Orthodontics, Certificate
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.
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 preadolescents. 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 interdisciplinary care of patients requiring complex restorative dentistry or advanced periodontal therapy. A combined faculty from fixed prosthetics and orthodontics presents a one-year course in occlusion.
- Participation in monthly 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.
- Presentation of a course in gross anatomy of the head and neck.
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.
Additional Program Options
Penn Dental Medicine also 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.
This degree requires a minimum of 140 Credit Hours.
Curriculum
Program Timeline
- Academic Track
- MSOB and Certificate: 3 years
- DScD and Certificate: 5 years
- Clinical Certificate Track
- Certificate only: 26 months
For more information: https://www.dental.upenn.edu/admissions-academics/graduate-dental-education-programs/orthodonic-program/
All Dental Medicine certificate students share a common core of required courses throughout the first year. In addition, students complete additional courses specific to their particular program.
Program Requirements (Certificate Only)
- Core Graduate Dental Education Courses (Year 1 only)
- Program Specific Courses (Years 1 and 2 Didactic & Clinical)
- Literature Review (Years 1 and 2)
- Case Presentations (Years 1 and 2)
- Program Seminars (Years 1 and 2)
- Clinical Rotations (Years 1 and 2)
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| GORT 9001 | Research Seminars I | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9011 | Growth & Development I | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9021 | Biology of Tooth Movement | 0.25-1.5 |
| GORT 9031 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning I | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9041 | Biomechanics I | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9051 | Appliance & Lab Technique | 0.75-1.5 |
| GORT 9061 | TMD Diagnosis & Therapy I | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9071 | Ortho/Perio & Adult Orthodontics I | 0.25-1.5 |
| GORT 9081 | Orthodontic Literature Review I | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9091 | Orthognathic Surgery/TMJ Lecture Series I | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9101 | Case Presentation Seminars I | 1.5-3 |
| GORT 9111 | Craniofacial Orthodontic Seminars I | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9121 | Early Treatment I | 0.5-1.25 |
| GORT 9131 | Six Elements and Adult Orthodontics I | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9141 | Clinical Orthodontic Training I | 17-20 |
| GORT 9002 | Research Seminars II | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9012 | Growth & Development II | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9032 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning II | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9042 | Biomechanics II | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9062 | TMD Diagnosis & Therapy II | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9072 | Ortho/Perio & Adult Orthodontics II | 0.25-1.5 |
| GORT 9082 | Orthodontic Literature Review II | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9092 | Orthognathic Surgery/TMJ Lecture Series II | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9102 | Case Presentation Seminars II | 1.5-3 |
| GORT 9112 | Craniofacial Orthodontic Seminars II | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9122 | Early Treatment II | 0.5-1.25 |
| GORT 9132 | Six Elements and Adult Orthodontics II | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9142 | Clinical Orthodontic Training II | 32-35 |
| GORT 9003 | Research Seminars III | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9033 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning III | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9043 | Biomechanics III | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9073 | Ortho/Perio & Adult Orthodontics III | 0.25-1.5 |
| GORT 9093 | Orthognathic Surgery/TMJ Lecture Series III | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9103 | Case Presentation Seminars III | 1.5-3 |
| GORT 9143 | Clinical Orthodontic Training III | 25-28 |
| GORT 9153 | Craniofacial Orthodontic Rotations I | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9163 | Ethics in Orthodontics I | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9173 | Literature Review/ABO I | 0.75-1.25 |
| GORT 9183 | Orthognathic Surgery and Practice Mgmt Workshop I | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9193 | P & I Clinic Teaching I | 1-2 |
| GORT 9203 | Practice Management I | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9004 | Research Seminars IV | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9034 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning IV | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9044 | Biomechanics IV | 0.25-1.25 |
| GORT 9074 | Ortho/Perio & Adult Orthodontics IV | 0.25-1.5 |
| GORT 9094 | Orthognathic Surgery/TMJ Lecture Series IV | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9104 | Case Presentation Seminars IV | 1.5-3 |
| GORT 9144 | Clinical Orthodontic Training IV | 33-36 |
| GORT 9154 | Craniofacial Orthodontic Rotations II | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9164 | Ethics in Orthodontics II | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9174 | Literature Review/ABO II | 0.75-1.25 |
| GORT 9184 | Orthognathic Surgery and Practice Mgmt Workshop II | 0.25-1 |
| GORT 9194 | P & I Clinic Teaching II | 1-2 |
| GORT 9204 | Practice Management II | 0.25-1 |
Core Graduate Dental Education Courses
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| DADE 9330 | Ethics, Professionalism and Jurisprudence | 1-3 |
| DADE 9340 | Evidence-based clinical practice | 1.75-3 |
| DADE 9350 | Oral and systemic diseases | 3.75-5 |
| Spring | ||
| DADE 9360 | Oral infection and immunity | 4-6 |
| DADE 9370 | Conservative and regenerative clinical practice | 2-5 |
| DADE 9380 | Vulnerable populations across the lifespan | 1.5-3.5 |
Master of Science in Oral Biology
The School of Dental Medicine also offers a Master of Science in Oral Biology (MSOB). Enrollment in the MSOB program is limited to individuals concurrently registered in one of the postgraduate specialty training (certificate) programs. Candidates receive the MSOB degree after completion of both their specialty training and the Master’s curriculum, which consists of didactic, seminar, and research practicum courses. The MSOB program is comprised of two tracks designed for outstanding students who are interested in either integrating research or structured evidence-based learning into their post-graduate education.
Depending on the track selected, research activities or a systematic literature review form the core of the MSOB program. Students are expected to participate in a clinical or basic science research project of sufficient scope and intensity or a formally structured and critically evaluated literature review focused on an important oral health-related research or clinical question. A thesis composed of an in-depth review of the relevant literature along with a manuscript reporting the results of the research or a systematic review is required for graduation for the research and evidence-based learning tracks respectively.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Additional MSOB Course Requirements | ||
DENT 9960 | ||
DENT 9970 | ||
For more information: https://www.dental.upenn.edu/academic_programs_admissions/graduate_dental_education_programs/masters_of_science_in_oral_biology
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.