Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
—NOTE: Applications are not being accepted at this time.—
Program overview
The goal of the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (OMP) program at HSDM is to train specialists who are able to:
- Provide advanced diagnostic skills in microscopy, incorporating new technologies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular studies.
- Diagnose and manage conditions such as salivary gland and mucosal diseases, jawbone diseases, and head and neck pain syndromes with nonsurgical treatment approaches.
- Perform and collaborate on scientific or clinical research projects.
- Excel as medical educators and leaders in the specialty.
Students in the program earn a certificate in OMP along with a Master in Medical Sciences (MMSc) or a Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc) in Oral Biology. The program fosters the development of microscopic, clinical, and critical thinking skills in a supportive, resource-rich environment.
Degrees/Certificates Offered
Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc)/Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
A three-year program combining the MMSc degree in oral biology with a certificate in oral and maxillofacial pathology.
Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc)/Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
A four-year program combining the DMSc degree in oral biology with a certificate in oral and maxillofacial pathology.
Program details and academic policies
The program begins with an intensive didactic curriculum lasting 1–1.5 years, offering a broad understanding of disease pathophysiology, theoretical foundations for research interests, and oral biology core courses.
Students also take elective courses at Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, MIT, or the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, based on their research focus. Competency in statistical methods is required through a biostatistics course at HSDM.
Teaching
Students gain teaching experience through:
- Undergraduate course instruction.
- Teaching oral medicine residents and graduate students.
- Presentations during Oral Medicine Grand Rounds and Boston Children’s Hospital Grand Rounds.
Opportunities for faculty development in pedagogy are available through HSDM and Harvard Medical School.
Research
Research is integral to the program:
- MMSc students complete an NIH-format research proposal.
- DMSc students write and defend an original thesis based on independent research.
Students collaborate with renowned researchers in the Longwood Medical Area, identifying projects aligned with their interests by their second year. They present their findings at national conferences, including the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology annual meeting.
Clinical training has two components: diagnostic histopathology and patient care. Students receive rigorous training in oral, head, neck, and general pathology, and treat mucosal diseases during rotations at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
- Fellowship examinations with the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Medicine are encouraged.
- Board certification is expected upon program completion.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Visit the Commission on Dental Accreditation website for more details.
Program director
Sook-Bin Woo
swoo@bwh.harvard.edu