Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences - Orthodontics

The Department of Dentistry offers the MSc and PhD in Medical Sciences degrees for post-DDS applicants or for those proceeding from a BSc or equivalent degree. Research may be carried out in a variety of dentistry-related disciplines for which faculty members in the department have active research programs.

Why Study this Program?

The Department offers the MSc in Medical Sciences program in the following areas of specialty: Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Oral Biology, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, and Periodontology. The PhD programs are offered in Dentistry, Oral Biology, Orthodontics, and Periodontology.

Entrance Requirements

The Departments minimum admission requirements are a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent and a Masters degree (except in exceptional cases, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis) with an admission GPA of at least 3.4 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.

Additional Requirements

• A current curriculum vitae
• A statement of intent
• Three letters of recommendation (two must be professional)
• An official letter from the Dean of the Dental School stating that the applicant had no professional conduct issues
• Formal commitment from a full-time orthodontic supervisor is required
• Letter(s) of good standing from current and all previous licensing bodies
• For candidates in a GPR program, a letter from the Director of Graduate Studies stating they are in good standing with no professional conduct issues is required
• Applicants that are not licensed by Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C), need to be registered on the Education and Research Register from the ADA&C by August 1 prior to starting the program
• A personal interview is required for short-listed applicants

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 74 units in required coursework. Additional courses related to the specific area of research may be required. The program also consists of seminars, a clinical component, and a thesis.

Required Courses

• DENT 542 - Research Methodology
• DENT 635 - Seminars in Oral Health Sciences I
• DENT 636 - Seminars in Oral Health Sciences II

Clinical Curriculum

First Year (33 units)

• DENT 512 - Orthodontic Clinics I
• DENT 513 - Orthodontic Clinics II
• DENT 518 - Orthodontic Clinics III
• DENT 530 - Orthodontic Techniques and Biomechanics
• DENT 532 - Growth and Development
• DENT 546 - Orthodontic Seminars I
• DENT 547 - Orthodontic Seminars II
• DENT 548 - Orthodontic Seminars III
• DENT 560 - TMD/Orofacial Pain/SleepDisordered Breathing I
• DENT 561 - TMD/Orofacial Pain/SleepDisordered Breathing II
• DENT 565 - Evidence Based Dentistry
• DENT 567 - Systematic Reviews/MetaAnalysis in Dentistry I
• DENT 607 - Advanced Oral Radiology
• OBIOL 500 - Oral Biology I
• OBIOL 501 - Oral Biology II

Second Year (22 units)

• DENT 551 - Introduction to Applied Statistics
• DENT 552 - Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis
• DENT 612 - Orthodontic Clinics IV
• DENT 613 - Orthodontic Clinics V
• DENT 618 - Orthodontic Clinics VI
• DENT 646 - Orthodontic Seminars IV
• DENT 647 - Orthodontic Seminars V
• DENT 648 - Orthodontic Seminars VI

Third Year (16 units)

• DENT 712 - Orthodontic Clinics VII
• DENT 713 - Orthodontic Clinics VIII
• DENT 718 - Orthodontic Clinics IX
• DENT 746 - Orthodontic Seminars VII
• DENT 747 - Orthodontic Seminars VIII
• DENT 748 - Orthodontic Seminars IX

Thesis

• Registration in 900-level THES. Students are required to complete and defend a thesis.

Candidacy Exam

Successful completion of the PhD candidacy examination will be required by October 1 prior to the academic year the student starts their clinical training.

Seminars

Students have an attendance requirement for the Discover Dental Sciences seminars and to participate in the Graduate Student Research Day.

Requirements for Clinical Courses

These requirements must be met prior to starting the clinical courses.

• Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements
• Police Information Checks and Protection for Persons in Care
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (CPR)
• Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
• The Department of Dentistry Technical Standards Policy

Length of Program

The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Six years is considered normal. After six years, a formal extension request to The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is needed.

Fees

Students are responsible for all program-related fees.

Tuition and Fees

Funding from fellowships and studentships may be available on a competitive basis, but candidates should be prepared financially for the program. Supervisors may support students from operating grants, and limited financial assistance may also be available from the Department. Other sources of funding may be sought as described in the Graduate Financial Aid and Awards sections of the University Calendar, from provincial bursaries, from professional associations, and private foundations, etc.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.