The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers an Advanced Program for Internationally-Trained Dentists (observership) program in Orthodontic Dentistry. This Advanced Orthodontic Program is a flexible program that is designed to meet the needs of internationally-trained dentists and orthodontists wishing to enhance their knowledge in the specialty of orthodontics.

Participants in this program attend school on a full-time basis, attending classes with orthodontic residents. Upon completion and fulfillment of the requirements of the Advanced Orthodontic Program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Office of Continuing Dental Education.

This program is not intended to prepare individuals to practice the specialty of orthodontics. It is expected that the individual will return to his/her home country after gaining insight and improving his/her knowledge in the specialty of orthodontics.

The Advanced Orthodontic Program will include: learning to identify and diagnose orthodontic patients, analyzing case records, and designing treatment plans. Course participants will attend classes and case seminars. As a part of their clinical training, each participant will be assigned to a team of residents to observe graduate orthodontic treatment procedures under the supervision of clinical faculty. Participants who enroll in the 12-month program, upon the approval of the orthodontic faculty, will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research projects.

The Advanced Orthodontic Program certificate awarded for this program is a continuing education program certificate.  This is not the same certificate as the postgraduate program certificate. 

To Apply

Students may submit their application and documents via the Advanced Program for Internationally-Trained Dentists Application.

Deadline for submission of applications

June 1 for the Fall semester

October 1 for the Spring semester

Admission Process

Upon submission of all required documentation, the applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. As required, an in-person, phone or virtual interview may be scheduled with the applicant. Admission criteria to the Advanced Orthodontic Program includes, but is not limited to academic achievements, demonstrated interest in orthodontics, TOEFL scores, performance in previously attended academic programs, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation.

Application Requirements

• Completed application
• Application fee ($160.00 USD)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement/letter of intent
• Notarized copy of dental school diploma/degree
• Original transcripts/translated in English
• ECE/WES course-by-course evaluation
• TOEFL score reports
• Three letters of recommendation
• Passport biographical page
• J-1 Visa (minimum requirement), H-4 and O-3 Visas accepted

English Language Test Requirements:

• TOEFL (minimum 80 internet-based test, 550 paper based)*
• IELTS (minimum 7.0 total bandwidth score) please attach results*

*Scores from these exams must be no more than two years old at the time of submission of the J-1 request.

International Student Admissions Standards

International Students who require J-1 visa sponsorship to attend the University of Maryland must demonstrate English proficiency and financial responsibility before the Office of International Services (OIS) can issue the appropriate visa document for the program of study.

English Proficiency

International students requiring visa sponsorship from the Office of International Services (OIS) must demonstrate English proficiency.  Proficiency is most often verified through the TOEFL or IELTS English Language Proficiency tests.  For students whose native language is English, the TOEFL requirement may be waived.

Financial Responsibility

International students who require visa sponsorship must ensure they have sufficient funding to cover the cost of the program and living expenses while in Baltimore. Financial responsibility may be proven by a variety of methods. These include the following:

• Personal or family funds
• Government or international organization sponsorship

The documentation must state the name of the person or organization that will sponsor the student and specify the amount of financial support provided to the student.

If using personal or family funds, a bank statement from within the past six months must be provided. Additionally, if the applicant is receiving financial support from a friend or family member, that person must also write a letter specifying the exact amount of funding he or she will provide during the program.

The expenses of a married student are considerably more than that of a single student. In addition to funds for his or her own expenses, the married student must show an additional $5,000 per year for each dependent. A dependent is classified as a spouse and/or children under the age of 21.

Prior to processing visa paperwork, the OIS requires evidence of the minimum financial support amount committed to the applicant's education.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance is required for all University of Maryland students. The applicant must prove that he or she has coverage equivalent to the University of Maryland’s minimum requirements, or purchase the policy offered by the University of Maryland to all students.

Cancellation policy

To participate in this program, you must be pre-registered with the Office of Continuing Dental Education. No refunds of any tuition paid will be made after the program has started.

Contact Information

For application inquiries, please contact:

Keith Groves, DMin, MPC
Executive Director of Continuing Education
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Suite 6207
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: kgroves@umaryland.edu

Michelle Howell, BS
Associate Director of Continuing Education
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Suite 6207
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: mhowell@umaryland.edu

For program inquiries, please contact:

Jose A. Bosio, BDS, MS
Division Chief & Program Director, Orthodontics
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Room 3218
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-706-1674
Email: jbosio@umaryland.edu