University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Orthodontic Residency Program – UT Health San Antonio

The Orthodontic Residency Program at UT Health San Antonio is a 35-month advanced education program committed to training highly skilled, ethical, and research-driven orthodontic specialists. The program integrates clinical excellence, didactic instruction, research, teaching, and practice management, preparing residents for successful careers in both private practice and academia.

Program Overview

• Duration: 35 months

• Clinical Training: ~60% of time, with broad patient exposure and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Didactic Curriculum: ~15% through seminars, lectures, and interdisciplinary coursework.

• Research: Each resident completes a publishable project under faculty mentorship.

• Teaching: Residents actively contribute to the predoctoral orthodontic curriculum.

• Board Prep: ABO Written Exam taken in year two; mock clinical competency exams included.

Educational & Clinical Training
Residents engage in seminars, case conferences, CE courses, and interdisciplinary sessions. The curriculum emphasizes:

• Mastery of modern orthodontic techniques, biomechanics, and digital tools.

• Exposure to diverse cases including craniofacial anomalies and surgical orthodontics.

• Critical thinking, research methodology, and problem-solving.

• Development of practice management skills covering financial and business operations, patient communication, marketing, and leadership in orthodontic practice.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Research Excellence
The program prioritizes advancing orthodontic knowledge by:

• Requiring an original research project resulting in a faculty-approved, publishable manuscript.

• Encouraging early and continuous involvement in research.

• Supporting submission to peer-reviewed journals and thesis defense for MS degree.

Resident Responsibilities

• Clinical: Initiate and complete treatment for a wide range of malocclusions; prepare ABO-standard cases.

• Research: Complete a publishable manuscript approved by faculty.

• Teaching: Participate in preclinical/didactic instruction and clinical supervision.

• Professionalism: Engage with organizations such as the AAO and uphold ethical standards.

Values & Expectations
The program fosters honesty, innovation, diversity, and academic excellence. Residents receive regular evaluations and mentorship, and are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism.

Graduates leave the program as confident clinicians, educators, and future leaders in orthodontics—well-prepared to excel in clinical practice, contribute to the profession through research, and manage successful practices.