Orthodontics Application and Admission Policies

U.S. and Canadian Applicants

Please follow the admissions steps as described below in order to be considered as a candidate for the Graduate Orthodontics Program at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry:

  • Application through the Postdoctoral Application Support Service program (PASS). On the PASS web site is a connecting link to the University of Detroit Mercy’s graduate orthodontic program.
    • Applications for admissions to the graduate orthodontic program will be available starting in May
    • The application MUST be completed and returned to PASS no later than September 1 of the year preceding your desired registration.
    • The completed PASS application should include all documents requested by PASS.
    • After submission of the PASS application, you will receive a link to pay the non-refundable application fee ($100.00 USD) and upload a photo of yourself. These additional REQUIRED steps must be completed by September 1.
  • Applicants MUST sign up with the National Match to receive a MATCH number.
  • Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part 1 or the new Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
  • Although the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) are accepted but not required. If taken they may be submitted in support of the application.

 *Failure to include these required materials will result in your application being rejected

After preliminary screening, those candidates being considered for admission will be notified of a required interview appointment with members of the Graduate Orthodontic Admissions Committee. These interviews will be scheduled in late October to early November.  Five students are accepted into the graduate program per academic year.**

Upon notification of the National Match results in December and acceptance into the program a non-refundable $1500 deposit is required. During the period between January and July prior to the beginning of the formal program, each accepted student will be sent some preparatory materials, a reading list, and instructions so that he or she may be better prepared to begin their intensive training in orthodontics.

**Admission to the Graduate Orthodontics Program for all applicants graduating from ADA accredited US or Canadian dental schools is based on academic credentials as well as other appropriate credentials requested by PASS and the postgraduate orthodontic program. Candidates are not judged on race, religion, or national origin.

Foreign Dental School Applicants

At the present time all individuals in foreign countries may apply. All foreign applicants must complete the following exams to be considered as a candidate for the Graduate Orthodontic Program at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry:

  • Completion of the TOEFL test
    • Graduates of foreign dental schools must demonstrate competence in the English language.
    • Non-native English speakers are required to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based examination, 250 on the computer-based examination or 100 on the Internet-based examination.
  • Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part 1 or the new Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)

All Applicants

Detroit Mercy Dental is committed to diversifying its student body and the dental workforce.  Guided by our mission as a Jesuit & Mercy institution, in alignment with the values of social justice and equity, our vision of diversity also includes individuals from educationally and economically disadvantaged populations, as defined by HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration).