Program Overview

Orthodontics, Master of Science

The Master of Science in Orthodontics is a two-year program that requires 65 semester hours of graduate credit. Students must satisfactorily complete a thesis based on an original research project to qualify for the MS. They must maintain a Graduate College program grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.

Learning Outcomes

Individuals will be:

• credentialed to practice orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics;
• proficient in the scientific method, demonstrated by the successful defense of their MS 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.

Program Structure

The program begins in July and is structured as follows:

First Year, Summer

• ORDN:5203 Principles of Biomechanics (2 hours)
• ORDN:5209 Orthodontic Practicum (2 hours)
• ORDN:5217 Cephalometrics and Lab Skills (3 hours)

First Year, Fall

• ORDN:5203 Principles of Biomechanics (2 hours)
• ORDN:5204 Applied Biomechanics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5205 Facial Growth (2 hours)
• ORDN:5209 Orthodontic Practicum (2 hours)
• ORDN:5210 Orthodontic Seminar (2 hours)
• ORDN:5211 Clinical Skills and Laboratory Techniques (1 hour)
• ORSC:5212 Statistical Methods for Dental Research (3 hours)
• ORDN:5220 Craniofacial Diagnosis, Treatment, and General Topics in Orthodontics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5221 Surgical Orthodontic Seminar (1 hour)

First Year, Spring

• ORDN:5200 Temporomandibular Joints and Advanced Topics in Orthodontics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5202 Advanced Case Analysis (2 hours)
• ORDN:5203 Principles of Biomechanics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5204 Applied Biomechanics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5209 Orthodontic Practicum (2 hours)
• ORDN:5210 Orthodontic Seminar (2 hours)
• ORDN:5220 Craniofacial Diagnosis, Treatment, and General Topics in Orthodontics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5221 Surgical Orthodontic Seminar (1 hour)
• ORDN:5400 Craniofacial Practicum (2 hours)

Second Year, Summer

• ORDN:5209 Orthodontic Practicum (3 hours)
• ORDN:6212 Research: Orthodontics (2 hours)

Second Year, Fall

• ORDN:5204 Applied Biomechanics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5209 Orthodontic Practicum (2 hours)
• ORDN:5210 Orthodontic Seminar (2 hours)
• ORDN:5220 Craniofacial Diagnosis, Treatment, and General Topics in Orthodontics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5221 Surgical Orthodontic Seminar (1 hour)
• ORDN:5400 Craniofacial Practicum (2 hours)
• ORDN:6211 Problems: Orthodontics (1 hour)
• ORDN:6212 Research: Orthodontics (2 hours)
• ORDN:6215 Orthodontic Journal Club (1 hour)

Second Year, Spring

• ORDN:5204 Applied Biomechanics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5209 Orthodontic Practicum (2 hours)
• ORDN:5210 Orthodontic Seminar (2 hours)
• ORDN:5220 Craniofacial Diagnosis, Treatment, and General Topics in Orthodontics (1 hour)
• ORDN:5221 Surgical Orthodontic Seminar (1 hour)
• ORDN:5400 Craniofacial Practicum (2 hours)
• ORDN:6212 Research: Orthodontics (2 hours)
• ORDN:6215 Orthodontic Journal Club (1 hour)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a DDS degree or equivalent and meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. The 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.