Orthodontics

This course is designed as a series of introductory lectures to familiarize the pre-doctoral dental student with the specialty of Orthodontics. The student first learns about abnormal and normal growth and development of the cranial facial complex including the dental, skeletal, soft tissue and embryological growth and development of the individual. This will equip the student to allow them to examine and identify the patient's status when it comes to growth and development. The student also learns to correlate the basic science of growth and development of the skeletal components and the teeth with overall growth. The student will also learn how to diagnose, create a problem list, treatment plan, treat and manage the adolescent and adult patient utilizing fixed and removable appliance therapy. Common orthodontic concerns such as malocclusions, dental discrepancies, skeletal discrepancies, space management (maintenance and regaining), rationales for interceptive and comprehensive treatment, as well as minor tooth movements will be addressed.

This course is designed to continue the dialogue with the student to familiarize the future general dentist with the many aspects of the practice of Orthodontics. Orthodontics is a specialty of the practice of dentistry in which the general dentist does not usually engage. The lectures and slides presented will acquaint the general dentist with those portions of Orthodontic treatment in which he can participate as well as those reserved for the specialist. The lectures will also emphasize the role of the general dentist in the comprehensive dental care of a patient, especially one in which Orthodontic therapy is needed to promote and maintain oral health. At the end of the course, the student is expected to understand the role of the Orthodontist in the rendering of these services and understand the different treatment sequencing involved with these services.