Graduate Program in Orthodonti - University of N

Tuition Fee

Start Date

Medium of studying

Dentistry

Duration

Details

Program Details

Degree

Masters

Major

Dentistry | Orthodontics | Oral Medicine

Area of study

Dentistry | Orthodontics | Oral Medicine

Education type

Dentistry | Orthodontics | Oral Medicine

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

Graduate Program in Orthodontics

The mission of the Graduate Program in Orthodontics is to prepare residents for community-based or academic practice who demonstrate excellence in their practice and leadership in their profession and community.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes an extensive practice management seminar series which features a practicum to visit private orthodontic offices in California. All senior residents present their research at the school’s Research Day and are encouraged to submit an abstract to the professional societies (e.g., AADR, ADEA, AAO). Students must complete the requirements for the master’s degree prior to being awarded the specialty certificate.

The UNC Adams School of Dentistry Graduate Program in Orthodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Admissions

Applicants must utilize the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) administered by the American Dental Education Association and the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (MATCH).

Additional Information

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: August 1, 2025

We no longer require a physical packet. All materials can be submitted electronically.

Applicants must utilize the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) administered by the American Dental Education Association and the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (MATCH).

Applicants should not apply to the UNC graduate school until accepted into the program.

Admissions Requirements

All prospective students must hold a DDS, DMD or equivalent degree from a dental school.

Applicants must provide current GRE scores.

Admission criteria are applied equally to all applicants regardless of race, sex, color, national origin or religion. Minority students are encouraged to apply.

International Students

In addition to the above items, international applicants must include the following in their PASS application:

Foreign transcripts evaluation
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score
- International applicants must report official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores directly from the testing center.
- Must be current and no more than 2 years old.
International applicants must submit official academic records bearing the signature of the registrar or another academic official and either a raised or ink stamp or seal of the issuing institution.
Records must be issued in the original language and be accompanied by certified English translations.
International applicants must also submit verification that the degree has been awarded or a copy of the degree award.

School Policies

Applicants may view the Adams School of Dentistry policies.

Tuition, Stipend Support and Benefits

Information about tuition and fees is available on the University Cashier website.

Stipend Support

Stipends are contingent on availability of funds. Regardless of the availability of stipend support, teaching responsibilities are required as a part of the program.

In addition to health insurance, the following stipends are provided:

Year One: $14,000
Year Two: $17,632
Year Three: $21,000

*Stipend amounts subject to continued availability and approval

Regardless of the availability of stipend support, teaching responsibilities are required as a part of the program.

Research Component

Graduates are expected to participate in research oral presentations during the 1st year of residency, and to present their thesis research in the Adams School of Dentistry’s Research Day during the third year of residency. Preparation of a master’s level project with submission to a peer reviewed journal and an oral defense are required. Students will be encouraged to prepare abstracts and/or table clinics for scientific or educational meetings, as appropriate.

Meet the Residents

Bethany Doolittle, DDS

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2026

About Bethany

Bethany Doolittle, Orthodontics Class of 2026, is from Oakdale, Minnesota where she grew up with her parents and three siblings. She played various sports as a child, but eventually focused on basketball after beginning high school at Hill Murray School, where she has recently been inducted into the athletic hall of fame.

Bethany graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology in 2015 having been a four-year member of the women’s basketball team. Throughout her collegiate career, Bethany earned several All-Big Ten honors and still holds the record for blocks in a single game. She decided to pursue basketball professionally and signed contracts to play for teams in France and Switzerland after college.

Following her basketball career, Bethany earned a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Midwestern University in Illinois where she investigated genetic influences behind cleft palate. She continued this type of research during dental school back at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. During dental school, Bethany was vice president of her class and ASDA chapter as well as a member of the Dental Public Health Club, Student Advisory Board, and Dean search committee.

Bethany is thrilled to join the orthodontics program here at UNC and add some Carolina Blue to her Hawkeye black and gold wardrobe. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, trying new foods, traveling, watching sports, and now exploring North Carolina.

