Prosthodontics residents Zane Clark and Tyson Merrill work with the 3D printer in the prosthodontics clinic.

Master of Science in Dentistry

The MS in Dentistry program is designed to prepare dentists for leadership positions in education, research, and program administration that will complement their areas of clinical expertise. The program is open to students who are or will be enrolled in one of the School of Dentistry’s participating clinical residency programs.

Overview

Housed in the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and taught by our multidisciplinary graduate faculty, the Master of Science in Dentistry prepares students for positions in education, research and program administration. Core elements of the program include coursework in teaching and evaluation, research methods and biostatistics and program administration. 

The MS in Dentistry allows learners to develop skills in designing and conducting research, teaching, administration of clinical and educational programs and advanced multidisciplinary clinical care. Students develop an individualized schedule and program that accommodates their specific areas of interests, with the help of an advisor. 

The MS in Dentistry program is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities in order to promote a diverse student body that enriches education by providing a multiplicity of views and perspectives.

Program at a Glance

18
Months (minimum)
MS
Degree Offered

Joining the Program

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Apply

The MS in Dentistry only accepts applicants who are or will be enrolled in one of the School of Dentistry’s participating clinical residency programs. Applications are reviewed throughout the year, and students may enter the program in any semester at the discretion of the faculty.

Admission is granted through the Graduate School. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is the preferred performance level. 

Applicants must have received a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited US institution or comparable degree from recognized foreign colleges or universities. Application requirements include a CV or resume and a personal statement of 500 words or less. 

International applicants must submit TOEFL scores. Preferred scores: 

  • Paper based: 600
  • Computer-based: 250
  • Internet-based: 80

Please contact the program director for more information. 

Curriculum

The MS in Dentistry requires a minimum of 18 months of study, either with or without a thesis. Students will complete a minimum of 14 credits in the major, including in dental education, basic research methodology, introductory biostatistics and fundamentals of health care administration. 

Students will complete a related field or minor option of at least 6 credits and either complete a thesis or take an additional 10 credits of coursework and submit 3 papers.

Program Director

Thorsten Gruenheid at courtyard garden near Moos Tower in 2023

Thorsten Gruenheid, DDS, Dr. med. dent., PhD, MHA

Assistant Dean for Advanced Education
Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences,
Division of Orthodontics

Contact Us

Email our program at [email protected].