Non-US trained Dentists are eligible to apply for the International Orthodontic Program.

The educational content of this 36-month orthodontic program is identical to the one offered to US-trained Dentists. Enrollment to the graduate program leading to a Master of Science Degree, however, is mandatory for those applicants accepted to the International program.

Curriculum

The program includes lectures, seminars, patient care and research. Emphasis is placed on providing a strong foundation in the areas of clinical, theoretical and research aspects of orthodontics. (See list of courses in previous section-Didactic courses, seminars and assignments).

Admission

International Orthodontic Program applicants should This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. directly through the School of Dentistry. The admission process for students into the international program is as follows:

1. Applicants must possess a D.M.D./D.D.S. or equivalent and should have successfully completed an accredited dental program in a country other than the United States or Canada.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required. Furthermore, candidates will be required to provide documentation of having passed TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
3. Applicants must comply with all UAB international student requirements including, but not limited to, an affidavit from their financial sponsor; bank statement from sponsor’s financial institution, and applicable visa. Students are required to carry health insurance, furnish proof of health insurance and present certification of vaccination for, or immunity to, Hepatitis B. Students are not eligible for financial aid.
4. International applicants must have passed the NBDE part 1 exam before acceptance into the international Orthodontic program.
5. In addition, each applicant must successfully complete a mini-residency of 2 months
   1. During this time, mini-residents carry out procedures to ensure competencies equivalent to those of a US dental school graduate. Procedures include:
   • Study of the textbook, “Introduction to Orthodontics”
   • A 43 question exam (41 MCQ and 2 written) based on the textbook
   • Wire-bending skills taught and tested
   • Diagnostics (pouring study models, taking pictures, lab work, etc.) conducted and skills assessed
   • Communication skills
   2. Mini-residents attend faculty lectures during which time faculty can get to know them.
   3. Each mini-resident is assigned to a resident mentor who will give valuable feedback back to the department.

6. Applications to the International Program must be made by August 15.
7. Candidates for the International Program will need to attend an interview of the Department Admissions Committee.
8. Final selections of the International residents are made by the Department Admissions Committee.
9. The program will begin In January of the following year.

Length of Program

The International Orthodontic Program extends over a period of three (3) years. In addition to training leading to a Certificate in Orthodontics, the student is required to complete a 30 credit hour master’s degree through the Graduate School, of which, 12 hours will be transferred to the Graduate School from the School of Dentistry. In addition to completing didactic courses, students admitted to the Graduate School are required to complete a thesis based on original research. On successful completion of the requirements of the program and defense of a thesis, the candidate will be awarded a Master of Science Degree in Dentistry.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees for the International Orthodontic Program is $60,000 per year. In addition, students will be charged applicable Graduate School tuition and fees. Graduate school tuition and all program fees are subject to change annually. The Dental School certificate tuition/program fee is subject to change for incoming students only and is fixed for the duration of the program once admitted. The Department of Orthodontics will provide a scholarship not to exceed $5,000 per year to support tuition/fees.

Each student will be required to purchase a laptop computer that can be encrypted to secure confidential student and patient information, instruments, camera, books, an articulator, and other supplies as specified by the department. The total costs of these items could amount to approximately $15,000.

Upon notification of acceptance, a non-refundable deposit of $30,000 must be remitted. This deposit is applied against the tuition charges at the time of matriculation. You have the option of paying online through the link below, or by cashiers check to:

UAB School of Dentistry
Office of Postrgaduate Admissions
1720 2nd Avenue South, SDB #124
Birmingham, AL 35294-0007

This program must be completed in a 3-year period of time. Students needing additional time to complete the program will be required to register, pay all applicable program fees as well as Graduate School tuition and fees.