Program Overview

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Master of Science - Oral Biology

The UNLV School of Dental Medicine, Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics offers a 34-month combined Master's Degree and Certificate residency program. The class size is eight residents per year and begins during July. The program is designed to offer a broad spectrum of didactic, clinical, research, and teaching experience in the field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

About the Program

The program trains the resident to have a broad knowledge and understanding of growth and development, diagnosis and treatment planning, biomechanics, craniofacial anomalies, interdisciplinary dentistry, surgical orthodontics, research methodology, classic and current review of the literature, and teaching experiences. Patient care is conducted in a state-of-the-art orthodontic clinic and technology is available for complete electronic patient records, as well as the latest in radiographic and diagnostic digital imaging.

Orthodontics Program Details

• 6-digit ED CIP for Orthodontics program: 51.0508
• Tuition:
  • 1st and 2nd year: $79,000
  • 3rd year: $42,000
• Supplies & Equipment: $5,000 per year ($15,000 total)
• Time Completion Rate: 34 months
• On-time Graduation Rate: 100%

Accreditation

The advanced program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Science Oral Biology emphasizes orthodontic and craniofacial research and aims to aid developing orthodontic residents in becoming successful researchers, educators, and/or clinicians.

Requirements

Plan Description

The Master of Science Oral Biology program is designed to provide a diverse clinical experience with a strong integration of basic sciences. This program will equip residents with the clinical, analytical, and managerial skills necessary to provide oral healthcare to the community.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
• All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Graduate College Admission Requirements

1. Completed application and non-refundable application fee.
2. Bachelor's Degree – from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
3. Grade Point Average – minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor's degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits).
4. Unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended.
5. Official transcripts required upon admission.

Department Admission Requirements

In addition to being accepted to the UNLV Graduate College, prospective students must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be enrolled in the Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics certificate residency program.
2. Must have passed Parts I and II, National Dental Board Examination.
3. Must have earned a DMD/DDS degree from a program in the US or Canada that is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
4. Must be eligible for a Nevada state dental license and receive a full or limited dental license from the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners prior to engaging in any clinical activity.
5. Application through the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) including specified letters of recommendations.
6. Background and criminal checks as required.
7. Medical history, immunizations, and physicals as required.

Plan Requirements

• Total Credits Required: 155

Course Requirements

• Required Courses – Credits: 149
  • ORTH 8011 - Cephalometrics
  • ORTH 8102 - Clinical Specialty Seminars I
  • ORTH 8104 - Clinical Specialty Seminars III
  • ORTH 8107 - Foundations to Dental Sleep Medicine
  • ORTH 8201 - Introduction to Clinic Orthodontics
  • ORTH 8202 - Clinic Orthodontics
  • ORTH 8203 - Clinic Orthodontics
  • ORTH 8206 - Clinic Orthodontics
  • ORTH 8512 - Biomechanical Principles
  • ORTH 8603 - Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
  • ORTH 8606 - Diagnosis, Treatment Plan and Case Presentation
  • ORTH 8607 - Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
  • ORTH 8803 - Literature Review/Journal Club
  • ORTH 8804 - Literature Review/Journal Club
  • ORTH 8910 - Craniofacial Anomalies
  • PGDE 8314 - Independent Research III

Thesis – Credits: 6

• PGDE 8900 - Thesis

Degree Requirements

1. The Master of Science – Oral Biology program is designed to be a 34-month program.
2. The advanced program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
3. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members.

Plan Graduation Requirements

A master's thesis, which carries six credits, is required for the Oral Biology M.S. The thesis must conform to the guidelines set forth by the Graduate College. The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.