I　Overview

Overview of Current Program

The objective of this program is to pursue actualization of the Graduate School Education for Dental Sciences by establishing a Graduate School Center for Educational Development to design, implement and administer the graduate school curriculum as well as to build a mentoring program under the centralized administration of this Center.

This program shall be divided into two courses: 1) An innovative “Leadership Training Course” with the goal of training outstanding students to become researchers and/or leaders in dental and medical sciences through small-group, student-centered instruction; and 2) a “Primary Specialist Development Course” based on the existing program. This program will assign students to one of Three Major Research Project Teams promoted by this program (two courses of study) to students where an interdisciplinary style of education will be conducted by multiple academic advisors (Program Faculty) in place of the previous personal tutorial system by a single faculty member.

In consultation with the Graduate School Center for Educational Development, each student will be allowed to design their curriculum to earn credits in stages. The curriculum design for lectures and practices will be based on interdisciplinary instruction that incorporates basic, translational, and clinical sciences. The Project Research Team faculty members will carry out these lectures and practices.

A point-based system for Doctoral Candidates will be introduced whereby students can attain the candidacy to submit their doctoral theses. In accordance with the precise program, academic standing, and goals for attainment prepared by the Graduate School Center for Educational Development, those doctoral candidates who have earned the required credits will have their thesis evaluated by three judges –including recognized authorities in the field from other institutions– after passing a preliminary open oral defense (Actualization of Graduate School Education).

Features of the Program

• Implementation of interdisciplinary instruction conducted by multiple academic advisors (Program Faculty) by involving students in Project Assignment in lieu of Field Assignment so as to prevent single-advisor tutoring.
• Training in basic academic abilities and skills by enhancement of basic instruction through innovative coursework and academic English study.
• Establishment of requirements for submitting a doctoral thesis in terms of the coursework records in conjunction with the points earned from TA and RA experience, upskilling programs, and clinical achievements (for doctoral candidates).
• Awarding of a certificate in recognition of developing curriculum and achievements in advanced clinical skills for qualifying dental specialists and accredited dentists in course for oral life science.