Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Science in Dentistry (DScD) in Esthetic, Digital & Operative Dentistry is a research-focused program that requires a minimum of 36 months of full-time enrollment. A limited number of candidates are accepted into this program, which involves completing a major research effort related to esthetic, digital, and operative aspects of restorative dentistry.

Learning Outcomes

Students in this program will:

• Gain understanding and appreciation of the basic science of materials, analytical techniques, and research protocols required to critically analyze material processes, properties, and develop new materials and devices in craniofacial sciences.
• Be able to critically analyze the current literature and propose new experimentation to address various issues relative to craniofacial diseases and treatment.
• Be able to independently conduct a variety of advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and chemical and surface analysis.
• Be able to design a comprehensive proposal to investigate a specific hypothesis, conduct appropriate experimentation, and use statistical analysis to discuss the data.
• Participate in weekly discussions of both their projects and the recent literature relevant to their topic.
• Present their research in at least two local, national, or international meetings during their research program.
• Submit and publish at least one manuscript in a refereed journal.
• Write and defend a dissertation based on the results of their project.
• Be able to work with and advise healthcare professionals to critically analyze new materials, equipment, and techniques for patient treatment.

Curriculum

Didactic Requirements (4.25 units)

• SDM OB 830 Research Writing
• SDM PH 803 Biostatistics
• SDM PR 830 Advanced Biomaterials

Research Requirements (22.50 units)

• SDM RS 991 Research: Restorative Sciences
• SDM RS 992 Research: Restorative Sciences
• SDM RS 993 Research: Restorative Sciences

Other coursework may be assigned at the discretion of the research advisor and the department chair.

Program Structure

At the discretion of the program director and/or department chair, research students may participate in clinical activities during their research years. Completion is not tracked by unit accumulation but by successful completion of individual courses and duration requirements.

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).