Dental Biomaterials

The Department of Dental Biomaterials , in conjunction with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of the College of Engineering, offers a graduate program leading to either a M.S. or a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering with specialization in Dental Biomaterials. 

Most of the course work is taken through the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Thesis and dissertation research is conducted within either department. Graduate research assistantships are available through both departments.

Areas of research emphasis within dental materials include failure analysis and design of ceramic based restorations, thermocompatibility assessment of metal-ceramic systems, color analysis of dental ceramics, controlled release of therapeutic agents in dentistry, wear analysis of resin based composites, dental composite material and dentin bonding agent, and surface properties of dental materials.

Graduates of this program will develop expertise in the design and performance of independent research and will receive some experience in the preparation of research grant applications. Graduate students will also receive limited training in the preparation and presentation of lecture materials to prepare them for academic career opportunities in the field of dentistry.

• Financial Aid information
• Download a flyer with program descriptions [49KB]

Application Process

Internationally-Educated Dentists click HERE.

Apply directly to the University of Florida Graduate School

On-line Graduate Application
This includes a non-refundable $30 application fee.

Please send all of the following application material to:

Chiayi Shen, Ph. D.
The University of Florida
P.O. Box 100446
Gainesville, FL  32610-0446

• Original official transcripts sent from the College - undergraduate and Dental
• Photograph 2x2
• Graduate Record Examination scores
• National Boards Part I and II scores (can be part of Dean's letter), or request your scores from: 
  Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
  211 East Chicago Ave., #1846
  Chicago, IL 60611
  800-621-8099 ext 465

Please see additional Conditions of Enrollment.

International Students

Students having degrees from institutions not accredited by the American Dental Association will be considered for admission only after it has been determined that their academic backgrounds are equivalent to requirements set forth by the Council on Dental Education. Additional applicant materials required for International applicants are as follows: 

1. Official academic records corresponding to the transcripts issued in the United States (certificates, mark sheets, study lists, examination results, etc.) from dental schools and all other colleges and universities attended.*
2. All transcripts must be translated and certified by the Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., P.O. Box 92970, Milwaukee, WI 3202-0970, (414) 289-3400. A "course-by-course" report is required from E.C.E. 
3. TOEFL Scores: Use institutional code #5812 to report scores.**
4. National Boards Part I and II scores.
   Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
   211 East Chicago Ave., #1846
   Chicago, IL 60611
   800-621-8099 ext 465

*An official record is a copy of an original document certified by an official of the school issuing the original document, by an official of the American Embassy, the institute of International Education, or the American Friends of the Middle East. An international student currently registered in a college in the United States may have a copy of his official records certified by the registrar of that college. Certification from any person other than the officials listed above will not be considered official and cannot be used as a basis for admission.

**International Students (Scholarly Writing Program): Students who’s TOEFL score is below 550 (or below 213 on the computer-based test) must enroll in some remedial course work. The student should take a screening test given by the Office of Instructional Resources (OIR). The result of this test will indicate the needs of the student and the appropriate remedial work to be taken either ENS 4449 or ENS 4450. Remedial work will not count toward any degree requirements.

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