Ph.D. program in Oral and Craniofacial Science

(International Program)

Program Overview

The Ph.D. Program in Oral Biology was established in 1994 and since then has continuously developed and become an internationally renowned graduate program in Oral Biology research as evidenced by ever-increasing numbers of the program’s international students.

In 2017, the program was converted to an international program entirely taught in English and in 2025, the program was renamed as “Oral and Craniofacial Science”. Our alumni are currently holding positions as faculty members in prominent dental schools both in Thailand and overseas. Some continue to become remarkable postdoctoral researchers in Thailand, Japan, and France, which warrants the high standards of learning and teaching in the program.

Oral and Craniofacial Science faculty members in the program produce outstanding research outputs in high ranking journals. Our program has also won numerous national and international awards in education and research.

Teaching and learning experience are carefully designed to develop students toward program’s expected learning outcomes (ELOs). Coursework and activities are formulated to assure that students achieve program’s ELOs for both Research Orientated and Coursework Integrated schemes. Timely assessments are regularly set to keep track on students’ performance and early identification of potential problems. Habitual evaluation plans are usually performed to obtain comments and feedback to improve teaching, learning, and assessment methods. Both Chula and the Faculty of Dentistry are equipped with world-class infrastructures supporting research and education. Students have full access to information technology both on and off campus via virtual private network (VPN).

With myriads of past accomplishments and continuous development plans, our International Graduate Program in Oral and Craniofacial Science is moving forward towards our vision as “World Class Oral and Craniofacial Science Graduate Program”.

Program Expected Learning Outcome (Ph.D. Levels)

Critique of the literature and experimental results related to oral and craniofacial science through the process of identifying, interpreting, and summarizing the literature
Develop a logical research proposal to create new knowledge or innovation in oral and craniofacial sciences
Create an appropriate processes or methods for conducting a research project by utilizing the processes of identifying, selecting, critiquing, and refining the research methodology
Conduct research by adhering to ethical, scientific, and practical standards and regulatory requirements
Communicate in academic English, including oral presentation, exchange of ideas, verbal critique, and academic writing that conveys critical thinking
Utilize digital technology and artificial intelligence for data management and communication in research through the processes of identifying, evaluating, and selecting appropriate tools
Demonstrate the ability to build collaboration in research, including leading research management and collaborating with others in the workplace

Course Structure

The Oral and Craniofacial Science program provides a PhD with the expectation that students can design research with creative and critical thinking towards novel knowledge and/or innovations in Oral and Craniofacial Science. There are two plans for the Oral and Craniofacial Science program, Plan I Research Orientated Schemes and Plan II Coursework Integrated Schemes for 3-4 years.

Course Plans

Plan I Research Orientated Schemes

Code	Program Schemes	Duration
2943	1.1 – Applicant with M.S., Dissertation	3 years
2944	1.2 – Applicant with B.Sc., Dissertation	4 years

Plan II Course-work Integrated Schemes

Code	Program Schemes	Duration
2945	2.1 – Applicant with M.S., Course-work and Dissertation	3 years
2946	2.2 – Applicant with B.Sc., Course-work and Dissertation	4 years

Core and Elective Courses

Curriculum Structure

Program Schemes	Required Courses (Credits)	Elective Courses (Credits)	Dissertation (Credits)	Total (Credits)
Code 2943 Program Scheme 1.1 – Applicant with M.S., Dissertation	–	–	60	60
Code 2944 Program Scheme 1.2 – Applicant with B.Sc., Dissertation	–	–	72	72
Code 2945 Program Scheme 2.1 – Applicant with M.S., Course-work and Dissertation	7	5	48	60
Code 2946 Program Scheme 2.2 – Applicant with B.Sc., Course-work and Dissertation	7	17	48	72

Required Courses (Scheme 2.1 and 2.2)

3200741	Seminar in Oral Biology I	1 Credits
3200742	Seminar in Oral Biology II	1 Credits
3200743	Advanced Oral Biology	3 Credits
3200744	Oral Biology Laboratory Training	2 Credits

(Note: All students in Scheme 1.1 and 1.2 are required to attend and participate in 3200741 and 3200742 as a mandatory activity. Students in Scheme 1.1 and 1.2 can register to the required and/or elective courses (below) of their interest with the permission of course coordinators.)

Elective Courses (Scheme 2.1 and 2.2)

3200711	Biomedical Science I	2 Credits
3200712	Biomedical Science II	2 Credits
3200745	Analytical Reading in Oral Biology I	1 Credits
3200748	Biomedical Research Instrumentation	2 Credits
3200749	Bone Biology	2 Credits
3200752	Physiology and Neurobiology of Pain	3 Credits
3200755	Advance in Oral Biology Research	1 Credits
3200756	Craniofacial Tissue Engineering	2 Credits
3200757	Independent Study in Oral Biology	2 Credits
3200763	Advances in Biological Sciences in Dentistry	2 Credits
3200894	Seminar in Doctoral dissertation	– Credit

In addition, students can also choose to register to other elective subjects provided by the other graduate program with the permission of course coordinators and the approval by the curriculum committee.

