Program Overview

Graduate Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

The graduate program in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in the field. Students gain experience in oral and maxillofacial pathology practice, surgical pathology, clinical management of patients with disorders of the head and neck, pathology laboratory management, and teaching and research skills for enhancement of an academic career. The program prepares qualified oral and maxillofacial pathology specialists for positions of responsibility in institutions of dental higher education and research, or in the oral pathology private practice setting.

Curriculum

In addition to formal coursework and clinical activities within the dental school setting, the student will participate in 12 months of general pathology rotations at UNC Health. Other rotations determined by the student’s interests are scheduled in July of the second year.

Admissions

• The Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology program will not be accepting applications for July 1, 2026.
• Applications for admission to the program are through the UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School.
• Candidates should apply for the second summer session term (July 1 start date).
• The application fee must be paid in US funds or through an international money order.
• Admissions criteria are applied equally to all applicants regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, or religion.
• Minority students are encouraged to apply.

Admissions Requirements

• All prospective students must hold a DDS, DMD, or equivalent degree from a dental school.
• Applicants should have National Dental Board Scores (Part I) at the time of application.
• Part II should be completed prior to the start of the Program.
• For international students, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) can serve as an alternative to National Dental Board Scores.

International Students

• In addition to the above items, international applicants must include the following in their PASS application:
  • Foreign transcripts evaluation
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score
• International applicants must report official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores directly from the testing center.
• International applicants must submit official academic records bearing the signature of the registrar or another academic official and either a raised or ink stamp or seal of the issuing institution.
• Records must be issued in the original language and be accompanied by certified English translations.
• International applicants must also submit verification that the degree has been awarded or a copy of the degree award.

Tuition, Stipend Support, and Benefits

• The cost of attending graduate school includes tuition, fees, and health insurance, for which the student is billed directly.
• Tuition and fees for the master’s programs in the Adams School of Dentistry are available through the University Cashier.
• Graduate students must pay tuition and fees during all years of study and training.
• These charges are subject to change at any meeting of the NC Board of Trustees and a yearly increase of 5-10 percent should be anticipated each year.
• Estimates for living expenses are available through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.
• Out-of-state students and international students with permanent resident status are required to establish legal residence in North Carolina and to apply for classification as a state resident for tuition purposes when eligible.
• Stipends are contingent on availability of funds.
• Regardless of the availability of stipend support, teaching responsibilities are required as a part of the program.
• Tuition remission, or the reduction by 50% of the out-of-state to the in-state tuition rate, is awarded by the semester.

Research Component

• Graduates are expected to participate in research oral presentations during the 1st year of residency, and to present their thesis research in the Adams School of Dentistry’s Research Day during the third year of residency.
• Preparation of a master’s level project with submission to a peer-reviewed journal and an oral defense are required.
• Students will be encouraged to prepare abstracts and/or table clinics for scientific or educational meetings, as appropriate.

North Carolina Licensure/Intern Permit

• Students who are not graduates of an ADA-accredited dental school must complete a simulation exam as part of their NC intern permit process.
• Such candidates must pass and complete the simulation exam within two months of their formal matriculation in the program.
• If a candidate does not pass the simulation exam within the two-month interval, they cannot advance in the clinical program and will be subject to dismissal from the program.
• These students are also required to take and pass Applied Pharmacology in Summer Term II.