PhD Program in Oral Biology 

The Oral Biology PhD Program at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine trains the next generation of scientists to advance oral and craniofacial health through rigorous biomedical research, translational discovery, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Designed for students interested in the biological mechanisms underlying oral and systemic disease, the program integrates basic science, immunology, microbiology, biomaterials, and regenerative biology to address complex challenges in oral health. Students develop the skills needed to translate fundamental discoveries into clinical and technological innovations.

During the first three semesters, students complete a core curriculum while rotating through three research laboratories, allowing them to explore diverse scientific approaches and identify a thesis mentor aligned with their interests. Training emphasizes hypothesis-driven research, quantitative thinking, and scientific communication within a highly collaborative research environment.

The goal of the Oral Biology PhD Program is to train exceptional academic researchers in oral and craniofacial biology within a rigorous and collaborative scientific environment, preparing graduates to provide research leadership in academia, industry, and global health institutions worldwide.

Oral biology sits at the crossroads of dentistry, medicine, and biomedical innovation, and our PhD program is built to lead at that intersection.

Research Focus Areas

• Oral infectious and inflammatory disease mechanisms
• Oral mucosal immunity
• Microbial biofilms and dysbiosis
• Salivary biology and diagnostics
• Dental and implant biomaterials and tissue regeneration
• Translational Periodontal Research

Director:  Georgios Kotsakis, DDS, MS, PhD, geo.kotsakis@rutgers.edu

Co-Director: Scott Kachlany, PhD, kachlasc@sdm.rutgers.edu

Students interested in applying to the PhD program in oral biology should contact the admissions committee chair, Dr. Narayanan Ramasubbu ramasun1@sdm.rutgers.edu, and Ms. Debra Tischio Bereski tischida@sdm.rutgers.edu. 

Deadline for applications: February 28th