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Dentistry PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 19 Dentistry PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
PhDs in Dentistry are doctoral research degrees that allow students to deeply explore a particular aspect of dental science and oral health.
Specifics vary drastically between programmes, but may involve research into the complexities of dental diseases, the effectiveness of dental treatments, and the impact of oral health practices on diverse populations.
Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as Dentistry, Medicine, or Biomedical Sciences. A relevant Masters degree may also be required depending on the programme.
Why study a PhD in Dentistry?
Develop Skills and Knowledge
A PhD in Dentistry allows you to not only develop your own knowledge of Dentistry, but also to make a unique, original contribution to the subject as a whole. By doing so, you will hone a variety of transferable skills, such as:
- Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to design, conduct, and analyse complex research projects.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Expertise in evaluating dental theories and practices to address challenges.
- Communication and Presentation Skills: Proficiency in effectively conveying ideas and findings to diverse audiences.
Further Career Development
If you're hoping for a career in academia, a PhD is typically required. Other research-based careers may likewise require a PhD, and even when they don't, employers will value the research skills and knowledge developed during your degree. For more information, please visit our PhD employability guide.
After completing your PhD in Dentistry, a potential career option might be employment as a Dental Researcher. According to UK salary data from Glassdoor, a Dental Researcher earns an average of £33,499 per year, dependent on factors such as experience, employer and employment location.
Improve Employability
Completing a PhD may also improve your employability. According to the UK government's LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes survey, 89% of Medicine PhD students were in further education or employment three years after graduation.
What do prospective Medicine PhD students think about study?
We host the Pulse postgraduate survey to understand the motivations, concerns and expectations of students just like you. For prospective Medicine PhD students in 2023:
- 75% were either positive or very positive about employment after graduation.
- 66% preferred on campus learning, 12% preferred online/distance learning, and 22% preferred a blended approach.
- 19% were interested in part-time study.
- In order of popularity, the top three study motivations were:
- Subject interest
- Career progress
- Skills development
If you'd like to make your voice heard, why not complete our survey? Your feedback will help us ensure our site is as helpful as possible for students like you!
Note: This guidance was produced with the assistance of AI. However, all data is derived from reliable, authoratitive sources, and all content has been reviewed by humans.
Novel advanced biofabrication technologies to model host-biofilm interactions in oral health
This is an exciting opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary BBSRC iCASE PhD project using advanced biofabrication techniques, and the latest microbiome and host-biofilm interaction research methodologies, to develop a novel model of the gingival mucosa and investigate the mechanistic interactions of oral microbial biofilms with host tissues. Read more
125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers - Identification of markers of disease progression in oral epithelial dysplasia using digital pathology and machine learning
Oral cancer is a global health problem with little improvement in survival rates, often attributed to late diagnosis. Read more
Last chance to apply
Multimodal Machine Learning for Healthcare
Multimodal Machine Learning for Healthcare. One fully funded UK/international PhD studentship available in the broad area of statistical machine learning, with a desirable focus on multimodal large language models, uncertainty-aware AI, and/or 3D images. Read more
Synthetic mRNA for re-programming and gene editing of human dental pulp stem cells
'TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK INSTITUTION WEBSITE'. Project start date. October 1st 2025 [Deadline for applications. 1st August 2025]. January 1st 2026 [Deadline for applications. Read more
Synthetic mRNA for re-programming and gene editing of human dental pulp stem cells - Clinical PhD
'TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK INSTITUTION WEBSITE'. Project start date. October 1st 2025 [Deadline for applications. 1st August 2025]. January 1st 2026 [Deadline for applications. Read more
PhD Opportunity - Inequalities in head and neck cancer (epidemiology and qualitative/mixed-methods research)
'TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK INSTITUTION WEBSITE'. Project description. The research focused on understanding and addressing inequalities in head and neck cancer across the cancer continuum. Read more
PhD Opportunity - Evaluating the reach and impact of the Childsmile programme: Scotland’s national child oral health improvement programme.
'TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK INSTITUTION WEBSITE'. Background. Child oral health in Scotland has improved over the last two decades however inequalities remain large with 41.6% of children in the most deprived areas having tooth decay compared to 14.2% in the least deprived areas. Read more
Development and evaluation of antimicrobial agents against mixed oral biofilms using 3-D model of oral mucosa
Oral biofilms play a significant role in the development of oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis. The World Health Organization reports approximately 1 billion cases of periodontal disease and 2 billion cases of caries in adults, along with 514 million cases of caries in children. Read more
Development and Validation of a Clinical Decision Support System for Smoking Cessation at a Primary (Dental) Health Care (PHC) Setting in Country X
Background: . Smoking remains a major public health issue worldwide, significantly contributing to various diseases, including oral health conditions such as periodontal disease and oral cancers. Read more
Early life factors and childhood oral health
Background: . A life course approach to chronic disease epidemiology recognises how exposures across the lifespan of individuals influence their disease risk and health later in life. Read more
PhD Biomechanical analysis of ceramic dental implants: numerical and experimental simulation
Ceramic dental implants were proposed as an alternative to the “gold standard” CpTi and Ti alloys due to their improved aesthetics and biocompatibility. Read more
Development of a Wearable Sensor System and AI-Driven Analysis for Objective Bruxism Assessment
Project details. Problem. Bruxism, the involuntary grinding and clenching of teeth, is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. Read more
Development of Conductive Electrospun Materials for Advanced Sensor Applications in Dentistry
Project details: . This PhD project proposes an innovative exploration into the development of conductive electrospun materials, primarily designed to advance sensor technologies in the field of dentistry. Read more
A state-of-the art mechanically controlled bilayer membrane for periodontal regeneration
Project details: . Periodontitis presents a significant challenge in dentistry, often leading to tooth loss due to irreversible damage to the supportive soft and hard tissues surrounding teeth. Read more
Unveiling the relationships between the alveolar bone mechanical and structural properties in health and periodontal disease
Project details. Periodontitis presents a significant challenge in dentistry, often leading to tooth loss due to irreversible damage to the supportive soft and hard tissues surrounding teeth. Read more
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