Isaac Feinn, DMD

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2026

About Isaac

Isaac Feinn grew up in Louisville, Kentucky with his five siblings. In 2019 he graduated summa cum laude studying Biology and Political Science at the University of Louisville.

During college, he pursued philosophy and leadership, courtesy of a four-year McConnell Scholarship program that whisked him across the continents from China to Europe. Meanwhile, a love of research bloomed in him through completing his Senior Honors Thesis identifying genetic targets of Vitamin A signaling.

The next four years, he continued this research as a UofL dental student by producing award winning research investigating the therapeutic potential of Vitamin A to enhance wound healing. While serving as the president of his class throughout dental school, he graduated summa cum laude in 2023 with two degrees: a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry and a Master of Science in Oral Biology.

Beyond orthodontics, Isaac finds harmony through piano melodies, philosophical conversations, and spirited matches on the pickleball court. His life’s joys are amplified alongside his high school sweetheart and now wife, Jenna, accompanied by their beloved golden retriever, Sage. Isaac eagerly embraces this new chapter within the vibrant North Carolina community at UNC Chapel Hill, and invites recommendations for the region’s hidden culinary treasures.

John Nelson, DMD

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2026

About John

John Nelson grew up in small town in CT as the youngest of three with two older sisters. Always being intrigued by how things work, the science behind the sports he played, and his interest in disassembling electronics (and admittedly at times, unable to put them back together), John quickly became interested in the world of engineering.

John graduated from Villanova University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. During his time at Villanova, John served as a peer tutor and was inducted into the Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi engineering honor societies. Much of his free time was consumed with collegiate football as a placekicker of the Wildcats football team, with the team winning the 2009 1-AA national championship and making a 2010 semifinals appearance. What John is most thankful for however was meeting his future wife, a fellow engineer at school, whose path had not crossed his until his junior year.

After graduating, John worked as an engineer and while he enjoyed the nature of these projects, he wanted to combine his knowledge of engineering in a more direct way which led him to dentistry. John was privileged to earn an acceptance to the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where he eventually went on to receive his DMD. After a brief trip down to Chapel Hill, John quickly came down with contagious “Carolina Fever” and is thankful for the privilege and opportunity to continue his training in orthodontics as a Tar Heel.

Beyond orthodontics, John enjoys spending time with his son and wife, while running and cycling in his spare time. Having ran two marathons and not a stranger to the bike, he hopes to improve his swimming to one day do triathlons. This of course is dependent on him not first getting sidetracked by his love of eating and trying too many food challenges.

Brian Schafer, DMD

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2026

About Brian

Brian Schafer is originally from Brunswick, OH. He is the second of four siblings and grew up playing soccer and running track. He studied Biological Sciences at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

After undergrad, he attended the University of Pittsburgh for his DMD. While in dental school, he was president of the Special Needs Club, working closely with the Special Olympics of PA to provide dental care and advocacy for patients with special needs. He was involved in research in the fields of cleft palate repair and 3D printing in dentistry. He also helped lead a dental service trip to Honduras through Delta Sigma Delta. Upon graduation, Brian was inducted into the OKU dental honors society.

Brian is excited to train at UNC and explore North Carolina. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, flyfishing, weightlifting, cooking, and golfing.

Amol Shah, DDS

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2026

About Amol

Amol Shah grew up in Ann Arbor, MI with his parents and his older brother. At the University of Michigan, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Sciences with a minor in Latin Literature and Language. He went on to earn his DDS from the University of Michigan.

In his free time, Amol loves to travel, hike, and explore nature. He is working his way through visiting all of the national parks and is looking forward exploring the beauty of North Carolina. Amol also enjoys reading, cooking for friends, snowboarding, and playing tennis and pickleball.

Amol is excited to be joining the UNC Orthodontics legacy, but more importantly he is learning to cheer for a slightly lighter shade of blue.

