Biomaterials
Biomaterials is the dental specialty focused on the development, testing, and clinical application of materials used in dentistry—from restorative composites and ceramics to implants and tissue-regenerating scaffolds.
Specialty Overview
Scope & Practice
Biomaterials specialists conduct research on material properties, biocompatibility, and performance in the oral environment, collaborating with clinicians, engineers, and manufacturers.
Common Procedures:
- In vitro materials testing
- Biocompatibility assessments
- Evaluation of restorative composites, ceramics, cements
- Implant surface engineering
- Development of tissue-engineered scaffolds
- Clinical trial coordination
- Regulatory documentation support
Professional Roles
Biomaterials specialists can pursue various career paths within the specialty, often combining multiple roles:
- Academic / University Research: Conduct materials research, mentor students, publish in peer‑reviewed journals
- Industry Research & Development: Work for dental/medical device companies to innovate new materials
- Regulatory Affairs / Quality Control: Ensure materials meet FDA/ISO standards and product labeling
Clinical Settings
Biomaterials specialists practice in diverse environments:
- University research labs
- Multidisciplinary biomaterials centers
- Industry R&D facilities
- Regulatory agencies / consulting firms
Specialty Outlook
The biomaterials profession continues to evolve with technological advances and shifting demographics:
- Growth in novel bioactive and regenerative materials
- Integration with digital dentistry (e.g. 3D printing biomaterials)
- Rising regulatory complexity and compliance demand
Digital Innovation
Biomaterials is increasingly driven by cutting-edge digital technologies transforming patient care:
- 3D printing of polymers and ceramics
- Nanotechnology in surface coatings
- Computational modeling of material behavior
Patient Experience
Modern biomaterials emphasizes patient comfort and convenience through various approaches:
- Safer, longer‑lasting restorations
- Faster healing with bioactive implants
- Minimally invasive treatment options
Student Journey Roadmap
Pre-Dental / Undergrad Preparation
Graduate Program (Masters / PhD track)
Geographic Program Map
Competitiveness Level
Application Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
- Degree Required: DDS/DMD or MS/PhD in Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Minimum GPA: 3.2
- Average Accepted GPA: 3.5+
- Core Courses: Materials science, biochemistry, biomechanics
- Research Experience: Extensive lab/industry research strongly preferred
Standardized Tests
- NBDE:
- GRE Required: ~70% of programs
- GRE Verbal: 150+
- GRE Quantitative: 155+
- TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants
Letters of Recommendation
- Number Required: 3
- Types:
- • Research advisor
- • Materials science faculty
- • Clinical collaborator (if applicable)
- Emphasis: Research ability and technical skills
Research Experience
- 1–2 years in biomaterials lab
- Publications or patents highly valued
- Experience in testing and analysis techniques
Clinical Experience
- Not mandatory but helpful—shadow clinicians involved in material testing
- Familiarity with clinical protocols desirable
Application Components
- Graduate school application (program-specific)
- Transcripts
- GRE scores
- CV/resume
- Personal statement focused on materials research
- Letters of recommendation
Competitive Profile
- Target GPA: 3.5+
- Target GRE Verbal: 152+
- Target GRE Quantitative: 158+
- Research Publications:
- Shadowing Hours:
- Extracurriculars: Presentations or technical workshops
Application Deadlines & Timeline
Program Applications Open
Graduate applications typically open in December
Submit Applications
Deadlines often from late January to February
Interviews
Some programs invite candidates for interviews
Admission Decisions
Offers sent early spring
Set Reminders
Get notified about upcoming deadlines
Download Timeline
Save this timeline to your calendar
Competitiveness Overview
Understanding the competitive landscape for this specialty
Applicant to Seat Ratio
3:1
Average GPA
3.5+
Program Duration
2-3
Average Tuition
$30K–$60K
Starting Salary
$130K
Tips for Success
- Meet Requirements: Focus on meeting basic academic requirements
- Show Interest: Demonstrate genuine interest in the specialty
- Clinical Exposure: Gain some exposure to the specialty
- Strong Application: Present yourself well in applications
Curriculum & Training
Program Structure
Duration
2–3 years
Weekly Schedule
Lab work 3–4 days; coursework 1–2 days
Research Requirements
Original thesis research required
Degrees Awarded
- MS
- MSc
- MSD
- PhD in Biomaterials or Dental Science
Clinical Training
- Material selection for dental applications
- Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays
- Animal model testing coordination
- Collaboration with clinical trials
Didactic Education
- Principles of biomaterials
- Materials characterization techniques
- Regulatory standards and ethics
- Project management and grant writing
Research Activities
- Thesis research
- Publication and conference presentations
- Statistical/data analysis
Financial Information
Total Program Cost
Programs with Stipends
Living Expenses
Starting Salary
Culture & Lifestyle
Work-Life Balance
Flexible research-based schedule; occasional evenings/weekends in labs
Career Satisfaction
High satisfaction from research and innovation contributions
Practice Environment
Collaborative lab and industry environments; team-based
Physical Demands
Low physical strain; seated bench/lab work
Day-in-the-Life
Lab Setup and Literature Review
Prepare experiments, check protocols, review recent publications
Experimental Work
Run assays, sample prep, material testing (e.g., SEM, compression)
Lunch / Team Meeting
Discuss project progress and troubleshoot issues
Data Analysis
Process results, plot data, statistical analysis
Writing / Meetings
Draft papers or grant proposals; meet with collaborators
Wrap-Up
Clean lab, plan next day's experiments
Career Perspective
Graduate Student Perspective
Balancing bench work, writing, and presentations
I often spend mornings at the microscope and afternoons drafting my thesis methods or plotting data for conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does biomaterials specialty training take?
Typically 2–3 years for a MS; PhD programs take longer depending on research scope.
What jobs are available after biomaterials training?
Academic researcher, R&D scientist in industry, regulatory/quality roles in device companies.
How much do biomaterials specialists make?
National average is around $130,000/year, with top positions reaching $180,000+.