Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program

To be eligible for enrollment in the Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must hold a recognized undergraduate dental degree (BDS, DMD, or DDS) approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
2. A certificate confirming successful completion of a dental internship.
3. Passing the official admission examination administered by the Institute.
4. The applicant must demonstrate good conduct by submitting a Certificate of Good Conduct and must be medically fit, as confirmed by a medical checkup during the admission process.
5. If the applicant’s undergraduate studies were not conducted in English, a valid certificate of English language proficiency is required (minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent TOEFL score).
6. A valid trainee residency license in accordance with UAE regulations.

Program Duration

Three-year program accredited by the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS) in the UAE.

 Program Structure

1. Didactic Components: The didactic content is delivered through lectures, seminars, journal clubs, case-based discussions, and interactive workshops, with continuous integration into clinical practice and assessments.

PGY1- Didactic Courses:

• History of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
• Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology
• Psychological Aspects of Orthodontic and
• Dentofacial Orthopaedics Treatment
• Clinical Imaging and Radiography
• Histology, Genetics and Pathology
• Growth and development
• Research Methodology
• Contemporary Orthodontic Practice
• TMDs
• Pain and Anxiety Control
• Dental practice Management
• Literature Review
• Case based discussion

PGY2- Didactic Courses:

• Clinical Governance, Legislation and Ethics
• Interceptive Orthodontics
• Preventive Orthodontics
• Speech pathology and therapy
• Public health aspects of orthodontics
• Orthodontic- pedodontics interface
• Surgical orthodontics
• Adult Orthodontic-periodontics interface
• Interdisciplinary treatment planning
• Retention and relapse
• Scientific research
• Literature Review
• Case based discussion

PGY3- Didactic Courses:

• Literature Review
• Scientific research
• Case based discussion

2. Hands on Training

Pre-Clinical Setting 

• Typodont (48 contact hours) and pre-clinical laboratory course (36 contact hours) over 12 weeks parallel to Didactic.
• It aims to develop hands-on skills in orthodontic mechanics, analysis, and appliance fabrication

Clinical Setting

• Clinical training for year 1=1692 hours. In year 2 and 3=2016 clinical hours.
• It aims to prepare the resident at the end of the training period, with the skills and attitudes to be competent to provide various types of orthodontic care and services

To successfully complete the Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program, trainees must fulfil the following requirements:

• Pass End course exam by at least 70%.
• Minimum Cases: 40 orthodontic cases (35 new starts, 4 cases of Multidisciplinary Cases and 1 case of Orthognathic)
• Completion Rate: At least 70% of each case must be completed to be considered.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to obtain specialist license in Orthodontics and categorized under Tier 1 qualification upon successful completion of the program and passing the Emirati Board Examination.

Applicants interested in enrolling in the the Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program, accredited by NIHS (National Institute for Health Specialties) in the UAE, should follow the steps below:

To apply, please complete the Application Form [link] and upload the following mandatory documents:

Mandatory Documents (to be uploaded with the application):

1. B.D.S., D.D.S., or D.M.D. degree certificate from a university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education
2. Internship Certificate

Additional Documents to be provided upon request:

1. Updated CV, including clinical experience and educational background.
2. A valid Trainee Evaluation Letter from the Ministry of Health (MOH)
3. Passport copy and a recent passport-sized photograph
4. Emirates ID (if applicable)