I don't know enough specifics to answer your question--but I can give you a few guidelines.
The easiest way to find out about a program is to find their department website. Most publish data about themselves or at least tell you what kind of treatment and philosophies they focus. Next best thing to do is get in touch with the program by giving them a call or better yet, visiting the program if you have the time.
It's difficult to say which ortho program is the "strongest" because it depends on the area where the strength is. It also depends on what you are looking for in an ortho program. Are you interested in simply learning how to treat patients or do you want to emphasize research? Do you want to be a true Tweed wire-bender or do you want to bend as little wire as possible?
There are some programs that are very strong in research, some that are very strong in their respective treatment philosophies (edge-wise or straight-wire). Some are very flexible to let you try new things. Some that are directly attached to hospitals emphasize orthognathic surgery and cleft palate treatment. Some programs are 2-year, some are 3-year. I would avoid programs with directors that were involved with OEC schools since their programs seem to have a habit of imploding.
Sorry I can't give you specific remarks about particular schools. However, I can tell you that WVU (where I am now) is a 3 year program emphasizing the straight-wire appliance. It is a masters degree program (which means some amount of research is involved as well as defending a thesis). I believe my clinical experience here is excellent (despite the "west virginia" hillbilly stereotype that most people incorrectly assume). We do work with a hospital and oral surgery program which means we do get to treat orthognathic and cleft palate patients.
Good luck.
Mike
