Program Overview

Graduate Orthodontics (ORTG) Program

The Graduate Orthodontics program at Temple University is designed to provide advanced education and training in orthodontics. The program is heavily dependent on the "big brother/sister" system, where residents serve as instructors in the predoctoral clinic and mentor their peers in the graduate program.

Course Descriptions

The program includes a range of courses that cover various aspects of orthodontics, including:

• ORTG 8400: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Conference: This course exposes students to different cases and discusses diagnosis, treatment goals, and treatment plans.
• ORTG 8401: Orthodontic Technique Lab: This course teaches essential principles of orthodontic appliances using typodonts and introduces students to orthodontic instruments and wire properties.
• ORTG 8402: Orthodontic Principles and Techniques: This seminar and independent study course provides a review of orthodontics and its history, and introduces students to orthodontic data collection and patient management.
• ORTG 8403: Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Plan Seminar: This course discusses the essentials of orthodontic diagnostic processes and treatment planning, including cephalometric headfilms and surgical orthodontics.
• ORTG 8404: Orthodontic Biomechanics: This course covers the biology and engineering mechanics of orthodontic and orthopedic forces applied to human orofacial structures.
• ORTG 8405: Dysmorphology: This course studies the biologic basis, classification, and management of human craniofacial anomalies and syndromes.
• ORTG 8406: Teaching Principles: This course exposes students to teaching and mentoring activities, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management.
• ORTG 8407: History of Orthodontics: This course provides an overview of the history of orthodontics.
• ORTG 8408: Craniofacial Cephalometrics: This course covers the principles of craniofacial cephalometrics.
• ORTG 8410: Current Literature Review: This course provides a critical review of selected recent basic science and clinical research papers in orthodontics and craniofacial biology.
• ORTG 8413: Operations Management for Orthodontic Practice I: This course introduces students to various ways to start practicing orthodontics.
• ORTG 8414: Growth and Development of the Craniofacial Complex: This course covers the fundamental biological and genetic mechanisms of normal human craniofacial growth and development.
• ORTG 8416: Clinical Biomechanics: This course provides an evidence-based review of the scientific literature on the mechanical and biological reactions of craniofacial structures to applied orthodontic and orthopedic forces.
• ORTG 8417: Introduction to Basic Principles of Orthodontics (Lab): This course introduces students to basic principles of orthodontics lab, including brackets and wires, appliance placement procedures, and impression and study model preparation.
• ORTG 8418: Introduction to Basic Principles of Orthodontics (Seminar): This course introduces students to basic principles of orthodontics, including department forms and procedures, basic definitions, clinical photography, and AxiUm training.
• ORTG 8419: Orthodontic Principles and Techniques: This lecture seminar sequence deals with the interpretation and application of orthodontic principles and concepts.
• ORTG 8420: Orthognathic Surgery Seminar: This course provides an overview of orthognathic surgery.
• ORTG 8421: 3-D Imaging and Computer Generated Orthodontics: This course provides an introductory overview of various computer-generated 3-D ortho appliances.
• ORTG 8422: Advanced Orthodontic Principles and Techniques: This advanced lecture seminar sequence deals with the interpretation and application of orthodontic principles and concepts.
• ORTG 8423: Progress Conference and Case Review: This course provides a review of orthodontic cases and progress.
• ORTG 8424: Biology of Tooth Movement: This course covers the histologic, cellular, and molecular basis for orthodontic tooth movement.
• ORTG 8425: Classic Literature Review: This course provides a review of classic literature in orthodontics.
• ORTG 8426: Multidisciplinary and Adult Orthodontics: This course reviews the combined orthodontic, periodontic, restorative, and psychosocial needs of adult patients.
• ORTG 8427: American Board of Orthodontics Preparation Course: This course prepares students for the American Board of Orthodontics written exam.
• ORTG 8428: ABO Mock Boards: This course provides a comprehensive way to evaluate the outcomes of diagnosis, treatment planning, and actual treatment of patients.
• ORTG 8429: Clinical Biomechanics: This course reviews the basic principles of biomechanics and their use in actual clinical situations.
• ORTG 8430: Advance Orthodontic Principles and Techniques: This course deals with the interpretation and application of advanced orthodontic principles and concepts.
• ORTG 8431: Thesis; Scientific Writing and Preparation Course 1: This course teaches the essentials of scientific writing and preparation of a thesis.
• ORTG 8487: Critical Elements in Clinical Orthodontics: This course discusses the fine points of clinical decision-making processes.
• ORTG 8510: Interdisciplinary Orthodontic Treatment Seminar: This course provides an overview of interdisciplinary orthodontic treatment.
• ORTG 8513: Operations Management for Orthodontic Practice II: This course introduces students to various ways to manage an orthodontic practice.
• ORTG 8515: Growth and Development II: This course reviews the evidence-based information on the growth and development of the craniofacial complex.
• ORTG 9487: Dento-Facial Anomalies Conference: This course exposes students to grand rounds presentations and discussions on dento-facial anomalies.
• ORTG 9489: Extracurricular Education: This course requires attendance at approved regional or national meetings and conferences.
• ORTG 9587: Graduate Orthodontic Clinic: This course provides treatment of patients in the clinic, where students demonstrate graduate-level mastery of orthodontic diagnosis, treatment skills, and patient management.
• ORTG 9588: Graduate Orthodontic Screening Clinic: This course exposes students to teaching and mentoring activities in the predoctoral and postdoctoral facilities.
• ORTG 9589: Tweed Course: This course teaches the basics of wire bending and introduces students to the Tweed diagnostic and treatment philosophy.
• ORTG 9991: Orthodontic Thesis Studies: This course provides mentor-directed activities on the preparation of orthodontic research protocols and thesis.
• ORTG 9996: Orthodontic Thesis Research: This course provides mentor-directed conduct of a basic science and/or clinical research project in orthodontics.

Level Registration Restrictions

All courses in the Graduate Orthodontics program have level registration restrictions, requiring students to be enrolled in one of the following levels: Graduate.

Repeatability

Some courses in the program may be repeated for additional credit, while others may not. Students should check the course descriptions for specific repeatability information.

Program Requirements

The program requires students to demonstrate graduate-level mastery of orthodontic diagnosis, treatment skills, and patient management. Students must also complete a thesis and participate in clinical and research activities.

Research Areas

The program covers various research areas, including orthodontic biomechanics, craniofacial growth and development, and orthodontic treatment outcomes. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects and present their findings at national and international conferences.