A survey of dual-degree training opportunities at US dental schools

The purpose of this article is to describe access to information for the dual-degree dental scientist training programs (D.D.S.-D.M.D./Ph.D.) currently available for predoctoral students at U.S. dental schools. Given the ongoing shortage of dental faculty and the progressive emphasis on evidence-based dentistry, these programs will be instrumental in training future dental faculty. A comprehensive review of the institutional websites for all fifty-six U.S. dental schools was undertaken in January 2006. After identification of advertised dual-degree programs, a follow-up survey was sent to twenty-two dental schools that described the existence of a dual-degree dental scientist training program. The results of the survey and website review indicate that there are a number of programs in operation, but it is difficult to determine even basic features of these programs including curriculum structure, financial aid, and infrastructure support for students. Several current dental scientist trainee students were also contacted to discuss their programs in more detail. The insights derived from this investigation may assist dental school applicants, current predoctoral dental students, and administrators seeking to design or promote their existing dental scientist training programs.