Julia Tobin, DDS

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2026

About Julia

Julia Tobin grew up in Toronto, Canada. She has five siblings and her family moved to Los Angeles, California when she was in middle school. Julia attended Yale University where she majored in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. During her time at Yale, she was President of her class Junior and Senior year, a Captain of the Women’s Club Soccer Team, and spent time tutoring and teaching at local elementary schools. Julia then attended the UCLA School of Dentistry where she was Class Secretary, Director of Graduate Events, and President of the Student Providers Endorsing Community Service Club.

Julia loves an iced vanilla latte, candy, playing soccer, running, and hiking. During her last year of dental school, she ran the LA Marathon with two of her sisters and hopes to train for one again soon.

Julia is so excited to be a member of the UNC Orthodontic family. She feels very grateful to receive her education here and to be surrounded by such positive and encouraging colleagues.

Caroline Allbert, DDS

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2027

About Caroline

Caroline Allbert, Orthodontics Class of 2027, grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina with her parents and younger sister. She spent her summers water skiing against the backdrop of the North Carolina mountains and traveling around the world with her family. Caroline is a “Triple Tar Heel” after pursuing undergrad, dental school, and now orthodontic residency at UNC!

Caroline graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Health & Latin American Studies and a minor in chemistry. She spent those four years biking around campus to her various activities, namely club lacrosse. Eager to spend time in the “real world” after graduation, Caroline worked as a barista, dental assistant, and substitute teacher before returning to Chapel Hill for her dental education.

During dental school, Caroline conducted research on characteristics of speech in children with repaired cleft palate, served as president of the Sports Dentistry Club, and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society upon graduation. Caroline is ecstatic to be back in Chapel Hill after completing her AEGD at the University of Florida.

Caroline enjoys playing pickleball, walking, reading, and baking (and eating) chocolate chip cookies. She is most excited for three more years of Carolina Basketball!

Hillary Diffee, DMD

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2027

About Hillary

Hillary Diffee grew up in the “Sailfish Capital of the World”, Stuart, Florida.

Following high school, Hillary attended the University of Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Communication Studies, while serving as the President of the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Ambassador Program. After graduating from Florida, Hillary moved to Sweet Home Alabama to attend dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, receiving her DMD in 2018. Inspired by her grandparents who were active duty in the Air Force and Navy, Hillary applied to and was awarded a four-year Navy Health Professions Scholarship to dental school. Hillary was also honored to receive the 2018 Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Dental Award and was chosen to represent her school internationally on an exchange trip to Japan. A former dancer, Hillary loved dancing with her classmates at the annual UAB Variety Show!

On the day of her dental school graduation, Hillary caught an immediate flight to Newport, Rhode Island, where she attended Officer Development School for 5 weeks, after which she commissioned into the U.S. Navy. She completed a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, where she won first place for her research at the Tri-Service Dental Convention. She then completed a two-year tour aboard the aircraft carrier JOHN C. STENNIS, as Dental Division Officer. She spent her last two-year tour as Assistant Department Head, leading a medical and dental clinic serving the Navy Seals. Perhaps her favorite tour (and one that she fought to attain) was a humanitarian healthcare deployment on the USNS COMFORT Naval Hospital Ship, where Hillary spent three months deployed in the Caribbean, providing dental care to those in desperate need in Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Haiti. This deployment was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Hillary.

Hillary separated from the Navy in July 2023 and has enjoyed one year of private practice experience- six months in general dentistry and six months in pediatric dentistry.

In her free time, Hillary loves exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, especially sushi restaurants! She also enjoys taking Pilates classes. If you want to get her excited, ask her about doodles- she adores her sweet goldendoodle, Brinley!

Hillary is ecstatic and honored to be training at UNC Orthodontics. She is excited to train under the best orthodontists in the specialty and alongside her incredible co-residents. Most of all, she is so excited to meet her patients and help them attain a smile that they are proud to wear and share, every day!

Emily Fromknecht, DMD

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2027

About Emily

Emily Fromknecht, Orthodontics Class of 2027, grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, best known for having the 3rd best sunsets in the world, with her parents and two older sisters. Following in her sisters’ footsteps, she played basketball from a very young age. She attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA where she was a four-year starter for the women’s basketball team and served as team captain her last two seasons. Emily ended her collegiate career having scored over 1,000 career points and she holds the school records for blocked shots in a career, season, and game. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with honors.

