Mar 28, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2020-2021 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The Degree of PhD in Medical Sciences - Dentistry [Graduate]


The Department of Dentistry offers the degree of PhD in Medical Sciences - Dentistry.

Entrance Requirements


The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a master’s degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.  The admission GPA will be calculated on the last ★60 of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

Applicants without a master’s degree may be considered for admission provided they can demonstrate adequate prior relevant education and experiences as determined by the Department of Dentistry.

Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:

  • TOEFL (internet-based) minimum score 95 with at least 20 per section or equivalent;
  • MELAB minimum score of 91;
  • CAEL minimum score of 70 with at least 70 on each subtest;
  • or an IELTS (Academic) minimum score of 7.5 with at least 6 on each band.

All applicants are also required to submit the following:

  • a current curriculum vitae
  • a statement of intent
  • three letters of recommendation (two must be professional)
  • Applicants must identify a willing faculty supervisor
  • Applicants must identify a potential thesis topic
  • Applicants must identify potential funding in their application.

Admission is dependent upon the approval of the Department of Dentistry Graduate Studies Committee and the Medical Sciences Graduate Program Committee.

For the MSc in Medical Sciences – Dental Hygiene, the MSc and PhD in Medical Sciences – Dentistry, and the MSc and PhD in Medical Sciences – Oral Biology, applications are always open. Applications received by March 1 will receive preference for Fall Term (September) admission. Applications received by June 1 will receive preference for Winter Term (January) admission.

Program Requirements


Students are required to complete a minimum of ★12 in coursework, consisting of ★6 in required courses and ★6 in elective courses. The program also consists of seminars and a thesis. The program of study is determined by the Graduate Program Director in consultation with the supervisor and supervisory committee.

Student progress will be monitored through an oral and written assessment and an interview with the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Spring term.

Elective courses (★6)


  • Students must complete ★6 in graduate-level courses chosen in consultation with the program director and their supervisor.

Thesis


  • Registration in 900-level THES. Students are required to complete and defend a thesis.

Candidacy exam


Students are required to take a written and oral candidacy examination. Students must demonstrate that they possess an adequate knowledge of the discipline and of the subject matter relevant to their thesis topic, and that they have the ability to pursue and complete original research at an advanced level.

Seminars


Students have an attendance requirement for the Discover Dental Sciences seminars and to participate in the Graduate Student Research Day.

Length of Program


The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a maximum of five years is considered normal. The maximum time permitted to complete the PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is six years.