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 | Applications accepted May 14 - August 15, 2025
Program Director:
Thikriat Al-Jewair, DDS, MBA, MSc, MS, FRCD(C)
Department of Orthodontics
140 Squire Hall | thikriat@buffalo.edu
About the Program
Since its inception in 1947, this program has been committed to preparing graduates for successful careers in clinical and academic orthodontics. This is achieved by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for evidence-based practice delivered through a curriculum that provides advanced level courses reflective of the currently available evidence-based information. This program offers a strong clinical component with multiple treatment philosophies as well as strong exposure to research.
Upon completion of this comprehensive 36-month program, residents receive a Certificate of Advanced Education in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree from the University at Buffalo Graduate School.
All members of the Orthodontic faculty in the program have undergone an additional two to three years of specialized training in orthodontics, building upon their foundational dental education. Additionally, a significant number of them hold certification from the American Board of Orthodontics.
Accreditation
The program in orthodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of accredited without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is www.ada.org/en/coda.
Length of Study
The program length is 36 months of full-time attendance beginning July 1st, the first year.
The goals of the Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics are to:
- To educate and train orthodontic residents to become highly proficient orthodontists who serve their patients and society with the utmost professionalism, reflecting positively on themselves, their training institution, and the orthodontic profession.
- To prepare orthodontic residents for potential academic careers in the field of orthodontics through comprehensive education and training.
Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have attained the following competencies:
- Administering patient-centered care tailored to effectively address malocclusion and promote optimal oral health.
- Demonstrating expertise in biomedical, dental, clinical, and epidemiological sciences, and applying this knowledge to both patient care and research endeavors.
- Conducting comprehensive assessments and evaluations of their patient cohort, rigorously evaluating and integrating scientific evidence.
- Exhibiting proficiency in interpersonal communication and patient behavior management, resulting in positive clinical outcomes.
- Demonstrating a commitment to upholding professional responsibilities, adhering to ethical principles, and displaying sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
- Engaging in collaborative efforts with other disciplines to deliver optimal patient care.
- Conducting research with a foundation in sound methodology.
Class of 2025
Dental School: University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Class of 2026
Dental School: Howard University College of Dentistry
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: University of Sharjah College of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Class of 2027
Dental School: University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: University at Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
Dental School: University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Department of Orthodontics
2023-2024 Awards
American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Research Aid Award
Alaa Abdullah
Northeastern Society of Orthodontists Cup - Poster Competition
Elizabeth Lukens
Journal of Clinical Orthodontics Student of the year Award- Finalist
Elizabeth Lukens
Greater Buffalo Association of Orthodontists Resident Award
Ozge Colak (1st)
Aliyyah Hamiduddin (2nd)
John Baker(3rd)
College of Diplomates of the ABO Resident Case Display
Aliyyah Hamiduddin (1st)
Ozge Colak (3rd)
William W. Feagans Clinical Postgraduate Scholarship
Aliyyah Hamiduddin
WNY Dental Group Award
Benjamin Hietanen
2022-2023 Awards
Greater Buffalo Association of Orthodontists Resident Award
Ronald Lowe (1st)
Erik Gompers (2nd)
Laura Shim (3rd)
College of Diplomates of the ABO Resident Case Display, Honorable Mention
Erik Gompers
William W. Feagans Clinical Postgraduate Scholarship
Laura Shim
AAO Foundation Research Aid Award
John Baker
Ozge Colak
ADEA Section On Orthodontics Award
Ronald Lowe
NESO Resident Research Award
Elizabeth Lukens
WNY Dental Group Award
Ryan Koch
2021-2022 Awards
Greater Buffalo Association of Orthodontists Resident Award
Lubomyr Ravlyk (1st)
M. Hussain Alzainal (2nd)
Sukaynah Alawami (3rd)
Finalist, William Proffit Resident Scholar AAO Award
Kimberly Fluger
Feagans Clinical Postgraduate Scholarship Award
Lubomyr Ravlyk
AAO Foundation Research Aid Award
Fatemah Husain
Ronald Lowe
125th SDM Anniversary Essay Award
Fatemah Husain
WNY Dental Group Award
Lubomyr Ravlyk