After college, Emily moved to Cleveland, Ohio to attend Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine where she earned her DMD degree. While in school, she held leadership roles in multiple student lead organizations, received the Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence, and was inducted into the OKU Dental Honor Society.

Emily is extremely excited and honored to begin her orthodontic residency at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. She is looking forward to being a Tar Heel and attending as many sporting events as possible. Emily loves spending time with her family, friends, and cat, Hank. In her free time, she enjoys trying local coffee shops in search of the best iced americano and catching up on her favorite reality TV shows.

Erik Klintmalm, DMD

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2027

About Erik

Erik Klintmalm grew up in Texas, where the love for BBQ and southern hospitality runs deep. He studied at Baylor University for his undergrad, then earned a master’s in bioethics at NYU. He completed both a dental degree (DMD) and a master’s in public health (MPH) at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. His career included time as a traveling dentist and opening two successful dental practices in Austin, TX before shifting his focus to orthodontics.

Erik has lectured nationwide on leadership and ethics, sharing his passion and insights with professionals across the country. For six years, he has served as Executive Director for the Student Professionalism & Ethics Association (SPEA) and held various roles on the board of the American College of Dentists. His deep commitment to the doctor-patient relationship is fueled by the opportunity to impact both the short-term and long-term well-being of his patients.

When he’s not straightening teeth, you can find Erik in the kitchen (though he’ll admit he’s better at eating than cooking), traveling the globe, or staying active through sports and workouts. He enjoys balancing his professional life with these passions, always seeking new adventures.

Calli Marando, DDS

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2027

About Calli

Calli Marando, Orthodontics Class of 2027, grew up in Middletown, Delaware. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Biological Sciences from The University of Delaware, where she competed as a scholarship athlete for their swimming program. At UD, she also met her husband and, as a result, the two are considered “Double Dels”. Before graduating, she was selected for the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program, and shortly after, attended the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where she was inducted into OKU, and earned her DDS with honors.

Calli then completed an AEGD residency at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego and, following that, practiced at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot. While in California, she took advantage of all the great backpacking opportunities, exploring the Pacific Crest Trail, Mount Whitney, Death Valley, the Sequoias, Joshua Tree, and more. Next, she accepted orders to work aboard one of the Navy’s newest (and finest) aircraft carriers, CVN 79-The John F. Kennedy, in Newport News, VA. There, she served as Dental Division Officer and was later awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Calli is incredibly grateful to be a part of the UNC ortho family and considers this to be her greatest accomplishment. In her spare time, Calli enjoys baking, all things outdoors, and hanging out with the Stinky Boyz Club (her husband, son, and yellow labrador).

Abbigale Parker, DDS

UNC Orthodontics Class of 2027

About Abbi

Abbigale Parker grew up in rural South Dakota with her mother and sister before moving to North Carolina in high school. Abbi attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned degrees in Biology, Chemistry, & Neuroscience. During her undergraduate years, she was actively involved in community service, becoming co-president of the campus Habitat for Humanity chapter and managing a mobile healthcare bus through Railcare Health to provide care in rural areas. She also took her service abroad, traveling to small villages in Thailand and Laos with oral hygiene supplies, an experience that deepened her passion for dental care.

Abbi then attended UNC Adams School of Dentistry, where she became more involved in research and leadership. She held leadership roles in the Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) dental clinic throughout dental school and helped found the Aesthetic Dental Society. She also expanded her teaching and mentorship roles by tutoring and serving as a teaching assistant in various dental school courses.

Abbi is excited to continue her education at UNC in Orthodontics and to become a “Triple Tar Heel!” Outside of orthodontics, she enjoys hiking, cooking and baking, horseback riding, home renovations, and traveling. When she’s not at school, Abbi loves spending time with her fiancé, their French bulldog, Archie, two Bengal cats, Mia and Sisu, and her horse, Lottie.