Oral Sciences

The PhD program “Oral Sciences” is an interdisciplinary program for research in the field of oral sciences, which is particularly suitable for young scientists planning a career at a university or a dental research center.

Three students in conversation

Oral Sciences

The PhD program “Oral Sciences” is an interdisciplinary program for research in the field of oral sciences, which is particularly suitable for young scientists planning a career at a university or a dental research center.

The program is open to students of all nationalities with a relevant background (medical degrees, life sciences) who share our interest and commitment to research in oral sciences.

At the Dental Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine, students can choose from a variety of research groups:

Executive director: Prof. Dr. Reinhard Hickel
PhD representative: Prof. Dr. Jan Kühnisch

The Department of Conservative Dentistry offers several research opportunities. The leading expertise of our research groups can be seen in the areas of material research (composites, adhesives, polymerisation, etc.), clinical research (dental restorations, periodontology, endodontology, traumatology, paediatric dentistry), cariology (caries diagnostics, caries managements, etc.) and dental epidemiology.

Executive director: Prof. Dr. Daniel Edelhoff
PhD representative: PD Dr. Jan-Frederik Güth

In recent years, the Department of Prosthodontic Dentistry has developed particular strength in CAD/CAM ceramic technology. Up-to-date research questions are related to the clinical and laboratory workflow, as well as the clinical performance of these restorations.

Executive director: Prof. Dr. Andrea Wichelhaus
PhD representative: PD Dr. Uwe Baumert

The main focus of orthodontic research is on biomechanics and mechanobiology. Both areas of interest are essential for the basic understanding of tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. Details can be found on the PhD program page of the Department of Orthodontics.

Executive director: Prof. Dr. Michael Ehrenfeld
PhD representative: Dr. Sven Otto

The main research topic during the last years was to scientifically describe the clinical problem of biphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Furthermore, the clinical management (diagnostics, prevention and treatment) and long-term success rates after treatment were aimed to determine within clinical investigations.

Head: Prof. Dr. Dr. Franz-Xaver Reichl

The Dental Toxicology unit, which is part of the Walter-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, is a worldwide unique institution. The major research topics are the evaluation of potential risks of dental materials, as well as the pre-clinical testing of new adhesives or composites. The laboratories are equipped with up-to-date methods for metabolic investigations and qualitative and quantitative analyses.

In case of any interest in one of these specialities in particular, you are welcome to contact or visit the respective department in advance. It is further recommended to identify personal areas of interest for your scientific work for the PhD program.

Are you interested?

If you are particularly interested in one of these research areas, you are welcome to contact or visit the respective department in advance. It is also recommended that you identify personal areas of interest for your scientific work within the PhD program.

The Ph.D. Medical Research in Oral Science is a competitive program. Doctoral candidates are selected on the basis of their applications, with previous research experience being a key criterion. Please submit a complete list of publications including all presentations and publications with your application documents.

The program language is English. If you have obtained your qualifying degree in a country where English is not the main language, you must provide proof of your English language skills. You should have at least EU level B2, or an IELTS between 5.0 and 6.5 (where 5 is the cut-off between B1 and B2), or a TOEFL between 87 and 109.

Costs

The PhD program is free of charge. It should be noted that travel, accommodation and living expenses must be covered by each student (estimated >1,500€ per month). It is recommended to apply for a scholarship.

Program Course Requirements & Application

The application deadline is January 31 each year. After this deadline, the selection committee evaluates all applications and notifies the applicants of its decisions. Notifications are sent out around June. The program begins in October at the Faculty of Dentistry in Munich.

We also recommend that you visit the LMU Dental Clinic in advance.

Only applications via the Graduate Center portal will be accepted - please do not send us your application by (e)mail! You can upload your complete documents online as soon as the link to the online application tool is activated.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Jan Kühnisch