Apr 23, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2020-2021 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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


The Department of Dentistry offers the degree of PhD in Medical Sciences - Orthodontics. It is a full-time research training 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.

Entrance Requirements


The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent and a master’s degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.4 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.  The admission GPA will be calculated on the last ★60 of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

Applicant’s without a master’s degree may be considered for admission provided they can demonstrate adequate prior relevant education and experiences as determined by both the Department of Dentistry and the Division of Orthodontics.

Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:

  • TOEFL (internet-based) minimum score 95 with at least 20 per section or equivalent;
  • CAEL minimum score of 70 with at least 70 on each subtest;
  • or an IELTS (Academic) minimum score of 7.5 with at least 6 on each band.

All applicants are also required to submit the following:

  • a current curriculum vitae
  • a statement of intent
  • three letters of recommendation (two must be professional)
  • an official letter from their dental school noting their class ranking upon graduation from dentistry.
  • Completion of at least one year of experience as a licensed dentist immediately prior to the start of the program is required.
  • Applicants must have a license to practice Dentistry in Alberta, or must have passed the NDEB examination of Canada.
  • Applicants who are not licensed but in a Canada/USA accredited GPR program are required to obtain a letter from the Program Director stating they are in good standing with no professional conduct issues.
  • A personal interview is required for short-listed applicants. These applicants will be advised of the arranged interview date by e-mail.
  • Identify a suitable supervisor to provide support.

Admission is dependent upon the approval of the Department of Dentistry’s Graduate Studies Committee, the Division of Orthodontics Selection Committee, and the Medical Sciences Graduate Program Committee.

Program Requirements


Students are required to complete a minimum of ★83 in required coursework . Additional courses related to the specific area of research may be required. The program also consists of seminars, a clinical component and a thesis.

The clinical requirements involve successful completion of a selected number of teaching cases. Clinical training will not start until defined research milestones are attained and the candidacy examination is successfully passed. Clinical training will start in September immediately after these conditions are met.

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.

The program of study and professional development requirements are determined by the Graduate Program Director in consultation with the supervisor and supervisory committee.

Prior to clinical training (★12)


Elective courses (★6)


Students must complete ★6 in graduate-level courses chosen in consultation with the program director and their supervisor.

Required courses in clinical curriculum (★71)


Thesis


  • Registration in 900-level THES. Students are required to complete and defend a thesis.

Candidacy exam


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.

Seminars


Students have an attendance requirement for the Discover Dental Sciences seminars and to participate in the Graduate Student Research Day.

Requirements for Clinical courses


These requirements must be met prior to starting the clinical courses. If there is an associated fee, students are responsible for the costs incurred.

  • Students must obtain registration on the Education and Research Register from the ADA&C by August 1 prior to starting the clinical program in the Fall Term. Candidates who already possess a full license from the ADA&C do not need to obtain additional licensure.
  • Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: To ensure, insofar as possible, both student and patient safety, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry requires that all students must have their immunization status reviewed and updated as necessary by a qualified healthcare professional upon acceptance into a health sciences program. (University Infectious Diseases Regulation)
  • Police Information Checks and Protection for Persons in Care: Applicants should be aware that a clear Police Information Check (PIC) is required as a condition of admission and that any criminal charges pending must be  declared. (Requirement for Police Information Checks); (Protection for Persons in Care)
  • Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: (Professional and Ethical Standards)
  • The Department of Dentistry Technical Standards Policy: defines the necessary knowledge, skills, professional behaviors, and attitudes expected of students. (Technical Standards)

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.

The maximum time permitted to complete the PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is six years.