The field of applied sciences in dentistry is an interdisciplinary one, combining the principles of medical and materials sciences to develop novel and promising therapeutic strategies and devices for dental and oral medicine applications. This field has seen tremendous growth in recent years, providing a range of new treatment opportunities for dentists and patients alike. At Penn Dental Medicine, students have the opportunity to work with researchers from a variety of disciplines, including the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, and the School of Veterinary Medicine. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field and its potential applications.
The Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences Section is dedicated to disseminating the most impactful and innovative knowledge on all applied sciences relevant to dentistry and oral biology. This includes research on pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, tissue engineering, stem cell biology, and materials sciences. The aim of this research is to develop new therapeutic strategies for dental applications. These strategies can range from preventive dentistry to dental biomaterials, dental materials, oral biology, and more.
In order to become a qualified practitioner in this field, applicants must pass a qualifying examination. This examination is based on the application submitted by each student for a K08 or K23 grant. It is important to note that Pierce College Dental Hygiene graduation may not meet the licensing requirements of all states.