Overview
The Doctorate Degree in Orthodontics is a research-focused postgraduate program designed to develop advanced academic competence and specialized clinical expertise in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of dentofacial and skeletal malocclusions. The program emphasizes scientific investigation, critical evaluation of contemporary evidence, and advanced orthodontic principles, enabling candidates to conduct original research and enhance both academic excellence and clinical practice.
About the Program
The Doctorate Degree in Orthodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University is a four-year program comprising an initial year of two academic semesters followed by a comprehensive exam, thesis submission and defense and final exit exam. Upon successful fulfillment of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an officially accredited Doctorate Degree certificate specifying the approved field of specialization and the title of the thesis.
How to Apply
For application, doctoral candidates are required to submit a thesis research protocol, approved by the Department Council from January to May of each calendar year. Applications for international students in Egypt are centrally managed through the "Study in Egypt" platform (admission.study-in-egypt.gov.eg) and the Ministry of Higher Education's system (wafeden.gov.eg).
Admission Requirements
● The applicant must hold a Master’s degree in the same specialty from a university recognized by the Supreme Council of Universities, or an equivalent degree approved by the Council.
● Applicants must submit an official approval from their employer confirming permission to be enrolled in the Doctorate Degree in Orthodontics and commitment to full-time study throughout the program duration.
● Applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency for program registration by passing the university exam or submitting a valid certificate (Local TOEFL with a minimum score of 500, IELTS with a minimum overall score of 7.0, or their equivalent). The certificate is valid for one calendar year during which the applicant must complete registration for the degree; international students could submit the certificate within one year from enrollment in the program.
Program Structure and Duration
● Program Structure: The Doctorate Degree in Orthodontics is a four-year program. Candidates should complete a total of 70 credit hours; 20 credit hours over one year (two semesters), including a comprehensive series of courses, 20 credit hours of the final exit exam in addition to 30 credit hours for the thesis.
● Course load: During the first academic year, candidates study advanced compulsory and elective courses, distributed over two semesters (first and second semesters). A student becomes eligible to sit for the final exit exam only after successfully completing all first-year courses and fulfilling the approved academic requirements.
● Semester Duration: 16 weeks per semester.
● Clinical Training: The clinical training provides advanced, research-informed experience in orthodontics with direct patient care. It emphasizes the diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of dentofacial malocclusions using evidence-based orthodontic principles. It focuses on the clinical application of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances, growth modification strategies, and interdisciplinary treatment approaches. Emphasis is directed toward cephalometric analysis, treatment outcome evaluation, and the correlation of clinical findings with craniofacial growth, biomechanics, and current scientific evidence, fostering advanced clinical judgment and research-oriented competencies in orthodontics.
● Didactic Courses and Seminars: Candidates participate in advanced lectures and seminars covering craniofacial growth and development, orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, biomechanics, contemporary fixed and removable appliances, clear aligner therapy, interdisciplinary orthodontic care, and research methodology. Emphasis is placed on critical appraisal of scientific literature and evidence-based orthodontic decision-making.
● This program requires the completion and public defense of a thesis.
Requirements for Graduation
● Full-time Study: Students must commit fully to the program.
● Attendance: Regular attendance is required; up to 25% absence may be excused in special cases.
● Academic requirements: All courses should be passed with a minimum grade of (C) and a cumulative GPA of at least (2.44).
● Practical training: Students must complete all required practical tasks, documented in a logbook. A minimum of 75% completion is required to sit for exams.
● Successful submission and defense of the doctoral thesis.