Oral Biology

The Department of Oral Biology at the University of Washington offers a comprehensive program dedicated to advancing knowledge in the biological sciences related to oral health and disease. This program provides students with a rigorous curriculum, cutting-edge research opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities designed to deepen understanding of the biological principles underlying oral health, systemic health connections, and disease processes. Students in the program engage in a blend of coursework, laboratory research, and clinical applications, facilitating the development of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in academia, industry, clinical practice, or public health. The curriculum covers topics such as oral microbiology, oral pathology, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and molecular biology related to oral tissues. Throughout their studies, students benefit from close mentorship by faculty members who are leading experts in their fields and who are actively involved in groundbreaking research projects. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating knowledge from fields such as microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, and materials science to address complex problems related to oral health and disease. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for doctoral studies, research roles, or specialized clinical practice, contributing to the advancement of oral health sciences and improving patient care outcomes. As part of the University of Washington’s commitment to excellence and innovation, the Oral Biology program fosters an environment of collaborative research and learning, encouraging students to become future leaders in oral health research and practice. Students also have opportunities to participate in seminars, conferences, and community outreach programs, further enriching their educational experience. By choosing this program, students join a vibrant academic community dedicated to improving health through scientific discovery and translational research, ultimately making significant contributions to the field of oral biology and beyond.

Year 1

Initial Course Work. All new students meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator before the start of classes in the Autumn Quarter to consider the student’s course work.  The selection of courses will depend on the student’s background, research goals, and interests.

Research Rotation. During each quarter of the first year of graduate study, the student will register for ORALB 578, Research Techniques.  The purpose of this course is for students to carry out research projects in the laboratories of several faculty members in order to prepare for the choice of their PhD project mentor and to learn a variety of research methods.  Each student is expected to take 2-3 rotations in different laboratories and select a research mentor by the end of the 1st year.

Year 2

Course Work. Students will continue to take courses that will include the remainder of the core courses required in Oral Biology and courses in other disciplines relevant to the student’s dissertation research.

Teaching.  Students are encouraged to take elective courses offered through the Medical Education and Graduate School which will help them in their future teaching careers.  Also, beginning in the second year, graduate students will have the opportunity to take part in teaching one of the Department courses for undergraduate dental students.  This experience prepares students for teaching responsibilities after receipt of the PhD and provides a good opportunity for consolidation of the student’s general oral biology background.

Research.. Early in the second year of study, the student is expected to choose a thesis adviser and to define a dissertation problem.

The Supervisory Committee. Once a thesis mentor and research direction have been chosen, the student and mentor will select a Supervisory Committee.  This should be done in year two or by the third year at the latest.  The committee is composed of at least four faculty members, at least three of whom (Including the Chair and the Graduate School Representative) must be members of the Graduate Faculty with an endorsement to chair doctoral committees.  The Graduate Program Coordinator will forward the list of recommended committee members to the Dean of the Graduate School who will officially appoint the Supervisory Committee.  In accordance with Graduate School regulations, the Supervisory Committee will be responsible for advising and directing the student through the PhD program.

Year 3

The General Examination. By the end of the third year, the student will take the General Examination.  This examination is in the format of a written research grant proposal that is presented to the PhD supervisory committee. All required coursework must be completed at this time.  The purposes of this examination are (1) to determine whether the student is capable of recognizing an important research question in oral and craniofacial sciences, (2) to determine whether the student is able to develop this question into a comprehensive proposal complete with preliminary findings and suggested methods of procedure, and to orally defend the proposal, and (3) to provide the student an opportunity to receive feedback from the Supervisory Committee on the proposed research project.

Year 3 to Completion

The student will primarily engage in thesis research and additional advanced coursework.

The Dissertation and the Dissertation Examination. When the candidate has completed the research project, written the dissertation, and had it approved by the reading committee, the mentor will obtain approval from the Graduate School and set a date for the Final Examination.  The Final Examination will be concerned principally with the subject matter of the dissertation and is conducted as an open seminar followed by examination by the Supervisory Committee.

The research project for the PhD dissertation will be chosen by the candidate and adviser and be approved by the candidate’s Supervisory Committee.  The research must represent a worthy and fundamental contribution showing originality in concept and implementation.

Three letters of recommendation.  We prefer that the letters of recommendation be from university teachers or your professional supervisors who know you well enough to provide us with an objective evaluation of your potential as a graduate student.  A good recommendation would include statements about your research abilities and any progress you have made towards research goals.  You will designate your recommenders on the graduate application.  Hard copies are strongly discouraged as we are now reviewing all applications on line.

A 200-300 word statement of your educational and professional objectives which includes a general area of research interests, academic goals, motivation, and background.  You should upload your statement onto the graduate application.  Optional:  a personal statement that addresses the relationship between your personal background and your aspirations.

A Biographical Sketch which is a CV/resume.  You should upload this directly onto your graduate application.

Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded onto the graduate application.  You will only need to submit official transcripts directly to the Graduate School if you are offered acceptance.  This information, along with complete mailing addresses,  will be provided on the Graduate Application after you have been offered admission and accepted.  Note that the Graduate School ONLY accepts transcripts sent directly from your previous institution.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Text (includes verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing).  Have your scores submitted directly to the University of Washington, institution code 4854.  We do not have minimum scores.  However, to be competitive, scores should be in at least the 50% percentile.  We require the GRE for all applicants, regardless of whether you hold an earned doctorate from an accredited U.S. institution.  Go tohttp://gre.org for specific information regarding registration, practice exams, obtaining records, etc.

A signed copy of your graduate application will be required if you are accepted.

The University of Washington offers various financial aid options for students enrolled in the Oral Biology program. Prospective and current students can apply for federal, state, and institutional aid to support their studies. Federal financial assistance includes options such as Federal Stafford Loans, including both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, which help cover tuition fees and living expenses. Federal Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study programs are also available for eligible students, providing additional financial support. State-specific aid programs, such as the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, may also be applicable, especially for in-state residents pursuing health-related doctoral programs. The university's Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides comprehensive guidance and resources to help students navigate the application process and identify suitable funding options. Scholarships based on merit, need, or specific criteria related to oral health or research excellence are periodically available through university departments, alumni associations, or external organizations. Additionally, students may consider private loans or external fellowships that support graduate health sciences programs. Tuition rates vary depending on residency status, with in-state students benefiting from lower fees compared to out-of-state students. The university encourages early application for aid, as many scholarship and loan programs have limited funds and specific filing deadlines. Financial aid packages are often customized based on individual circumstances, including family income, academic performance, and research interests. Moreover, students can explore part-time employment opportunities within the university or related institutions to supplement their income during studies. The university also offers guidance on budgeting and financial planning to help students effectively manage their resources throughout their educational journey. Overall, the University of Washington strives to make oral biology education accessible through a variety of financial aid options, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their health sciences ambitions without undue financial burden.

International Applicants

You are an international applicant if you are NOT a U.S. citizen, immigrant, or green card holder.  International students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington.

Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington.  Therefore every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency.  No waivers of this English proficiency requirement may be given.

The following minimums are required:

7.0 on the IELTS

92 on the TOEFL ibt

237 on the TOEFL  C

580 on the TOEFL  (paper)

90 on the MLT