About Oral and Craniofacial Science Program
The dental health dilemma is a major problem facing the well-being of Thai citizens. To overcome this obstacle, we search for innovative new ideas that are conceptualized, investigated and implemented via research projects. Currently, research and development of unique dental treatment techniques is insufficient and limited in the Kingdom of Thailand. One problem is the shortage of qualified personnel in this field that have advanced knowledge and the ability to think analytically and independently carry out research.
Furthermore, medical and dental expertise and wisdom have advanced dramatically in the past decade and continues to progress exponentially. New knowledge and technology are constantly discovered and effectively modified for disease detection, treatment and prevention. Moreover, knowledge and technology are the cornerstones for the research and development of the latest in high-quality, respectable, and beneficial healthcare implements that are even more effective than before. Thus, cultivation of qualified experts in the field of Oral Biology who can be at the leading edge of all these advancements and can think analytically to research and pioneer new knowledge and technology to help develop and elevate the oral health status of Thai people is absolutely crucial and is a significant objective of Chulalongkorn University.
In 1994, Chulalongkorn University authorized the opening of the Ph.D. Program in Oral Biology. In 2007, the program’s new curriculum was fully implemented. The new curriculum reduces required coursework and increases required elective coursework to therefore increase flexibility of education. The objective is to instill students with an appreciation for the advancements in academics better than in the past. Because the required elective coursework consists of courses that are specific to each of the fields of Oral Biology, ongoing research in the laboratories of faculty members at the dental school can be facilitated. Program enhancements include the modernization of teaching and learning styles to be more seminar style to help students exercise analytical thinking skills. This revised program also introduces modules in Oral Biology Critical Reading and Oral Biology Laboratory Training that will amplify reading, critiquing and question-forming skills as well as exposing students to and developing proficiency in a variety of research laboratory techniques that are necessary for sound scientific investigation.
The revised Ph.D. Program in Oral Biology has shown promising results on the education process for currently enrolled students. In view of the successful improvements that were implemented for some of the current students, we formulated an all-inclusive program such that students, old and new, could be encouraged to become leaders in the field of Oral Biology today, tomorrow and beyond.
In 2025, the Oral Biology Program extended its research scope to cover all aspects of science related to dentistry. The Program was renamed as “Oral and Craniofacial Science” program.
Objectives Of The Program
1. To produce graduates with expertise in oral, craniofacial, and skull sciences who can integrate knowledge to develop research that generates new knowledge or innovations in related fields.
2. To produce graduates who conduct research with ethical integrity, adhering to relevant laws and regulations.
3. To produce graduates with academic communication skills in English for presenting, exchanging, and critically evaluating research. They should also be able to assess, select, and apply appropriate information technology for research and collaborate effectively with others while demonstrating academic leadership.
Educational Philosophy
International Graduate Program in Oral and Craniofacial Science identified its educational philosophy as “To provide an advanced knowledge and the international standard of scientific and ethic research training in Oral and Craniofacial Science using an active and practical learning methods, leading to the Oral and Craniofacial Science expertise and life-long learning graduates in the international society.”
Field Of Research
Studies in Oral and Craniofacial Science encompass a wide variety of subjects with special emphasis on the biology of oral and craniofacial structures, such as periodontium and dental pulp tissue and their diseases. Researches in oral cancers, immunopathogenesis of oral diseases, pathogenicity of oral microorganisms, biofilms, natural antimicrobials and tissue regeneration and engineering for reconstructive therapy are among our main research interests. With a good number of well-trained and dedicated faculty members, advances in cell and molecular biology are being incorporated to develop new knowledge and technologies for the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases.