Application and Admission

Application

The Department of Orthodontics participates in the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS). The Department also participates in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (the Match). Applicants MUST register with Match and PASS. The shared PASS/Match registration portal can be accessed from the Match website (select the option for Applicant Registration).

Our program code is 768574.

The ADAT has been introduced as an additional evaluation in 2016, the pilot year for that test. Since ADAT scores will be released after the application deadline, they will be considered as optional supplemental information but are not a required component of the application.

Application materials should be completed and received by PASS before August 15, 2023 for admission the following July. The following must be submitted directly to the program:

Graduate Orthodontic Program
875 Union Ave.
Memphis, TN 38163

1. A 2x2 photograph.

2. You are seeking a place in an Orthodontic residency program. Programs are different in their approach to your education. One approach emphasizes training you to be a proficient provider who is competent in the use of multiple devices. Another approach emphasizes the biological and biomechanical principles which can be applied to any clinical treatment. Most programs attempt to achieve a balance somewhere between these two approaches. 

So we may get to know you better, please provide a handwritten response to the question:

As you leave home for your new career/adventure/pursuit, what three things would you take with you to define who you are (no pets, no family members and no work-related objects). Please give short explanations for each and limit your response to one cumulative page. Attach your 2X2 photo to your essay.

3. The UTHSC Department of Orthodontics participates in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program and considers that participation to be beneficial and fair to both the residency program and its applicants. The Department fully complies with the Institutional Agreement. During selection of candidates for interviews, we grant priority consideration to applicants who are participating exclusively in the Match. Attach a signed and dated copy of the following statement with circled choice to your submitted handwritten essay: I am/am not applying exclusively to programs participating in the Match.

After the application materials are received and evaluated, some applicants will be invited for an interview. Interviews are scheduled in the month of October. No student is admitted without a personal interview.

If accepted for enrollment, each student will be required to make application to the College of Graduate Health Sciences. Original copies of transcripts, NBDE scores, GRE scores and three original and signed letters of recommendation must accompany that application. The letters of recommendation may be the same as those submitted to PASS but must be an original and signed document.

All applicants must be eligible for full licensure by the State of Tennessee Board of Dentistry at the time of matriculation in July of 2024. 

Admission Decisions

The probability of success in graduate study is assessed using many criteria, but important characteristics are:

1. Dental and undergraduate school achievement
2. Performance on standardized tests
3. Extracurricular activities
4. The interview
5. Experience
6. Recommendations

Minimally, to be considered for full-standing as a graduate student, an applicant must have earned a DDS or equivalent degree awarded by a CODA accredited institution, compiled at least a "B" coursework average, and rank in the upper 30% of his or her graduating class.

Upon receiving notification of acceptance into the graduate program, the prospective student will be required to sign the assurance form reserving his or her position. The individual must notify all other programs to which he or she has applied to remove all pending applications from consideration.

In addition to the listing of anticipated expenses presented here, students are required to have a personal laptop computer and a digital camera. During the fall semester of the second year, students are required to attend the Tweed Study Course. Registration fees, travel and lodging expenses associated with attendance at this course are paid by the department. Some incidental, non-reimbursed expenses may be incurred.

UTHSC has established a Student Financial Aid Department which is committed to removing the financial barriers to education for students with limited resources. Several forms of financial aid assistance for students may be secured through University and other sources. Information is available at the Financial Aid Office.

Stipends

Student stipends that help defray the cost of an education in orthodontics and that allow the student to concentrate on his/her studies have been available in recent years. While continuation of this assistance is not assured, a stipend of $4,200.00 is distributed each year of the program. The stipend is paid monthly. Special stipends and programs may be available to assist minority students and those interested in pursuing an academic career.