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Rx for Success: How to SafeGuard the Future of Dental Research
1 new program New Jersey Dental School’s PhD in Oral Biology.
1 key person Daniel H. Fine, DMD,
professor and director of the Center for Oral Infectious Diseases, NJDS.
2 collaborating schools New Jersey Dental School and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

40 credits Coursework includes PhD core science classes, plus studies in oral biology, anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity, oral microbiology and immunology, oral infection and immunity, three laboratory rotations, electives, and a thesis research project.
12 teachers Number of enthusiastic faculty members from both schools ready to prepare students for leadership in dental research including Amalia Slomiany, PhD, Bronislaw Slomiany, PhD, Scott Diehl, PhD, Gill Diamond, PhD, Jeffrey Kaplan, PhD, Chinnaswamy Kasinathan, PhD, Narayanan Ramasubba, PhD, Vincent K. Tsiagbe, PhD, Scott Kachlany, PhD, Daniel Kadouri, PhD, Lisa Ryan, PhD, and Helen Schreiner, PhD.
1 national institute Support from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) encourages students enrolled in the program to take advantage of better opportunities for post doctoral positions and highly desirable grants.
3 Goals Train highly competent scientists who will make significant advances in our basic understanding of oral infectious diseases; provide a pipeline of qualified scientists to maintain the level of excellence of teaching and research at dental schools nationally and the Center for Oral Infectious Diseases and NJDS locally; and train scientists conversant in dental diseases who can translate basic research findings into clinically relevant diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic methods.

The majority of faculty-scientists in academic medicine specializing in dentistry are over age 50. Even with six dental schools in the New York metropolitan area, there is still a tremendous shortage of dental experts with advanced degrees. Daniel Fine’s love of the profession and “if-you-build-it-they-will-come” attitude aim to fill this void.

First, face the future with eyes wide open. “Dentistry is a profession founded on basic science,” according to Daniel Fine, DMD, NJDS professor. “Who is going to
perpetuate important research in the field of dentistry if there are no researchers?” Advances in areas such as genetics and stem cell biology have progressed and created an even greater need for PhDs immersed in dental science as compared to 30 years ago when the link between bacteria like Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and periodontal disease was first suspected.

“We have more to study now but fewer researchers to perform the work.” Fine’s answer to this problem, the PhD in Oral Biology, is already training leaders for the dental profession while allowing them to interact with other medical researchers. A Thesis Advisory Committee meets with students at least once every semester and submits a written report to the program director as well as to GSBS in Newark. Students are also encouraged to consult with this committee for guidance at any time. “This program will lead to a better understanding of our common interests. Look at that link between periodontal disease and increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and you’ll recognize the benefit,” he suggests.