About Our Department
Creating healthy, confident smiles begins with understanding the complex relationships among growth, development, function, and facial form.
The UAB Department of Orthodontics advances patient care, education, research, and innovation in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Faculty, students, and residents work together to improve oral health and quality of life through evidence-based treatment, scholarly activity, and professional leadership.
The department is recognized for strengths in craniofacial growth and development, advanced imaging, translational research, and orthodontic education. Through research, specialty training, and clinical excellence, faculty contribute to advances that shape the future of orthodontics and improve patient outcomes.
Education and Training
The Department of Orthodontics contributes to the education of future dentists through classroom, preclinical, and clinical instruction while providing advanced specialty training through the Orthodontics Residency Program and International Orthodontics Program.
Faculty mentor students and residents in diagnosis, treatment planning, biomechanics, craniofacial growth and development, and contemporary orthodontic care. The department also supports lifelong learning through continuing education programs, including the Orthodontics Mini Residency and Craniofacial Orthodontic Program.
Explore Orthodontics educational programs →
Clinical Care
The department provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children, adolescents, and adults while supporting education and research. Clinical faculty oversee a wide range of treatment approaches, including comprehensive orthodontics, interdisciplinary care, and management of complex craniofacial conditions.
Full-time faculty may also have opportunities to participate in faculty practice through UAB Dental Group, integrating patient care with education, research, and service.
Advanced imaging, digital workflows, and contemporary treatment technologies support patient care, education, and scholarly activity while providing students and residents with extensive clinical learning opportunities.
Research and Scholarly Activity
Faculty conduct basic, translational, and clinical research that advances orthodontic care, craniofacial science, and dentofacial orthopedics.
Orthodontics
Our department is dedicated to researching orthodontic problems through a network of clinicians and scientists. Our clinical and basic laboratory enhance the diagnosis and treatment of these problems. We have research projects in the area of 3D imaging, CBCT Technology, Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies, TMJ arthritis, root resorbtion and clinical translational sciences. The Department has continuous funding with the NIH and industry totaling almost US$3 Million in the last 5 years
News and Recognition
The Department of Orthodontics celebrates the accomplishments of its people and programs through scholarly achievements, professional leadership, awards, and departmental milestones.
Read the latest Orthodontics newsletter →
Navdeep Bhusri joins UAB Orthodontics as assistant professor →
Mapping the face through AI at UAB Orthodontics →
Dr. Chung How Kau named first holder of Don Speed Endowed Professor for Orthodontics →
Support the Department of Orthodontics
Philanthropic support helps advance education, research, patient care, and departmental priorities.