Master of Science in Oral Health Sciences
Pursue advanced study and research in the scientific field of oral health with the Master of Science in Oral Health Sciences in the Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University. Students in this rigorous, 40-credit master’s program gain expertise in oral and craniofacial structures and their function in health and disease, as well as the application of modern biological principles and research techniques in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of oral and craniofacial diseases and anomalies.
Through the program, you will study the structure, development and function of oral tissues; their interrelationships; and their connections to other organ systems. Students become advanced clinical scholars through the interdisciplinary structure of the curriculum, which focuses on multiple dental and biomedical science disciplines in oral health including anatomy, microbiology, neurophysiology of pain, oral microbiomes, pharmacology, physiology and regenerative medicine, with a particular emphasis on how these areas relate to oral health and disease.
You will also gain graduate-level training and experience in contemporary laboratory techniques and research methodology and technology, which is needed to pursue careers in academia or industry. Research areas include
- advanced general dentistry;
- clinical fields such as endodontology, periodontics and oral implantology, orthodontics, and dental public health;
- oral microbiology and immunology;
- periodontal and craniofacial regeneration; and
- pulp biology; among many others.
The school’s humanistic approach to patient care and its location in North Philadelphia provide students in clinical tracks with a diverse patient population. Because the program offers both clinical and nonclinical tracks, those who are not enrolled in an advanced training certificate program at Kornberg can choose courses offered across all dental specialty programs and disciplines. Each track requires the same minimum of 40 credits of coursework, and all students complete a self-directed original academic research project.
Oral Health Sciences MS Tracks
You’ll have the flexibility to complete either clinical or nonclinical training through one of the following tracks.
The Clinical Internship track is a stand-alone program for students who aren’t enrolled in an advanced training certificate program in the Kornberg School of Dentistry, but who wish to broaden their understanding of clinical dentistry. The completion of a dental degree prior to admission into the MS program is required for this track.