Program Overview

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Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Program

The Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics program is a 30-month residency program that provides advanced education in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and combines rigorous didactic and clinical training to provide in-depth instruction and hands-on experience with orthodontic techniques and treatments.

Program Details

• Program Type: Certificate
• Academic Unit: School of Dentistry
• Standard credit hours: 45
• Delivery Mode: In-person
• Typical Program Length: 30 months
• Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester

Program Description

As a resident, you will develop strong diagnostic skills, create and implement effective patient treatment plans, and apply advanced biomechanics. You will also analyze treatment outcomes using high-quality treatment records, ensuring you are well-prepared to deliver exceptional patient care.

Why UMKC

• World-class people and facilities: Access world-class education from nationally-recognized faculty and researchers in state-of-the-art laboratories, clinics, and libraries.
• Extensive alumni connections: Join an extensive dental alumni base that offers a network of professional resources.
• Comprehensive research opportunity: Complete a comprehensive research project that requires understanding and problem-solving as it relates to diagnostic, treatment, and practice methodologies.

After Graduation

Career prospects for orthodontists are promising, driven by a growing demand for dental and orthodontic care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for dental specialties over the next decade. Orthodontists benefit from some of the highest wages among dental professionals, and their demand is fueled by increasing awareness of oral health's role in overall wellness and a rising emphasis on orthodontic treatments among children and adults. Employment opportunities are especially abundant in private practices, group clinics, and healthcare facilities.

Potential Careers

• Orthodontic specialist
• Academic or research positions
• Public health dentistry

Median Salary

$234,028 per year (based on data from Lightcast.io for Orthodontists)

Potential Courses

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Eight specialized orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedic courses provide relevant seminars, didactics, and clinical orthodontics training, covering orthodontic theory, treatment techniques, and treatment planning.

Growth and Development 1

This course evaluates normal and abnormal growth and development of children and adolescents with an emphasis on craniofacial structures.

Genetics and Biochemistry of Cranial Facial Biology

This course examines the biochemistry of oral structures.

Related Programs and Pathways

• Dentistry (Doctorate)
• Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (Doctorate)

How to Apply

1. Gather your materials:

• Official dental school transcripts
• Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) scores (not required for application review)
• Institutional Evaluation Form (IEF)
• Minimum of three dental faculty evaluators for the Professional Evaluation Form (PEF)
• Register with the National Matching Services (The Match)
• GRE scores (UMKC code: 6872)

2. Complete the American Dental Education Association's (ADEA) Postdoctoral Application Support Services (PASS) application and submit all documentation directly through PASS.
3. Check admissions requirements:

• Make sure you meet discipline-specific requirements.

4. When we have received your PASS materials, we will send you an email with a link to complete the UMKC general application and submit all documentation directly through the UMKC application portal.

• Pay the application fee
• Submit application documents, such as proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency

Application Dates

• Final deadline: Apply by September 1 (year prior to enrollment)
• Classes begin in July

Financial Aid

• 80% of first-year students seeking a master's degree or graduate certificate received financial aid
• 92% of first-year students seeking a doctoral degree received financial aid
• 77% of all degree- and certificate-seeking graduate students received financial aid