School of Dentistry, 17-164 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware Street, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-625-5984; fax 612-626-2651)

The interdisciplinary Oral Biology program is offered by the School of Dentistry with cooperating faculty in the Medical School, College of Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine. It gives students research skills and a broad understanding of the development, structure, function, and pathology of the orofacial region. Students are encouraged to focus in one of five areas of emphasis: biomaterials and biomechanics; epithelial biology and carcinogenesis; microbiology and immunology; sensory neuroscience; and bone biology, craniofacial development, and tissue engineering. An exceptional student can create his/her own area of emphasis or specialize in topics not listed here; students should discuss their interests with the director of graduate studies before applying. Curricula are designed to allow considerable flexibility in planning individual programs to accommodate specific areas of interest.

A master's minor in oral biology consists of 6 credits, at least two advanced courses in oral biology, and other coursework determined in consultation with the director of graduate studies. A Ph.D. minor in oral biology consists of 12 credits, at least two advanced courses in oral biology, and other coursework in consultation with the director of graduate studies.