Predoctoral Orthodontics

Comprehensive dental-health care delivery requires that the general dentist be capable of recognizing, identifying, and treating aspects of oral and dental diseases and orofacial disorders. To identify and evaluate orthodontic problems effectively, it is essential that the general dentist have an appreciation of the etiology and treatment of occlusal disharmonies and orofacial deformities.
This course provides knowledge about human growth and development that is the foundation for the clinical treatment of children and essential for fulfilling the departmental management competencies. The goal is an understanding of the concepts concerning the nature and control of craniofacial growth.

Orthodontic Lecture Series

This course is presented in the sophomore year and involves 36 lecture hours on classification of malocclusion, growth and development, cephalometrics, model analysis, space analysis, fixed and removable appliances, diagnosis and treatment planning, habit control, cleft lip and palate, surgical orthodontics and orthodontic armamentarium and materials.

Orthodontics Preclinic

This clinical preparatory course, also presented in the sophomore year, introduces the students to the fabrication and application of fixed and removable orthodontics appliances. Cephalometric tracing analysis, space and model analysis and clinical examination techniques are also introduced.

Orthodontics Clinic I/II

 During the junior and/or senior year, didactic and preclinical laboratory skills are applied in this clinical course in the treatment of patients, including interceptive and preventive orthodontics diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment of the patient requiring limited orthodontic therapy. At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to perform a complete craniofacial and dental examination; diagnose the etiology and severity of a developing or existing malocclusion; effectively communicate treatment options to patients, peers and other specialists; and make appropriate specialty referrals when cases with limited orthodontic, needs are beyond the scope of the general practitioner.

Elective in Clinical Orthodontics

During the senior year a limited number of students may elect to take a more in-depth didactic and clinical elective in orthodontics to further enhance their skills.