Programs in dentistry help students learn about how to prevent, diagnose and treat different conditions in patients. Completing a program in dental sciences can open the door to additional specialized career paths, such as becoming an orthodontist or veterinary dentist.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.