Faculty: Graduate School of Health Science This major focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Students develop skills in orthodontic techniques, biomechanics, and patient care. Graduates are prepared for careers in orthodontic practices, dental clinics, and academic institutions. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. - Develop skills in diagnosing and treating malocclusions and other dental irregularities. - Learn techniques for applying orthodontic appliances and biomechanics. - Explore principles of craniofacial growth, development, and genetics. - Analyze and interpret orthodontic data and research findings. - Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making skills for effective orthodontic practice. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Orthodontics** - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. - Fundamentals of normal and abnormal dental development and occlusion. 2. **Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning** - Principles of orthodontic diagnosis, including clinical examination, radiographic analysis, and model analysis. - Techniques for developing comprehensive orthodontic treatment plans. 3. **Orthodontic Biomechanics** - Fundamentals of orthodontic biomechanics, including force systems, anchorage, and tooth movement. - Techniques for applying biomechanical principles in orthodontic treatment. 4. **Orthodontic Appliances** - Principles of orthodontic appliances, including fixed and removable appliances, and functional appliances. - Techniques for designing, fabricating, and using orthodontic appliances in treatment. 5. **Craniofacial Growth and Development** - Principles of craniofacial growth, development, and genetics. - Techniques for assessing and managing growth-related orthodontic issues. 6. **Interdisciplinary Orthodontic Care** - Principles of interdisciplinary orthodontic care, including collaboration with other dental and medical specialists. - Techniques for managing complex orthodontic cases requiring multidisciplinary approaches. 7. **Orthodontic Research** - Principles of orthodontic research, data analysis, and evidence-based practice. - Techniques for conducting and evaluating research in orthodontics. 8. **Clinical Orthodontics** - Real-world experiences in orthodontic practice, including patient care, case presentations, and clinical rotations. - Application of learned skills in practical orthodontic scenarios. 9. **Capstone Project in Orthodontics** - Comprehensive project applying skills in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, or biomechanics. - Delivery of a polished orthodontic case presentation, research project, or clinical study. **Assessment Methods:** - Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plans, biomechanics analyses, appliance design projects, growth and development assessments, interdisciplinary care plans, research methodology projects, clinical case presentations, capstone projects, and clinical evaluations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Orthodontics: Current Principles and Techniques" by Henry W. Fields Jr. et al. - "Contemporary Orthodontics" by William R. Proffit et al. - "Biomaterials in Orthodontics" by Theodore Eliades et al. - "Craniofacial Growth and Development" by Donald H. Enlow. - "Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning" by various authors. - "Orthodontic Research Methods" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Completion of a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Suitable for dental graduates interested in specializing in orthodontics. **Major Duration:** Typically 2-3 years for a Master of Science (MS) in Orthodontics or a certificate in orthodontics, including coursework, clinical rotations, and research projects. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a Master of Science (MS) in Orthodontics or a certificate in orthodontics and pursue board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) or other relevant certifying bodies. **Target Audience:** Aspiring orthodontists, dental specialists, and individuals seeking careers in orthodontic practices, dental clinics, and academic institutions. This major equips students with the diagnostic, clinical, and research skills needed to excel in orthodontics, supporting careers in orthodontic practices, dental clinics, and academic institutions.