Orthodontics Residency Program

Sponsored by Paris Regional Health and conducted at the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM), the Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics residency is a 24‑month program designed to develop specialists through comprehensive clinical training, interdisciplinary treatment planning, and contemporary digital workflows.

Zero Tuition. Up to $40,000 Annual Stipend.

Our Orthodontics Residency offers an exceptional educational experience that prepares residents to become skilled orthodontic specialists capable of managing complex cases with confidence. Our two-year program combines rigorous clinical training, comprehensive didactic education, and research opportunities in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Apply Now to Join Our Founding Cohort in July 2026

Program Overview

Our orthodontic residency program is designed to develop specialists who are not only technically proficient but also compassionate clinicians who understand the biological, biomechanical, and psychological aspects of orthodontic treatment.

Clinical Excellence

Residents gain extensive experience treating patients of all ages with diverse orthodontic needs, from early intervention to complex interdisciplinary adult cases. Clinical training includes:

  • Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning 
  • Traditional and self-ligating bracket systems
  • Clear aligner therapy and lingual orthodontics 
  • Temporary anchorage devices and skeletal anchorage 
  • Orthognathic surgery case management
  • Digital workflow and 3D treatment planning 
  • Management of craniofacial anomalies

Advanced Curriculum

Our didactic program provides a strong foundation in the science behind orthodontic practice:

  • Craniofacial growth and development 
  • Biomechanics and materials science 
  • Cephalometrics and 3D imaging analysis 
  • Evidence-based clinical decision making 
  • Orthodontic literature review and critique 
  • Practice management and ethics 
  • Interdisciplinary treatment approaches

Curriculum & Schedule

The 24-month curriculum is carefully structured to provide progressive development of knowledge and skills:

First Year

Focus on fundamental knowledge and basic clinical skills:

  • Core orthodontic principles and techniques 
  • Diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Beginning patient treatment under close supervision 
  • Research methodology and project development 
  • Interdisciplinary seminars and case presentations

Second Year

Expand clinical responsibilities and knowledge. Refine skills and transition to independent practice:

  • Core orthodontic principles and techniques 
  • Management of more complex cases
  • Advanced biomechanics and treatment modalities 
  • Interdisciplinary case management
  • Research implementation and data collection 
  • Teaching responsibilities with pre-doctoral students
  • Comprehensive case management with minimal faculty intervention
  • Completion and defense of research project 
  • Board preparation and mock board examinations 
  • Practice management and transition to practice 
  • Case completion and retention protocols

Research & Scholarly Activity

Research is an integral component of our program, with all residents required to complete a research project suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Residents receive support through:

  • Dedicated research time built into the curriculum 
  • Mentorship from faculty with research expertise
  • Access to statistical consultation and analysis
  • Funding support for materials and conference attendance 
  • Opportunities to present at regional and national meetings
  • Receive an annual stipend of up to $40,000

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty includes board-certified orthodontists with diverse backgrounds in private practice, academia, and research. They are committed to resident education and maintain active involvement in professional organizations and continuing education.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must possess a DDS or DMD degree earned from a dental school that is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Applicants should be qualified for U.S. dental licensure and meet all institutional requirements for postgraduate residency training.

Accreditation

The program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (800) 232-6108 or at 401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60611-4250. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has accredited the program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. However, accreditation of the program does not in itself constitute recognition of any dental specialty status.

Application Requirements

To complete your application, you must upload the following documents to our application portal: a CV or résumé, standardized test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Standardized Tests

Applicants are required to submit scores for one of the following:

  • INBDE
  • NBDE I & II
  • GRE

If you choose to submit NBDE scores, it is recommended that both NBDE I and II were taken within the past five years. The INBDE must be successfully passed prior to the start of the program. All NBDE or INBDE scores should also be referenced in your Dean’s evaluation or recommendation letters.

The ADAT is not mandatory but will be accepted if available.

Transcripts

All transcripts, including unofficial undergraduate and dental school transcripts, must be uploaded to the application portal.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation.

Application Fee

A $100 application processing fee applies. After your application is received, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to submit the payment.

Take the Next Step Toward Advanced Orthodontic Training

If you’re ready to specialize in orthodontics and join a program that combines innovation, mentorship, and real-world experience, we invite you to apply now. Discover how our collaborative environment and advanced facilities can help you become a leader in orthodontic care.

Apply Now