Advanced Graduate Degree Programs
MASTER’S & DOCTORATE DEGREES
BUILDING CAREERS ACROSS DISCIPLINES
ADVANCED GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Experience a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environment at Penn Dental Medicine. Our advanced graduate degree programs are designed to support every stage of your dental career, providing rigorous academic training, clinical exposure, research opportunities, and mentorship from world-renowned faculty. Hear directly from our students, alumni, and faculty about how these programs shaped their, and can shape your, professional journey.
DScD
“The DScD program positions me at the intersection of clinical practice and scientific research. I’m learning to identify challenges at chairside, then translate them into meaningful research questions. This dual perspective energizes my commitment to advancing dental medicine through investigation that directly enhances patient outcomes.”
Dr. Bushra Alghamdi, GD’26, DScD/Endodontics
MADS
“The MADS program was transformative. The program’s professional and passionate faculty, well structured curriculum, and clinical shadowing provided me with invaluable knowledge and experience. Since completing the program, I’ve seamlessly integrated the orthodontic theories and clinical skills I learned into my practice, significantly enhancing my patient care. I highly recommend this program to colleagues seeking to elevate their dental expertise and clinical proficiency.”
Dr. Xixi Cao, GD’ 25, MADS/Orthodontics
MOHS
“The MOHS program provided me with invaluable experience, offering a comprehensive view of the dental field through dental school courses, research, and a supportive community of faculty and students. This preparation was instrumental for my dental school journey. I am thrilled to have started my Penn Dental experience with the MOHS program and to now continue it through the DMD program.”
Renali Patel, GD’24, D’28, MOHSPredentalTrack
MSOB
“The MSOB program opened the door to research for me, giving me the analytical tools and scientific foundation to confidently interpret and evaluate dental literature. It has strengthened my ability to make evidence‑based decisions in clinical practice and has been an invaluable step in my development as a more informed, impactful provider.”
Andrew Grinsell, GD’26, MSOB
MOPH
“The MOPH program has challenged what I thought I knew about health from just about every perspective. The coursework has introduced me to experts from all over the world in areas ranging from planetary health to biostatistics. As someone passionate about working in global health, I believe this innovative program uniquely prepares the next generation of policymakers, thought leaders, and culturally competent oral health professionals to drive meaningful change.”
John Button, D’26, GD’25, MOPHDualDegree
MASTER OF ORAL HEALTH SCIENCES (MOHS)
The Master of Oral Health Sciences program strengthens your dental school application and prepares you for careers in the health sciences through two tailored tracks:
PREDENTAL TRACK
Designed for college graduates seeking academic enhancement, clinical exposure, and DAT preparation to elevate your dental school candidacy.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
• Rigorous graduate-level coursework in oral health sciences
• Clinical rotations in general dentistry, specialty clinics, and community health sites
• DAT preparation for Predental students & INBDE preparation for Non-U.S.-Trained Dentists
• Oral-health focused capstone research project
STRENGTHEN YOUR DENTAL SCHOOL APPLICATION & BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR ORAL HEALTH SCIENCE CAREERS LEARN MORE
“The MOHS program is a great way to bridge the gap between an undergraduate and dental school education. It was extremely helpful to be able to take ‘actual’ dental school courses prior to matriculation into dental school.”
Rachel Wade, GD’22
MOHSPredentalTrackandBostonUniversityHenryM. GoldmanSchoolofDentalMedicinestudent
NON-U.S.-TRAINED DENTISTS TRACK
Designed for international dental graduates seekings advanced coursework, clinical insights, and INBDE preparation to strengthen your U.S. dental school applications.
“Everything a foreign trained dentist needs to stand out as a dental school applicant in one place.”
Chiraag Kumbhat, GD’24
MOHSNon U.S. TrainedDentistTrack
www.dental.upenn.edu/MOHSPredental
LEARN MORE www.dental.upenn.edu/MOHSnon UStrained
DOCTOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTISTRY (DScD)
ENTER THE FIELD OF ACADEMIC DENTISTRY
The Doctor of Science in Dentistry (DScD) at the University of Pennsylvania is a research-focused doctoral program designed to prepare clinician-scientists for academic careers in dentistry. Students complete advanced didactic coursework, participate in seminars and workshops in scientific communication, and conduct an original research project under the guidance of research mentor. A milestone of the program is the development and defense of an NIH-style K08 or K23 grant proposal which provides a first-hand mentored experience in grant writing, along with demonstrated scholarly productivity through presentations, publications, and national meeting participation. There are two versions of the program: The DScD Stand Alone takes 4 years to complete, and the DScD with Postgraduate Specialty Program is combined with clinical specialty training and takes five to five and a half years.
