Overview of the M.Sc./Dental Specialty Program in Orthodontics

The graduate section of the orthodontic discipline offers an integrated three-year program leading to a Master of Science degree upon completion. Course content is divided between didactic and clinical practice material with approximately equal time being devoted to each. The clinical aspect involves the treatment of all types of malocclusions, ranging from routine to severe, under the supervision of staff members and the completion of these cases is a requirement for graduation. This approach to clinical specialty education is unique in that no single diagnostic or treatment philosophy is emphasized but rather a varied technique approach is stressed ranging from traditional edgewise therapy to the latest, most advanced, self-ligating, low friction appliance systems and fixed class II correctors and removable functional appliances. Each philosophy is presented by first-rate clinicians. The combined years of clinical and teaching expertise offered by these individuals has gained the respect of the many successful graduates of the programme.
A major requirement of the program is the production of an original research project in the field of orthodontics and the publication of the thesis material in a peer reviewed journal. Research topics are varied but the availability of the "Burlington Growth and Research Centre" allows the use of unique data that is not readily available elsewhere. The affiliation with the world renowned Hospital for Sick Children's Cleft Lip and Palate and Congenital Anomalies program adds significantly to the learning and research experience made available to the resident.