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

PhD Program (Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Specialty)

Program Description

The Dentistry PhD, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology specialty, is a six-year full-time program. The specialty in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology is concerned with the the prescription, production, and interpretation of diagnostic images of diseases and disorders of the craniofacial complex.

Upon completion of all program requirements, students are eligible for the PhD degree and certification in the chosen field of 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 Radiology Specialty)

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department 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 Radiology, complete 8.5 required FCEs and 1.0 elective FCE as follows. Note: course timing may vary between years. Please contact gradstudies@dentistry.utoronto.ca for details.
- Year 1:
  - DEN1002H Oral Pathology (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1007H Oral Radiology (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1017H⁺⁺ Temporomandibular Disorders (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1094Y Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology I (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN1311Y Oral Surgical Pathology (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN3005H Head and Neck Anatomy (0.5 FCE)
  - Mi Applied Physics modules taken through the Department of Medical Imaging in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (0.0 FCE)
  - Develop a thesis proposal, form a supervisory committee, and complete an ethics review (if applicable)
- Year 2:
  - DEN1014H Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Care (0.5 FCE)
  - DEN1095Y Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology II (1.0 FCE)
  - DEN1312Y Advanced Oral Surgical Pathology I (1.0 FCE)
  - PDE9094Y⁰ Clinical Conferences (Credit/No Credit)
  - Mi Applied Physics modules taken through the Department of Medical Imaging in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (0.0 FCE)
  - Clinical and Experimental Radiobiology modules taken through the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (0.0 FCE)
  - Continue with thesis research (RST9999Y)
  - Successfully pass a qualifying oral examination within 12 to 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:
  - DEN1096Y Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology III (1.0 FCE)
  - PDE9094Y⁰ Clinical Conferences (Credit/No Credit; 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.

⁺⁺ Course is offered in alternate years.

PhD Program (Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Specialty): Transfer

Transfer Requirements

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