The topics listed below are covered in the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting – Level 1 program.

1. Oral and Dental Anatomy
– Oral anatomy
– Dental anatomy
– Tooth development
– Tooth numbering
– Tooth surfaces and directions
– Malocclusions

2. What is Orthodontics?
– Dentistry and dental specialties
– Types of orthodontic treatment
– Stages of treatment
– Orthodontic instruments
– How teeth move

3. The Orthodontic Appliance
– Basic orthodontic appliance parts
– Elastomeric ligatures
– Steel ligatures
– Common Intra-oral auxiliaries

4. Archwire Selection
– Placement and termination
– Archwire selection

5. Headgears and Elastics
– Extra-oral auxiliaries – Headgears
– Intra-oral auxiliaries – Elastics

6. Secondary Appliances
– Introduction to appliance fabrication
– Types of appliances

7. Application of Orthodontic Appliances
– Separators or spacers
– Orthodontic bands
– Direct and indirect bonding

8. Removal and Retention
– Removal of braces
– Retention
– Post-treatment procedures

9. Diagnostic Records
– Introduction to orthodontic photography
– Impressions
– Bite registration
– Photographic techniques

10. Radiation and X-ray Safety
– Introduction
– Radiation safety
– Proper positioning for x-rays
– Techniques for quality orthodontic x-rays

11. Orthodontic Models
– Introduction to orthodontic models
– Introduction to intra-oral scanning and digital models

12. Patient Management
– Chair, patient, and body positioning
– Physical interaction with patients
– Checking appliances
– Patient instructions
– Charting
– Parent communication

13. Infection Control in Orthodontics
– What is infection control?
– Sterilization and disinfection
– Protecting our patients and ourselves

14. Professionalism in Orthodontics
– What to expect
– Professionalism in the office