Curriculum 

Students considered for admission to the Dual DDS/Ph.D. degree program must meet the admission requirements of both the dental and graduate schools.  

Students will begin coursework in the Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences program at the School of Graduate Studies. They will pursue two to three years of doctoral training. They will enter the four-year DDS program after successfully completing graduate level courses and achieving candidacy. 

Upon completion of the DDS degree requirements, students are required to continue working on their dissertation research project. Students can submit their written dissertation for defense after they publish at least one manuscript from their dissertation project. A successful defense and submission of an approved dissertation document to the School of Graduate Studies will fulfil the requirements to obtain the DDS/PhD degree. 

DDS Degree Curriculum 

Years 1-2 (D1-D2): Foundation Learning  

The first two years focus primarily on classroom and laboratory instruction in biomedical, behavioral and pre-clinical dental sciences. Students are introduced to clinical settings early in their education to begin applying theoretical knowledge. 

Years 3-4 (D3-D4): Clinical Practice  

The final two years emphasize hands-on clinical skill development under faculty supervision across all areas of dental practice. Students provide comprehensive patient care and gain additional experience in hospitals, public health facilities and other community settings.