MS/PhD program, addressed to 'Dr. Yuji Mishina, Program Director. Send to [email protected]
  •  

Each PhD track is intended to be fully funded for admitted students. In most cases, funding is provided by both the program/the trainee's faculty mentor.

OHS PhD Faculty

OHS Faculty Directory Current Students

Application And Requirements

The program is most appropriate for advanced students who hope to eventually join the faculty of a dental or medical school. Entering students should have a strong background in basic science at the undergrad university level.

Learn More

Contact

School of Dentistry, Office of Research
1011 N. University STE 2060, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Email: [email protected]

Program Director

Apply Curriculum