弗吉尼亚联邦大学

The Department of Orthodontics offers a 24-month advanced education Master of Science in Dentistry program. The program teaches the latest in clinical care in an environment modeled after private orthodontic practice. The curriculum is composed of seminars and small-group instruction with emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving. Contemporary concepts of orthodontic treatment are reviewed for substantive and scientific content. Also included are regularly scheduled orthognathic surgery conferences and seminars with other dental and medical specialists.

The postgraduate program is designed to develop skilled practitioners who are prepared to grow with the future and manage busy orthodontic practices. Our goal is not only to familiarize future orthodontists with contemporary techniques but also to teach them how to interpret cutting-edge scientific information and use it to approach clinical challenges logically and practically.

Students completing the program earn a specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry degree. Students must complete the requirements for the master’s degree prior to being awarded the specialty certificate.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Student learning outcomes

Graduates of this program will:

Formulate and conduct a relevant research project as evidenced in the completion of a master’s thesis in a publishable format for a refereed journal

Be equipped to practice evidence-based orthodontics

Have demonstrated the ability to communicate with patients, colleagues in general dentistry, dental specialties, medicine and other health care practitioners in the provision of ethical and informed patient care

Be proficient in:

1. Diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment, retention and prognosis of dental malocclusions and
2. dento-facial disharmony
3. Outcome assessment
4. Diagnostic imaging technologies
5. Management of patients with craniofacial deformities
6. Management of combined orthodontic and surgical cases
7. Use of various fixed and removable appliances, aligner technology
8. Use of temporary anchorage devices and soft tissue laser
9. Use of digital technology for records taking and treatments with aligners

Be eligible to sit for the Diplomate Boards of the American Board of Orthodontists