Department of Orthodontics Graduate Program
Program Description

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Colorado Postdoctoral Program in Orthodontics, as an integral part of the University of Colorado School of Dentistry, is to provide a program of excellence in teaching, research, patient care, and community/professional service for Colorado and the nation.

The primary purpose of the educational program is the education of graduates who possess the knowledge, skills, and values to begin the practice of orthodontics as ethical practitioners committed to lifelong learning, and dedicated to fulfilling the public’s trust.

The school’s research activities in basic science, clinical and translational research programs contribute to the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge for the benefit of society. Faculty and students engage in scholarly activities that have a positive impact on oral and systemic health.

The school’s patient care programs provide quality comprehensive care with a focus on prevention and wellness, while serving as a clinical education resource for dental, dental hygiene and postdoctoral students.

The school’s community service programs within the school’s clinics and in extramural sites increase access to care for Colorado’s under-served populations through the delivery of primary dental clinical care. Professional service through sharing the school’s expertise and knowledge enhance the broader dental community and profession.

Goals and Objectives [top]

Goal I – the clinical care provided in the program is patient-based to provide the student proficiency in orthodontics and the patient with high-quality care

Objectives:

• Patient selection to provide a diverse clinical experience appropriate to normal clinical practice.
• Gather an appropriate and complete data base on each patient to provide a strong foundation for diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment consultation, treatment, and retention of the patient.
• Use of a problem-based diagnostic and treatment planning strategy for all patients.
• Utilization of craniofacial growth and development knowledge in planning and carrying out patient treatment.
• Integration of relevant biological, clinical, and behavioral science into patient treatment.
• Use of current biomechanical and biomaterial techniques and strategies in patient care.
• Use of appropriate interdisciplinary consultation and care where appropriate.
• Application of the principles of infection control and environmental safety to patient care and clinical operations.

Goal II – the didactics provided to the student are broad-based and provide a strong basis for continued learning and clinical practice.

Objectives:

• Use and understand basic scientific principles.
• Provide sufficient supporting knowledge to allow the student to appropriately evaluate the literature and interact knowledgeably with other dental specialists.
• Provide appropriate knowledge on business, legal, and ethical issues to aid the student in managing an orthodontic practice.

Goal III – the research aspect of the program provides the foundational knowledge to allow the student to critically evaluate the literature and conduct research.

Objectives:

• Provide familiarity with research design and statistical analysis.
• Formulate a proposal, carry out a research project, analyze the results, and write the results in a publishable format.
• Submit a publishable manuscript to a journal as a contribution to the clinical and scientific literature.
• Develop characteristics of a life-long learner in the student.

Goal IV – the service portion of the program encourages the student toward socially responsible behavior.

Objectives:

• Activity within organized dentistry, initially by attendance at local and national meetings.
• Participation in craniofacial deformity and underprivileged patient clinics.
• Education of non-orthodontists concerning orthodontics.

Accreditation [top]

The University of Colorado School of Dentistry’s Post-doctoral Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics received Initial Accreditation on July 30, 2004, from the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation. This accreditation designation is reserved for new programs and is intended to inform all internal and external constituencies that, based upon a thorough examination of detailed documents and a site visit to our campus, the CU program is approved as having the potential to meet all accreditation standards as it becomes fully operational. We anticipate full accreditation status prior to graduation of the first class of residents in 2006. All residents attending or accepted to the program will graduate from an accredited program.

Curriculum and Clinical Emphasis [top]

The curriculum was developed to meet the above goals and objectives. Approximately 50% of the first year is didactics and 50% clinical care with an anticipated minimum of 25 patient starts. The remaining 15 months involve 25% didactics and the remainder of the time spent in clinical activities, teaching, and research. The clinical emphasis is on strong training in the use of contemporary edgewise appliances in conjunction with functional and other orthopedic appliances to treat children, adolescents, and adults using both routine orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Participation in craniofacial anomaly boards and patients is required.

Stipend [top]

No stipend is offered except to qualified scholarship recipients. Outside employment is strongly discouraged. Scholarships and tuition assistance are available from a variety of sources. Please see the University of Colorado Denver web site for a complete listing. A private sector scholarship with a stipend and all expenses paid is available from the Orthodontic Education Company (OEC). Contact www.orthoeducation.com for their scholarship information and eligibility.

Tuition, fees, and required equipment [top]

Tuition - $40,000 per year

Requirements for graduation [top]

1. Passing all classes with an average of "B" or above.
2. Successfully completing proficiency examinations.
3. Demonstrate clinical proficiency in orthodontics.
4. Completion of research project and publishable manuscript in AJDO format.
5. Passing Part II (written examination) of the American Board of Orthodontics in 2nd year – examination and travel costs at residents expense.
6. Attendance at all classes and clinics assigned.

Application process [top]

Applications are accepted from May 1 to September 30 of each year.

Download the application: Orthodontic Program Application (pdf 224 kb)

Complete the application and mail it with the following:

• Completed and signed application
• Personal Essay
• Application fee of US$50.00

Additional documents required sent directly to CU Program from originating institution

• Academic Evaluation Form from Dean of Dental School
• Three Letters of Recommendation – at least one from former faculty and 2 from other faculty or orthodontists
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Official GRE scores (desirable but not required)
• Official National Board Part I and II Scores

All documents should be sent to

Postdoctoral Program in Orthodontics Application
University of Colorado School of Dentistry
Mail Stop F849
P. O. Box 6508
Aurora, CO 80045

Interviews

Interviews are by invitation only – interviews will be held between October 1 and November 15 of each year and require one full day.
Final selection is anticipated no later than December 1.

Further information [top]
e-mail:Hope.hart@uchsc.edu
telephone: 303 724-6990 (e-mail preferred)