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Westerfield University of Virginia
Flexible, Career-Focused Degrees

Doctorate in Health Sciences — Dentistry Online Doctoral Dentistry Program at WUV

Doctorate in Dentistry at WUV

Credit Hours54

Total Courses9

Term Length3–5 Year Self-Paced

Program Overview Why earn your Doctorate in Dentistry at WUV?

The Doctorate in Health Sciences — Dentistry at Westerfield University of Virginia is WUV's research-intensive doctoral program in dentistry. Students develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, prepare and defend an original thesis, and produce a substantial dissertation contributing new knowledge to clinical dentistry and oral health scholarship. The Doctorate is the terminal research degree and is designed for practicing clinicians pursuing academic, clinical leadership, or high-level research careers.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodology
  • Thesis preparation, defense, and scholarly writing
  • Biostatistics and epidemiological analysis
  • Original dissertation research design and execution
  • Scholarly contribution to clinical dentistry and oral health science
  • Academic and professional leadership in dentistry
Doctorate Dentistry program at WUV

Courses & Curriculum Research and dissertation curriculum

This 54-credit Doctorate program includes 9 doctoral-level courses — research methods, five preparatory thesis courses, and a final dissertation. Entry requirement: Master's degree.

Thesis Courses

Research methodology, thesis writing, and analytical foundations for doctoral study.

PHD-940Qualitative and Quantitative Research
PHD-941Preparing a Thesis
PHD-942Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Research Courses

Sequential preparatory thesis research guiding students through independent clinical dentistry inquiry.

ST-943Preparatory Thesis I
ST-944Preparatory Thesis II
ST-945Preparatory Thesis III
ST-946Preparatory Thesis IV
ST-947Preparatory Thesis V

Dissertation

Original scholarly research culminating in a full dissertation submitted to the WUV doctoral committee.

T-948Dissertation

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A Master's degree in Dentistry, Health Sciences, or a related discipline is required for admission to the Doctorate program. Provide official transcripts from your graduate program.
After acceptance, work with WUV's doctoral faculty to define your research focus and begin your thesis and dissertation work at your own pace.

Career Outlook What can you do with a Doctorate in Dentistry?

A Doctorate in Health Sciences — Dentistry from WUV is the highest academic credential in the field and prepares you for leadership roles in academia, clinical practice, and research:

  • Dentistry Professor / Faculty — Teach and conduct research at dental schools and universities.
  • Clinical Research Scientist — Lead original dentistry research at academic institutions, government agencies, or private research organizations.
  • Director of Clinical Services — Oversee dental clinics, hospital departments, or multi-site practices.
  • Public Health Dentistry Consultant — Advise health systems and policy bodies on oral health initiatives.