Degree: Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD)
Field of Study: Oral Medicine

Program Overview

The MSD program in oral medicine is a graduate level training in the specialty that includes significant clinical experience in oral medicine, orofacial pain, oral management of sleep breathing disorders, and oral and maxillofacial radiology.  Opportunities exist to focus the student training in any of these areas or give a broad training experience.

The student will train in biopsy techniques, medical risk assessment of the complex patient, comprehensive laboratory ordering and interpretation, identification and treatment of salivary hypofunction, trigger point injections of the head and neck, nerve blocks, and the pharmacologic management of orofacial pain and headache disorders. 

The program offers opportunities to do external rotations on medical specialty services, as designed in the initial program plan with the MSD director. The student gains knowledge and expertise in research design, clinical trials, and the evaluation of the scientific literature.  

Program Requirements

Successful completion of the program requires a minimum of 24 months and 48 academic credit units. The study plan is tailored to the experience of the student and involves a minimum of 65% clinical exposure. Training plans are designed following established Oral Medicine educational objectives by the American Academy of Oral Medicine.