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Introduction
Orthodontics is that branch of dentistry that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws, and misaligned bite patterns. It may also address the modification of facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics. The Master of Dental Surgery program in Orthodontics is a three-year full time program that provide the necessary fundamental sciences and clinical training and education that would enable the dental practitioner to begin an independent career in orthodontics.

Program Objectives
The goals of the MDS-Orthodontics program are to enable students to:

1. Develop contemporary knowledge specifically in understanding the principles of normal and abnormal facial growth to enable to make appropriate clinical decisions in correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws.
2. Acquire basic and advance skills in patient care, investigation techniques and clinical skills at a level of competency for safe orthodontic practice.
3. Participate in multidisciplinary team work for effective patient care.
4. Develop and adopt high values in decision making, with contemporary evidence based knowledge and skills.
5. Communicate efficiently and practices the highest level of Ethics and Professionalism
6. Promote as an advocate for health and continue to be a life-long learner.
 

Special Admission Requirements
 1. A BDS degree from University of Sharjah or an equivalent qualification, with a GPA of 3.0 or above.  Candidates with GPA of between 2.5 and 2.9 may be given consideration.
2. A minimum of one-year post qualification work experience
3. English Language requirements: A minimum of 550 on paper based TOEFL or 6.0 on IELTS or its equivalence.
4. Applicants must attend an interview session and may be required to sit for a written and/or practical test in the selection process.


Program Structure
Course Description
 
The program begins with basic medical sciences and relevant dental sciences courses that help build a core knowledge on craniofacial growth and development, that enable the trainee to proceed for further orthodontic education and training. Clinical experience includes mandatory clinical practice around children and adults with dental occlusion discrepancies, jaw mal relations and craniofacial deformities, such as cleft lip and palate. Multidisciplinary team work and quality patient-care outcome in a safe environment remain as the main philosophy of training. The program has an overall 70% clinical component and 30% research component, in the form of a short investigation leading to a thesis. Trainees shall also participate in relevant continuing professional development activities held at College of Dental Medicine, which are accredited by Royal College of Surgeons of England. 

Academic Courses

Semester	Subject Title	Cr Hr
Semester 1 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​	Clinical Course 1	7
	Orthodontic Documentation, Diagnosis & Analysis	2
	Craniofacial Biology & Development	2
	Orthodontic Mechanics 1	2
	Cephalometric & Cast Analysis & Dentofacial Photography	1
	Typodont Course	1
		15
Semester 2 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​	Clinical Course 2	7
	Anatomy & Orthodontics	2
	Craniofacial Biology & Orthodontics	2
	Orthodontic Mechanics 2	2
	Literature Review	1
	Wire Bending Exercises	1
		15
Semester 3 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​	Clinical Course 3	9
	Orthodontics & Maxillofacial Surgery & Planning	3
	Orthodontic Management I	2
	Biomechanics	1
	Scientific Methodology	2
		17
Semester 4 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​	Clinical Course 4	9
	Postnatal Growth Determination & Prediction	2
	Interceptive Orthodontics	1
	Orthodontic Management 2	2
	Research Project 1	1
		15
Semester 5 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​	Clinical Course 5	8
	Orthodontic Management 3	2
	Craniomandibular Function & Orthodontics	1
	Practice Management	1
	Research Project 2	3
		15
Semester 6 ​ ​ ​ ​	Clinical Course 6	6
	Cleft Palate & Related Syndromes	1
	Orthodontic Management 4	2
	Research Project 3	4
		13

Research Project
The academic courses in Research Methods I and II prepare the trainees in their research project work. Trainees are encouraged to embark onto a research project very early in their program. They will be well guided throughout the research activities through courses in Research Project I to IV with full support from their appointed supervisor.  This course would enable them adopt an inquisitive mind and continue practice evidence-based dentistry. Trainees must submit a thesis and publish a scientific paper which is directly related to their project.

The College of Dental Medicine support the trainees in its three multidisciplinary research clusters as follows:

• Biomaterial Research Group
• Wound Healing and Oral Diagnostic Research Group
• Oral Biofilm in Health and disease Research Group

 

University of Sharjah Graduate Studies Bylaws and Master's Executive Regulations:
For more detailed information regarding the general admission requirements for the Master of Dental Surgery programs at University of Sharjah, as well as the graduation requirements, academic load, maximum duration of program studies, conditional admission, academic probation, examination and grades systems, as well as registration of thesis, you may consult the University of Sharjah Graduate Studies Bylaws and Master's Executive Regulations available in PDF format on the following link (College of Graduate Studies website): https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/en/Research/gs/Pages/br.aspx