Program Overview

DMD/PhD Program

The UAB School of Dentistry DMD/PhD program prepares students for an exciting career in dental academics through an innovative integrated clinician scientist training program. Applicants interested in the DMD/PhD program must have completed an undergraduate degree program (BA or BS) that fulfills all requirements for both dental school and graduate school admissions.

Important Points:

1. DMD and PhD degrees will be awarded within the same year upon completion of all dental and graduate school requirements.
2. Duration of the program is 8 years; however, students with strong prior research experience have completed the program in 7 years.
3. Students accepted into the DMD/PhD program that do not complete the PhD training program, are required to reapply to the School of Dentistry for admission as a traditional DMD candidate.

Admission Requirements:

• Contact the Director of Admissions, UAB School of Dentistry, indicating intent to apply for the DMD/PhD program.
• Submit a formal application to the UAB School of Dentistry through AADSAS as early as possible.
• Submit an online application to the UAB Graduate School through one of the Biomedical Sciences Interdisciplinary Themes, Engineering (Biomedical or Materials), Public Health, or other graduate program.
• Have successfully taken the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT).
• Have completed all the recommended courses for both dental and graduate school admissions.
• Have prior hands-on-research experience.

Sequence of the DMD/PhD Program:

1. Students first enter the Graduate School and complete at least two years of coursework including graduate school qualification examinations and dissertation proposal defense maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.
2. After research PhD candidacy with approval of the DMD/PhD Advisory Committee, the student transitions into the DMD curriculum in lock step with a dental class from years 2-4.
3. DMD and PhD degrees are awarded within the same year upon completion of the degree programs.

Financial Support Opportunities:

Students enrolled in the DMD/PhD training program are eligible for funding through the School of Dentistry's NIDCR supported T-90 Dental Academic Research Training (DART) Program or an individual NIDCR supported F-30 Training Award.

Evaluation Criteria:

Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic record, DAT scores, research accomplishments, publications, commitment to a research dental academic career, character, and personality traits indicating potential for success in a DMD/PhD program.