Oral Health Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Oral Health Sciences at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in dental and oral health fields. This program provides students with a solid foundation in the sciences, including biology, chemistry, and health sciences, alongside specialized coursework in oral health, dental anatomy, pathology, and public health. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the curriculum combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences through laboratory work and community outreach opportunities. Students gain a thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the oral cavity, as well as the behavioral, social, and ethical considerations pertinent to patient care. The program is tailored to equip students with the critical thinking, communication, and clinical skills necessary for success in graduate health programs or careers as dental hygienists, dental assistants, or other oral health practitioners. Additionally, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty members, and research opportunities that foster innovation and scholarly activity. The university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures a supportive learning environment that promotes intercultural understanding and professional development. Graduates of the Oral Health Sciences program are well-prepared to pursue advanced degrees in dentistry, dental hygiene, or related health fields, or to enter the workforce ready to improve community health through prevention, education, and patient care. The program emphasizes a combination of academic excellence, practical training, and community engagement, helping students develop the competencies needed to make meaningful contributions in the field of oral health.

The curriculum for the PhD in Oral Health Sciences has seven main components: oral health sciences core requirements; graduate core courses; basic science courses; advanced courses; cognate courses; the preliminary examination; and, dissertation research. The specific curriculum for each student is designed with the student's academic advisor, in consultation with the OHS Program Committee. Generally OHS students take the preliminary examination and advance to candidacy at the end of the second year in the Program. The OHS PhD and DDS/PhD students should demonstrate readiness to undertake independent dissertation research by achieving candidacy at the end of their second year but no later than three years after the first enrollment in their doctoral program.

ORAL HEALTH SCIENCES CORE REQUIREMENTS

• Oral Health Sciences Seminar Series and Journal Club - ORALHEAL 811
• Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship
• Biostatistics
• Research Rotations - ORALHEAL 812 

GRADUATE CORE COURSES

To provide breadth in the oral health sciences, for content and for scientific approaches, each student will select two graduate courses from the School of Dentistry, Medical School or School of Public Health. School of Dentistry OHS course options include Neural Basis of Oral and Facial Function (ORALHEAL 602); Craniofacial Development and Growth (ORALHEAL 603); Mineralized Tissues (ORALHEAL 606); Molecular Biology in Clinical Dentistry (ORALHEAL 612); - Additional graduate course options include Business of Biology: The New Frontiers of Genomic Medicine (BIOMEDE 523), Signal Transduction (BIOLCHEM 591) and Advances in Tissue Engineering (BIOMEDE 584)

BASIC SCIENCE COURSES

Each student will take 6 credits in graduate courses in Cellular and Molecular Biology (DENT525 & ORALHEAL 625), Macromolecular Structure and Function (BIOCHEM 550), Histology (CDB 550), Integrative Genomics (PHYSIOL 555), Dev Genetics (CDB 581), Stem Cells Regen Bio (CDB 582/583), and Cell Biology (CDB 682). In addition, students can elect an additional 2 to 3 credits in courses such as Mechanisms of Eukaryotic Gene Expression (BIOCHEM 650), Genetics (CMBIOL 630), Molecular Genetics (HUMGEN 541), Molecular Basis HG Diseases (HUMGEN 542), Molecular and Cellular Immunology (MICRBIOL 640), Molecular and Cellular Biomechanics (BIOMEDE 556), or Quantitative Physiology (BIOMEDE 519).

ADVANCED COURSES IN AREA OF SPECIALIZATION

Advanced science courses will be taken in the student's area of specialization. These courses are selected to provide in-depth, current knowledge in the content area of the student’s probable dissertation research, or to provide increased knowledge about modern approaches in the design, conduct and analysis of basic or clinical science. Examples may include Medical Imaging Lab (BIOMEDE 510), Cancer Biology (CANCBIO 553), Cancer Pathogenesis & Treatment (CANCBIO 554), Principle of Neuroscience I&II (NEURO 601 & 602); Statistical Methods for Biomedical Engineering (BIOMEDE 503), Biological Macro- and Nanotechnology (BIOMEDE 561), Introduction to Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (BIOINF 527), Medical Genetics I& II (HUMGEN 650 & 651), etc.

