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Our History

The Orthodontic Department is one of nine clinical departments in the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. Historically, while the college taught the subject of Orthodontics in its undergraduate curriculum as far back as 1905, it was many decades later when Dr. Robert Gaylord, and his colleagues Drs. Tom Matthews and Tommy Williams recognized the need to establish a graduate training program. In 1959 the College of Dentistry set aside sufficient space for the new graduate orthodontic program and additional funds and equipment were solicited from several generous benefactors in the Dallas community to establish the new facility.

The Baylor College of Dentistry Orthodontic Department accepted its first class of five residents in the summer of 1961, with the first graduating class presented in 1963.  Since that time over 300 Orthodontists have received their training within the department.  In September 1996, Baylor College of Dentistry became a member of The Texas A&M University System. 

To continue our strong legacy and tradition of excellence, an alumni association was set up under the name of Dr. Robert Gaylord. We continue to have one of the strongest alumni networks in the country, with active alumni who support and give back to our program, as well as the field of orthodontics. Our alumni association has generously donated funds that go directly to our residents every year to support their travel to conferences and orthodontic events.  To celebrate our rich history, each year our residents, faculty and alumni gather for our annual Gaylord Alumni Association meeting, which is a great opportunity to recognize the legacy of our program and to build connections and network with fellow alumni, current residents, and faculty. 

 

Our Mission

The Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics educates dentists in the specialty of Orthodontics in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Standards for Advanced Specialty Education Programs prepared by the ADA Commission on Accreditation and the American Association of Orthodontists.

The mission of the Texas A&M College of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics' advanced education program is to graduate highly proficient, critical thinking, master's degree level orthodontic specialists who can effectively serve the public in both community-based practice and an academic environment and are prepared to become life-long learners and leaders within the profession.

 

Our Objectives

    • To provide the student with a well-balanced educational experience, integrating a strong foundation in the basic sciences and research with a diverse clinical experience.
    • Expanding and advancing innovative basic, translational and clinical research to improve patient care.
    • To graduate a specialist with highly refined analytical, clinical, critical thinking, and management skills that we believe are necessary to provide optimum orthodontic care for the public.
    • To deliver the highest quality patient-centered, evidence-based orthodontic treatment.