Advance your career in oral science
The College of Dentistry offers programs of study leading to the M.S. and the Ph.D. in oral science. Both programs require that students complete courses from a core curriculum and conduct independent research leading to a thesis. They are intended to equip graduates for a career in teaching and research.
Students share their research
Each year, the College of Dentistry hosts the Iowa Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research annual meeting. The event features faculty speakers, a visiting keynote speaker, and presentations by faculty and students to share their work with the community via oral and poster presentations throughout the building.
Learn more about AADOCR Research Day.
Student Research Achievements
Vi Phan earns Outstanding Dental Student Research Award
Six Student Researchers Earn Senior Research Achievement Awards
Iowa student research group earns national recognition for most abstracts accepted at 2026 national meeting
Program Information
Master of Science
The M.S. is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 30 semester hours of graduate work, including the conducting of independent research leading to a dissertation, and a final examination. It is anticipated that candidates will complete the program in two years of full-time residence. Candidates who also are involved in an advanced clinical program whose duration is two years should complete the M.S. program by the end of a third year of study. A syllabus for the MS program in oral science is available.
To pursue the M.S. degree, students must also be enrolled in a clinical training program or in a department in the College of Dentistry. Applications should be made directly to the appropriate department in the College of Dentistry; deadlines for application vary by department.
Admission
Applicants should possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Students whose first language is not English must earn a score of 550 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Candidates also may be asked to take the Test of Spoken English. These requirements are not absolute but they carry considerable weight in the admission process. A personal interview may be requested.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. is awarded upon completion of advanced course work and original research that culminates in successful defense of a dissertation. Candidates must earn a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit, pass a comprehensive exam, prepare and gain approval of a research prospectus, and complete and successfully defend a dissertation that describes the results of the research. It is anticipated that candidates will complete the program in not fewer than four years of full-time residence.
Admission
The oral science Ph.D. program has a limited capacity and potential applicants are advised to contact the director, Dr. Jeffrey Banas, about whether there is space for a particular admission cycle before making a formal application. Financial support is only available on a very limited basis.
Applicants should possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; students whose first language is not English must earn a score of 550 or better on the Test of Spoken English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); candidates may also be asked to take the Test of Spoken English. Applicants are asked to submit a statement describing past research experience and current research interests, and stating how completion of the PhD program fits into their career goals. A personal interview may be requested. Applications and transcripts are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.
For further information about this program, please contact: Dr. Jeffrey Banas.