Orthodontic Residency Objectives

Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics:
Postgraduate Program in Orthodontics

About the Program:

OBJECTIVES

In meeting the overall goal of producing a proficient specialist in Orthodontics, the objectives of the postgraduate program which encompass the standards of established care include:

1. Mastery of preventive and interceptive orthodontic procedures in the primary and mixed dentitions required to properly manage the developing occlusion in children.
2. Mastery of multi-phased and growth modification orthodontic procedures in the growing patient required to properly manage the developing occlusion and skeletal dysplasia.
3. Mastery of orthodontic procedures in the young permanent dentition required to manage the occlusion in adolescents to include both extraction and non-extraction protocols.
4. Mastery of orthodontic procedures in the adult dentition required to properly manage occlusion considerations in older patients to include orthognatic surgery, prosthetic dentistry, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular dysfunction.
5. Ability to educate and guide patients and parents to accept and practice oral health care with preventive concepts, a foundation of clinical orthodontic practice.
6. Understanding the physical and chemical properties of dental materials used in orthodontic treatment and patient responses to these agents.
7. Knowledge of oral pathology and management procedures applicable to patient care.
8. Capability to diagnose traumatized and carious primary and permanent teeth with ability to maintain the teeth, pulp tissues, and periodontium in a healthy state during orthodontic treatment.
9. Understanding the growth and development of the stomatognathic system and the ability to provide treatment aimed at allowing optimal development of this system.
10. Familiarity with published literature pertinent to orthodontics and the motivation to remain abreast with and critically evaluate the literature.
11. Commitment to the implementation of community based programs aimed at educating the public on oral health, dental and orthodontic issues.
12. Preparation for managing a contemporary orthodontic practice relative to practice administration, efficient auxiliary utilization, and marketing.
13. Coordination of all objectives such that diagnosis, case analysis, treatment planning, and clinical management of dentofacial occlusion problems that occur in childhood, adolescence and adulthood are grounded in a sound application of scientific knowledge which remains a state-of-the-art level through development of an attitude towards lifelong inquiry and study.