Program Overview

Orthodontics Program

The Orthodontics program offers a comprehensive education in the field of orthodontics, covering theoretical and practical aspects of tooth movement, orthodontic force systems, and craniofacial growth and development.

Course Descriptions

• ORTH 532: Biomechanics: Theoretical Basis for Tooth Movement
  • Semester course; 15 lecture/seminar hours. 1 credit.
  • Introduces physical science of mechanics and engineering statics as applied to orthodontic force systems.
  • Emphasizes equilibrium and the biological manifestation of force systems applied to the dentition and craniofacial skeleton.
• ORTH 620: Orthodontic Clinic for Non-orthodontic Graduate Students
  • Semester course; 30 clinical sessions. 1 credit.
  • Must be taken every semester of the program.
  • Allows residents to diagnose and treat limited orthodontic problems with special emphasis on the primary and mixed dentitions.
• ORTH 623: Orthodontics Lecture
  • Semester course; 2 lecture contact hours. 2 credits.
  • An introduction to orthodontics meant to provide second-year dental students with a basic understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems.
• ORTH 650: Literature Review
  • Semester course; 30 seminar hours. 2 credits.
  • Must be taken every semester of the program.
  • Reviews classical articles in areas of special orthodontic interest.
• ORTH 652: Growth and Development
  • Semester course; 30 lecture/seminar hours. 2 credits.
  • Must be taken every semester of the program.
  • Discusses the increases in size and complexity that occur in the craniofacial region.
• ORTH 654: Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • Semester course; 30 seminar hours. 2 credits.
  • Must be taken every semester of the program.
  • Considers and discusses available and theoretical options for clinical management of variations in facial form and dental occlusion.
• ORTH 656: Current Literature
  • Semester course; 30 seminar hours. 2 credits.
  • Must be taken every semester of the program.
  • Presents in a journal-club-format evaluation of current information in orthodontics and related disciplines.
• ORTH 658: Analysis of Orthodontic Treatment
  • Semester course; 22.5 seminar hours. 1.5 credits.
  • Must be taken every semester of the program.
  • Analyzes cephalometric and other objective measures of the outcomes of orthodontic therapy.
• ORTH 660: Orthognathic Conference
  • Semester course; 15 seminar hours. 1 credit.
  • Must be taken every semester of the program.
  • Presents patients requiring coordinated orthodontic and oral surgery care.
• ORTH 662: Craniofacial Anomalies
  • Semester course; 15 lecture/seminar hours. 1 credit.
  • Must be taken every semester of the program.
  • Discusses the etiology and embryologic basis of congenital and acquired deformities in the craniofacial structures.
• ORTH 680: Orthodontic Clinic
  • Semester course; 1-12 clinic hours (three hours per credit). 1-12 credits.
  • Enrollment is restricted to students enrolled in the M.S.D. program.
  • Students will learn the clinical management of orthodontic patients.
• ORTH 700: Senior Selective in Orthodontics
  • Semester course; 1 seminar and 1 clinic hour. 2 credits.
  • Prerequisites: ORTH 623, ORTH 733, and ORTH 739.
  • Enrollment requires permission of the course director.
  • A clinical and didactic course designed for students who wish to gain advanced knowledge of orthodontics.
• ORTH 733: Orthodontic Therapy
  • Semester course; 1 lecture contact hour. 1 credit.
  • Consists of didactic lectures, a continuation of ORTH 623.
• ORTH 739: Clinical Orthodontics III
  • Yearlong course; 2.5 hour clinic sessions. 1 credit.
  • The purpose of this clinical course is to give the student practical, handson, orthodontic diagnosis and treatment experience.

Program Requirements

The program requires students to take a series of courses, including but not limited to those listed above, to gain a comprehensive understanding of orthodontics. The specific requirements for each course, including credits, lecture hours, and prerequisites, are detailed in the course descriptions.