“Through the Penn Orthodontic–DScD program, I received the highest caliber of training and mentorship. Learning from legendary orthodontists and world‑renowned researchers in an environment that fosters intellectual growth.”
Helen Jeon, GD’16 DScD/Periodontics
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORAL BIOLOGY (MSOB)
ENHANCE YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS & STRENGTHEN YOUR ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
The Master of Science in Oral Biology (MSOB) is a research-focused graduate program for students seeking to strengthen your scientific foundation, enhance your research skills, and prepare for careers in academic dentistry, biomedical research, or advanced clinical practice.
LEARN MORE www.dental.upenn.edu/DScD LEARN MORE www.dental.upenn.edu/MSOB
YOU MAY PURSUE THE MSOB THROUGH ONE OF THREE PATHWAYS:
MSOB Program
Designed for students who wish to deepen their expertise in oral biology through rigorous coursework and mentored research
MSOB with Postgraduate Specialty Program
Available to residents enrolled in Penn Dental Medicine’s postgraduate specialty programs who want to integrate advanced scientific training with clinical specialization
MSOB with DMD Program
Open to University of Pennsylvania DMD students who wish to broaden your scientific training and engage in research while completing the dental degree
MASTER OF ADVANCED DENTAL STUDIES (MADS)
A HYBRID PROGRAM // STRENGTHEN YOUR EXPERTISE IN A DENTAL SPECIALTY
The Master of Advanced Dental Studies (MADS) is a flexible graduate program designed for dentists who want to advance your academic foundation, strengthen your clinical understanding, or strengthen your competitiveness for advanced dental education programs.
All MADS students complete six weeks of on-campus clinical rotations, working closely with world-renowned faculty and observing clinical decision-making in real time
OPTIONAL CLINICAL SCHOLAR RECOGNITION
Students who extend your on-campus clinical engagement by an additional six weeks may earn the prestigious Clinical Scholar recognition, further distinguishing your professional profile.
SIX CLINICAL DISCIPLINES:
• Endodontics
• Oral Medicine
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics
“Choosing the MADS program was pivotal for my goal of becoming an endodontist. The mentorship, six week clinical rotation, and weekly seminars significantly boosted my clinical confidence. This program was a valuable investment that deepened my passion for endodontics.
Natasja Bevans, GD’24, GD’27 MADS
• Prosthodontics LEARN MORE
www.dental.upenn.edu/MADS
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORAL AND POPULATION
HEALTH
(MOPH)
ONLINE PROGRAM // BUILDING LEADERS AT THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE & POLICY
The Master of Science in Oral and Population Health (MOPH) program is designed to meet the growing need for public and population health leaders who can develop, implement, and evaluate policies addressing current and future challenges in oral health—both locally and globally.
This full-time, online program with synchronous and asynchronous components equips students with foundational knowledge in population health, experience with research methodologies and policy analysis, and insights into how oral health integrates with overall wellness.
LEARN MORE
WWW.DENTAL.UPENN.EDU/MOPH
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
DOCTOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTISTRY (DScD)
Dana Graves, DDS, DMSc Professor, Department of Periodontics Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship dtgraves@dental.upenn.edu
MASTER OF ADVANCED DENTAL STUDIES (MADS)
Esra Sahingur, DDS, MS, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics
Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Student Research sahingur@upenn.edu
MASTER OF ORAL HEALTH SCIENCES (MOHS)
Sunday Akintoye, BDS, DDS, MS Professor, Department of Oral Medicine akintoye@dental.upenn.edu
Josephine LomanginoCheung, MS, DDS Associate Professor of Clinical Restorative Dentistry jlcheung@upenn.edu
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORAL & POPULATION HEALTH (MOPH)
Alonso Carrasco-Labra, DDS, MSc, PhD
Associate Professor, Division of Restorative Dentistry, Preventive & Restorative Sciences Director, Cochrane Oral Health Collaborating Center carrascl@upenn.edu
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORAL BIOLOGY (MSOB)
Geelsu Hwang, PhD Associate Professor, Division of Restorative Dentistry geelsuh@upenn.edu
Master of Science in Oral Biology Combined with DMD Program
Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia, PhD Assistance Dean for Academic Initiatives, Professor, Department of Basic & Translational Sciences battagli@upenn.edu
Master of Science in Oral Biology Combined with Postgraduate Specialty Program
Jonathan Korostoff, DMD, PhD Professor of Periodontics jkorosto@dental.upenn.edu