Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Dental Biomaterials is an advanced research-oriented post graduate program designed to develop academic excellence in the science, development, and evaluation of materials used in dentistry. The program integrates fundamental and applied materials science, enabling candidates to investigate the properties, performance, and clinical behavior of dental materials while contributing original research to the field.
About the Program
The PhD in Dental Biomaterials 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 Dental Biomaterials 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 Dental Biomaterials 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-focused experience in the field of dental biomaterials, emphasizing the scientific principles underlying material selection, characterization, and performance. Training includes hands-on exposure to specimens’ preparation, material processing, and standardized testing methodologies used to evaluate physical, mechanical, and structural properties of dental materials. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and interpretation of experimental data, as well as the correlation of material properties with clinical performance, biocompatibility, and functional longevity. This training supports the development of critical research skills essential for innovation and scholarly investigation in dental biomaterials.
● Didactic Courses and Seminars: Candidates participate in advanced lectures and seminars exploring material science principles, structure–property relationships, innovations in restorative materials, and evaluation of clinical performance. Emphasis is placed on critical appraisal of research literature and application of materials science in dentistry.
● 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.