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College of DentistryGraduate Orthodontic Program |
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GRADUATE PROGRAM IN ORTHODONTICSThe graduate program in orthodontics at the University of Tennessee begins in August of each year and continues for 34 consecutive months with graduation in May/June. This period of study provides for intensive instruction and training in the biological and clinical sciences related to the specialty of orthodontics. The course of instruction is designed to satisfy all requirements for eligibility for licensure as a specialist, the specialty board in orthodontics, and the Master of Science degree. The program, fully accredited by the American Dental Association, is well rounded and provides balanced training in clinical orthodontics, the basic sciences, and research. Our goal is to prepare the graduate to pursue many career possibilities: a clinician with a practice limited to orthodontics, or a researcher or a teacher of orthodontics. Instruction in Basic Sciences Instruction in the basic sciences at the postgraduate level is designed to provide broad and in-depth knowledge concerning the human form beyond that learned in dental school. Fundamental knowledge regarding all aspects of the human system is taught with a particular focus on growth, development, and the biological aspects of tooth movement and alteration of bones. Basic instruction also focuses on new technologies; computer science is as integral part of the curriculum. Clinical Experience The development of diagnostic and treatment skills is a major facet of our mission to our graduate students. Orthodontic courses are presented by lecture, laboratory demonstration, and seminar methods. Courses on theory are correlated with and supplemented by the treatment of malocclusions in the clinic using multi-banded techniques, removable appliances, or combined orthodontic-surgical procedures. Several modifications of the edgewise appliance as well as standard edgewise are taught. Each student receives a great deal of faculty attention throughout the program while treating many patients in the clinic. In the clinic, students are exposed to a wide array of patient types. Children, adolescents, and adults are treated. Consequently, students are exposed to treatment in the deciduous, mixed, and adult dentitions. Students are also exposed to patients with compromised dentitions who require consideration of periodontal, restorative, and temporomandibular joint intervention. As a result, many patients are treated by an interdisciplinary approach with other health professionals. Research and the Thesis No less enthusiastic interest is shown by the faculty in the other aspect of our mission: contributing to the knowledge of the profession through basic research. Each graduate student works closely with faculty advisors to develop an original clinical or basic science research project. The topics for research are limitless and usually develop from areas of specific interest "discovered" by the student. A reasonable project is worked out with the help of faculty counsel. This initial step is followed by a period of in-depth literary investigation to determine what is and is not already known about the particular subject. Then, the equipment and materials are organized, and whatever techniques and methods to be used are learned. Required laboratory equipment is available across the campus, from computers to electron microscopes. The work begins and, finally, results are analyzed and evaluated. The research project begins in the first year and is carried out during scheduled research and during off-clinic periods. This research experience is an integral part of the Graduate Program, and we expect a worthwhile study that will represent a solid, meaningful contribution to the field of orthodontics. A written thesis of acceptable literary and scientific merit is prepared along with a manuscript suitable for publication so that this new knowledge may become available to the profession. We have observed that the research portion of our orthodontic program is a stimulating and rewarding experience for each graduate student. We are genuinely proud of our students' achievements in research. Incoming students who have already been involved in research projects will find these past experiences helpful, regardless of the prior topics. Graduate students without a background in research, however, should not feel apprehensive. This "different" form of learning is foreign to the common educational experience, and students will receive help to accomplish a genuinely exciting research study. Facilities The principal clinic area for the department is housed on the third floor of the Dunn Dental Building. In the department are situated all business offices, clinical staff offices, laboratory facilities, a large clinical area, and an unrivaled orthodontic library. Additionally, the Hinman Continuing Education Center, Humphries General Education Building, and the main UT library are valuable facilities for study and instruction. Application Materials Application materials should be completed and received by the College before September 15th for admission the following August. The following are required:
2. Official transcripts from dental school and pre-dental educational experiences. 3. Official copies of National Board of Examiners test scores. 4. Test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 5. Four letters of reference, including one from the applicant's dental school dean, indicating cumulative grade point average (GPA) and class rank. Admission Decisions The probability of success in graduate study is assessed using many criteria, but important characteristics are:
2. Performance on standardized tests. 3. Extracurricular activities 4. The interview. 5. Experience. 6. Recommendations Notification The Department of Orthodontics participates in the national Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program. Applicants will be notified of the details of the matching process at the interview. Fees and Expenses Upon receiving notification of acceptance into the graduate program, the prospective student will be required to sign the assurance form reserving his or her position. The individual must notify all other programs to which he or she has applied to remove all pending applications from consideration. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is waived by the Board of Trustees of the University because orthodontic graduate students are enrolled in the College of Graduate Health Sciences. There is no tuition. Students can expect to spend approximately $5000.00 on instruments and $800.00 on textbooks while they are in the program. Students are required to have a notebook computer and a digital camera. They are required to attend the Tweed Study Course at their expense. The University has established a Student Financial Aid Department which is committed to removing the financial barriers to education for students with limited resources. Several forms of financial aid assistance for students may be secured through University and other sources. Information is available at the Financial Aid Office. Stipends Student stipends that help defray the cost of an education in orthodontics and that allow the student to concentrate on his/her studies have been available in recent years. While continuation of this assistance is not assured, a stipend of $2,400.00 is distributed each year of the program. The stipend is paid monthly. Special stipends and programs may be available to assist minority students. In addition, a special program known as the Faustin Neff Weber Orthodontic Fellowship that was designed to support those interested in pursuing an academic career is available. Teaching Staff The orthodontic faculty is presently comprised of 15 full-time or part-time members, most of whom are practicing orthodontists. This broadly-based group of individuals (they have advanced degrees from several different universities) is substantial (4.40 full-time equivalents) and has many strengths and talents. Many are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, several hold or have held high offices in national or regional dental and orthodontic associations, and collectively the faculty has over 400 years of experience in clinical orthodontics. Many members are internationally known for their research, teaching, and clinical ability. Several visiting lecturers also participate in the education of our students. Because of the continued study and diligence of this dedicated faculty, our program stands today as a leader in the training of orthodontists. James L. Vaden, DDS, MS Edward F. Harris, PhD Inquiries about the training program itself should be directed to the Chairman of the Department of Orthodontics. Any questions regarding application or admission to the College of Dentistry should be directed to the College's Dean of Admissions. The University of Tennessee 875 Union Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38163 Affirmative Action The University of Tennessee Health Science Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or disability in the education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA, or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any other referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 62 South Dunlap, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38163, (901) 448-5558, or TDD (901) 448-7382. Requests for accommodation of a disability should also be directed to the Director of Equity and Diversity, 62 South Dunlap, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38163, (901) 448-5558 or TDD (901) 448-7382 or log on to our website at: www.utmem.edu. E07-3401-0004-03 (1171) |
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