Length of Program: 3 Quarters

Number of Positions: 2

Program Director: Dr. Igor Spigelman

Program is currently not accepting applications for 2023-24 academic year.

Oral Biology is the gateway to the scientific future of dentistry. The UCLA School of Dentistry offers a special and unique Oral Biology Preceptor Program. The goal of the OB preceptor program is to provide additional scientific educational experiences to dentists, or to provide an introductory overview to dentists who want to pursue a career in dental academia or in dental research. The program will enhance your understanding of the science of dentistry, and give you the knowledge and tools to build a better clinical practice by utilizing the resources of one of the best dental research programs in the United States. Under the guidance of internationally-recognized professors and researchers, you will learn about state-of-the-art dental technology and cutting-edge dental research, and you will be able to communicate one-on-one with leaders in both of these areas. 

The program is structured to fit into UCLA’s Oral Biology Master’s Degree Program. Trainees attend school on a full-time basis, quarter-by-quarter beginning in the Fall Quarter of each calendar year. They attend classes with the currently enrolled Master’s Degree students. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, current literature reviews and presentations.

Selected Oral Biology Course Titles:
(Full Course Descriptions are in the Online Catalog)

  • Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology

  •  Fundamentals of Immunology

  • Pro-Seminar in Oral Biology Research

  • Oral Embryology and Histology

  • Craniofacial Growth and Development

  • Oral Biology Seminar

  • Developmental Neuro-Endocrine Immunology

  • Genomics and Proteomics

  • Ontogenesis

  • Clinical Immunology & Lymphology Seminar

  • Current Topics in Oral Immunology

  • Methodology in Research Design and Data Analysis

  • Pathobiology

  • Scientific Ethics

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A certificate of attendance is awarded upon successful completion of the program. This certificate is not the same as the postgraduate program certificate awarded to full-time international postgraduates in specialty training as a qualification for recognition by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Selection Process & Factors

The admissions committee considers the following criteria in its decisions:

  • Academic standing during dental training

  • English proficiency

  • Content of confidential reports

  • Future plans

A letter of acceptance signed by the Program Director and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will be issued upon acceptance.

Program Fees

Fees: $4,700 per quarter (subject to change)

Certificate Fee: One-time payment of $200 (non-refundable)

Refund Policy:

Initial payment due

Jun 12, 50% of annual program fee

100% refund

10 weeks before Aug 1

50% refund

5 weeks before Aug 1

None

less than 5 weeks before Aug 1

Second payment due

Jan 15, 50% of annual program fee

100% refund

10 weeks before Spring quarter

50% refund

5 weeks before Spring quarter

None

less than 5 weeks before Spring quarter

Contact Us

Postgraduate Programs Officer
Phone: (310) 825-7478
postdds@dentistry.ucla.edu