Indiana University

The Orthodontic Program classes begin in July and end in July of the second year.  If requirements are not completed, it is necessary to remain as an officially registered student until completion of the outstanding requirements.

A Master's degree is awarded upon the successful completion of the required didactic and clinical curriculum components, as well as the program’s research requirement (which includes the completion of an original research project, successful defense of that project, and submission of an original manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal). This is a degree program; there is no option for a clinical certificate only.  Minimum School of Dentistry requirements for the MSD degree include didactic and clinical coursework. A minimum of 6 hours must be earned toward an approved minor subject outside the major concentration area. Other elective subjects may be selected, based on the student's educational objectives. A total of 6 hours must be in research; additional research credit cannot be used toward fulfillment of requirements for the degree.

The program in graduate instruction is offered for the dentist wishing to specialize in the field of orthodontics. The primary objectives of the courses are to:

• Develop an appreciation of optimal occlusion in the broadest sense with special considerations given to function, stability, and esthetics.
• Gain a thorough knowledge of the dento-facial complex with reference to anatomical structure, basic growth and development, structural variations, and the assessment of the craniofacial complex by analytic methods.
• Develop an understanding of soft and hard tissue changes during growth and repair, and understand the response of these tissues to local and systemic influences including mechanical therapy.
• Acquire a solid understanding of the principles and materials involved in the biomechanical management of malocclusions and gain proficiency in the utilization of various contemporary treatment techniques.

The ADAT is not required for admission, however, scores will be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Applicants who completed the NBDE part 1 & 2 can submit these scores as a part of the application process. Our program understands that many dental schools may require students to take the INBDE after the August 1 deadline, due to their curriculum's structure. As such, our program WILL accept applications from students who have not taken the INBDE by the August 1 application deadline. It is strongly recommended that applicants submit results from the INBDE no later than November 11, 2024. Students must provide proof of successful completion of the INBDE prior to officially matriculating into the program or will forfeit their residency position. 

Official scores for both the NBDE part 1/2 and INBDE should be sent directly to PASS. If the INBDE scores are sent after November 11, 2024, they should be sent directly to the Indiana University School of Dentistry Office of Graduate Education at dsgrad@iu.edu.