University of San Francisco

What you'll study

Although the University of San Francisco does not run a PhD in Dentistry, a typical PhD in Dentistry or in dental sciences at specialist institutions focuses on advanced research in areas such as oral biology, biomaterials, craniofacial development, dental public health, periodontal and restorative biology, implant science, oral microbiology and pain mechanisms. Programmes generally combine coursework in research methods, advanced biomedical science, and statistics with a strong emphasis on an independent original research project leading to a doctoral dissertation.

• Core research methods: advanced statistics, experimental design, grant writing and scientific ethics.
• Specialist scientific modules: oral microbiology, biomaterials, tissue engineering, immunology as applied to oral health.
• Clinical research topics: clinical trial design, epidemiology in oral health, outcomes assessment and evidence-based dentistry.
• Laboratory and translational training: hands-on laboratory skills, imaging techniques, molecular methods and translational pathways for moving findings towards clinical application.
• Dissertation and defence: independent research under supervision, culminating in a written thesis and oral defence.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for a PhD in Dentistry vary by institution. Common expectations include:

• Academic qualifications: a relevant master's degree (for example in oral biology, biomedical sciences, or public health) or a dental professional doctorate (DDS/DMD) with strong research preparation. Some programmes admit exceptional candidates directly from a bachelor’s degree where permitted.
• Research experience: evidence of prior research activity, such as a master's thesis, publications, conference presentations or laboratory experience.
• Supporting materials: research proposal or statement of research interests, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and a curriculum vitae outlining relevant skills.
• English language proficiency: where applicable, an approved English test score for international applicants if their prior education was not in English.
• Interview and supervisor match: many programmes require contact with a potential supervisor and an interview to assess fit and research alignment.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Dentistry or a related dental research doctorate typically pursue careers that combine research, teaching and clinical or policy leadership. Typical pathways include:

• Academic research and teaching: faculty positions in dental schools or university research centres, leading research groups and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Clinical research and leadership: roles in clinical trials, hospital-based research units, or as research directors within dental hospitals or clinics (often combined with clinical practice for those holding DDS/DMD degrees).
• Industry and translational roles: research and development positions in dental materials, biotech and medtech companies, regulatory affairs, and product development for oral health technologies.
• Public health and policy: positions in governmental and non-governmental organisations focused on oral health policy, epidemiology and community dental programmes.
• Consultancy and entrepreneurship: advisory roles, start-ups in dental technology or diagnostics, and consultancy in evidence synthesis and clinical guideline development.

Why study at University of San Francisco

While USF does not offer a PhD in Dentistry, the university has strengths and resources that can support related doctoral training and collaboration. USF's health professions, public health and biomedical research activities offer interdisciplinary opportunities for candidates interested in oral health from a population, policy or translational perspective.

• Interdisciplinary environment: USF's programmes in public health, nursing, and health sciences create opportunities for cross-disciplinary research in oral health equity, community dentistry and health services research.
• Location and partnerships: situated in the Bay Area, USF benefits from proximity to leading research hospitals, dental schools at other universities, biotech companies and a broad network of clinical partners—useful for collaborative projects and translational research.
• Research support: USF offers training in qualitative and quantitative methods, grant writing and ethics—skills that are transferable to dental research careers.
• Alternative pathways: applicants seeking a clinical-research doctorate in dentistry are advised to consider specialist dental schools or combined DDS/PhD programmes; USF can be a valuable partner for public-health-focused doctoral study or for collaborative projects with dental researchers in the region.

If your goal is an academic or research doctorate specifically in dentistry, consider contacting established dental schools that offer PhD or DDS/PhD tracks, or contact USF's graduate admissions and relevant faculty to explore collaborative or complementary doctoral options in oral health research and policy.