Graduate Orthodontics
I. Program Overview
A. IntroductionGraduate 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, established in 1923, is the oldest degree granting orthodontics program in the world. It has historically played and continues to play a strong leadership role by providing the research and academic direction to the profession. The graduate program in Orthodontics is of 35 months duration and grants an M.S. in Orthodontics through the Rackham Graduate School. It admits seven students annually. A PhD track is also available for those individuals who wish to pursue full-time careers in academic orthodontics. The orthodontic faculty serves as key members of the Craniofacial Anomalies team at the University of Michigan Hospital and, together with our graduate students, provide orthodontic treatment to patients with these developmental disorders in our clinic at the dental school. The program also provides collaborative treatment on complex cases in conjunction with other dental specialties including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, and Periodontics. Two graduates of the program currently serve as chairs of other Orthodontic programs in US academic institutions, and several of our graduates hold part time faculty positions at the University of Michigan or other institutions. The Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry initiated the world-renowned Moyers Symposium in 1973, which is cosponsored by the University of Michigan Center for Human Growth and Development. This is the preeminent clinical research symposium in the profession. The orthodontic program maintains and continues to utilize the unique radiographic and dental cast records from the Michigan Growth Study for important research studies.
The graduate program begins in early July and ends three years later at the end of the second week of June. It provides a comprehensive underst anding of the science of craniofacial biology as well as its application to the various orthodontic techniques and methods in contemporary clinical practice. This program also provides experience in teaching orthodontics to undergraduate dental students as well as in the conduct of research to partially fulfill the requirements for a Master of Science degree in orthodontics.
back to the topB. Clinical Experience
In the beginning of the first year, each student will be assigned approximately 50 new patients with a broad
spectrum of clinical problems. In addition to routine adolescent comprehensive orthodontic treatment, other
patient experiences include:
* Pre-adolescent growth modification (Phase I) including the use of functional appliances, headgear, and interceptive orthodontic treatment
* Surgical Orthodontic Treatment for patients with significant jaw discrepancies
* Adult Orthodontics including coordinated management of orthodontics with other dental specialties to maximize treatment for patients with compromised
dentitions
* Craniofacial Anomalies patients including cleft lip and palate, Treacher Collins, Crouzon's and other common developmental defects
* Patients with temporomandibular disorders.
Over the three year program, each resident will provide care for over 100 orthodontic patients.
C. Didactics
A strong classroom curriculum is essential to provide the graduate student with sound biological, biomechanical, and philosophical foundation. In addition to the graduate school courses listed below, additional seminars, continuing education courses, and other experiences are provided to cover the latest topics in orthodontics and craniofacial biology. A minimum of 48 credit hours must be completed in order to satisfy the didactic requirement of the Master’s program.
back to the topD. Research
Research is an integral component of the graduate program. The foundation of the research training begins in the first semester and is designed to foster curiosity and the ability to critically evaluate historical, current, and future publications. The research experience culminates in each student led, faculty supervised thesis. As part of the thesis project, the student will formulate a specific hypothesis, test that hypothesis, and finally answer that question in his or her published thesis. The department has a rich history in research achievements that includes several faculty and alumni who have been awarded the Milo Helman, or Harry Sicher or Thomas Graber Research awards from the American Association of Orthodontists.
back to the topE. Graduation Requirements
* Successfully complete all 48 hours of didactic courses and assignments related to aspects of scientific methodology including the critical evaluation of published papers.
* Completing a novel research project culminating in a thesis that satisfies the requirement of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies.
* Demonstrate ability to successfully deliver all aspects of clinical orthodontics. This includes satisfying the completed case requirement established by the faculty.
* Satisfactory completion of comprehensive examinations and OSCEs.
The orthodontic curriculum is designed to be flexible, especially during the third academic year where, after consultation with the faculty, additional emphasis can be placed on clinical experience, teaching, and/or research. The department goal is to provide each student with a strong background which once completed can be tailored to best prepare each student for his or her future career goal of clinical practice, research, or academics. The third year also provides an opportunity to complete treatment of the majority of the cases started in the first year.
