Master of Science - Oral Biology

Plan Description

The future of oral health medicine is dependent upon significant orthodontic and craniofacial research. The Master of Science Oral Biology emphasizes orthodontic and craniofacial research and aims to aid developing orthodontic residents in becoming successful researchers, educators and/or clinicians. It does this by providing a diverse clinical experience with a strong integration of basic sciences. This program will equip residents with the clinical, the analytical and the managerial skills that are necessary to provide oral healthcare to the community.

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

In addition to being accepted to the UNLV Graduate College, prospective students must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be enrolled in the Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics certificate residency program. For more information on this program please contact the Dental School.
2. Must have passed Parts I and II, National Dental Board Examination.
3. Must have earned a DMD/DDS degree from a program in the US or Canada that is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
4. Must be eligible for a Nevada state dental license and receive a full or limited dental license from the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners prior to engaging in any clinical activity.
5. Application through the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) including specified letters of recommendations.
6. Background and criminal checks as required.
7. Medical history, immunizations and physicals as required.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

Total Credits Required: 147

Degree Requirements

1. The Master of Science – Oral Biology program is designed to be a 34-month program, divided as follows:
   • Year 1: 3 trimesters (summer, fall, spring);
   • Year 2: 2 semesters (Fall July-Dec, and Spring Jan-June); and
   • Year 3: 2 semesters (Fall July-Dec, and Spring Jan-April).
2. The advanced program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Othopedics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation; as such graduates of UNLV School of Dental Medicine’s Oral Biology program will also receive a certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics which is required for licensure.
3. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Plan Graduation Requirements

A master’s thesis, which carries six credits, is required for the Oral Biology M.S. It must conform to the guidelines set forth by the Graduate College in this catalog and in its Thesis and Dissertation Manual. The M.A. thesis should be an original contribution to academic knowledge. Thesis projects must be designed, developed, and written in close consultation with an appropriate thesis advisor and with the student’s thesis committee.

The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.