M.S. and Certificate in Orthodontics

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Orthodontics Program accepts application materials through the American Dental Education Association, Postgraduate Application Support Service (PASS). This service enables applicants to send an original copy of most application materials to PASS for distribution to all the programs that the applicant selects. The department also participates in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching program (MATCH).

FALL 2026 ENROLLMENT  |  Check Back Spring 2025 for Deadline

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Photo of Dr. Thikriat Al-Jewair.

Program Director:
Thikriat Al-Jewair, DDS, MBA, MSc, MS, FRCD(C)

Department of Orthodontics
140 Squire Hall | thikriat@buffalo.edu

About the Progam Admission Requirements How to Apply Faculty and Curriculum Cost and Funding

Cost and Funding

The Advanced Education Cost of Attendance page provides details on tuition and fees. A breakdown of the CMS and Post Grad fees can be viewed here.

The orthodontics program does not offer a stipend or tuition waiver. The University's Office of Financial Aid can provide information regarding types of available aid including loans. They have dedicated advisors on all UB campuses to assist students with questions about financing their educational expenses. They are also available to meet with students one-on-one and cater financial aid requests to each individual’s needs. 

FAQs

What is the annual cost of attendance (COA) for the orthodontics program?
 Residents in the orthodontics program are billed the standard graduate student tuition rates and fees. They also pay additional SDM clinical fees and must budget for out-of-pocket program-specific expenses that are required for program completion. Please visit our cost of attendance page for current academic year tuition.

Where can I find information regarding types of aid available for graduate students?
 Visit the Financial Aid website to view types of aid available and things to consider when applying for financial aid.

What is the first step in the financial aid process?
 The financial aid process begins with the filing of the Federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). UB’s school code is 002837. View more about completing your FASFA application and the full application process.

Where can I find financial forms that need to be submitted?
 Financial aid forms are available on the Financial Aid website.

How can I find a financial aid advisor and set up a meeting?
The Financial Aid Advising webpage has a list of advisors, contact us form, and link to a secure upload center.

 

Research Award Criteria

The Dr. John J. Cunat Scholarship Fund - Resident Research Travel Award

Residents currently enrolled in the Orthodontics program are eligible to apply for special research travel awards.  

The Dr. John J. Cunat Scholarship fund was established in 2021 in honor of Dr. Cunat, a former chair of the University at Buffalo Department of Orthodontics. The Resident Research Travel Award, funded by this scholarship fund, will provide recognition and financial support to orthodontic residents who demonstrate academic and research excellence. The award will be presented every spring semester to a maximum of three residents.

Dr. Cunat headshot.

Dr. Cunat professional headshot

Eligibility

  • Second- or third-year resident
  • Must be in good standing and have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA
  • Must have a research abstract accepted for presentation (Poster or Oral) at a major orthodontic or research-focused conference in the US or Canada (NESO, AAO, AADOCR/IADR, or ADEA)
  • Must be the first and presenting author on the abstract      

Amount

  • $500 will be awarded to support conference registration, lodging, and travel
  • A maximum of 3 travel awards will be presented annually
  • Resident can only receive the award once during their residency program

Application procedure

Each application should include:

  • CV
  • Official email from the conference confirming acceptance of the abstract
  • A statement (300 words) on the research significance and its impact on the specialty
  • The award must be mentioned in the acknowledgment section of your abstract
  • Applications will be accepted from September until May. Applications must be electronically submitted in one PDF file to the program director. 

Decisions

  • Awards will be on a first-come, first-serve basis
  • Awards will be distributed via the HUB after processing by the Office of Advanced Education. Recipients will see the full award amount credited to their student account in the HUB. Recipients with a zero-account balance in the HUB will receive a refund from the University.  Otherwise, the award will be credited against any outstanding account balance.