COGNATE COURSES

A minimum of 3 hours of graduate level course work must be completed in cognate courses. Cognate courses are in fields other than the student's field of specialization, and must be approved by the student's advisor. A course introducing the essential scientific communication skills, PHARMACOL 502, can be considered a cognate course.

THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

The Preliminary Examination is designed to evaluate the student’s: knowledge of scientific areas within the oral health sciences; ability to integrate and synthesize knowledge across areas within oral health maintenance and treatment of oral diseases; and ability to think analytically in written and oral communications. The examination is a major component used in making a recommendation about the student’s readiness for advancement to candidacy. The written examination is a research proposal in the NIH R01 grant application style. The oral examination is a presentation of the research proposal to the Preliminary Examination Committee followed by discussion of the proposal. Thus, the examination models several aspects of an academic career in science, including: reading, analyzing and synthesizing the literature; generating hypotheses and original questions; writing research grants; and, presenting ideas to colleagues in a clear and concise format.

DISSERTATION RESEARCH

After a student has successfully completed all required courses, identified and accepted into a dissertation lab, passed the Preliminary Examination, and advanced to Candidacy for the degree in Oral Health Sciences, the remaining curriculum is original dissertation research in the laboratory of the Dissertation Advisor, with the direction of a Dissertation Committee.

Admission will be based on review of the total application, including the following criteria:

• grade point average and academic record
• research experience
• personal statement 
• Graduate Record Examination, General Test
• three letters of recommendation  
• interest of student in research foci of the OHS Program, as expressed in a written statement of interest.

The Program is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Foreign students must achieve a minimum score of 560 (or 220 CBT) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 80 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). However, a re-evaluation of English proficiency will be required before registration.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive financial aid package for students enrolled in the Oral Health Sciences program, aimed at making education accessible and affordable. Prospective students are encouraged to explore a variety of funding options, including federal and state financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans. Federal financial aid is available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which students can submit annually to determine their eligibility for Title IV funds. The university also provides institutional scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and financial need. These scholarships do not require repayment and are awarded automatically based on application materials, with some requiring separate application forms.

In addition to scholarships, students may qualify for federal student loans, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, which offer low-interest rates and flexible repayment plans. Graduate students can also explore private loan options and institutional loan programs designed specifically to support students in health sciences programs. The university’s financial aid office offers counseling services to help students understand their financial options, plan budgets, and manage debt effectively. Furthermore, the university participates in work-study programs, providing part-time employment opportunities on campus, allowing students to earn money while gaining professional experience.

Faculty and staff are available to assist students with detailed information about different funding sources, application procedures, and deadlines, ensuring that students can maximize their financial resources. The university also offers specialized funding for outstanding applicants through merit-based scholarships, as well as need-based grants that consider the financial circumstances of applicants. The goal of the university’s financial aid program is to reduce financial barriers to education so that students can focus on their studies and achieve their professional goals in oral health sciences. Overall, the combination of federal aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and employment opportunities provides a robust financial support system for students pursuing a degree in Oral Health Sciences at the University of Michigan.

The University of Michigan offers programs in Oral Health Sciences designed to prepare students for careers in dental medicine, research, and related healthcare fields. The Bachelor of Science in Oral Health Sciences is a comprehensive undergraduate program that provides students with a solid foundation in the sciences relevant to dental and oral health. It emphasizes coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, along with specialized classes in dental anatomy, oral health care, and public health. The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in dental schools or pursue careers in dental research, public health, or health education. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and research centers, enabling practical hands-on experience. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and patient-centered care. Additionally, students benefit from research opportunities under faculty supervision, contributing to innovations in dental science and oral health care practices. Many graduates go on to attend top dental schools nationally and internationally, while others work directly in community health organizations or engage in advanced studies. The university collaborates with local clinics and health organizations to provide service-learning components, allowing students to gain real-world experience while making meaningful contributions to community health. The program also emphasizes interprofessional education, encouraging collaboration with students in fields such as medicine, public health, and nursing, to promote comprehensive and holistic approaches to patient care. Career services and advising are available to guide students in internship placements, graduate study applications, and professional development. Overall, the Oral Health Sciences program at the University of Michigan prepares students for diverse opportunities in the evolving landscape of dental and oral health professions, emphasizing excellence in education, research, and community service.