Graduate study in orthodontics is available for selected candidates who wish to specialize in the field. The faculty of the orthodontic graduate program intends to produce leaders in orthodontics, whether in clinical practice, teaching, or research.

The graduate program in orthodontics lasts 36 months. The program begins in early July and ends three years later at the end of the second week of June. It provides a thorough understanding of the science of craniofacial biology as well as its application using a variety of orthodontic techniques and methods used in contemporary clinical practice. This program also provides experience in teaching orthodontics to undergraduate dental students as well as in the conduct of research, some of which will partially fulfill the requirements for a Master of Science degree in orthodontics.

Clinical Experience

In the beginning of the first year, each student will be assigned 30-40 new patients covering a spectrum of clinical problems. In addition to routine comprehensive orthodontic treatment at the circumpubertal stage of development, patients also will be selected to provide diagnostic and treatment experience in:

• growth guidance and modification for the younger child including the use of functional appliances;
• orthognathic surgery (combined orthodontic and surgical treatment);
• adult orthodontic problems including the coordinated management of orthodontics with other dental specialties in treating patients with compromised dentitions;
• patients with craniofacial anomalies including cleft lip and palate; and (5) patients with associated temporomandibular disorders.

Each resident will participate in the care of over 100 orthodontic patients during the three-year program.

Didactics

In addition to the numbered courses listed, seminars and other learning experiences are provided to cover various topics related to orthodontics and craniofacial biology. A minimum of 48 credit hours must be completed in order to satisfy the didactic requirement of the program.

Research

Research training extends throughout the duration of the graduate program and is designed to promote an inquiring attitude and the ability to evaluate critically the merits of past, current, and future concepts. Students gain experience in formulating questions and performing a supervised research project.

Graduation Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of didactic courses and assignments related to aspects of scientific methodology including the critical evaluation of published papers.
• Completing a research project and preparing a thesis that satisfies the requirement of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies.
• Satisfactory performance in all aspects of clinical orthodontics including a completed case requirement.

The orthodontic curriculum is designed to be flexible, especially during the third academic year. The exact details of the program will be determined by the faculty in consultation with each student. Emphasis can be placed on increased clinical experience, teaching, and/or research. The third year provides an opportunity to complete treating the majority of patients for whom he or she originally developed diagnoses and treatment plans. Emphasis also is placed on the diagnosis, treatment sequencing, and treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. The third year also affords the additional time necessary to complete an original research project and preparing a publishable form of the thesis.