Admissions and Application

The Department of Orthodontics at the UW School of Dentistry is well known for its strength in basic science, translational, and clinical research. In the spirit of fostering the highest level of orthodontic research around the world, the Department provides interested colleagues with an opportunity to participate in our Visiting Scholars Program. This program is structured to allow the development of an individual’s research skills. The program begins in late June with the attendance of the School of Dentistry Summer Institute in Clinical Dental Research Methods, followed by the conduct of a research project, which is developed by the Visiting Scholar in conjunction with his/her faculty mentor. It is expected that about 90% of the Visiting Scholar’s time will be spent on research activities. During the remaining time, the Visiting Scholar is invited to attend Journal club, as well as to attend one course, as a guest observer, taught by their faculty mentor each quarter. Visiting Scholars may sometimes arrange to observe patient care in the faculty practice. Visiting Scholars are not permitted in the Graduate Clinic.

Visiting Scholars bring new perspectives that are beneficial scientifically, clinically, and culturally. Through these collaborations, we look forward to working with colleagues around the world to make significant advances in the field of orthodontics.

Admission to the Visiting Scholars Program is limited, and depends on availability of faculty and space. Decisions are made as promptly as possible.

Visiting Scholars Benefits

Faculty Sponsor: Faculty sponsorship includes providing guidance to the scholar on his or her research and facilitating introductions to other faculty members who may share a common interest with the visitor.

University Library: Library borrowing privileges as provided by Library regulations.

Office Space: The Department Chair will make every effort to provide office space for the Visiting Scholar (usually a shared office).

Computer Access: The Visiting Scholar should bring her/his own laptop. The Department will provide internet access. An e-mail account is provided for the duration of the appointment, and for one month after the appointment end date in order to accommodate any final communications. The academic computer center and library computers are also available for occasional use.

Special Activities: The Visiting Scholar is invited to participate in special activities connected with the Department of Orthodontics, such as Thesis Day, Golf Day, etc. The Visiting Scholar is responsible for any fees associated with these events.

Husky Card: Visiting Scholars are issued a University identification card upon their arrival.

Exercise Facilities: The Intra-Mural Activities building (IMA) may be used by showing the Husky Card at the IMA front desk and paying a quarterly fee for use of the facility.

Transportation Access: The University is readily accessible by public transportation. You may purchase a U-PASS during your stay, which will give you access to a number of transportation options and services. Information on obtaining a Washington State Driver’s License can be found on the International Scholars Program web site.

Responsibilities and Limitations

Living Arrangements: Visiting Scholars are responsible for all housing, transportation, and personal costs while at the University of Washington. Scholars must make their own living and transportation arrangements. The coordinator may be able to guide the applicant to various resources. See the Visiting Faculty Housing Service for more information.

Employment: Visiting Scholars may not be employed while at the University.

Patient Treatment: Visiting Scholars may not participate in any clinical care while at the University.

Professional Behavior: Visiting Scholars are expected to conduct themselves within all standards of ethical and professional behavior while at the University.

Health Insurance: Visiting Scholars are expected to have health insurance coverage while they are at the University. Please see J-1 Visa Insurance Requirements for more information.

Excellent English language skills are a critical factor for a Visiting Scholar’s ability to participate in the intellectual and social life of the School and community. Proposed activities must be research focused, not course work or clinical in nature.

The Visiting Scholars fee is $800/per month with the minimum visit being six months in length.

An additional non-refundable fee of $300 per person (subject to change) is required to process the J-1/DS-2019 Visa document through the UW International Scholars Program.

Introduction

The University of Washington Department of Restorative Dentistry maintains a Visiting Scholars Program for faculty members from other countries.  The goals of this program are to provide Visiting Scholars an opportunity to understand our educational and research methods and exchange ideas and perspectives that will ultimately benefit everyone.  The program accommodates a range of observational experience from pre-doctoral dental to graduate level Prosthodontics.

Visiting Scholars are accepted from competitive applications on an ongoing basis.  We regret that not all applicants can be accepted into the program.  Applicants must hold a professorial title at another institution.  The UW School of Dentistry does not provide any funding support. The Visiting Scholar must sustain all expenses, such as transportation, insurance fees, personal and travel expenses.

The length of our Visiting Scholars Programs typically varies from 1 to 12 months.  A member of the Restorative Dentistry faculty (host faculty) must express an interest in working with and coordinating activities for a Visiting Scholar applicant before an application can be approved. If an applicant does not have a pre-existing contact with a faculty member, the Visiting Scholar Coordinator (currently Dr. Hai Zhang) will match an applicant with a faculty member who is willing to act as an academic host for the visit.