Dental Orthodontics - Curriculum
The Clinical Experience
Learning a variety of orthodontic modalities, residents treat pediatric, adolescent and adult patients. Orthognathic surgical patients and patients with temporomandibular dysfunction are treated as well. The principal clinical method used in the Orthodontic Program is the pre-adjusted edgewise system. Residents also receive instruction in other contemporary clinical modalities.
Orthodontic residents follow most of their patients through the entire course of treatment. They also participate in multiple conferences devoted to the analysis and diagnosis of new cases and further evaluation of patients who are already being treated.
The Didactic Experience
To broaden their knowledge and keep abreast of new directions in the field, residents regularly review and discuss classical and current literature, as well as recent advances in orthodontics. Residents also take basic science and related courses with other postdoctoral students in the Division of Graduate Dental Education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. An affiliation with the internationally recognized Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic enhances the overall learning experience.
The program gives third-year residents the opportunity to make independent treatment decisions. Third-year residents also develop teaching skills through participation in the department's teaching program by instructing general practice residents and first-year orthodontic residents.
All residents undertake research projects leading to a required thesis on an original and independent investigation.
The didactic and clinical experience helps prepare residents to take the American Board of Orthodontics written examination which is required while a resident.
The Orthodontic Residency Program accepts residents on an alternate year basis. New classes begin on odd numbered years (2013, 2015, 2017, etc.).