Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology is an advanced research-oriented postgraduate program designed to develop expertise in the study and diagnosis of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. The program emphasizes clinicopathological correlation, histopathological interpretation, molecular pathology, and scientific investigation, preparing postgraduates for academic, diagnostic, and research careers.
About the Program
The PhD in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University is a four-year program comprising an initial year of two academic semesters followed by a comprehensive exam, thesis submission and defense and final exit exam. Upon successful fulfillment of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an officially accredited Doctor Degree of Philosophy certificate specifying the approved field of specialization and the title of the thesis.
How to Apply
For application, doctoral candidates are required to submit a thesis research protocol, approved by the Department Council from January to May of each calendar year. Applications for international students in Egypt are centrally managed through the "Study in Egypt" platform (admission.study-in-egypt.gov.eg) and the Ministry of Higher Education's system (wafeden.gov.eg).
Admission Requirements
● The applicant must hold a Master’s degree in the same specialty from a university recognized by the Supreme Council of Universities, or an equivalent degree approved by the Council.
● Applicants must submit an official approval from their employer confirming permission to be enrolled in the PhD Degree of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology and commitment to full-time study throughout the program duration.
● Applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency for program registration by passing the university exam or submitting a valid certificate (Local TOEFL with a minimum score of 500, IELTS with a minimum overall score of 7.0, or their equivalent). The certificate is valid for one calendar year during which the applicant must complete registration for the degree; international students could submit the certificate within one year from enrollment in the program.
Program Structure and Duration
● Program Structure: The PhD Degree in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology is a four-year program. Candidates should complete a total of 70 credit hours; 20 credit hours over one year (two semesters), including a comprehensive series of courses, 20 credit hours for the final exit exam in addition to 30 credit hours for the thesis.
● Course load: During the first academic year, candidates study advanced compulsory and elective courses, distributed over two semesters (first and second semesters). A student becomes eligible to sit for the final exit exam only after successfully completing all first-year courses and fulfilling the approved academic requirements.
● Semester Duration: 16 weeks per semester.
● Laboratory Training: The laboratory training provides advanced, research-oriented experience in oral and maxillofacial pathology, with a focus on the histopathological investigation of oral and maxillofacial tissues. Training includes systematic specimen preparation, grossing, tissue processing, and the application of routine and special histological staining techniques. Emphasis is placed on the microscopic evaluation and diagnostic interpretation of pathological alterations in oral tissues, as well as the correlation of histopathological findings with disease mechanisms, clinical presentation, and biological behavior. This training fosters critical analytical skills essential for research and academic practice in oral and maxillofacial pathology.
● Didactic Courses and Seminars: Candidates engage in advanced structured lectures and seminars exploring the pathogenesis, behavior, and diagnosis of oral diseases. Topics emphasize microscopic pathology, molecular mechanisms, and interpretation of diagnostic findings while fostering scientific reasoning and critical analysis.
● This program requires the completion and public defense of a thesis.
Requirements for Graduation
● Full-time Study: Students must commit fully to the program.
● Attendance: Regular attendance is required; up to 25% absence may be excused in special cases.
● Academic requirements: All courses should be passed with a minimum grade of (C) and a cumulative GPA of at least (2.44).
● Practical training: Students must complete all required practical tasks, documented in a logbook. A minimum of 75% completion is required to sit for exams.
● Successful submission and defense of the doctoral thesis.