Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

The PhD in Dentistry is centred on original research in oral and craniofacial sciences, supported by graduate-level coursework and mentored training. Students typically undertake core courses in research design, biostatistics, and ethics alongside specialised modules chosen to match their research focus.

• Core research methods: advanced biostatistics, epidemiology, research design, grant-writing and responsible conduct of research.
• Basic and translational science: molecular and cellular biology of oral tissues, tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry, oral microbiology and immunology, biomaterials and biomechanics.
• Clinical and population health: clinical trials methodology, cariology and restorative science, periodontology and implant biology, oral oncology, dental public health and health services research.
• Professional development: scientific communication, teaching practicum, grant preparation, and research leadership seminars.

Programme structure is research-led: students complete required coursework in the early years, pass qualifying and comprehensive examinations, and then focus on dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Typical training includes laboratory rotations or collaborative projects, participation in departmental seminars and journal clubs, teaching opportunities, and dissemination of results through conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants normally hold a professional dental degree (DDS, DMD) or a relevant research master's (MS, MRes) in a bioscience, public health or allied field. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance and clear research potential.

• Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Evidence of research experience, such as a thesis, publications, or laboratory work; strong applicants will have prior involvement in dental or biomedical research projects.
• Letters of recommendation (typically three), including at least one that can speak to research ability and one from a clinical or academic mentor.
• A personal statement outlining research interests, career goals and fit with potential faculty mentors.
• Curriculum vitae summarising education, research, clinical experience and scholarly activity.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements; additional documentation may be requested for visa purposes.

Selection includes review of the written application and, where appropriate, interviews with prospective faculty mentors. Some applicants without a dental degree but with strong quantitative or biomedical research backgrounds may be considered for entry with additional prerequisites or collaboration plans.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Dentistry from VCU typically move into research-intensive and leadership roles. Common career paths include:

• Academic careers as tenure-track faculty in dental schools, medical schools or university research centres, combining teaching, clinical supervision and independent research.
• Research scientist roles in industry, including dental materials, biomedical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies.
• Positions in government and public health agencies focused on oral health policy, population surveillance and programme evaluation.
• Clinical research leadership in hospital and health-system settings, including trial leadership and translational research programmes.
• Scientific management, regulatory affairs or policy advising for non-profit organisations and professional associations.

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry offers a multidisciplinary research environment with established strengths across basic, translational and population health domains. Students benefit from access to core research facilities, collaborative centres within the medical campus, and integrated clinical populations that support translational projects.

Faculty mentors include investigators with expertise in biomaterials, craniofacial biology, oral microbial ecology, oncology and health services research, enabling tailored supervisory teams. The programme emphasises mentored research, professional development and teaching experience, preparing graduates for academic and leadership roles in dentistry and allied sectors.

Located in an urban health-sciences campus, the university provides opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, community-engaged research and partnerships with local health systems and public health organisations, which can enhance both clinical-research translation and career development.