Learning Outcomes

Individuals will be:

  • credentialed to practice orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics;
  • proficient in the scientific method, demonstrated by successful defense of their M.S. thesis;
  • proficient in biological and biomechanical principles of tooth movement as demonstrated by clinical treatment of orthodontic patients with malocclusions;
  • proficient in diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment delivery as demonstrated by clinical treatment of orthodontic patients with malocclusions;
  • proficient in diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment delivery as demonstrated by clinical treatment of craniofacial anomalies patients; and
  • proficient in interdisciplinary interaction with other dental specialties such as oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and endodontics as demonstrated by opportunities to coordinate care of orthodontic and craniofacial anomalies patients.

The Master of Science program in orthodontics requires 59 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must satisfactorily complete a thesis based on an original research project to qualify for the M.S. degree. They must maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.

Students begin work on the two-year program in July.

The M.S. with a major in orthodontics requires the following work.

First Year, Summer

All of these:
ORDN:5203Advanced Orthodontic Technique1
ORDN:5209Orthodontic Practicum2
ORDN:5217Cephalometrics3

First Year, Fall

All of these:
ORDN:5201Orthodontic Theory: Diagnosis and Treatment Plan2
ORDN:5203Advanced Orthodontic Technique1
ORDN:5205Facial Growth2
ORDN:5209Orthodontic Practicum2
ORDN:5210Orthodontic Seminar2
ORDN:5221Surgical Orthodontic Seminar1
ORSC:5212Statistical Methods for Dental Research3

First Year, Spring

All of these:
ORDN:5200Control Theory and Craniofacial Morphogenetic Systems1
ORDN:5202Diagnosis and Treatment Planning2
ORDN:5204Biomechanics1
ORDN:5209Orthodontic Practicum2
ORDN:5210Orthodontic Seminar2
ORDN:5220Craniofacial Anatomy1
ORDN:5221Surgical Orthodontic Seminar1
ORDN:5400Dental Treatment of Maxillofacial Deformities2
ORDN:6212Research: Orthodontics2

Second Year, Summer

Both of these:
ORDN:5209Orthodontic Practicum3
ORDN:6212Research: Orthodontics2

Second Year, Fall

All of these:
ORDN:5209Orthodontic Practicum2
ORDN:5210Orthodontic Seminar2
ORDN:5221Surgical Orthodontic Seminar1
ORDN:5400Dental Treatment of Maxillofacial Deformities2
ORDN:6211Problems: Orthodontics1
ORDN:6212Research: Orthodontics2
ORDN:6215Orthodontic Journal Club1

Second Year, Spring

All of these:
ORDN:5209Orthodontic Practicum2
ORDN:5210Orthodontic Seminar2
ORDN:5221Surgical Orthodontic Seminar1
ORDN:5400Dental Treatment of Maxillofacial Deformities2
ORDN:6212Research: Orthodontics2
ORDN:6215Orthodontic Journal Club1

For more information, contact the Department of Orthodontics.

Applicants must have a D.D.S. degree or equivalent and meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. Application deadline is August 1 for entry the following July 1. Applicants are required to travel to the University of Iowa for interviews with department faculty.