The School of Dentistry offers a research-based program leading to the Master of Science degree in Oral Biology. The program is directed toward an in-depth understanding of the biology of the oral cavity and processes leading to disease, including the interactions between oral and systemic health. Students obtain the scientific knowledge and biomedical skills required to perform contemporary dental research. This is a research-based degree for which each student completes a thesis project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Research projects include basic, clinical, and translational studies.
The MS in Oral Biology offers training important to persons wishing to pursue a career in either academic or clinical dentistry or to enter the biotechnology sector or advance to a PhD. The program is available to students wishing to obtain only the MS in Oral Biology degree, as well as to students currently enrolled in the DMD degree program wishing to earn a dual degree (DMD/MS), and persons who have previously earned a DMD or MD (or equivalent) degree, including international applicants. See louisville.edu/dentistry/degrees/oralbiology.
Areas for research training include: molecular, cellular and craniofacial biology; craniomaxillofacial diagnostic imaging; neural crest-related craniofacial and cardiovascular disorders; regulation of gene transcription; oral microbiology and immunology; cellular mechanisms of salivary gland secretion; birth defects; infection control; protein glycosylation; protein expression and trafficking; periodontology; dental materials science; orthodontics; endodontics; prosthodontics; and health services research related to dentistry. Developmental biology, oral microbiology, and innate immunology are particular strengths of the program.
A minimum of 30 credit hours is needed for the MS degree. Requirements for the degree include courses in introductory and advanced oral biology and in data analysis, participation in seminars, development of a biomedical research project, and a thesis.
Individualized programs are developed by students working with their thesis advisor and graduate committee. The graduate committee also approves proposed thesis research, reviews the thesis research, reviews the thesis for acceptance, and administers a final oral examination. Additional important information about the program is available in the Oral Biology Program Guide.