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II. Curriculum
A. First Year| Semester | Course | Course # | Credit Hrs | Faculty |
| Fall | Clinical Orthodontics | 760 | 1 | Conley |
| Introduction to Cephalometrics | 772 | 1 | McNamara | |
| Mechanics of Ortho Materials (Biomaterials) |
577 | 1 | Kapila/Haerian | |
| Mineralized Tissues | 606 | 1 | Ritchie | |
| Total Hours | 4 | |||
| Winter | Clinical Orthodontics | 760 | 1 | Conley |
| Research in Orthodontics | 766 | 1 | Kapila | |
| Principles of Occlusal Development | 770 | 1 | West | |
| Orthodontic Biomechanics | 769 | 1 | Kapila | |
| Orthognathic Surgery | 754 | 2 | Conley/Upton | |
| Orthodontic Techniques (F/W) | 761 | 2 | McNamara | |
| Neural Basis of Oral & Facial Function | 602 | 1 | Bradley | |
| Molecular Bio in Clinical Dentistry | 612 | 1 | Nor | |
| Craniofacial Dev & Growth (F) | 603 | 1 | Johnston and Berkman | |
| Scientific Communications | 610 | 1 | Holland | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |||
| Sp/Su | Clinical Orthodontics | 760 | 1 | Conley |
| Research in Orthodontics | 766 | 1 | Kapila | |
| Restorative 860 (W) | 860 | 1 | Gerstner | |
| Orthodontic Techniques (F/W) | 761 | 1 | McNamara | |
| Total Hours | 4 | |||
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B. Second Year
| Semester | Course | Course # | Credit Hrs | Faculty |
| Fall | Clinical Orthodontics | 760 | 1 | Conley |
| Research in Orthodontics | 766 | 1 | Kapila | |
| Advanced Dx & Tx Planning (F/W) | 773 | 1 | McNamara | |
| Methodology & Problems in Clinical Res | 777 | 1 | Johnston | |
| Total Hours | 4 | |||
| Winter | Clinical Orthodontics | 760 | 2 | Conley |
| Research in Orthodontics | 766 | 2 | Kapila | |
| Clinical Research Methodology | 777 | 1 | Johnston | |
| Tx of Dentally Compromised Patient | 764 | 2 | McNamara | |
| Mx of Children with CFA | 778 | 2 | Kelly | |
| Treatment in Progress | TBD | 1 | Kapila/Conley | |
| Adolescent Psychology | TBD | 1 | Inglehart | |
| Temporomandibular Disorders | TBD | 1 | Ashman | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |||
| Sp/Su | Clinical Orthodontics | 760 | 2 | Conley |
| Research in Orthodontics | 766 | 2 | Kapila | |
| Total Hours | 4 | |||
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C. Third Year
| Semester | Course | Course # | Credit Hrs | Faculty |
| Fall | Clinical Orthodontics | 760 | 1 | Conley |
| Research in Orthodontics | 766 | 2 | Kapila | |
| Practice Management | 779 | 1 | Roberts | |
| Total Hours | 4 | |||
| Winter | Clinical Orthodontics | 760 | 2 | Conley |
| Research in Orthodontics | 766 | 1 | Kapila | |
| ABO Prep/Review Course | 780 | 1 | Beattie | |
| Total Hours | 4 | |||
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III. Details of Orthodontic Courses
- Courses Offered by Graduate Orthodontics
- Core Curriculum Offered by Other Programs
Orthodontics 754. Orthognathic Surgery
Orthodontic Faculty: Conley, Mayers and Hummon.
Surgery faculty: Edwards and 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 corrective surgical procedures are also presented. Correction of occlusal dysfunction and skeletal disharmony in both jaws in all three planes of space is included.
Orthodontics 760. Clinical Orthodontics
Conley 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< twin Block and MARA appliance 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 are treated in the Robert W. Browne Graduate Orthodontic Clinic each weekday afternoon.
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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 PowerPoint, Photoshop, Endnote as well as various morphing programs.
Orthodontics 762. Seminar in Orthodontics.
Conley
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.
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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.
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.
Kapila
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.
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Orthodontics 769. Orthodontic Biomechanics
Kapila, Haerian
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.
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.
Orthodontics 772. Introduction to Cephalometrics.
McNamara
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.
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.
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Orthodontics 775. Principles of Orthodontics.
Conley and Crouse
An introductory course on gathering diagnostic records leading to the diagnosis and treatment planning of the orthodontic patient.
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 student's thesis research is discussed.
Orthodontics 778. Management of Children with Craniofacial Anomalies.
Kelly
Patients are seen in both Mott's Children's Hospital and in the Robert W. Browne Orthodontic Clinic. This course combines the orthodontic treatment of patients with craniofacial anomalies with the comprehensive team treatment provided by the University of Michigan Craniofacial Anomalies Team.
Orthodontics 779: Practice Management
Roberts
The course consists of an alternating series of classroom seminars and visits to the private practice offices of adjunct orthodontic faculty members. From the lecture series, residents will be able to understand the basic principles of starting an orthodontic practice versus entering into an existing practice. Seminars will address such topics as developing a financial office plan, legal implications of contracts, practice valuation and many other topics relevant to building and maintaining a practice.
