Research Training

Each graduate student has an opportunity to focus on developing skills in academic research. During the first two years of training, in conjunction with research protocol preparation, students complete courses in research design, biostatistics, scientific computing and research methods. Students select projects from a diverse group of potential mentors from clinical and basic research programs.

Students may choose to pursue an optional Master of Science Program in Oral Biology, which requires completion of a research project and thesis. The project must be developed in consultation with a research mentor, who is a member of the Oral and Craniofacial Sciences graduate program, and other members of the pediatric dental faculty. The research chosen must be both significant and feasible in the time frame of the program. Although residents are encouraged to work with faculty within the Department, research opportunities exist across the School and the University. 
 
Residents are introduced to faculty and their areas of interest in the summer and fall quarters of the first year. An initial proposal describing the subject area, specific aims, testable hypothesis, techniques and measurements is submitted to a thesis committee in the winter or spring quarter of the first year.

The thesis work should be completed by the fall of the third year to allow the residents to present their findings at local/national and international meetings, including the Graduate Student Research Award competition hosted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) meeting.

Deadlines

Selection of Mentor and Final thesis proposal:

Spring quarter of first year

CAR and CHR applications: (If needed)

Spring quarter of the first year

Data Collection Complete

Summer quarter of the third year

Data Analysis Complete

Fall quarter of the third year

Thesis:

April of the third year. The Spring quarter will be used to complete clinical requirements and to prepare for the Graduation Day presentations.