Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (PhD)

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Degree Offered: PhD
Program Leadership:
Ralph Marcucio, PhD, Co-Director
Yukiko Nakano, DDS, PhD, Co-Director
Admissions Inquiries:
Julia Trutko, Program Administrator

Program Description

The Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (OCS) interdisciplinary PhD program provides students with the knowledge and research tools needed to study oral and craniofacial tissue and organ systems. From a variety of approaches, students learn about the functions of these tissues and systems, and about the conditions and diseases to which these tissues and systems are susceptible. The OCS program emphasizes the importance of translating scientific discovery into advances in patient treatment and clinical care.

The OCS graduate program aims to develop world leaders in scientific discovery, who will be able to translate their research into health benefits for patients worldwide. Recognizing that significant scientific discovery occurs at the crossroads of different disciplines, students acquire an outstanding level of competence in cell and molecular biology, which is incorporated with an in-depth examination of the key developmental, molecular, materials sciences questions related to oral and craniofacial sciences.

Faculty

Faculty members associated with the OCS program are from the UCSF School of Dentistry as well as many departments in the UCSF School of Medicine. This ensures a program curriculum that spans a range of disciplines. See a list of faculty and their research areas.

Visit the program website for more information.

The Oral and Craniofacial Sciences program is offered by the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, administered by the UCSF School of Dentistry, and delivered by faculty members in the UCSF schools of dentistry and medicine.

Admission Requirements

The requirements for Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs admission are as follows:

  • Completion of an undergraduate degree.
  • Statement of purpose (one page, single spaced)
  • Three letters of recommendation (preferably from professors who are familiar with your research experience)
  • Original transcripts from all baccalaureate/graduate schools
  • Original Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if English is not your native language
  • Completed Graduate Division application, due by Dec. 1

Due to our program's funding sources, we are currently accepting applications only from U.S. citizens or green card holders.

Learning Outcomes

  • Scientific foundation:
    Provide students with a strong foundation in the biological sciences necessary to address diverse research questions in oral and craniofacial science. Because the oral–facial complex comprises tissues and cells from multiple organs and systems, advances in craniofacial health require broad training in biology. The program equips students with interdisciplinary approaches to address the complexity of craniofacial research.
  • Collaborative and independent research:
    Foster core scientific values of interdisciplinary collaboration, independent inquiry, and teamwork. Through first-year research rotations and a curriculum shared with other flagship UCSF training programs, students gain broad exposure to diverse scientific perspectives and methodologies, laying the foundation for careers in dental and craniofacial research.
  • Professional and leadership development:
    Prepare students to become leaders in their scientific fields by emphasizing excellence in research and training in the tools, methods, and knowledge required for independent, rigorous, reproducible, and impactful research. The program also cultivates complementary skills—including leadership, management, scientific writing and presentation, communication, and teamwork—needed for successful careers in academia, industry, or the public sector. Proactive mentoring and diverse professional development opportunities support each student’s career preparation.

Additional Information

Program Faculty

Career Outcomes