Dentistry: Dentistry PhD (Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Specialty) | School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Calendar

PhD Program (Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Specialty)

Program Description

The Dentistry PhD, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology specialty is a six-year full-time program. The specialty in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology focuses on the identification and management of diseases of the oral and maxillofacial regions through microscopic, clinical, biochemical, or other forms of examination. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology includes histopathologic analysis of tissue samples, the investigation of, causes, and effects of diseases.

Students start the program in the Summer session. Upon completion of all program requirements, students are eligible for the PhD degree and certification in the chosen dental specialty. Program completion will be contingent upon completion of all requirements for the research and specialty training components of the program.

PhD Program (Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Specialty)

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Dentistry's additional admission requirements stated below.
Students are normally admitted to the PhD program with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent, with at least an A– standing (3.7 out of 4.0 grade point average [GPA]) in the final year from a recognized university.

Program Requirements

Students undertake a customized program, approved by an advisory committee and the Associate Dean, Graduate Education, comprising advanced study and original research culminating in the defence of a thesis. After consultation with the Associate Dean, Graduate Education, a committee will be appointed to plan and arrange the student’s coursework and research programs, approve the course of study, and monitor progress as part of an annual report to the Associate Dean for approval and continuance of candidacy.
Students must successfully complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a thesis as follows:
- Year 1:
  - DEN1010H Research Ethics (Credit/No Credit; 0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1015H Introduction to Biostatistics (0.5 FCE)
- Year 2:
  - DEN1101H Introduction to Research Methods and Dissemination (Credit/No Credit; 0.5 FCE)
- Years 2 and 3:
  - DEN1100H⁰ Graduate Research Dissemination Seminars (Credit/No Credit; 0.5 FCE).
In the specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, complete 6.5 required FCEs and 1.0 elective FCE as follows. Students have the option to take DEN1008H Cone Beam CT Imaging (Credit/No Credit; 0.25 FCE; prerequisite: DEN1007H), in addition to the total FCEs required for the specialty.
- Year 1:
  - LMP1300Y General and Special Pathology (1.0 FCE)
  - Develop a thesis proposal, form a supervisory committee, and complete an ethics review (if applicable)
- Year 2:
  - DEN1002H Oral Pathology (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1007H Oral Radiology (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1014H Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Care (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1111Y Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN1311Y Oral Surgical Pathology (1.0 FCE)
  - Continue with thesis research (RST9999Y)
  - Successfully pass a qualifying oral examination between 12 and 24 months to demonstrate an adequate capacity for oral health sciences research through previous work. Students will be examined on their thesis proposal and their breadth of knowledge relative to the research project.
- Year 3:
  - DEN1112Y Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN1312Y Advanced Oral Surgical Pathology I (1.0 FCE)
  - Continue with thesis research (RST9999Y)
- Years 4 and 5:
  - 1.0 elective FCE in clinical, epidemiological, or basic science research methodology appropriate for clinical or public health practice
  - Complete any outstanding core or specialty-specific coursework
  - Continue with thesis research (RST9999Y)
- Year 6: Successfully submit and defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.
Participate in all graduate research activities of the advisor’s research group.
Present at meetings and publish original research findings in a timely fashion.
Participate as a member of departmental and student committees as applicable.
Residency. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.

Program Length

6 years

Time Limit

8 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

PhD Program (Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Specialty): Transfer

Transfer Requirements

Highly qualified MSc students, who are in the thesis option of the MSc program, may be considered for transfer to the Dentistry PhD in the specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. MSc students who transfer to the PhD must fulfil the admission requirements listed under the PhD program and successfully complete the transfer examination.