Orthodontic Preceptorship Program
The UIC Department of Orthodontics is offering a full-time, short-term Orthodontic Preceptorship Program (4-6 months) with an intensive didactic program complemented by, clinical and research insight into the orthodontic specialty in a university academic environment.
Goals
The goal of the full-time program is to provide excellent background and knowledge in orthodontics. The program will enable the participants to formulate diagnoses and develop comprehensive treatment plans with a deep understanding of the possibilities and the limitations of orthodontic treatment. The participants will also have the opportunity to be involved in research projects with UIC faculty.
The program is not intended to license individuals as orthodontic specialists. There is no substitute for full accredited orthodontic residency training to be considered an orthodontic specialist.
Curriculum
The full-time Non-Degree program will consist of academic/didactic complemented by, clinical and/or research components.
Didactic/Research Component
The program includes a series of comprehensive theoretical and practical sessions providing a strong foundation in areas of growth and development, biomechanics, the biology of tooth movement, digital diagnostic, treatment planning, and evidence-based clinical methodology. Forty-five (45) % time will be devoted to the Didactic (theoretical) Component.
The participants could develop or participate in the research projects at the UIC Department of orthodontics with mentorship from the orthodontic faculty. UIC has many research facilities, including The Brodie Laboratory for Craniofacial Genetics and the Digital Imaging Laboratory, in addition to many faculty with different areas of expertise, including basic science and clinical research. Students will be assigned to a research topic according to their area of interest, and they are expected to engage in a departmental presentation or manuscript submission in a recognized peer-reviewed orthodontic journal. 30% time will be devoted to the Didactic (research) Component. Thirty (30)% time will be devoted to the Didactic (research) Component.
Clinical Component
The program participant will have the opportunity to do clinical observation in the UIC orthodontic postgraduate orthodontic clinic. They will work closely with the faculty and residents in the orthodontics clinic. The participant will be exposed to current innovations in orthodontics including skeletal anchorage, orthognathic surgery, digital pre-customized orthodontic appliances, clear aligners, and lingual orthodontics. Twenty-five (25) % of the time will be devoted to the Clinical Component.
NOTE: An all-clinical (50% Clinical-50% Didactic) or all-research (50% Research-50% Didactic) track is possible and can be worked out on a case by case basis.
Application Requirements
Candidates must possess a DMD/DDS or foreign equivalent. Non-dentists applicants will be considered on a case by case basis.
- Cover letter stating your objectives for joining the program
- Completed application form (download application form HERE)
- Current curriculum vita and photograph
- Original transcripts sealed and sent directly from the dental institution (If original transcripts are not in English, the applicant must submit a verified English translation.)
(ECE prepares evaluation reports is required for international applicants)
- Three (3) letters of recommendation. The letters should include an assessment of the
applicant’s dental background, knowledge, character, and clinical skills.
- Official TOEFL scores (for international applicants). A minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 84 is required.
Please mail your complete application package to:
Department of Orthodontics (M/C 841)
College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago
801 S. Paulina Street, RM 131 Chicago, IL 60612-7211
Fax 312-996-0873.
ATTN: Orthodontics Preceptorship Program
The Admissions Committee will review complete applications and invite selected applicants for
a personal interview. The personal interview may take place via Skype, a conference call, or in
person.
Contact Information
Marta Kucharska
Business Manager (Department of Orthodontics)
E-mail: martak@uic.edu
Program Co-Directors:
Dr. Maria Therese Galang-Boquiren DMD, MS
Dr. Mohammed H. Elnagar DDS, MS, PhD
E-mail: melnagar@uic.edu
Cost of the Program
Application fee (only for admitted applicants) -$250
Tuition is $2,500 per month. All Visa costs and living expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. A deposit of 50% of the tuition is required to hold your space. The balance of the tuition is due at the beginning date of the course. The refund of the deposit will be made only if cancellation is made at least one month before the course start date.
The estimated expenses for both programs:
4 months
- Tuition: $10,000
- Application fee: $250. (only for admitted applicants)
- Orientation fee: $149 per student. (only for international students)
6 months
- Tuition: $15,000
- Application fee: $250. (only for admitted applicants)
- Orientation fee: $149 per student. (only for international students)
Students are required to purchase or bring their instruments. The abbreviated list of instruments includes: Bird peak plier, Weingart plier; Mathieu needle holder; Heavy Wirecutter; Pin and ligature cutter; Distal end cutter; Band pusher/scaler; Wax spatula; Alginate mixing bowl and spatula
Course Enrollment: Rolling admission (semester basis)
Number of Students: A maximum of 3 students will be accepted each semester for optimal faculty-student ratio.
Required Textbooks
- Mosby’s Orthodontic Review, by Jeryl D. English, Timo Peltomäki, Kate Pham-Litschel, 2nd ISBN: 978-0-323-05007-4
- Contemporary Orthodontics, by William R. Proffit, Henry W. Fields, Brent Larson, and David M. Sarver. 6thEdition ISBN:
Program Evaluation
Each program participant will undergo faculty evaluation in the form of an oral discussion or presentation. Once this is successfully met, he/she will be given a Certificate of Completion.