The first of these, a 30-month program leading to the Certificate of Proficiency in Orthodontics, fulfills the educational requirements of the American Association of Orthodontics. In conjunction with its clinical certificate program, the department also offers a mandatory Master of Science in Orthodontics. Applicants must first be accepted in the certificate program before applying to the master of science program.

Since 1947, this program has prepared graduates for a career in clinical and/or academic orthodontics. Six residents start the program each year, and are exposed to extensive didactic, clinical and research experience and techniques in addition to teaching requirements.

At the end of this 36-month program, residents are awarded with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree conferred by the University at Buffalo Graduate School.  Residents also complete their clinical board cases and obtain board certification.