Graduate Program Overview

Graduate study in orthodontics is available for selected candidates who wish to specialize in the field. The faculty of the orthodontic graduate program intends to produce leaders in orthodontics, whether in clinical practice, teaching, or research.

The graduate program in orthodontics lasts 36 months. The program begins in early July and ends three years later at the end of the second week of June. It provides a thorough understanding of the science of craniofacial biology as well as its application using a variety of orthodontic techniques and methods used in contemporary clinical practice. This program also provides experience in teaching orthodontics to undergraduate dental students as well as in the conduct of research, some of which will partially fulfill the requirements for a Master of Science degree in orthodontics.

Clinical Experience

In the beginning of the first year, each student will be assigned 30-40 new patients covering a spectrum of clinical problems. In addition to routine comprehensive orthodontic treatment at the circumpubertal stage of development, patients also will be selected to provide diagnostic and treatment experience in:

  • growth guidance and modification for the younger child including the use of functional appliances;
  • orthognathic surgery (combined orthodontic and surgical treatment);
  • adult orthodontic problems including the coordinated management of orthodontics with other dental specialties in treating patients with compromised dentitions;
  • patients with craniofacial anomalies including cleft lip and palate; and (5) patients with associated temporomandibular disorders.

Each resident will participate in the care of over 100 orthodontic patients during the three-year program.

Didactics

In addition to the numbered courses listed, seminars and other learning experiences are provided to cover various topics related to orthodontics and craniofacial biology. A minimum of 48 credit hours must be completed in order to satisfy the didactic requirement of the program.

Research

Research training extends throughout the duration of the graduate program and is designed to promote an inquiring attitude and the ability to evaluate critically the merits of past, current, and future concepts. Students gain experience in formulating questions and performing a supervised research project.

Graduation Requirements
  • Satisfactory completion of didactic courses and assignments related to aspects of scientific methodology including the critical evaluation of published papers.
  • Completing a research project and preparing a thesis that satisfies the requirement of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies.
  • Satisfactory performance in all aspects of clinical orthodontics including a completed case requirement.

The orthodontic curriculum is designed to be flexible, especially during the third academic year. The exact details of the program will be determined by the faculty in consultation with each student. Emphasis can be placed on increased clinical experience, teaching, and/or research. The third year provides an opportunity to complete treating the majority of patients for whom he or she originally developed diagnoses and treatment plans. Emphasis also is placed on the diagnosis, treatment sequencing, and treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. The third year also affords the additional time necessary to complete an original research project and preparing a publishable form of the thesis.

Curriculum by Term

In addition to the required courses outlined below, students may take elective courses to meet individual needs. A typical program appears below:

First Term (Fall)
Course Hr/Wk  Cred
Ortho 760 Clinical Orthodontics 16 1
Ortho 761 Orthodontic Techniques 7 3
Ortho 762 Seminar in Orthodontics 5 1
Ortho 775 Introduction to Orthodontic Clinic 1 1
Ortho 772 Introduction to Cephalometrics 1 1
Ortho 777 Methodology and Problems in Clinical Research 2 1
Dent Ed 601 Teaching & Learning in Dental Education 2 1
Dent Ed 602 Neural Basis of Oral & Facial Function 2 1
  Total 36 10

Second Term (Winter)
Ortho 570 Graduate Biomaterials in Orthodontics 1 1
Ortho 760 Clinical Orthodontics 16 1
Ortho 761 Orthodontic Techniques 6 2
Ortho 762 Seminar in Orthodontics 5 1
Ortho 766 Research in Orthodontics 2 1
Ortho 770 Principles of Occlusal Development 1 1
Biomat 577 Mechanics of Orthodontic Materials 1 1
Dent Ed 603   Craniofacial Development and Growth 2 1
Dent Ed 604 Host-parasite Interactions in Oral Cavity 2 1
Ortho 754 Orthognathic Surgery 2 2
  Total 39 13

Spring/Summer Term
Ortho 760 Clinical Orthodontics 16 1
Dent Ed 609 Biostatistics and Research Design 2 1
Dent Ed 610 Scientific Communications 2 1
  Total 20 3