Dissertation

3200828	Dissertation (Scheme 2.1 and 2.2)	48 Credits
3200829	Dissertation (Scheme 1.1)	60 Credits
3200830	Dissertation (Scheme 1.2)	72 Credits

Research Project

The individual research project must create new knowledge and must be published in an international peer-reviewed academic journal. The process and research results are subject to follow an appropriated research ethics.

Study Plan

Year	1^st semester			2^nd semester
1^st year	3200829	Dissertation	10 credits	3200829	Dissertation	10 credits
1^st year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

2^nd year	3200829	Dissertation	10 credits	3200829	Dissertation	10 credits
2^nd year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

3^rd year	3200829	Dissertation	10 credits	3200829	Dissertation	10 credits
	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

Suggested Plan Code 4033

Note: Study period may be longer than this plan depending on the research work and acceptance of publication.

Year	1^st semester			2^nd semester
1^st year	3200830	Dissertation	10 credits	3200830	Dissertation	10 credits
	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

2^nd year	3200830	Dissertation	10 credits	3200830	Dissertation	10 credits
2^nd year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

3^rd year	3200830	Dissertation	10 credits	3200830	Dissertation	10 credits
3^rd year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

4^th year	3200830	Dissertation	10 credits	3200830	Dissertation	10 credits
4^th year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

Suggested Plan Code 4034

Note: Study period may be longer than this plan depending on the research work and acceptance of publication.

Year	1^st semester			2^nd semester
1^st year	3200741	Seminar in Oral Biology I	1 credit	3200742	Seminar in Oral Biology II	1 credit
	3200744	Oral Biology Laboratory Training	2 credits	3200743	Advance Oral Biology	3 credits
	XXXXX	Elective courses	3 credits	XXXXX	Elective courses	2 credits
	3200828	Dissertation	4 credits	3200828	Dissertation	4 credits

2^nd year	3200828	Dissertation	10 credits	3200828	Dissertation	10 credits
2^nd year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

3^rd year	3200829	Dissertation	10 credits	3200829	Dissertation	10 credits
3^rd year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

Suggested Plan Code 4035

Note: Study period may be longer than this plan depending on the research work and acceptance of publication.

Year	1^st semester			2^nd semester
1^st year	3200741	Seminar in Oral Biology I	1 credit	3200742	Seminar in Oral Biology II	1 credit
	XXXXX	Elective courses	8 credits	3200743	Advance Oral Biology	3 credits
				3200744	Oral Biology Laboratory Training	2 credits
				XXXXX	Elective courses	3 credits

2^nd year	XXXXX	Elective courses	6 credits	3200828	Dissertation	9 credits
	3200828	Dissertation	3 credits	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)
	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

3^rd year	3200829	Dissertation	9 credits	3200829	Dissertation	9 credits
3^rd year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

4^th year	3200829	Dissertation	9 credits	3200829	Dissertation	9 credits
4^th year	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)	3200894	Seminar in Doctoral Dissertation	– credit (s/u)

Suggested Plan Code 4036

Note: Study period may be longer than this plan depending on the research work and acceptance of publication.

Milestone

Year 1: Information retrieval from scientific databases in order to identify gaps of knowledge and research hypothesis with the utilisation of appropriate information technology and academic English.

Year 2: Information analyses with critical and creative thinking leading to research proposal development. The experimental plans are designed with appropriate rationale and considered the relevant research ethical issues.

Year 3 and 4: Conduct research experiments with integrity and present research findings in form of oral and written presentations with the utilisation of appropriate information technology and academic English.

Academic Calendar

Study Calendar

The academic year is broken up into two semesters. Students are expected to continue their research during the breaks between semesters.

Semester 1	August until December
Semester 2	January to April

Double Degree – PhD in Oral and Craniofacial Science (Chulalongkorn University) and PhD in Dental Science (Tohoku University)

Students must apply to both doctoral programs at Chulalongkorn University and Tohoku University. Students must visit the host university for conducting research for at least 1 year. The graduation requirements must be fulfiled for both universities. For those students who are interested, please contact the program director for more details (thanaphum.o@chula.ac.th).

Extracurricular Activity

According to the requirement of Graduate Office, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, graduate students must have 10 hours per year of extracurricular activities. Students can attend the activities arranged by laboratory or faculty. The exemplification of arrange extracurricular activity include but not limit to smoking cessation, CPR training, graduate student orientation, teacher day ceremony, mobile dental service, big cleaning, and open house activity. Students can attend other extracurricular activities at their own interest and report the attending activities to program secretary for record.

Admission