Graduate Programs

All of the School of Dentistry’s graduate degree and certificate programs are fully accredited. Programs begin during the first week of July, except for the M.S. and Ph.D. programs, which begin in August with the fall semester.

The Master of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D.) program is intended primarily for students who have received the doctorate in dentistry and who wish to go on to obtain an adequate background in one of the various disciplines of dentistry or of the allied basic sciences in order to broaden their dental background or to complete the academic requirements for specialty boards. Under special circumstances, the M.S.D. may be conferred upon outstanding individuals not holding the D.D.S. (or equivalent degree) who have demonstrated ability in dental research and education and who give good evidence of continuing in these fields.

Students may register in IU’s University Graduate School and work toward the M.S. degree in dental materials or preventive dentistry or the Ph.D. degree in dental science. (See the following section titled Fields of Study.)

In general, students who wish to practice or teach a clinical subject are encouraged to work toward the M.S.D., while those more interested in the basic science courses would be advised to complete the requirements for the M.S. degree. The Ph.D. program in dental science is designed specifically for individuals who want to pursue a career in dental research and/or education.