WVU Orthodontics

WVU Orthodontics is an integral part of the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Dentistry, operating as a sophisticated orthodontic clinic and a leading academic department. Located primarily at 451 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505, with affiliations to the Health Sciences Campus, it serves as a dual-purpose entity: providing high-quality orthodontic care to the community and offering a rigorous 34-month Master of Science (MS) program in Orthodontics. As a clinic, WVU Orthodontics provides a comprehensive suite of orthodontic services for both children and adults. Their offerings include Clear Aligner Therapy (such as Invisalign), clear braces, lingual braces, self-ligating bracket systems, orthopedic appliances, invisible and designer retainers, TMD treatment, and orthognathic surgery. They also utilize advanced diagnostic tools like 3D imaging. The clinic emphasizes early evaluation for children, recommending a first visit by age seven to identify and address potential issues early, which can guide jaw growth and minimize the need for more complex treatments later. Adult orthodontic patients are also welcomed and make up a significant portion of their clientele. Patient care is provided by both experienced faculty providers and resident providers, who are licensed dentists undergoing specialized advanced training under direct faculty supervision. Academically, the Department of Orthodontics is renowned for its Master of Science program, which aims to develop highly skilled and ethical practitioners capable of managing a busy orthodontic practice. The curriculum is centered on daily clinical seminars, private instruction, and regularly scheduled conferences with other dental and medical specialists. Residents gain extensive clinical experience across a wide array of cases, including comprehensive adult and adolescent treatment, interceptive treatment, orthognathic surgery, dentofacial deformity cases, Clear Aligner Therapy, and cases requiring Temporary Anchorage Devices. The program adheres to evidence-based practices and incorporates the latest technology and developments in the field. Residents are required to complete an original master's thesis project suitable for publication and are prepared for the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Examinations, with a requirement to pass the written component of the ABO during their second year. The program maintains a strong focus on both didactic and clinical training, simulating a private practice atmosphere with state-of-the-art facilities and a paperless clinical environment to maximize efficiency and patient experience. The clinic also benefits from the collaborative environment of WVU Dental, which offers access to comprehensive general dentistry and other specialized treatments within one oral healthcare system.