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Orthodontics 780: American Board of Orthodontics Phase II Review Course
Beattie
A comprehensive review of fundamental principles and subject matter relating to the science and practice of orthodontics. The purpose of the course is to integrate core information in the field of orthodontics and serve to assist in the preparation for the Phase II examination of the American Board of Orthodontics, the only certifying board for our specialty.
Orthodontics 798. Special Projects in Orthodontics.
Kapila
Special research projects can be undertaken with approval of the instructor.
Restorative 860. Advanced Topics in Orofacial Function.
Gerstner
The primary goals of this course are to provide graduate students with an advanced understanding of orofacial pain, parafunction and dysfunction. This includes differential diagnostics of orofacial pain and current topics in orofacial function research. This will include discussions of readings from the current literature, clinical demonstrations of procedures, and performing clinical procedures in the Orange clinic.
History of Orthodontics (Course Number Pending)
Johnston
A survey of orthodontics, the oldest dental specialty is led in a seminar format. The development of various techniques, theories, and practices of orthodontics and the leading historical figures including Angle, Case, Broadbent, and Tweed are discussed.
Temporomandibular Disorders (Course Number Pending)
Ashman
This overview course will present information regarding the evaluation, diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders. The course will consist of both clinical and didactic sessions including a session regarding how to perform a comprehensive orofacial examination. The information provided in this overview course will allow the orthodontic graduate student to understand the dentist’s role in managing temporomandibular problems.
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Treatment in Progress (Course Number Pending)
Kapila and Conley
Class consists of case presentations with pre-treatment and progress records. A detailed discussion of diagnosis, treatment plans (pros/cons), treatment choice and rationale, treatment mechanics, progress a nd outcomes to date is performed. The selected cases are reviewed critically to assess the effect treatment planning, treatment mechanics, and patient compliance has on the treatment outcome.
Adolescent Psychology (Course Number Pending)
Inglehart
Patient cooperation is a must with orthodontic treatment. Various techniques to motivate and enhance patient cooperation are available; however recognizing which technique is most appropriate for the patient you are treating is essential. Background information into patient motivational assessment methods is covered. In addition, multiple evidence based methods techniques of patient motivation are discussed.
Biology of Tooth Movement (Course Number Pending)
Hatch
This course will cover the histologic, cellular, and molecular basis for orthodontic tooth movement, root resorption and dentofacial orthopedics using historic and current findings in general bone biology, orthopedics and orthodontics.
B. Core Curriculum Offered by Other Programs
Biomat 577. Mechanics of Orthodontic Materials
Haerian, Kapila
Developing an understanding of the mechanical properties of the various orthodontic materials enables the student and practitioner to make treatment decisions from a logical and scientific perspective. The properties that make one wire better for a given situation may make the same wire worse for other clinical situations. An understanding of stress, strain, and other mechanical properties will be discussed to assist in getting the most from each wire.
Dent Ed 602. Neural Basis of Oral and Facial Function.
Bradley
The course presents basic material relating to the neurobiology of the senses of pain, taste, olfaction, and somatosensation. Neural control of motor activity involved in kinesthesia, mastication, swallowing, and speech are discussed. Throughout the course each topic is related to clinical problems to emphasize how basic knowledge can be used to understand and improve treatment of disorders of sensory and motor functions of the oral and facial areas.
Dent Ed 603. Craniofacial Dev & Growth.
Johnston and Berkman
An examination of the predominant theories, concepts, and methods used in the study of human ontogeny. Special emphasis is given to the analysis of craniofacial biology.
Dent Ed 606. Mineralized Tissues.
Ritchie
The course seeks to provide further understanding of the biologic principles of mineralized tissue. Other course goals include improving the ability to read and critique literature in the mineralized tissue field that pertains to the clinical practice of dentistry.
Dent Ed 610. Scientific Communications.
Holland
This introductory course starts the student through the process of developing and designing his or her research project. Course projects include developing a hypothesis, establishing specific aims to test, and formulating a materials and methods section. Some students will use the assigned projects to help them establish their research project for their Masters thesis.
Dent Ed 612. Molecular Biology in Clinical Dentistry.
Nor
Molecular biology has provided the tools for important achievements in science, such as the "Human Genome Project" and the discovery of mutations that have been implicated in oral cancer. The practice of contemporary clinical dentistry will require an increasing knowledge of molecular biology. The focus of this course is to translate basic molecular biology into the daily practice of contemporary clinical Dentistry. It is a course designed for clinical dentists that is ministered by clinical dentists who are involved in dental research.
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