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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

You will pay the yearly program fee for each year you are registered. For more details, refer to the Graduate tuition and fees page.

Program requirements

The MDent in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics program requires:

  • Completion of 40 credit hours of coursework
  • Preparation of a Master’s thesis
  • Oral defense 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

Accreditation and eligibility

This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and recognized by the American Dental Association. Completing the program makes you eligible for the following examinations:

  • Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC)
  • National Dental Specialty Exams (NDSE)
  • American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)

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 program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduate degree: Minimum four-year university-based dentistry program
  • Clinical experience: At least one year of clinical experience

Additionally, all applicants must fulfill 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 program are accepted once a year for June entry only. To apply, complete the online application, which includes several parts:

Application components

  • Application fee: Non-refundable
  • Official academic transcripts: 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: Include an up-to-date curriculum vitae.
  • Letters of recommendation: Three letters must be requested from within the application.
  • Biographical sketch: One or two pages discussing your educational and career objectives, personal experiences, and other factors that have impacted these objectives.
  • Proof of English language proficiency: Required if applicable.

Application deadline

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis. The Admissions committee for Orthodontics reviews applications in August/September and holds interviews in September/October.

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