{"id":29516,"date":"2013-05-20T13:31:12","date_gmt":"2013-05-20T17:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=29516"},"modified":"2026-02-23T19:08:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T00:08:06","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/ohs\/current-students\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Thesis and Capstone Information"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A thesis or capstone project is required to complete the M.S. in Oral Health Sciences program.<\/h4>\n
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Thesis Information<\/h3>\n

A thesis is scholarly work that must be approved by two faculty members in the field of study. \u00a0The project must be well-conceived, of modest scope and have an original conclusion. \u00a0The thesis may be literature based (graded Pass\/Fail) or research based (laboratory, clinical, survey, retrospective (eligible for a grade of A) or a combination of the two.<\/p>\n

Research-based\u00a0 theses are quite variable and do not necessarily need to be traditional bench research projects.\u00a0 Many students do perform these types of projects and get valuable research experience however other types of projects are also available.\u00a0 These \u201cother\u201d thesis opportunities include but are not limited to \u00a0(i) clinical research working with patients directly, (ii) retrospective studies of previously collected data including statistical work-up (iii) public health or oral health education related \u00a0and (iv) the development of a survey eliciting information on topic of interest followed by data collection and analysis. \u00a0If \u00a0recommended by your primary thesis mentor, your research this may be eligible for an \u201cA\u201d grade.<\/p>\n

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  1. Thesis Information<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  2. GMS General Thesis\u00a0 information <\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Finding Information Framework of OHS – OHS-FIF<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Capstone Information<\/h3>\n

    The 15 page Capstone project is a culminating experience whereby students choose to research a topic that is relevant in the field of dentistry.\u00a0 This project is overseen by a faculty mentor, who has expertise in the topic chosen, either at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine or the Goldman School of Dental Medicine. The project is graded as Pass\/Fail, and is designed for students completing the MS in 12 months.\u00a0
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    1. Information and Requirements <\/a>(including capstone template)<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Capstone Proposal Form<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      General Information<\/h3>\n

      Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)<\/strong><\/h4>
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      If an AI tool is used, it must be used in a manner that supports learning and academic integrity. Students may not use AI software, tools, or add-ons to generate written content submitted for the capstone project. This includes, but is not limited to, literature summaries, synthesized text, interpretations, or conclusions. However, AI tools may be used for limited support functions<\/strong> such as brainstorming topic ideas, outlining, formatting, and organizing work. In addition, basic grammar and mechanics assistance (e.g. spelling, punctuation, and syntax checks) using tools such as Grammarly is permitted. Students are responsible for ensuring that all submitted work reflects their own original ideas, analysis, and writing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      AI USE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

      If any AI tool is used at any stage of the capstone process, students must complete and submit the AI Use Disclosure Statement<\/strong> form with their final submission. The statement must clearly describe the following:<\/p>\n