How to Apply - Graduate Orthodontics

Applications and division's required supporting documents and fees must be received no later than August 15. Applications received after the deadline cannot be considered.

All applications for the Graduate Orthodontics Program must be submitted through the American Dental Education Association Postdoctoral Application Support Service (ADEA PASS). ADEA PASS simplifies the application process by allowing you to complete one standardized application, rather than individual applications to each program. There is a fee for this service. Complete the ADEA PASS application or contact:

Postdoctoral Application Support Services (PASS)
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036-2212
Phone: 202-667-1887
Fax: 202-667-4983

All residency applicants are also required to register with the National Matching Service. The Match is used by applicants and programs to determine the final placement of applicants into positions after the application and evaluation process is completed. You can choose the option to register with the Match through the ADEA PASS application. More information at natmatch.com/dentres or contact:

National Matching Services, Inc.
595 Bay Street
Suite 301, Box 29
Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 2C2

To be invited for an interview, applicants must be applying exclusively to programs participating in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program. We feel that residency program participation in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program is fair and beneficial to applicants. Interviews will only be extended to applicants who indicate on the Match participation letter that they are applying only to match programs. Download the form, complete, sign and return to orthodontics@osu.edu.

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Please note

Students in a clinical residency program can pursue a PhD program as an alternative to the MS degree program. You must be accepted by both the specialty program and the Oral Biology PhD program.

Additional Materials

Please attach the following additional materials in an EMAIL to orthodontics@osu.edu:

Domestic (Non-foreign) Applicants

Domestic (non-foreign) applicants should submit the following SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION materials by email to orthodontics@osu.edu:

  1. An unofficial copy of the undergraduate transcript – ONLY from the school from which you received your undergraduate degree (with final GPA)
  2. 2x2 color photograph
  3. Match participation letter

International Applicants

International applicants must submit the following SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION materials by email to orthodontics@osu.edu:

  1. An unofficial copy of the undergraduate transcript – ONLY from the school from which you received your undergraduate degree (with final GPA)
  2. 2x2 color photograph
  3. Diplomas
  4. Match participation letter

Both Domestic and International Applicants:

Non-refundable application fee of USD 50.00 may be made electronically

Pay online: https://go.osu.edu/dentorthoresidentfee

If you would prefer to mail a check/money order or make a wire transfer, please email orthodontics@osu.edu for instructions, with the following subject line: “Resident application fee – Other pymt type”. Instructions for alternate methods of payment will be provided.

Note: 

  • ALL supplemental materials must be received by PASS close date, whether or not your PASS application is complete, to be considered by the admission committee as a candidate for residency.
  • Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT) is NOT required by the College for application or admission, but, where taken by an applicant, will be considered during the review of an applicant’s file for admission. For those applicants without quantitative evidence of academic performance (e.g., GPA and class rank), this is one method for the applicant to demonstrate their abilities in dentistry and related-academic skills and is strongly recommended.
  • While we ask for three (3) Professional Faculty Evaluations (letters of recommendation), we ask that at least one (preferably two) be from an orthodontic faculty member.
  • After reviewing the applications, the orthodontic division selection committee will invite 28-36 applicants for interviews which will occur in mid-October. Five first-year resident positions are available each academic year, which begins mid-June.

For questions SPECIFICALLY regarding the Orthodontics Residency Program please email orthodontics@osu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exam scores will I need for my application?

All Applicants: GRE scores and INBDE results. 

International students:  Please include as well, TOEFL scores (no minimum score required to apply but the Graduate School requires a minimum score of 4 on the new version of the test in order to be admitted). NOTE: Please submit your unofficial GRE scores through your ADEA/PASS application. DO NOT send to the school.

Do I need a valid state dental license to be considered a resident at Ohio State?

Each resident, domestic and foreign, will need to apply for a Limited Resident’s License, if you do not already have a valid State License. All residents who meet the eligibility criteria (graduates of U.S. or Canadian Schools with DDS/DMD or equivalent foreign degree) can apply for a Limited Resident’s License.

How many letters of recommendation (PFEs) do I need to attach to my application?

We require three (3) letters of recommendation. We would prefer that at least two (2) be from orthodontic faculty, if possible.

Do I need to take the Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT)?

The ADAT is not required by the College for application or admission, but, where taken by an applicant, will be considered during the review of an applicant’s file for admission. For those applicants without quantitative evidence of academic performance (e.g., GPA and class rank), this is one method for the applicant to demonstrate their abilities in dentistry and related-academic skills and is strongly recommended.

I am a foreign applicant. I did not complete my DDS or DMD at a U.S. dental school. Can I still apply?

Yes, if you have an equivalent degree.

Do I have to apply through the ADEA PASS?

 Yes. ADEA PASS simplifies the application process by allowing you to complete one standardized application, rather than individual applications to each program. There is a fee for this service. Complete the ADEA PASS application. 

Is The Ohio State University a Match school for Orthodontics?

Yes. We feel that residency program participation in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program is fair and beneficial to applicants.  Interviews will only be extended to applicants who indicate on the Match participation letter that they are only applying to match programs.

When does the program start and how long does it run?

Classes start mid-June. This is a 33 month program, with March 31st of your graduation year being the final day in the program. 

What does the program cost and is there a stipend?

Tuition and fees change yearly. You can contact the College of Dentistry Graduate Program Coordinator at DENT-GraduateEducation@osu.edu. The stipend offered covers approximately half the costs associated with the program. 

Can I do an externship?

Yes. Limited externship opportunities are available. See website for further information.

How can I make my non-refundable USD 50.00 application fee?

Please see the link within the How to Apply section for electronic payments. If you prefer to mail a check/money order or make payment by wire transfer, please email orthodontics@osu.edu for instructions.

Does the division provide financial support for residents needing a Visa?

Yes for F1 visa

If I attended a foreign school that taught it’s classes in English, do I still need to take the TOEFL?

YES. Please see the OSU Graduate School website for additional information about TOEFL requirements and any exemptions. 

The Graduate School requires a minimum score of 4 for the new version of the TOEFL in order to be admitted. 

After they have been admitted, international students are required to take the English composition test (aka Academic English Writing Assessment) as part of their onboarding into a graduate program. There are three outcomes based on how they score on this assessment:

  • They must take TLIELP 5901 Introduction to Academic Writing for Multilingual Graduate Students and TLIELP 5902 Advanced Academic Writing for Multilingual Graduate Students, along with their standard coursework.
  • They only need to take TLIELP 5902 along with their standard coursework.
  • No additional coursework is required.

The 5, 5.5, and 6 TOEFL scores mentioned exempt the student from needing to take the assessment.

The Ohio State University is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. Qualified women, minorities, Vietnam-era veterans, disabled veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the policy of The Ohio State University to limit access to communications and to letters of reference to those directly involved with the selection process. However, the status of this policy under the Ohio Open Records Act is unclear. Those seeking confidentiality should indicate that desire in all communications and the University will make every reasonable effort to honor that request within the limits of Ohio law.