The Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences offers basic, translational, and clinical study programs in oral biology, biomedical research and health that span spatial scales from the molecular and cellular levels to the whole organism level. Studies include fundamental biological phenomena related to the development, structure, and function of the craniofacial region and the development of new therapies, biomaterials, and diagnostic tools for the treatment of diseases and disorders in the craniofacial area.
Applicants to the Pitt Dental Medicine DMD program are encouraged to enter the PhD or MS Academic Programs in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences. These programs are simultaneous but independent degrees from the DMD program in the School of Dental Medicine.
Students may earn Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Oral and Craniofacial Science within one of two research concentrations:
- Craniofacial and Dental Genetics
- Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration
Students will experience to both concentrations in the program curriculum, which includes three courses with DMD students, and work with faculty in the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences on research in one of these concentrations.
Learn more about the Oral & Craniofacial Sciences Academic Program.
Student applicants to the School of Dental Medicine DMD program with an interest in the Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Academic Programs, should indicate their interest in applying to either the PhD or MS program on their dental application and provide an essay explaining their reasons for applying.
Once accepted into the Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Academic Program, each student will develop an individual study plan in consultation with the academic program directors. After successfully completing the first three years of the PhD program, students transfer to the four-year predoctoral program. The student can apply for advanced standing status in the Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Academic Program and transfer up to 6 credits from their dental curriculum as described in The Regulations Governing Graduate Study at the University of Pittsburgh.