Lesson #1: What is Orthodontics?

• Describe the purpose of orthodontics and how it fits within dentistry.
• Identify key dental specialties and how they work together in patient care.
• Recognize common types of orthodontic treatment, including braces, aligners, and retainers.
• Outline the main stages of orthodontic treatment, from diagnosis to retention.
• Identify common orthodontic instruments and their uses.
• Explain, in basic terms, how teeth move and the biological process behind tooth movement.

Lesson #2: Oral and Dental Anatomy

• Identify key structures of the mouth and teeth, including the major hard and soft tissues that support oral function and orthodontic treatment.
• Explain how teeth develop and erupt, noting the stages of tooth formation, eruption patterns, and their impact on orthodontic care.
• Recognize and apply the main tooth numbering systems- Universal, Palmer, and FDI used in orthodontic charting and communication.
• Understand tooth surfaces and directional terminology, identifying the primary surfaces and directional references used in orthodontic procedures.
• Describe the basic classes of malocclusion and how each affects alignment, function, and orthodontic treatment planning.

Lesson #3: Orthodontic Parts and Appliances

• Define orthodontic appliances and explain their role in guiding tooth movement, correcting bites, and supporting overall treatment goals.
• Identify common appliances such as brackets, bands, archwires, elastics, and headgear, and understand how each contributes to tooth movement.
• Describe the basic function of each appliance, including how archwires align teeth, elastics correct bite relationships, and headgear provides additional external force.
• Explain how multiple appliances work together to achieve efficient, controlled movement while maintaining patient comfort.

Lesson #4: Secondary Appliances

• Define secondary appliances and explain how they differ from primary orthodontic appliances such as brackets and archwires.
• Describe the basic process of appliance fabrication, including materials used and how appliances are custom-made to fit each patient’s treatment needs.
• Identify common types of secondary appliances, such as space maintainers. expanders, retainers, and habit-breaking devices.
• Explain the purpose and function of these appliances in supporting tooth movement, jaw development, and retention after treatment.

Lesson #5: The Orthodontic Process

• Explain the purpose and placement of separators used to create space between teeth prior to banding.
• Describe orthodontic bands, including their selection, fitting, and cementation process.
• Understand the steps involved in bonding orthodontic appliances, such as brackets and attachments, and the materials required for successful adhesion.
• Outline proper procedures for appliance removal and retention, including safe debonding techniques and the role of retainers in maintaining final results.
• Demonstrate effective patient management skills, ensuring comfort, cooperation, and understanding during each stage of treatment.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians, providing clear explanations of treatment progress, home care instructions, and appliance maintenance.

Lesson #6: Impressions, Diagnostic Records, and Models

• Explain the purpose of alginate impressions and demonstrate proper mixing, tray selection, and pouring techniques for accurate study models.
• Identify PVS materials and wax bite registrations and understand when each is used to record bite relationships.
• Describe basic orthodontic X-ray techniques, including panoramic and cephalometric, and how they assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Understand intraoral and extraoral photography, including camera positioning and lighting for consistent, diagnostic images.
• Recognize the role of digital records, such as 3D scans, photos, and electronic files- in improving accuracy and efficiency in orthodontic care.