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

Entrance Requirements

The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent 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.

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 and the following minimum score on each of the individual skill areas: Listening 22, Reading 22, Speaking 26, and Writing 24.
• CAEL minimum score of 80 with at least 70 on each subtest;
• or an IELTS (Academic) minimum score of 7.5 with at least 7 on each band.

All applicants are also required to provide 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. This experience should happen within two years of the application date.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have successfully completed the National Dental Examining Board of Canada’s (NDEB) Certification process.
• Before entering the program, 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.

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

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. Applicants who already possess a full license from the ADA&C do not need to obtain additional licensure.

For the MSc in Orthodontics the application deadline is September 1 for the following September admission.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of ★72 in required coursework . The program also consists of seminars, a clinical component and a thesis. Student progress will be monitored through written and/or oral external assessment. Feedback from this assessment serves to identify areas that require additional attention by the student. The assessment will permit the development of specific clinical and/or didactic improvement objectives before the next assessment.

The program of study is determined by the Graduate Program Director in consultation with the supervisor and supervisory committee.

Student progress may be monitored through written and/or oral assessment. Feedback from this assessment serves to identify areas that require additional attention by the student. The assessment will permit the development of  specific clinical and/or didactic improvement objectives before the next assessment.

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.

• 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)
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (CPR) is required for all students registered in the program. The School will only accept Canadian or American Heart and Stroke: Basic Life Support CPR for healthcare providers.  No other courses will be accepted to meet the CPR requirement. Students must provide evidence of valid CPR certification at the beginning of each fall term throughout the course of their program. A CPR BLS Provider certificate is valid for one year from the completion date of the course. Online CPR course certifications will NOT be accepted; students must attend an in-person course. Students who do not have current Basic Life Support Provider CPR certification cannot participate in clinical courses. You may visit the Heart and Stroke website to find courses offered in Basic Life Support  CPR for health care providers.
• We encourage all students, even those with existing certification, to ensure their certification will cover the entire academic year. Students with existing certification are strongly encouraged to renew early to be in sync with  the academic calendar. Students are responsible for the costs associated with this training.
• 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)

Academic Standing Requirements

Achieving a grade below C+ in any course is a failure to meet minimum academic standards and may result in being required to withdraw from the program.

Length of Program

The minimum time required to complete the MSc is three years.

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

Fees:

In addition to the yearly tuition assessed for students enrolled in the program, there are additional costs associated with CPR training, equipment and instrumentation rental fees for Orthodontic graduate students. All costs are  estimates and subject to change and can be affected by economic conditions such as exchange rates. Students pay the fees in effect at the time of registration. Students are responsible for purchasing intraoral camera equipment.

We will make recommendations for the preferred camera body, macro lens and ring flash systems.

Use of loupes is recommended in clinics.