Orthodontics

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry offers an Advanced Orthodontic Program for internationally-trained dentists. This Advanced Orthodontic Program is a flexible program which is designed to meet the needs of internationally-trained dentists and orthodontists wishing to enhance their knowledge in the specialty of orthodontics.

Participants in this program attend school on a full-time basis, attending classes with the orthodontic residents. Upon completion and fulfillment of the requirements of the Advanced Orthodontic Program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Office of Continuing Dental Education.

This program is not intended to prepare individuals to practice the specialty of orthodontics. It is expected that the individual will return to his/her home country after gaining insight and improving his/her knowledge in the specialty of orthodontics.

The Advanced Orthodontic Program will include: learning to identify and diagnose orthodontic patients, analyzing case records and designing treatment plans. Course participants will attend classes and case seminars. As a part of their clinical training, each participant will be assigned to a team of residents to observe graduate orthodontic treatment procedures under the supervision of clinical faculty. Participants who enroll in the 12 month program, upon the approval of the orthodontic faculty, will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research projects.

Admission Process

After applicants have submitted all required documentation, the applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. As required, a personal or phone interview may be scheduled with the applicant. Admission criteria to the Advanced Orthodontic Program include, but are not limited to: academic achievements, demonstrated interest in orthodontics, TOEFL scores and performance at previously attended academic programs, clinical experience and letters of recommendation.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Application fee
• Personal statement / letter of intent
• ECE/WES course-by-course evaluation
• Notarized copy of dental school diploma/degree and original transcripts
• Three Letters of recommendation
• TOEFL score reports

English Language Test Requirements:

• TOEFL (minimum 80 internet based test, 550 paper based)*
• IELTS (minimum 7.0 total bandwidth score) please attach results*

*Scores from these exams must be no more than two years old at the time of submission of the J-1 request.

Tuition

Six months: $30,000 (USD) One year: $50,000 (USD)

International Student Admissions Standards

International Students who require J-1 visa sponsorship to attend the University of Maryland must demonstrate English proficiency and financial responsibility before the Office of International Services (OIS) can issue the appropriate visa document for the program of study.

English Proficiency International students requiring visa sponsorship from the OIS must demonstrate English proficiency. Proficiency is most often verified through the TOEFL or IELTS English Language Proficiency Tests. For students whose native language is English, the TOEFL requirement might be waived.

To find the minimum acceptable score, please access the school's admission links.

Financial Responsibility

International students who require visa sponsorship must ensure they have sufficient funding to cover the cost of the program and living expenses while in Baltimore. Financial responsibility may be proven by a variety of methods. These include the following:

• Personal or family funds
• Government or international organization sponsorship
• A University of Maryland Graduate Assistantship

The documentation must state the name of the person or organization that will sponsor the student and specify the amount of the financial support provided to the student.

If using personal or family funds, a bank statement from within the past six months must be provided. Additionally, if the applicant is receiving financial support from a friend or family member, that person must also write a letter specifying the exact amount of funding he or she will provide during the program.

The expenses of a married student are considerably more than that of a single student. In addition to funds for his or her own expenses, the married student must show an additional $5,000 per year for each dependent. A dependent is classified as a spouse and/or children under the age of 21.

Prior to processing visa paperwork, the OIS requires evidence of the minimum financial support amount committed to the applicant's education.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance is required for all University of Maryland students. The applicant must prove that he or she has coverage equivalent to University of Maryland’s minimum requirements, or purchase the policy offered by the University of Maryland to all students.

Application Form

Download the Application for Admission form here.

Contact Information

Students can mail or email their application and documents to:

Keith Groves, DMin, MPC
Director of Continuing Education
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Room 8102
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: kgroves@umaryland.edu

For questions about the Advanced Orthodontic Program, contact:

Jose A. Bosio, BDS, MSc
Department of Orthodontics
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Room 3205
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-706-67908
Email: jbosio@umaryland.edu