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Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (MDent)

The Master of Dentistry in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics program provides a background in the basic sciences underlying orthodontic treatment and instills a critical, independent, problem-solving approach toward clinical practice.

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    Faculty

    • Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry
    • Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
    • Faculty of Graduate Studies

  • icon award

    Degree

    • Master of Dentistry

  • icon graduate

    Expected duration

    • 3 years

Study with us

Prepare yourself to work in the artistic and scientific field of dentistry at one of the most highly respected dental schools in North America.

Since its establishment in 1966, the orthodontic program has maintained an excellent reputation in Canada and internationally. Our graduates have established successful practices world-wide in Canada, Australia, Columbia, Finland, Ireland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and the USA.

Our research

Considered one of the top research-producing dental schools in Canada, the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry makes significant contributions to understanding health and disease, as well as best practices worldwide.

The Department of Preventive Dental Science research focuses on:

  • Orthodontic biomaterials
  • Adhesivity
  • Anticariogenicity
  • Allergenicity
  • Fluoride release
  • Epidemiology of malocclusion
  • Public health orthodontics
  • Preventive and interceptive orthodontics
  • Clinical research in temporomandibular joint dysfunction
  • The biology of tooth movement

Clinical experience

Small class sizes and opportunities to treat at least 50 patients using a wide variety of orthodontic techniques ensure you will be exposed to industry-leading work in dentistry.

Learn several techniques such as:

  • Full fixed modified edgewise type mechanics
  • Sectional arch mechanics
  • Early treatment philosophies
  • Functional orthopaedics
  • Surgical and cleft palate combination orthodontic-surgical cases

Discover our financial supports

Numerous funding opportunities are available to dentistry graduate students, and to Faculty of Graduate Studies students, to support academic and research goals.

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A dentists performs an oral exam on a patient.
Dentistry students, professors and community members gather for a photo together during an event.

Program details

The Department of Preventive Dental Science offers graduate instruction and research leading to a Master of Dentistry degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Expected duration: 3 years

Tuition and fees:
Students pay the yearly program fee for every year they are registered (refer to Graduate tuition and fees).

The MDent in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics program requires the completion of 40 credit hours of coursework, a thesis requirement and additional graduate resident responsibilities.

The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and is also recognized by the American Dental Association.  Completion of the program provides eligibility to the examinations of the  take the examinations of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC), National Dental Specialty Exams (NDSE) and the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).

Graduate resident responsibilities

  • Preparation of a Master’s Thesis
  • Oral defence of your research project
  • Presentation of your research at an international forum
  • Submission of an article for publication based on your research
  • Limited teaching in the undergraduate orthodontic clinic
  • Participation in outreach to under-served communities

Sample course offerings

  • PDSD 7000: Neural Basis of Oropharyngeal Therapy (3 credit hours)
  • PDSD 7020: The Mechanics of Orthodontic Therapy (6 credit hours)
  • PDSD 7040: Clinical Craniofacial Growth and Development (3 credit hours)
  • PDSD 7060: Cephalometric Analysis (3 credit hours)
  • PDSD 7070: Biology of Orthodontic and Facial Orthopedics (3 credit hours)
  • ANAT 7060: Advanced Human Macroscopic (Gross) Anatomy (6 credit hours)
  • DDSS 7030: Advanced Oral Radiology (1 credit hours)
  • CHSC 6810: Biostatistics for Clinicians (3 credit hours)
  • DDSS: 7230 Advanced Oral Pathology (6 credit hours)
  • RSTD: 7150 Orthodontic Biomaterials (3 credit hours)

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.

Admission requirements

The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the MDent in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

To be considered for admission to the MDent in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, you must be a graduate of a minimum four-year university-based dentistry program and have at least one year of clinical experience.

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

How to apply

Applications for the MDent in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics has one application deadline per year and applications are accepted for June entry only. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:

  • $150 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Official academic transcripts are required from all recognized post-secondary institutions, regardless of whether a degree has been awarded (scan and upload your transcripts directly through the online application; transcripts sent directly from the institution are not required until you have been admitted)
  • Current CV
  • Three letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
  • A biographical sketch of one or two pages discussing educational and career objectives, personal experiences and other factors that have had or will have an impact on these objectives
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if required

Application deadline

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis. The Admissions committee for  Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics reviews applications in November / December.

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Canadian, US and International applicants
Term Annual application deadline
Summer (June) August 1

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

Learn more

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Explore the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry

As one of the most highly respected dental schools in North America, we are committed to the continuous pursuit of oral health excellence. Our high-quality programs educate students to become caring oral health professionals, while our research profile makes significant contributions to understanding health and disease and best practices worldwide.

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Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry
Dean’s Office, Graduate Programs
Room D113 Dentistry Building
780 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne Campus)
Winnipeg, MB   R3E 0W2

orthodontics@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-789-3571
Fax: 204-272-3077