Last updated on April 10, 2025.

West Virginia University

Program Size
3
Program Length
34 months
Application Deadline
September 15
Program Start
July 1

Program Contact

Dr. Khaled Alsharif BDS, MS Program Director

School of Dentistry,  PO Box 9407, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506-9407

Chasity Antonk Program Specialist
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The Department of Orthodontics at West Virginia University offers a 34-month combined orthodontics certificate and Master of Science program.

The curriculum is centered on daily clinical seminars, private instruction, and regularly scheduled conferences and seminars with other dental and medical specialists.  The program models a private practice atmosphere with state-of-the-art clinical facilities and is designed to develop skilled practitioners who can manage an orthodontic practice.

The goal is to produce exceptional and ethical orthodontists.  We cover comprehensive orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and biomechanics among many other topics related to the field.  We adhere to evidence-based practices and use the latest technology and advancements.  Clinically, residents are exposed to a wide array of cases and scenarios, such as comprehensive adult and adolescent treatment, interceptive treatment, orthognathic surgery, dentofacial deformity, Clear Aligner Therapy, Temporary Anchorage Devices, dentofacial orthopedics, impacted teeth periodontally compromised patients, transfer cases, and others.

Residents are required to design an original master's thesis project suitable for publication in a reputable dental journal.  The curriculum focuses on didactic and clinical materials to prepare residents for the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Examinations.  Second-year residents must pass the written component of the ABO.  Every year, residents are required to pass biannual orthodontic competency examinations.  Residents are required to maintain at least an 80% (B letter grade or above) average in all of their course work and assignments.  All residents are encouraged to complete board certification upon graduation.

Program Information

Accreditation This program is accredited by CODA
Program Type Orthodontics
Program Code ORTHO933
Degrees Offered Certificate, Masters
Program Size 3
Program Length 34 months
Application Deadline September 15
Program Start Date July 1
Supplemental Application Yes
Supplemental Fee Yes
Stipend Offered Yes
Match Participating Yes
Program Website dentistry.wvu.edu

Application Requirements

Required Standardized Tests

  • GRE
  • INBDE
  • NBDE1
  • NBDE2
  • TOEFL
  • Passing the INBDE before matriculation into the advanced dental education program
  • TOEFL is required for those international applicants whose native language is other than English.

Supplemental Requirements

  • Requires supplemental application
  • Requires supplemental fee

Transcript Evaluation and Instructions

Transcripts should be submitted to PASS.  Additionally, if invited to interview, a WVU Graduate application must be submitted.  Submission of transcripts is recommended at that time, but if accepted will be required. 

Letters of Evaluation Instructions

Standard PASS evaluation requirements apply: one institution evaluation and three to five professional evaluations.

TOEFL Requirement Instructions

Please refer to West Virginia University Graduate Admissions Requirements for International Students

https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/information-for/international-students 

It is highly recommended that applicants have a total TOEFL iBT score of at least 110.

Other Requirement Instructions

Applicants selected to interview will be notified by email and must submit a WVU Graduate Application and a $60 fee before the interview date.  This should not be submitted prior to a request. 

Make sure you have reviewed the complete list of requirements as listed on our website at https://dentistry.hsc.wvu.edu/apply-now/master-of-science-in-orthodontics/

GRE scores only need to be submitted to PASS. 

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
  • Non-US Citizen/Resident (program offers sponsorship)
  • Program offers sponsorship - will provide an I-20 for applicants to apply for F1 visa.

Additional Information

All residents:

  • Are subject to a criminal background check prior to matriculation. 
  • Are required to submit documentation of required immunizations. Information will be provided with an acceptance offer notification. 
  • Must be eligible for and obtain a West Virginia dental license or a dental resident/intern permit prior to the first day of program orientation. Contact the West Virginia Dental Board for details.

International Students...The admissions office cannot answer specific questions about student visas, immigration-related concerns, and financial aid. The WVU Office of Global Affairs and International Students and Scholars Services should be contacted if further information is needed.

* Note that the stipend is offered for the last year only.