The Degree of PhD in Medical Sciences - Orthodontics [Graduate]

The Department of Dentistry offers a PhD in Medical Sciences - Orthodontics. It is a full-time program with clinical training integrated into it. Through a combination of didactic and clinical courses, the program is structured to prepare the dental graduate for an orthodontic practice and/or a related academic appointment. This is a thesis based program. In
addition, the clinical requirements involve successful completion of a selected number of teaching cases.

Clinical training will not start until defined research milestones are attained.

Information about the program may be found at www.ualberta.ca/school-of-dentistry/programs-and-admissions/graduate-studies/msc-orthodontics. The application deadline is September 1 for the following September admission. As part of the selection process, selected applicants will be invited to an interview. Students enrolled in the PhD in Medical Sciences - Orthodontics program will not have the option of transferring to the MSc in Medical Sciences - Orthodontics program.

Entrance Requirements

In addition to the general entrance requirements (Dentistry ), a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent dental professional designation, as well as a Master’s degree or consent of both the Department of Dentistry and the Division of Orthodontics are required. Applicants to this Orthodontics program must:

Provide an official letter from their dental school noting their class ranking upon graduation from dentistry.
Have at least one year of experience as a licensed dentist prior to the start of the program. Proof of clinical involvement as a licensed dentist not later than two years before application. Letter(s) of good standing from current and previous licensing bodies must be provided.
Complete a required personal interview if short-listed. Those applicants will be advised of the arranged interview date by e-mail.
Identify a suitable supervisor to provide support.

For the PhD in Medical Sciences - Orthodontics program, applications will be received and reviewed by the Division of Orthodontics Committee (DOC) after approval by the Department of Dentistry’s Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) (see Medical Sciences). In-person participation in the formal DOC interview process is required for those applicants that are approved by the GSC and are thereafter selected for an interview by the DOC.

For applicants that are not licensed by Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C), a condition of admission is for candidates to obtain registration on the Education and Research Register from the ADA&C by August 1 prior to starting the program in the Fall Term. Candidates who already possess a full license from the ADA&C do not need to obtain additional licensure.

Financial Assistance

See (General Information ).

Program Requirements

The program of study and professional development requirements are determined in consultation with the supervisor and supervisory committee. Successful completion of the PhD candidacy examination will be required by October 1 prior to the academic year the student starts their clinical training. This will allow the allocation of a clinical training spot for the following September start.

Information about the program and the online application form may be found at www.ualberta.ca/school-of-dentistry/programs-and-admissions/graduate-studies/msc-orthodontics.

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; however, a minimum of six years is considered normal.