The Department of Orthodontics at West Virginia University offers a 34-month (three academic years and two summers) advanced education Master of Science program.
The program models a private practice atmosphere with state-of-the-art clinical facilities.
The curriculum is centered on daily clinical seminars and private instruction with each individual class. Also included are regularly scheduled orthognathic surgery conferences and seminars with other dental and medical specialists.
The postgraduate program is designed to develop skilled practitioners who can easily transition into and manage a busy orthodontic practice.
The goal of this program is to teach comprehensive orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and biomechanics. We pride ourselves as a program that adheres to evidence-based practices and we are current on the latest technology and developments in our field. Clinical experiences are purposefully designed to expose the residents to a wide array of different clinical cases and scenarios, including comprehensive adult and adolescent treatment, interceptive treatment, orthognathic surgery cases, dentofacial deformity cases, Clear Aligner Therapy cases, cases requiring the use of Temporary Anchorage Devices, dentofacial orthopedic cases, periodontally compromised cases, transfer cases, and others.
An original master's thesis project is required and is designed to obtain results suitable for publication in a reputable dental journal.
The curriculum focuses on didactic and clinical materials to prepare residents in taking the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Examinations.
It is a requirement for every second-year resident to take and pass the written component of the ABO, and all residents are strongly encouraged to complete the board certification process