Orthodontic Fellowship Program (OFP)
In addition to a three year combined Masters of Dental Sciences/Clinical Orthodontic Certificate Program for the Postgraduate Residency Program, the Division of Orthodontics offers a one-year prostgraduate fellowship.
The fellowship is an intensive one-year, non-degree program for Orthodontists who want to enhance their knowledge in the field of orthodontics. After successful completion of the program fellows will receive a certificate confirming completion of an advanced one-year fellowship in Orthodontics. This certificate does not serve as a specialty degree.
Cost
There is a cost to attend the program depending on which you are eligible for. A non-refundable deposit is required. payable within 20 days of acceptance into the program. The fellow will be responsible for all incidental fees and living expenses above and beyond the fellowship fees. No funds, scholarships, loans or grants are available for the fellowship program.
Curriculum
The didactic program will include lectures, seminars, and interdisciplinary patient conferences. Emphasis of the didactic program will be to provide a strong foundation in the areas of biomechanics, growth and development, biology of tooth movement, 3D imaging, and principals behind the theory and practice of orthodontics.
The clinical program will emphasize diagnosis, treatment plan, and mechanics plan of patients with various malocclusions. The students will work very closely with faculty and residents within the orthodontic clinic on patients. They will have access to all our clinical facilities.
Research will also be an integral part of the program by providing an opportunity to work on various clinical and basic science research programs currently underway in our division.
The Division of Orthodontics works very closely with other divisions within the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. This will provide a very broad exposure to interdisciplinary care for orthodontics patients.
There are two separate categories within the fellowship program:
Clinical Program
The clinical program will involve hands-on demonstrations, as in treatment of patients, with emphasis on diagnosis, treatment planning, and the biomechanics involved with various malocclusions. The fellows will work closely with faculty and residents within the orthodontic clinic. For fellows interested/accepted in the Clinical Track, a minimum of 50% time will be devoted to research.
Requirement
All participants must be a graduate of an accredited orthodontic program of their country.
Research Program
Fellows will develop and participatein clinical and basic science projects in the Division of Orthodontics. The fellows will learn how to execute clinical research from writing a research protocolto the execution of the project. For fellows interested/accepted in the Research Track, a minimum of 50% time will be devoted to research.
Requirement
All participants must be a graduate of an accredited orthodontic program of their country (D.D.S./D.M.D. or its equivalent).
Application Process
- There is no fee to apply
- Application must accompany translated transcripts
- Three letters of recommendations
- Curriculum Vitae
- Passport size photograph
- Personal Statement
- A telephonic/online interview might be required
Additional Information
- The fellowship program has a July 1 start date. However, applications are accepted throughout the year.
- International applicants must be eligible for an appropriate visa to enter the United States.
Post Graduate Orthodontic Fellowship Program (POFP)
The proposed Orthodontic Fellowship Program will be an intensive full-time, one-year program for orthodontists graduating from a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited orthodontic program who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of orthodontists and dentofacial orthopedics.
Cost
There is a cost to attend the program depending on which you are eligible for. A non-refundable deposit is required payable within 20 days of acceptance in to the program. The fellow will be responsible for all health, incidental insurance fees and living expenses above and beyond fellowship tuition. The applicant/fellow will not receive any monetary assistance from the University of Connecticut. No funds, scholarships, loans or grants are available for the fellowship program.
Curriculum
The program will consist of academic/didactic, clinical patient care and research components.
Academic/Didactic Component
The Fellow will be involved in the didactic curriculum of resident education. He/she will be required to actively participate in teaching residents and dental students either in the classroom or clinic under the guidance of a faculty member. Emphasis of the didactic program will be on providing a strong foundation in areas of biomechanics, growth and development, biology of tooth movement, cephalometrics, clinical methodology based on evidence-based knowledge, advanced treatment planning related to orthodontic treatments, and related basic research methodology. Lectures will be assigned to the Fellows,who will in turn be mentored in teaching skills by the faculty in the Division. One to two days a week will be dedicated to this component.
Clinical Patient Care Component
This component will facilitate development of expertise in management of complex orthodontic patients (especially in decision-making and prioritization of treatment sequencing when the patient has multiple issues). Special focus will be placed on mechanics-based treatment approaches. There will be opportunities to master newer innovations and techniques in orthodontics that include skeletal anchorage, 3D treatment planning with CBCT technology, advanced biomechanics and orthognathic surgery. The fellows will work very closely with the faculty and residents within the orthodontics clinic. Fellows will be authorized (i.e., have privileges) to guide, educate and advise residents on various aspects of treatment.**
One to two days a week will be dedicated to this clinical patient care component. If the fellow is a graduate of the Orthodontics Residency at UConn Health, he/she will also have the opportunity to complete his/her board cases.
** The fellow's clinical competency and involvement must be approved and authorized by the program director.
Research Component
This component's intent is to expose the fellow to a spectrum of basic science and clinical research programs currently in progress in the Division of Orthodontics. The fellow will be provided sufficient opportunity to work on a project of interest either in basic science or clinical research. One to two days a week will be dedicated to the research component.
Application Process
- Applicants must be graduates of a CODA accredited residency program in orthodontics.
- Board certification or provide proof of eligibility for board certification.
- Detailed curriculum vitae.
- Three letters of recommendation from the applicant's residency program.
- Application form (with a passport size photograph)
- A personal (or conference call) interview in which the applicant describes his/her prospective focus and goals in the fellowship experience.
- A summary of the interview agreement will be documented and signed by the applicant and the Program Director prior to finalizing the application process.
- When relevant, an appropriate visa.
Please send questions and/or electronic application copies of the above in one email to:
Dr. Madhur Upadhyay
Director, Orthodontic Fellowship Program
Divisionof Orthodontics, MC 1725
UConn School of Dental Medicine
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030-1725, USA
Email: maupadhyay@uchc.edu
