Last updated on March 3, 2025.

Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Program Size
6
Program Length
36 months
Application Deadline
September 15
Program Start
July 1

Program Contact

Dr. Jing Chen Program Director

Admissions & Student Affairs Office

630 West 168 Street, PH 7 W 318-H , New York , New York, 10032

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The 36-month Postdoctoral Program in Orthodontics provides intensive advanced training in specialized biological and clinical sciences, and is designed to satisfy all requirements for American Board of Orthodontics certification. Its combination of clinical experience, lectures, seminars, and extensive laboratory coursework is integrated with treatment of various kinds of malocclusions. Upon successful completion, a Master of Science degree is awarded.

Techniques practiced include:

  • Modifications of basic edgewise mechanotherapy
  • Differential force straight wirE technique
  • Segmental arch technique
  • Techniques with twin bracket, self-ligation bracket, and Invisalign

Interdisciplinary programs include:

  • Rotations in the multidisciplinary temporomandibular dysfunction clinic
  • Rotations in the clinic of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Conference and clinical sessions for patients requiring combined orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery
  • Conferences and seminars regarding cleft palate/craniofacial work, adult orthodontics and the periodontally compromised patient

Students must research, submit, and defend a written thesis. They are also required to present records of completed patients according to A.B.O. guidelines, in a mock A.B.O. examination setting.

Program Information

Program Type Orthodontics
Program Code ORTHO969
Degrees Offered Certificate, Masters
Program Size 6
Program Length 36 months
Application Deadline September 15
Program Start Date July 1
Supplemental Application No
Supplemental Fee Yes
Stipend Offered No
Match Participating Yes
Program Website dental.columbia.edu

Application Requirements

Required Standardized Tests

  • GRE
  • INBDE
  • NBDE1
  • NBDE2
  • TOEFL
  • Passing the INBDE before the advanced dental education program deadline

Supplemental Requirements

  • Requires supplemental fee

Transcript Evaluation and Instructions

Applicants that attended dental school outside of the US: Submission of official evaluation of transcripts from international institutions must be presented as part of the application process. Applicants must submit a detailed course-by-course evaluation by ECE (Educational Credential Creditors) directly to ADEA-PASS. Documents will not be accepted if sent directly to the admissions office.

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc

www.ece.org

Letters of Evaluation Instructions

Applicants are required to submit a minimum of four (4) recommendation letters. One (1) of the four letters must be an Institutional Evaluation letter from the dean or director from the applicant's dental school and three (3) of the letters must be professional evaluation letters from dental faculty. for applicants that have been out of dental school more than five years can request letters from past faculty members, dental professionals or work supervisors.

PASS allows up to five (5) recommendation letters: one (1) Institutional Evaluation letter and four (4) professional evaluation letters from dental faculty. All letters must be uploaded into the PASS application. Additional letters beyond the allowable amount in PASS will not be accepted if sent directly to the Admissions Office.

If you have a special circumstance regarding acceptable letters of recommendation, please send inquiries to cdm-pgadmissions@cumc.columbia.edu.

TOEFL Requirement Instructions

Official TOEFL (iBT or Essentials) scores are required for all applicants who have received their dental degree from a non-US dental school. Score reports are not to be submitted directly to the College of Dental Medicine, but must be submitted to ADEA PASS.  The institution code for Columbia University – College of Dental Medicine is 2094.

Scores at least 100 are desirable, however serious consideration will be given to applicants with scores of 90 and above. 

Other Requirement Instructions

In addition to your PASS application, submission of a supplemental application fee of $125.00 must be submitted by credit card at the time you submit your PASS application. Application fees are non-refundable, which also includes duplicate payments. No other method of payment will be accepted.

Follow the link to submit your payment: Supplemental Application Fee

Applicants are to submit a 2x2 passport size photo in JPEG format via email to cdm-pgadmissions@cumc.columbia.edu.

International Student Eligibility

This program will consider applicants who graduated, or plan to graduate, from a non-CODA accredited dental school: Yes

Applicants are eligible to enroll if they are:

  • US Citizen
  • US Permanent Resident
  • Canadian Citizen
  • Canadian Permanent Resident
  • Non-US Citizen/Resident (applicant must obtain their own sponsorship)

Interview Schedule

Interviews will be held in October.

Additional Information

Applicants wishing to submit updated CVs or personal statements must contact the PASS helpdesk for assistance prior to the application deadline. These documents are not to be sent to the admissions office, and will not be reviewed.