School of Dental Medicine

Advanced Education in Orthodontics

The orthodontic program at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine has prepared its graduates for a career in clinical or academic orthodontics since its start.

The program is accredited by the ADA  Commission on Dental Accreditation for Advanced Specialty Education Programs in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The program offers a 24- month certificate program, at the end if which, residents are awarded with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The program can be combined with a Master of Science or a Doctor of Science degree. At the end of the combined programs, residents are awarded with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and a Master of Science degree, or a Doctor of Science degree conferred by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. 

As part of graduation requirements, residents complete the written examination of American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) examination before graduation and are encouraged to obtain board certification.

The program provides emphasis on the clinical aspects of the specialty. The program graduates are trained in all aspects of clinical orthodontics and designed to prepare all graduates for a private practice setting. The program has a highly involved network of accomplished alumni that contribute to and enrich the residents’ experience.

Areas of training include, but are not limited to, treatment of adolescent and adult patients, early and interceptive treatment, orthognathic surgery and interdisciplinary treatment, cleft lip and palate and craniofacial anomalies. The program introduces and trains its residents on the use of technology, such as digital radiography, digital imaging, digital diagnostic records, and 3D printing and in-house aligner manufacturing. The program proudly maintains modern technology, with a complete 3D printing lab within the department.

Emphasis is placed on the treatment of patient cases to American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) standards. And expose residents to organized orthodontics via encouraging and supporting attending NESO, AAO, and other national meetings.

Requirements and policies 

It is mandatory for each resident to take and pass the written American Board of Orthodontics examination. Residents are also required to submit completed cases in the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) format for grading by the department faculty.  Residents are strongly encouraged to take the Scenario-Based Clinical Examination and complete their orthodontic board certification upon graduation from the program.
The Department continually evaluates the program and in the residents in both formative and summative ways.  Residents are required to participate in clinical case presentations, didactic courses, and in-depth literature reviews, and research projects. The program maintains its intense focus on developing clinical skills and expertise, and residents see patients and participate in clinical care 5 days per week.

Travel opportunities for courses offered outside of the department's curriculum are encouraged and, in some cases, required.  The department works hard to financially support additional travel and learning opportunities for residents. 

Teaching is a required element for the program and helps many of our graduates prepare for full-time and part-time teaching roles following graduation. 

For further details regarding requirements and policies for orthodontic residents please contact us at orthoresidency@tufts.edu     
 

Curriculum

Core Courses

  • Biostatistics 
  • Epidemiology and Critical Evaluation of Scientific Literature 
  • Bone Biology 
  • Growth and Development
  • Head and Neck Anatomy
  • Oral Medicine 
  • Oral and maxillofacial Radiology 
  • Overview of temporomandibular disorders and Orofacial Pain
  • Research Methodology

Department Courses

  • Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • Orthodontic biomaterials
  • Orthodontic Biomechanics
  • Orthodontic techniques and appliances
  • Radiographic assessment of orthodontic cases
  • Contemporary orthodontic literature review
  • Practice management and risk management 
  • Orthodontic laboratory techniques, 3D printing and digital workflow
  • Early orthodontic treatment 
  • Orthognathic surgery
  • Clear aligner principles and techniques 
  • Advanced edgewise mechanics
  • Interdisciplinary treatment planning in orthodontics 
  • Introduction to organized orthodontics and leadership development 
  • Orthodontic management of oropharyngeal functions and patients with craniofacial anomalies

Clinical Facility

Orthodontic Clinic

Application and requirements

  • The program admits Eight (8) residents on a yearly basis.
  • The program accepts application materials through the American Dental Education Association, Postgraduate Application Support Service (PASS). This service enables applicants to send an original copy of most application materials to PASS for distribution to all the programs that the applicant selects. 
  • The department also participates in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching program (MATCH).