Doctor of Philosophy Program in Oral Biology

Program Directors
Frank G. Oppenheim, DDS, DMD, PhD
Philip C. Trackman, PhD

Objectives of the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program in Oral Biology offers predoctoral candidates courses, seminars, and interdisciplinary training in the Division of Oral Biology of the Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. The PhD Program in Oral Biology recruits students with backgrounds in the life and basic sciences who are interested in additional advanced training in dental and medical sciences. The aim of this program is to educate students in modern scientific approaches to oral biology and oral disease. The Program is designed for the student whose primary goal is to pursue a career in oral biology research. The oral cavity is unique regarding its microbiology, connective tissue structures, and host responses. Moreover, oral diseases present unsolved scientific challenges and novel biological phenomena.

The research areas include: structure, function, biosynthesis, and genetics of salivary proteins; post-translational modifications, with particular emphasis on phosphorylation of salivary proteins; protein-mineral interactions and their role in the function of hard tissues; mechanisms of pellicle and plaque formation; mechanisms and regulation of exocrine processes; oral host defense mechanisms in caries and periodontal disease; intercellular signaling, focusing on chemotaxis of monocytes to inflamed tissues; regulation of connective tissue accumulation in mineralized and non-mineralized oral tissues; production of growth and chemotactic factors by normal and transformed mesenchymal and hematopoietic cells; connective tissue production by primary periodontal cells and effects of fibrogenic drugs and cytokines; mechanisms of tumor suppression; regulation of genes involved in protein N-glycosylation in yeast and mammalian cells; regulation of cell cycle by N-glycosylation; the role of N-glycosylation in cell lineage during growth, development, and tissue differentiation; and the role of programmed cell death in developmental modeling of salivary glands, altered inflammatory cell signal transduction pathways in juvenile periodontitis, control of periodontal tissue regeneration. In addition, research projects may include clinical components focusing on inflammation, periodontal disease, tissue fibrosis, aging, developmental defects, and oral cancer. These studies may be carried out in collaboration with the clinical faculty at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. Opportunities for clinical collaborations have recently been strengthened with the commitment of clinical facilities dedicated to research. These facilities are known as the Clinical Research Center at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

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Curriculum & Courses

GMS OB 762 Oral Microbiology
Distribution, ecology, and pathogenic potential of oral microbiota. Pathogenicity of components of bacterial plaque and their role in the development of oral diseases. Mechanisms of local and systematic resistance to pathogenic oral microbiota. Hughes. 2 cr, 1st sem.

GMS OB 803 Biostatistics
Introduces the concepts and techniques of biostatistics used in dental research. Emphasizes the fundamentals of statistical logic and presents the basic principles of experimental design, statistical inference, and probability. Examples from current basic sciences research, survey research, and clinical trials augment the presentation of statistical theory. Rose. 2 cr, on demand

GMS OB 800 & 801 Molecular, Cellular and Biochemical Approaches in Oral Biology.
This advanced two-semester course will explore in depth current topics in oral biology research. Whereas SDM OB 763 and 764 is a general survey course, SDM OB 800 and 801 are envisioned to explore fewer topics, but in greater depth. The first semester will have predominantly a formal didactic lecture format; the second semester will include challenging students to analyze experimental approaches and methods from the current literature in a group discussion format. This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge, and to develop critical thinking abilities. Topics will include host molecular, cellular, and genetic bases of periodontal diseases; microbiology of periodontal diseases; molecular events in inflammation, wound healing and periodontal tissue regeneration; molecular components and function of the periodontal ligament, cementum, and attachment structures; extracellular matrix accumulation and turnover in mineralized and non-mineralized tissues; biosynthesis and functions of oral mucins, endocrine-dependent periodontal changes, effects of growth factors on periodontal tissues and cells, the molecular basis for gingival hyperplasia and fibrosis, biosynthesis and structure of salivary proteins, mechanisms of non-immune antibacterial processes in the oral cavity. Prerequisite SDM OB 763 and 764; GMS BI 755 and 756. Trackman, Oppenheim. 4 cr each, 1st and 2nd sem.

Additional Requirements

Additional PhD degree requirements are described in "Academic Policies and Procedures" and include successful completion of qualifying examinations, formation of a Dissertation Advisory Committee, and Thesis Defense Committee, participation in seminar programs, the final oral dissertation defense, and submission and approval of a written dissertation.

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Faculty

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