University of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania
- Orthodontics
- dental.upenn.edu
Program Contact
Program Director: Dr. Chun-Hsi Chung, contact
Program Overview
The postgraduate program in orthodontics integrates basic science and clinical orthodontics in a comprehensive curriculum, designed to develop clinically proficient specialists who possess a scholarly insight into orthodontic theory as it relates to patient care. While the basic science courses build upon residents’ predoctoral knowledge of oral biology and related areas, the major part of the program consists of clinical education and training. This program is fully accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Several popular corrective orthodontic regimens are taught, giving residents a thorough understanding of the respective merits of each treatment philosophy and the ability to apply them clinically. Since many corrective orthodontic problems involve adolescents, there is a strong emphasis on growth and development. Residents also gain experience in preventive and interceptive orthodontic care with pre-adolescents. The management of adult patients is also emphasized through courses such as TMJ therapy and orthognathic surgery. Other highlights of the program include:
- Experience in the interdisciplinary care of patients requiring complex restorative dentistry or advanced periodontal therapy
- Participation in rotations at the Craniofacial Clinic at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, exposing residents to craniofacial anomalies and treatment and the team approach involved in treating such conditions.
- Instruction in computer applications for diagnosis, treatment planning, and practice management.
In addition, second-year residents participate in rotations at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in craniofacial and cleft palate.
The highly respected research environment at Penn Dental Medicine and throughout the University of Pennsylvania provides a valuable opportunity for students applying to residency programs to combine their specialty training with advanced research and academic opportunities. To that end, Penn Dental Medicine offers a Master of Science in Oral Biology (MSOB) and a Doctor of Science in Dentistry (DScD) that can be earned concurrent with a specialty certificate, preparing students to successfully enter the field of academic dentistry while also becoming skilled clinicians in specialty care. Through the MSOB and DScD programs, students are encouraged to pursue their individual research interests with projects that can span the diverse disciplines and research labs within Penn Dental Medicine’s basic and clinical sciences and across the University. Join us for a DScD program virtual open house March 16 »
Academic Track: MSOB and certificate (3 years), DScD and certificate (5 years)
Clinical Certificate Track: certificate only (26 months)
Number of residents accepted: 8 per year
Clinical Education
All clinical practice for residents takes place in Penn Dental Medicine’s Brainerd F. Swain Orthodontic Clinic, a modern state-of-the-art facility that features 23 operatories. In addition, second-year residents participate in rotations at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in craniofacial and cleft palate.
Program Information
| Accreditation | This program is accredited by CODA |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Orthodontics |
| Program Code | ORTHO941 |
| Degrees Offered | Certificate, Masters, Other |
| Program Size | 8 (estimate) |
| Program Length | 26-36-60 months |
| Program Start Date | July 1 |
| Supplemental Application | Yes |
| Supplemental Fee | Yes |
| Stipend Offered | No |
| Match Participating | Yes |
| Program Website | dental.upenn.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
- INBDE
- NBDE1
- NBDE2
- TOEFL
- Passing the INBDE before matriculation into the advanced dental education program
Supplemental Requirements
- Requires supplemental application
- Requires supplemental fee
TOEFL Requirement Instructions
Refer to our website for more information.
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 (program offers sponsorship)
Additional Information
International Applicants must also submit the following:
- Official TOEFL Scores
- Evaluation of non-U.S. dental degree by approved credentialing service. See
http://www.dental.upenn.edu/academic_programs_admissions/graduate_dental_education_programs/admissions for additional information.
Applicants to this program are eligible to apply concurrently to the following degree programs which extend the length of their curriculum.
Only upon request, accepted applicants will be required to complete the following:
- Successfully pass several Criminal Background Checks.
- Meet University and School of Dental Medicine vaccination and health screening requirements.
- Provide official INBDE scores if not provided to ADEA PASS at the time of application.
- Complete all required knowledge based compliance courses
- Submit a final set of official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended. For international dental school graduates we require official transcripts in the original language and an original certified English translation, a notarized copy of your dental diploma and original certified English translation, and an official ECE course-by-course evaluation.