Advanced Orthodontics Certificate

Return to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC 

The advanced orthodontics certificate program is a 34-month course of study leading to a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree in craniofacial biology. The program in orthodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. Upon completion of all requirements, the graduate is eligible for examination and certification by the American Board of Orthodontics.

The program has as its primary mission the preparation and training of residents for clinical practice in the specialty of orthodontics. This is achieved through a broad, in-depth curriculum designed to develop proficiency in clinical orthodontics with a solid foundation in fundamental and advanced biological and mechanical principles. Graduate-level courses in the basic sciences are the core didactic component of the program. Research is also an integral part of the program, and each resident must complete an original research project to fulfill a thesis requirement.