Programs in Graduate Studies & Residencies

General Information

The programs in Graduate Studies and Residencies are comprised of three major components. Two of these components - the nine certificate programs in each of the major dental specialty areas and three graduate programs that lead to a Masters (M.S.) degree related to the dental profession - are administered directly by the Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies (OADRGS) of the Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry. The graduate program in Biomedical Sciences leading to a Masters and Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and two concentrations within the graduate program leading to a Masters in Educating Health Professionals are administered by the OADRGS through the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center (TAMHSC).

Clinical Certificate Program

Programs leading to a certificate in a clinical dental specialty consist of a sequence of advanced didactic courses and requirements. Clinical training programs may offer the specialty certificate only, an option of a certificate combined with a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.), or a requirement of a certificate combined with a graduate degree. Programs vary from one year to four years in duration depending on the specific options and requirements. All programs are approved by the Texas Education Agency so that those students who are eligible may use VA benefits.

The residence program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a fully-integrated program leading to an MD degree. The resident attends medical school with advanced standing at Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas. Surgical internship and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training are completed at Baylor University Medical Center and Texas A&M  Baylor College of Dentistry.

Masters Programs

Students may earn a Masters Degree in Education of Health Professionals in one of two concentrations offered at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry: Dental Hygiene and Health Professions Education. TAMBCD also provides advanced graduate education leading to an M.S. degree in Oral Biology. Clinical specialty residents in programs requiring a graduate degree typically enroll in the M.S. Program in Oral Biology, however, matriculation in one of the other programs may be permissible with the approval of the program directors of the clinical training program and the relevant graduate program.

Master of Science in Oral Biology (with concentrations in clinical specialties)

The Master of Science in Oral Biology is available to residents who are simultaneously pursuing clinical training programs leading to a specialty certificate. This program is designed to extend the competence of the dental specialist in both general and special areas of clinical practice, as well as develop research and teaching capabilities. Emphasis is placed on advanced theory and practice in clinical disciplines.

Master of Science in Education of Health Professionals - Dental Hygiene

The primary objective of the program leading to a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene is to prepare the dental hygienist for leadership roles in education or health administration and to meet the need for educators in dental hygiene programs and managers/administrators in institutional health care settings. The program is designed to be flexible, individualized and student-centered. Students enroll in a core of required courses and may choose between an educational or an administrative managerial track that best meets their individual interests and career goals.

Master of Science in Education of Health Professionals - Health Professions Education

The Master of Science in Health Professions Education provides students with the foundations for academic careers in dental education settings. Specific program objectives are for students to: develop foundational knowledge and skills for conducting research; develop teaching skills and construct effective learning environments; and become well-versed in higher education issues.

Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences

The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences is an individualized, interdisciplinary advanced training program leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in areas of basic biomedical science that have strong clinical relevance. This program is designed primarily for outstanding D.D.S./D.M.D. and dental specialty residents who are interested in academic careers as basic scientists and clinician-scientists in the dental health sciences. Residents who plan to matriculate into a clinical specialty certificate program at TAMBCD may be considered for either a Masters or Ph.D. with the approval of the clinical program director and after consultation with the Program Director of the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences. The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences is administered by the Department of Biomedical Sciences through the OADRGS at TAMBCD under the auspices of the School of Graduate Studies of the TAMHSC.

Financial Assistance

Assistantships / Stipends

A limited number of teaching and research assistantships are available. Stipends vary with the nature of service and the amount of time required. Approximately 66% of graduate students/residents pay in-state tuition. Additional information is available from individual programs.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to US citizens and permanent visa holders. Students attending on an F or J visa are not eligible for financial aid. Additional information and applications are available from the Student Aid Office.