Master of Science in Oral Sciences
About the Program
The Master of Science in Oral Sciences is a two-semester, in-person academic program that provides graduate-level preparation in oral and biomedical sciences. The program integrates foundational scientific knowledge with research methods, scientific writing, critical analysis of the literature, quantitative methods, and structured exposure to faculty-led research environments.
Students develop the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind needed to understand oral health and disease from biologic, translational, and scholarly perspectives. Throughout the program, they learn to formulate focused scientific questions, evaluate study design and evidence, interpret data, and communicate scientific ideas clearly in written and oral formats.
The MS-OS is an academic, research-oriented degree. It does not provide clinical training or eligibility for professional licensure.
Who the Program Is Designed For
The program is designed for individuals seeking advanced scientific preparation in oral health and related biomedical fields. Applicants may include graduates of biological or health-science programs, US- and internationally educated dentists, and individuals preparing for further professional, academic, or research training.
The MS-OS may support future pathways in research, academia, industry, public health, doctoral education, dentistry, and other health-related disciplines. It is not intended to guarantee admission to a professional or doctoral program.
The Educational Experience
The MS-OS curriculum is intentionally integrated. Coursework and scholarly experiences are designed to help students progress from foundational knowledge to increasingly independent scientific thinking.
The educational pathway includes:
Graduate coursework + Research and laboratory immersion + Faculty mentorship + Scientific writing and critical analysis + Oral Sciences Seminar → Focused scholarly direction
Students are expected to participate actively, approach unfamiliar areas with intellectual curiosity, and assume increasing responsibility for their academic and professional development.
Curriculum
Fall Semester
The fall semester emphasizes scientific literacy, foundational knowledge, research readiness, and preliminary development of students’ scholarly interests.
Courses
Scientific Writing
Fundamentals of Research
Oral Histology
Oral Biology
Oral Sciences Seminar
Research and Laboratory Immersion
Spring Semester
The spring semester builds analytic and translational skills while allowing students to continue developing their scholarly direction through seminar, faculty guidance, and related program experiences. The course structure is consistent with the current incoming-cohort handbook.
Courses
Cariology
Introduction to Statistics and Epidemiology
Oral Pathology
Data Science for Clinicians
Oral Sciences Seminar
Research and Laboratory Immersion
Research and scholarly development are central to the MS-OS experience. Through structured laboratory immersion, students are introduced to active research environments, faculty expertise, contemporary scientific questions, and selected research methods.
The laboratory experience is complemented by scientific writing, research-methods instruction, and seminar participation. Together, these activities help students learn how researchable questions are developed, how evidence is evaluated, and how scientific ideas are communicated.
Students are encouraged to explore different research areas and begin identifying interests that may inform their future academic, professional, or scholarly development.
Program Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students should be able to:
- explain important biologic concepts relevant to oral health and disease;
- critically interpret primary scientific literature;
- assess study design, methods, results, limitations, and implications;
- communicate scientific ideas in graduate-level written and oral formats;
- apply introductory concepts in statistics, epidemiology, and data science;
- develop a focused research question or scholarly direction with faculty guidance; and
- engage professionally within an interdisciplinary academic community.
Program Leadership and Faculty
The program draws on faculty expertise across oral and biomedical sciences, research methodology, scientific writing, data analysis, and multiple areas of faculty-led research within the College of Dental Medicine and the broader CUIMC environment.
Program Director & Faculty
Silvana P. Barros, DDS, MS, PhD
Program Faculty
Letty Moss-Salentijn, DDS, PhD
Luiz Pimenta, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA
The 2026–2027 incoming class is now filled. Information about the next application cycle, including application dates and deadlines, will be posted here when applications open.
Program Details
Format
In person
Length of program
Two semesters
Program start date
The start date for the 2027–2028 academic year will be announced at a later date.
Priority application deadline
The priority application deadline for the 2027–2028 academic year will be announced at a later date.
Final application deadline
The final application deadline for the 2027–2028 academic year will be announced at a later date.
Class size
Class size for the 2027–2028 academic year will be announced at a later date.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for the 2027–2028 academic year will be announced at a later date.
Application status
Information about the 2027-2028 application cycle, including application dates and deadlines, will be posted here when applications open.
Contact
Kelli M. Johnson, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs