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Undergraduate

Bachelor of Dental Science – BDS 

GOALS of the course are to: 

  1. Develop a comprehensive perception of the normal growth and development of the face and the dentition and of possible deviations in this process. 
  2. Understand the influence of dento-facial deformities upon the form, function and health of the oro-facial complex and appreciate the relevance of the effects upon facial aesthetics. 
  3. Comprehend the essentiality of proper diagnosis to determine the treatment demands of various types of malocclusions and of deviant dento-facial development. 
  4. Develop insight into possible treatment modalities appropriate for treatment of minor malocclusions that can be managed by the general dentist - Employing Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment modalities. 
  5. Appreciate the importance of teamwork in the management of dento-facial deformities through inter-disciplinary treatment.  
  6. Understand the importance of proper referral at the relevant time to enable appropriate management of the developing dento-facial complex. 
  7. Undertake Orthodontic treatment for those patients presenting malocclusions appropriate for management in General Dental Practice and to recognize those patients who must be referred for specialized treatment.  

The course is offered from BDS 3, BDS 4 and BDS 5. 

BDS 3: ORTD3003A - Orthodontics I (Pre-Clinical) 

The curriculum covers two components:  

Dento-Facial Growth & Development  

This course will consider principles underlying growth, development, and maturation of the dento-facial complex. Students will be taught how to identify the basic components in the overall growth and development of the craniofacial complex. To differentiate between growth centres and growth sites and be able to identify them in the craniofacial complex. In addition, a thorough understanding of Dento-facial Growth and Development is essential in the clinical management of the growing patient. 

By the end of the course, students will have the cognitive skills to be able to: 

  • Integrate anatomical, embryological, and histological principles into an understanding of growth, development, and maturation of the dento-facial complex. 
  • Identify the basic components in the overall growth and development of the craniofacial complex. 
  • Enunciate the importance of cephalometric radiography in the study of dento-facial growth and its use in the orthodontic management of the patient.  
  • Identify the different types of malocclusions and how they develop. 
  • Relate the eruption sequence of the primary and permanent teeth as well as the difference between chronological and dental ages.  
  • Identify gender differences in the eruption sequence of the permanent teeth.  
  • Describe examples of maturity indicators and how they assist the dento-facial specialist in making diagnostic decisions. 
  • Recall anomalies of tooth development. 
  • Describe postnatal development of the cleft patient with respect to the three planes of space as well as recognize speech aberrations in the patient with a cleft palate. Describe speech development and recognize abnormal speech. 
  • Describe bone development and the molecular mechanisms underlying bone resorption and tooth movement. 
  • Recall the importance of genetics and inheritance in the craniofacial complex: Mendelian vs multifactorial inheritance. 

Essentials in Orthodontic Techniques and Diagnosis  

This course instructs the student in the materials, basic laboratory techniques and skills, and in the fundamental diagnostic procedures used in Orthodontics. 

By the end of the course, students will have the cognitive skills to be able to:  

  • Discuss the complexities of materials science as applied to orthodontic wires, wax, acrylic, and soldering. 
  • Exercise the principles of radiological diagnosis with an emphasis upon the interpretation of cephalometric radiographs.  
  • Define treatment principles in Preventive, Interceptive and Corrective Orthodontics.  
  • Select the correct dimension for each stainless steel (SS) and Elgiloy wires to be used in the fabrication of removable orthodontic appliances. 
  • Coordinate the information compiled from routine orthodontic diagnostic records and formulate a list of alternative diagnoses.  
  • Recognize and identify treatment objectives appropriate to selected cases.  
  • Identify defects and faults in removable orthodontic appliances and the application of corrective measures.  

 At the end of the course, students will have the psychomotor skills to be able to  

  • Handle dental plasters properly, especially dental stone, in the casting of orthodontic models. 
  • Obtain orthodontic impressions with clear anatomy. 
  • Pour impressions and trim orthodontic models with clearly defined anatomic and art portions of the cast. 
  • Precisely control the wire in the fashioning of springs and clasps. 
  • Place/insert and adjust expansion screws in appliances. 
  • Manipulate acrylics in the construction and finishing of removable orthodontic appliances. 
  • Select and use the appropriate techniques of uniting stainless-steel components by soldering and spot-welding.  
  • Prepare study records including radiographs and study models for patient assessment and complete a space analysis using these records. 
  • Complete accurate tracings of cephalometric radiographs and undertake a simple analysis. 

BDS 4: ORTD4002A - Orthodontics II and BDS 5: ORTD5003A – Orthodontics III (Clinical years) 

The student will assume responsibility, under supervision, for the treatment of patients presenting with simple orthodontic problems. Diagnostic skills will be developed by a comprehensive series of lectures designed to permit an appreciation of the biologic principles involved in the development and treatment of malocclusion. Theoretical background is reinforced by clinical discussions during the weekly sessions. The student will offer both preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment.  

By the end of this course, students will have the cognitive skills to be able to: 

  • Describe the concepts of occlusion in both functional and static senses.  
  • Apply the concepts and practice of the classification of malocclusions. 
  • Record clinical observations. 
  • Exercise the principles of radiological diagnosis with an emphasis upon the interpretation of cephalometrics. 
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive concept of the aetiology of malocclusion. 
  • Define treatment principles in Preventive, Interceptive and Corrective Orthodontics. 
  • Recognise and identify treatment objectives appropriate to selected cases. 
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the effects of the application of orthodontic pressure upon a tooth. 
  • Formulate a diagnosis and appropriate treatment objectives and planning based on an appreciation of growth and development. 
  • Identify defects and faults in removable orthodontic appliances and the application of corrective measures. 

By the end of this course, students will have the psychomotor skills to be able to: 

  • Examine the face and the mouth, externally and internally, in the assessment and diagnosis of malocclusions and/ or abnormal development of the face and jaws. 
  • Arrange the preparation of orthodontic study models, perform the taking and interpretation of intra- and extra-oral radiographs and photographs, and undertake the recording of data on occlusal status 
  • Fabricate orthodontic appliances, either fixed or removable.  
  • Place/insert, adjust, and activate orthodontic appliances  

By the end of this course, students will have the affective skills to be able to: 

  • Accept the joint responsibility implied by undertaking treatment. 
  • Develop a relationship of trust and empathy with the patient. 
  • Communicate with patient and parent in the explanation of the aetiology of a malocclusion and the description of the proposed treatment plan 
  • Motivate the patient to deliver excellent cooperation. 
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