Orthodontics is a dental specialty concerned with diagnosing and treating malocclusions of the teeth and jaws. It is also known as the field of straightening or aligning teeth to correct their irregular position, and may involve the use of fixed or removable appliances such as braces. The name of the field derives from the Greek words “orthos” meaning straight or proper, and odons” meaning teeth.
In the late 1800s, Edward H. Angle developed a system of orthodontics that is still used today, and he was the first to introduce the idea of teaching orthodontics as a part of predoctoral dental education. He opened the Angle School of Orthodontia in St Louis, and it produced a number of outstanding orthodontists during its years of operation from 1900 to 1911.
There was great debate over how to teach orthodontics as a predoctoral subject, with some arguing that it should be taught as a separate course, and others advocating university extension courses or graduate programs for the study of orthodontics. There was even discussion about whether orthodontics should be taught in the same classroom with dentistry, osteology or other subjects.
The debate continued into the 1940s, when Leuman Waugh and his colleagues published a comprehensive proposal for orthodontic education. They proposed a short course of 8 to 10 weeks for general dentists interested in practicing orthodontics, and a longer course of a year or more leading to a master’s degree for students who wanted to specialize in orthodontics.강남교정치과
Ross argued in 1948 that orthodontics should be taught at the university level as part of the basic curriculum. He suggested a lecture course, a technique course and, if possible, a clinical course. He believed that the science of orthodontics needed a solid foundation in anatomy, embryology, physiology, biomechanics and child psychology. He further emphasized that research was needed to answer the questions that came up in clinical practice.
Currently, the department offers an orthodontic postgraduate fellowship for qualified dentists. The program is a one-year intensive program and does not result in a degree. Fellows in the program are trained in the basic sciences of orthodontics, including but not limited to, bone biology, growth and development, cephalometry, the biological basis for tooth movement, occlusion, and clinical treatment planning. They have access to well-equipped laboratories in orthodontics and also to laboratories in the School of Engineering, the Institute of Material Science and Skeletal Development, the Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, and the Center for Biomechanics.강남치과
The mission of the division is to train residents who are proficient in treating a broad spectrum of occlusal and dentofacial malocclusions, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment planning. The program emphasizes a strong didactic curriculum in all areas of orthodontics, including the basic sciences of orthodontics, and provides opportunities for residents to participate in clinical practice under supervision. Research opportunities are encouraged, and faculty mentors will provide guidance for these activities. The residency program admits eight (8) residents a year and is accredited by the American Board of Orthodontics. Applications for the program are accepted through PASS (Postgraduate Application Support Service).