Dentistry Certificate: Orthodontics
Learn more about the certificate in Orthodontics.
About the Certificate
The postgraduate certificate in Orthodontics at Kornberg School of Dentistry emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered, and outcome-driven care. The Orthodontics curriculum incorporates advanced understanding of cutting-edge orthodontic instrumentation, with a focus on wire manipulation and clinical biomechanics. Study of dental literature, research, theories, technological advancements, and therapeutic procedures is applied to the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Skills are also developed for the sound management of one’s own clinical practice.
Matriculation in the Orthodontics program starts in July of each year. Dentists are expected to maintain continuous residency status over the course of the program. Completion of the certificate also awards residents a concurrent Master of Science degree in Oral Health Sciences.
Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 26 months
Campus Location: Health Sciences Center
Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Full-time study is required.
Job Prospects: The postdoctoral certificate program prepares residents to become qualified specialists in orthodontics with expertise in applied basic sciences, clinical biomechanics, compassionate care for patients, and diagnosis and treatment planning. Residents receive advanced didactic and clinical instruction across all aspects of the discipline in preparation for a career as an orthodontist in settings such as academics, clinical practice, and research. Graduates are prepared to pursue certification by the American Board of Orthodontics.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may enroll in some courses with permission from the course instructor and approval from the Kornberg School of Dentistry Office of Graduate Education.
Financing Opportunities: Limited financial support is available for dental residents.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Summer: August 15 to start the following year
APPLY ONLINE to this professional program through ADEA PASS.
Also APPLY ONLINE to the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program.
Applicants for the Orthodontics certificate program must utilize the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS), which is a centralized application service sponsored by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) for individuals applying to advanced dental education programs. The ADEA PASS application must be completed via the ADEA's website at https://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/PASS/applicants/.
All Orthodontics applicants must submit their application materials to PASS by August 15 to allow PASS sufficient time to process their materials and submit them to Temple by our September 1 deadline. Please check with PASS to ensure that your information has been received as they will only forward completed records to Temple University for assessment.
All Orthodontics applicants are also required to apply to the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program through National Matching Services Inc. at https://natmatch.com/dentres/.
Six individuals are selected each year for full-time matriculation into the Orthodontics certificate program. Preference is given to academically accomplished candidates and those with demonstrable maturity in research, clinical care, or service. Individuals with high GPAs and strong letters of recommendation are encouraged to apply. The admissions process ensures a fair, unbiased, and nondiscriminatory admissions policy.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from dental school faculty or supervisors. At least two of the letters must be written by faculty who can evaluate the applicant’s clinical skills.
Degree Required for Admission Consideration: Applicants must hold the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree from a U.S. or Canadian dental school accredited according to the standards of the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
International applicants must verify that their training is equivalent to a CODA-accredited institution by using one of these foreign academic credentialing services: World Education Services or Education Credential Evaluators.
Statement of Goals: This personal statement includes your specific interest in Temple's Orthodontics certificate program, your research and future career goals, and your previous academic and research achievements. The statement should not exceed 2,000 words.
Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Required.
NBDE: Required. All applicants must have passed the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I and Part II. If the applicant is currently a senior dental student, results from Part II may be forwarded directly to Kornberg School of Dentistry once received.
ADAT: Scores from the Advanced Dental Admission Test are not required.
TOEFL iBT: 100 minimum required.
Transcripts and Credential Evaluation: Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and dental schools attended must be submitted. Transcripts should include GPA and class rank. Submit transcripts through the ADEA PASS application.
Note that PASS does not accept undergraduate college transcripts. Applicants must send official transcripts for their undergraduate study directly to Kornberg School of Dentistry at the following address:
Dept. of Orthodontics
Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
3223 N. Broad Street (600-00)
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Resume: Current resume or CV required. Submit resume through the ADEA PASS application.
Supplemental Documents: The following documents required for the Orthodontics certificate program are to be sent directly to the Kornberg School of Dentistry in one envelope to the address listed above:
- A check in the amount of $50 made payable to Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. This covers a separate application fee required when applying to the Orthodontics program. Payment should be remitted in a U.S. bank check or U.S. money order as international checks are not accepted.
- A 2x2 photo of the applicant’s face.
Acceptance: Applicants who are accepted into the Orthodontics certificate program are rank-ordered, and their names are submitted to National Matching Services Inc. Notification of their match with a program occurs on the date chosen by National Matching Services Inc.
Certificate Requirements
Required Courses:
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
ORBG 8011 | Molecular Oral and Craniofacial Biology | 1 |
ORBG 8012 | Advanced Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics | 1 |
ORBG 8013 | Introduction to Evidence-Based Dentistry | 1 |
ORBG 8014 | Clinical Anatomy of the Head and Neck | 1 |
ORBG 8015 | Research Methodology and Study Design | 1 |
Total Credit Hours | 5 |
Courses
ORBG 5001. Introduction to Dental Assisting. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 5002. Chairside Dental Assisting. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 5004. Dental Radiology Lecture and Lab. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 5005. Dental Anatomy. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8011. Molecular Oral and Craniofacial Biology. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8012. Advanced Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8013. Introduction to Evidence-Based Dentistry. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8014. Clinical Anatomy of the Head and Neck. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8015. Research Methodology and Study Design. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8016. Cases in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8017. Oral Microbiology and Immunology. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8018. Biostatistics. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8019. Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8021. Microbiome. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8022. Microbiome Techniques. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8023. Craniofacial Bone Biology and Maxillofacial/Dental Orthopedic Care. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8024. Regeneration of Bone and Dental Hard Tissues. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8025. Temporomandibular Joint Biology. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8026. Neuroscience of Pain. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8027. Biology of Drug Delivery Mechanisms. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8028. Basic and Advanced Statistical Methods. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8029. Behavioral Change Theories and Practice. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8031. Biomaterials. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8032. Practical Clinical Practice. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
Pre-requisites:
(ORBG 5001|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (ORBG 5002|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (ORBG 5004|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (ORBG 5005|Minimum Grade of C|May not be taken concurrently)
ORBG 8033. Bioethics and Critical Thinking in Dentistry. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8034. Advanced Practical Clinical Practice. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8035. Introduction to Orthodontics. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8036. Molecular Technology for Translation to the Dental Clinic. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 8037. Science of Taste Sensation and Relation with Oral Conditions. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
ORBG 9885. Pre-clinical Dental Experience for the Kuwaiti Program I. 6 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
ORBG 9886. Pre-clinical Dental Experience for the Kuwaiti Program II. 6 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
ORBG 9991. Research in Oral Biology. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: Dentistry, Kornberg School.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
ORBG 9993. Masters in Oral Health Sciences Qualification Exam. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: Dentistry, Kornberg School.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
ORBG 9996. Master's Thesis in Oral Biology. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
Contacts
Certificate Program Web Address:
https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/orthodontics-certificate-graduate-dn-ortg-dent
Department Information:
Dept. of Orthodontics
Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
3223 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215-707-2866
Submission Address for Application Materials:
https://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/PASS/applicants/Pages/default.aspx
Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) Contacts:
617-612-2065
Mailing Address for Undergraduate Transcripts and Supplemental Documents:
Dept. of Orthodontics
Kornberg School of Dentistry Office of Graduate Education
3223 N. Broad Street (600-00)
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Submission Address for Application to the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program:
Department Contacts:
Graduate Program Director:
Jeffrey H. Godel, D.M.D., M.S.
Associate Professor
215-707-4002