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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.

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 dent-ohsphd@umich.edu.

OHS PhD TRACKS

OHS PhD

OHS PhD snapshot:

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

DDS/PhD

DDS/PhD snapshot:

  • Dual degree program for 7-8 years
  • Application for DDS through AADSAS
  • Application for OHS PhD to 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 25
  • Email letter of intent to apply to the dual degree DDS/PhD program, addressed to Dr. Vesa Kaartinen, Program Director. Send to dent-ohsphd@umich.edu
  • Academic Plan

For more detailed information on DDS/PhD:

DDS/PhD

MS/PhD

MS/PhD snapshot:

  • Dual degree speicalty and PhD Program for 6-7 years
  • Application for Specialty Program by the deadlines provided:
  • Academic Plan
  • Application for OHS PhD to 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)
  • Email letter of intent to apply to the dual degree MS/PhD program, addressed to Dr. Vesa Kaartinen, Program Director. Send to dent-ohsphd@umich.edu

For more detailed information on MS/PhD:

MS/PhD

Future Faculty Track OHS PhD (FFT)

FFT snapshot:

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

Eligibility is for individuals who have been chosen to be future faculty and are fully supported by their University, Institution/Organization or Government to pursue rigorous basic science training in oral health sciences.

APPLICATION & 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. Application is through Rackham Graduate School.

Requirements

  • GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
  • GRE - sent to institution code 1839 (no department code required)
    • PhD, MS/PhD and FFT - no minimum score
    • DDS/PhD - DAT - score replaces GRE
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • 3 for PhD and FFT
    • 2 for DDS/PhD and MS/PhD
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)- Should be concise, well written statement about your academic and research background that also describes your future career goals. In this statement, answer the question: How can the OHS Program help meet your career and educational goals? Length 1-2 pages.
  • Personal Statement (PS) - Describes your journey that led you to the pursuit of a graduate degree. Length 1 page
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume - This should be 1-4 pages and include education, work and/or research experience, publications, lectures and seminars, poster presentations, awards/scholarships, volunteer opportunities.
  • For International students: TOEFL Scores

Application Fee

Applicant Type Fee
United States citizen or applicant with permanent resident visa status $75
Non-US citizen $90
Current Rackham student, regardless of citizenship $10

The application fee is due when you submit your application. The fee is non-refundable and subject to change. Applications submitted without the fee will be withdrawn from the review process.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Date Event
June 1 Admission Cycle Opens for OHS PhD through Rackham
October 25 Applicants for Dual Degree DDS/PhD and MS/PhD Closes
December 5 OHS PhD Application Cycle Closes (PhD and FFT)

Interviews

Dual Degree interviews (DDS/PhD or MS/PhD) will be coordinated in conjunction with offered DDS or Specialty interview dates. Interviews for these tracks are typically in-person and conducted at the School of Dentistry. Applicants should communicate with the OHS PhD Office when dates have been offered. Email dent-ohsphd@umich.edu.

PhD interviews typically run late January through February. Applicants who are offered an interview will be notified via email. Interviews for PhD or FFT can be offered online (via Skype) or in person depending on the applicant’s location.

CONTACT

School of Dentistry, Office of Research and Research Training
1011 N. University G306, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
734-763-3388 | dent-ohsphd@umich.edu

Apply Curriculum OHS Alumni