Master of Science in Dentistry - Orthodontics

One of the leading programs in the country, our 27-month Graduate Orthodontics Residency Program prepares residents to provide excellent treatment based on contemporary biologic orthodontic principles. Launched in 1971, the program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and is recognized for eligibility by the American Board of Orthodontics.Working in a collegial atmosphere of mutual respect, our residents receive training from expert faculty members from across the United States. The rigorous curriculum is a combination of didactic courses, strong clinical experience and research.Each year, the Dugoni School receives more than 200 applications for the coveted eight spots per class. Upon successful completion of the program, our residents graduate with a master's of science degree in dentistry and a certificate in orthodontics.CourseworkDidactic courses include principles of orthodontics; cephalometrics and 3D imaging and airway considerations; facial growth, biomechanics, craniofacial biology; cleft lip and palate; research methodology; the appliance laboratory; pediatrics; statistics; anatomy, bone biology and clinical use of temporary anchorage devices; TMD; orthognathic surgery; restorative-orthodontic relationships; practice management and periodonticorthodontic care.Clinic EducationClinical instruction and practice are conducted in the school’s orthodontic clinic in six half-day clinics per week, providing treatment for children and adolescents (75% of caseload) and adults (25% of caseload), including multidisciplinary cases (integrated with periodontal and restorative procedures).Each resident starts approximately 50-55 new patients and 50-60 transfer patients during the residency program.Residents are also rotated through the Children's Hospital Oakland Craniofacial Panel and the Stanford Sleep Surgery clinic.Residents are scheduled for didactic and clinical instruction five full days per week and full participation is required. While there is no prohibition of weekend private dental practice, residents’ commitments during the program may make extracurricular schedules challenging.Technology trainingFixed appliance treatment employs the edgewise technique, although instruction permits a wide latitude of clinical variation based on patient needs and special faculty expertise. Experience in treating the entire range of orthodontic problems is provided. Each resident also starts multiple cases utilizing micro-implant anchorage, including MARPE (microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expander) appliances.From 1998 to 2002 the orthodontic department was the initial testing site for the new Invisalignä technology, and today provides a state-of-the-art approach to treating a wide variety of patients with Invisalignä. Each resident generally starts more than 10 patients with this clear appliance. Complete 3D digital records are obtained from Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, iTero intra-oral scan, and 3D facial scan. Digital orthodontics and 3D printing technology also allows residents to perform 3D digital set-up, 3D printed indirect bonding, and in-house clear aligner treatment.MSD (Master of Science in Dentistry) Certificate in OrthodonticsStudents engage in a research project and complete a thesis to qualify for the Master of Science in Dentistry degree. These are submitted for publication in scientific journals.Research projects include critical review of the literature, development of a hypothesis and the design, statistical analysis and interpretation of data. Research is conducted under the guidance of a faculty member and committee, culminating in a thesis and its defense.