Third Term (Fall)
Dent Ed 605 Issues in Oral Health and Disease 2 1
Dent Ed 606 Mineralized Tissues 2 1
Ortho 760 Clinical Orthodontics 16 1
Ortho 762 Seminar in Orthodontics 5 1
Ortho 766 Research in Orthodontics 8 1
Ortho 769 Orthodontic Biomechanics 2 1
Ortho 777 Methodology and Problems in Clinical Research 2 1
Ped Dent 778 Management of Children with Craniofacial Anomalies 2 1
  Total 39 8

Fourth Term (Winter)
Dent Ed 607 Cell and Molecular Physiology 2 1
Dent Ed 608 Biomaterials and Therapeutics 2 1
Ortho 760 Clinical Orthodontics 16 1
Ortho 762 Seminar in Orthodontics 5 1
Ortho 764 Treatment of the Compromised Patient 2 1
Ortho 766 Research in Orthodontics 8 1
  Total 35 6

Spring/Summer Term
Ortho 760 Clinical Orthodontics 16 1
  Total 16 1

Fifth Term (Fall)
Ortho 760 Clinical Orthodontics 15 1
Ortho 773 Advanced Diag. and Treatment Planning 2 1
Ortho 774 Ortho and Temporomandibular Joint 2 1
Ortho 766 Research in Orthodontics 8 1
  Total 27 4

Sixth Term (Winter)
Ortho 760 Clinical Orthodontics 15 1
Ortho 774 Ortho and Temporomandibular Joint 2 1
Ortho 766 Research in Orthodontics 8 1
  Total 25 3

Orthodontics Courses

  • Orthodontics 754. Orthognathic Surgery.
    Orthodontic Faculty: Gong, Mayers, Nolan, Hummon.
    Surgery faculty: Betts, Upton.

    The fundamental diagnostic and treatment features of maxillofacial, developmental, and acquired deformities treated by orthognathic surgery are presented by faculty from oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. Preoperative and postoperative orthodontics as well as the spectrum of surgical corrective procedures also are presented. Correction of occlusal dysfunction and skeletal disharmony in both jaws in all three planes of space is included. The class meets for two hours in the Winter semester.

  • Orthodontics 760. Clinical Orthodontics.
    Johnson and clinical faculty.

    Clinical experience treating orthodontic patients with a variety of problems is provided. Experience is gained using standard edgewise appliances as well as preadjusted appliances. Experience using functional appliances such as the Herbst appliance, Twin Block, FR-2 and FR-3 of Fränkel, and the Bionator is attained. In addition, various orthopedic appliances, including the facial mask, rapid maxillary expander, and the chin cup may be incorporated into specific treatment protocols. Patients typically are treated in the Graduate Orthodontic Clinic each afternoon of the week.

  • Orthodontics 761. Orthodontic Techniques.
    McNamara and Nolan.

    This course includes lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences to teach theory, construction, and manipulation of the wide variety of appliances used in orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic therapy. Principles of banding and bonding are stressed, as is the use of fixed and removable auxiliary appliances including functional appliances and rapid maxillary expansion. The participant also will be introduced to presentation and other computer technology, including Powerpointä, Photoshopä, Endnoteä, and well as various morphing techniques. The course meets for four hours each week during the fall and winter semesters.

  • Orthodontics 762. Seminar in Orthodontics.
    Clinical faculty.

    A wide variety of topics are presented that are based on the private practice and university experience of the clinical faculty. These topics include:

    • Diagnosis. The principles of orthodontic diagnosis are taught in a systematic fashion and applied to patients under treatment.
    • Treatment Planning. Orthodontic treatment is taught using the records of patients being treated in the clinic as well as those treated previously.
    • Case Assessment. Methods are taught to critically evaluate the response of patients to treatment.
    • Orthodontic Problem Solving. Specific methods of problem solving are discussed.
    A one-hour seminar is held each day for the fall and winter semesters.

  • Orthodontics 763. Orthodontics for the Pediatric Dentist.
    Johnson, Palmer.

