Program Overview

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, MS

The goals of the Advanced Dental Education Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics are:

• Goal 1: Students will have course work in biomedical sciences that is intended to provide the knowledge required to practice orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics as defined by our proficiency standard.
• Goal 2: Students will have a clinical experience that is varied and demanding that will prepare them for the clinical practice of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics with emphasis in bioprogressive principles.
• Goal 3: The student must perform research with the intent of providing the student an experience involving problem solving, critical thinking, research methodology, and scientific writing.
• Goal 4: Students will be exposed to and participate in a teaching experience.
• Goal 5: Students will be exposed to professional venues that encourage continued professional growth.

All of these stated goals are designed to prepare clinicians for a dentistry practice in orthodontics and/or career in dental education. The content of the program conforms to the standards established by the dentistry board.

Program Length

The program begins in late June and requires twenty-seven months of study in residence. Additional time may be needed to complete the research and thesis requirements for the award of a Master of Science degree.

Possible Careers

• Orthodontist in private practice treating pediatric and adult patients.
• Teaching of Orthodontics.

Application Deadlines

There are currently no published application deadlines.

Admissions Requirements

1. The applicant must have graduated from a U.S. or Canadian dental school. The applicant must have a DDS or equivalent degree prior to entering the program.
2. Official transcripts mailed directly from each post-secondary institution from which you have received credit, including colleges and dental school.
3. A minimum cumulative dental school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
4. Successful completion of the National Board Dental Examination Part I and Part II (when available). Official score report must be mailed from the ADA.
5. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have known and worked closely with you.
6. An additional dean's letter with your dental school GPA and class rank is required.
7. The applicant must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and have their official scores reported to the school.

For international applicants:

• Transcripts from non-US dental schools must be submitted with a translated course-by-course transcript report from one of the following agencies:
  • World Education Services (WES)
  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
  • Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE)
  • American Education Research Corporation (AERC)
• Official Degree Certificate: Any foreign transcript that does not list graduation information must be supported by an official degree certificate or school-verified copy of the degree certificate.
• Dental License: All applicants who have received their dental school training outside of the United States or Canada must have a current dental license from their country and submit a notarized copy with their application.
• English Proficiency Exam: Regardless of nationality or citizenship, an applicant whose native language is not English or whose secondary education has been given outside the U.S. is required to pass one of the following English proficiency tests:
  • TOEFL: Minimum scores are 80 (Internet-based test), 550 (Paper-based test), including a minimum final score of 5.0 on the TWE part.
  • IELTS: Minimum score is 6.5.
  • MELAB: Minimum score is 77.
• Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores: An official DAT score report is required for all applicants.

Prerequisites

There are no specific courses required for this program. Please reference the Admissions Requirements.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on several factors.

Required Program Costs

• Year 1:
  • Tuition & Fees: $100,065
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $11,225
• Year 2:
  • Tuition & Fees: $99,360
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $350
• Year 3:
  • Tuition & Fees: $24,840
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $0

Other Educational Costs

• Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance):
  • On Campus Dorm: $16,596 (Year 1), $16,596 (Year 2), $4,149 (Year 3)
  • LLU Owned Rental Property: $29,256 (Year 1), $29,256 (Year 2), $7,314 (Year 3)
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents: $29,916 (Year 1), $29,916 (Year 2), $7,479 (Year 3)
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents: $10,200 (Year 1), $10,200 (Year 2), $2,550 (Year 3)
  • Off Campus: $29,256 (Year 1), $29,256 (Year 2), $7,314 (Year 3)
• Transportation Allowance: $4,200 (Year 1), $4,200 (Year 2), $1,050 (Year 3)
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $4,380 (Year 1), $4,380 (Year 2), $1,095 (Year 3)
• Federal Student Loan Fees: $5,892 (Year 1), $5,384 (Year 2), $826 (Year 3)
• Cost of Obtaining Professional License: $0
• Dependent Care and Disability-Related Expenses are available upon request.