    Orthodontic clinic held for graduate students in the pediatric dentistry program. This class meets for four hours each week during the academic year.

  • Orthodontics 764. Treatment of the Dentally Compromised Patient.
    McNamara (Orthodontics), Eber (Periodontics), Razzoog (Prosthodontics), Yaman (Restorative Dentistry).

    This interdisciplinary course is for graduate students in orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and restorative dentistry. The treatment of patients with complex dental and skeletal problems that require input from a variety of dental specialties is considered. The teaching format includes formal lectures, case presentations, spontaneous discussions, and resident presentations on interdisciplinary topics. The class meets for two hours each week during the fall and winter semesters.

  • Orthodontics 765. Review of Current Literature.
    Johnston.

    A review of articles appearing in orthodontic and related journals are presented using a seminar format.

  • Orthodontics 766. Research in Orthodontics. Thesis Course.
    Johnston and faculty.

    A global course that encompasses the research efforts of the resident during topic identification and thesis preparation. The research project will be supervised by a faculty member of the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry or from another department. The topic of the research must be approved by the thesis committee of the orthodontic resident.

  • Orthodontics 767. Advanced Postnatal Facial Growth.
    Johnston and faculty.

    An examination of theories, concepts, and methods used in the study of human ontogeny. Special emphasis is given to the analysis of craniofacial biology. Required for orthodontic graduate students; open to other graduate students with consent of the instructor. The course meets two hours per week during the fall and winter semesters.

  • Orthodontics 769. Orthodontic Biomechanics.
    Schneider, Kelly.

    A study of the principles of biomechanics as applied to orthodontic treatment. Special emphasis is placed on relevant aspects of biomaterial science, principles of mechanics applied to the analysis of force delivery systems, and the biologic response of tissues to applied forces. This two-hour course s offered in the winter term.

  • Orthodontics 770. Principles of Occlusal Development.
    West, Johnston.

    The establishment, maturation, and maintenance of dental occlusion. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of occlusal development and facial growth. The etiology of malocclusion is discussed. This two-hour course is offered during the fall semester.

  • Orthodontics 772. Introduction to Cephalometrics.
    Johnston.

    An introduction to the measurement of the lateral and posteroanterior head film is provided. This lecture and laboratory course introduces the student to various methods of cephalometric analysis. This course is offered in four hour segments during the summer months.

  • Orthodontics 773. Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment Planning.
    McNamara, Bookwalter.

    This course is intended for second-year orthodontic graduate students but may be also taken by other graduate students who have completed specialty training in orthodontics. A comprehensive review of the principles and practices of orthodontic treatment will be provided. In addition, the participant will prepare and three finished orthodontic case reports in the format required by the American Board of Orthodontics. Basic and applied principles of photography and advances in computer technology are integral to this course, which meets for two hours each week during the fall semester.

  • Orthodontics 774. Orthodontics and the Temporomandibular Joint.
    Palmer and faculty.

    A lecture, laboratory, and seminar course for third-year orthodontic graduate students. This course examines the use of articulators and occlusal splints for MPD/TMJ patients. Occlusion is discussed as it relates to orthodontic diagnosis and finishing. Differential diagnosis and treatment for TMD patients are covered didactically and clinically.

  • Orthodontics 775. Introduction to Orthodontic Diagnosis.
    Johnson, clinical faculty.

    An introductory course on gathering diagnostic records leading to the diagnosis and treatment planning of the orthodontic patient. Presented during the first semester of the first year of the orthodontic graduate program.

  • Orthodontics 777. Methodology and Problems in Clinical Research.
    Johnston.

    An advanced course for orthodontic graduate students in which the nature of hypothesis testing, the process of clinical decision making, and the statistical methodology to be employed in each students thesis research is discussed.

  • Orthodontics 798. Special Projects in Orthodontics.
    Johnston and faculty.

    Special research projects can be undertaken with approval of the instructor.

  • Orthodontics 799. Directed Readings in Orthodontics.
    Johnston and faculty.

    Directed reading in areas related to orthodontics and craniofacial biology can be taken with permission of the instructor.