Orthodontic Unit

Research

The periodontal ligament is of fundamental importance to the orthodontist.  Without its adaptive, functional and reparative capabilities orthodontic treatment would be impossible.  Over the years much research has been directed at this vital structure. In the early years studies were aimed at the fibre systems that comprise the ligament.  The collagen and oxytalan fibres have been the subject of examination as far as their supportive nature is concerned, as well as their anatomical and functional changes in certain disease states. Investigations at the scanning and transmission electron microscope level have been conducted for a number of years to analyse the vascular and neural morphology of the periodontal ligament and their response to the influence of orthodontic loading. Recent studies have been directed at the initiation of root development and the identification of the cells involved.  Vascular structures and their cellular components are also receiving attention, particularly with regard to fenestrae and their possible function. Numerous clinically-based projects have been completed.

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry - Othodontics – Program Information

The University of Adelaide orthodontic specialist program was established in 1969 to cater for the orthodontic needs of the South Australian public. The University conducts a full-time, postgraduate orthodontic program of three calendar years which leads to the qualification of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry.  In the last year of the program, candidates may be employed as part–time registrars in the Adelaide Dental Hospital. The orthodontic program covers the normal growth and development of the human masticatory apparatus and related structures as well as the aetiology of significant deviations from the accepted norm.  Orthodontic theory and modern methods of therapy are covered as comprehensively as possible during clinical and programmed seminar sessions. An essential component of the program is the research investigation of a selected topic and submission of a research report. The successful completion of both research and coursework components of the program is necessary to fulfil the requirements of the degree. The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree is now regarded to be the clinical specialist training program, replacing the Master of Dental Surgery in South Australia, and has research degree status since January, 2006.

Scope of the Program

Research

Research Thesis
University regulations require that students undertake and satisfactorily complete a thesis on a research project in order to fulfil the requirements of the degree. The theme of the project will usually be designated and will generally follow research trends established within the Orthodontic Unit. For guidelines on the preparation and binding of the research thesis, please refer to Appendix 5 ‘Specifications for Thesis’ in the Adelaide Graduate Centre’s Research Student Handbook booklet.

Supervision
Although supervisory assistance is available, the student is challenged to show initiative and planning in the development and content of the research program.  The student is further encouraged to think critically and creatively and to contribute in a meaningful way to orthodontic scholarship and discovery.
For further details on the student/supervisor relationship refer to the Adelaide Graduate Centre’s Research Student Handbook.

Assessment
Currently research forms 67% of the total assessment and The Structured Program core component includes presentation of the research protocol within 6 months of enrolment.  It is expected that the research experimentation be completed by the end of the second year.  All corrections and examiners’ recommendations following submission should be finalised together with preparation of at least one research paper for publication before the end of the third year of the program.

Seminars
Seminars and presentations are also included in the overall assessment; contact the Orthodontic Unit for details.  The seminar program spans the three years and your attendance and contributions are integral requirements.  You are expected to be punctual and failure to attend without suitable explanation (e.g. medical certificate) will be regarded as not meeting academic requirement.

Leave from the Program
Candidates are referred to the Research Student Handbook for information regarding Leave of Absence.  This is a formal process requiring completion of the “Application for leave of absence/study leave” and support from supervisors and Head of School or Postgraduate Co-ordinator. Annual leave of four weeks does not require an application for leave of absence but occurs at an agreed time with the Head of Program.  The orthodontic program usually provides opportunity for a break over the Christmas/New Year with times determined by hospital clinic rosters and university commitments.  Because orthodontic treatment is an ongoing commitment, the Head of Program and the Orthodontic Clinic require information to enable contact with you during the break to enable proper patient management in the event of an emergency.

Structured Program

The program is designed to provide the student with a broad knowledge of subjects directly related to orthodontic practice.  A sound understanding of the aetiology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of abnormal growth and the development of the jaws, abnormal relations of the dental arches and all forms of tooth irregularities is essential. Instruction via conventional and problem-based learning consists of guided readings, reviews, seminars and tutorials on advanced orthodontics, along with closely supervised clinical and laboratory practice. The supervised clinic occupies at least five three-hour fixed appliance sessions per week over the entire period of the program.  Four sessions are devoted to the Begg and Tip-Edge appliances and a thorough knowledge and a high degree of proficiency is expected.  A fifth session aims to provide a broad working knowledge of Edgewise appliances.  A further session involves treatment of mixed dentition cases and the use of functional appliances.  A continual updating of clinical records of performed treatment will be required of the student, along with regular reviews of treatment progress. 

A major case review is held in June-July each year and formal examinations are held each year in October/November.

In order to obtain clinical experience further to that gained on your own patients, assignment to other consultant clinics will occur at various times during the program.  These other clinics may include the University Children’s Dentistry sessions, the Cleft Palate Clinics at either the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital or the Flinders Medical Centre and a combined oral surgery/orthodontic clinic for the management of dento-facial disorders.
Seminars are held regularly during the week and students are rostered for presentation.  It is expected that a written summary of the topic will be prepared by the presenter and distributed to fellow students and university staff prior to the presentation.  Essay topics and deadlines will be assigned at the commencement of the program. So that recent additions to the orthodontic literature are read and critiqued, orthodontic students contribute to a Journal Club.  Presentation times are associated with clinical sessions and tutors will be rostered to conduct discussion and evaluate information retrieval techniques.

The Dental School conducts obligatory and assessable compulsory courses as part of the Structured Program for all dental postgraduate students.  Orthodontic students will attend Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics and Common Topics in Dental Clinical Science, unless exempted, so that knowledge of other dental fields is updated and an inter-relationship is created between orthodontics and allied dental subjects.  Participation in Interdisciplinary Seminars is also required as scheduled.

Outline of Content
The Adelaide Postgraduate Orthodontic program is intended to give students an understanding of the development of normal and abnormal occlusions and of the procedures necessary to either intercept or treat a developing malocclusion.  It will include knowledge of the following:

• Normal growth changes of the body in general, and of the craniofacial complex in particular, with reference to growth of the jaws, eruption of the teeth and development of normal occlusion.
• Applied anatomy of the head and neck with special reference to the temporomandibular joint and to the muscles that attach directly and indirectly to the mandible.
• The physiology of the stomatognathic system, and in particular the physiology of sucking, mastication, deglutition, respiration and phonation and the effect that soft tissues have on the developing occlusion.
• A study of growth and development, encompassing embryology, histology, genetics, anthropology and oral pathology.
• The principles of examination and orthodontic diagnosis on patients, including cephalometrics and radiology.
• A detailed study of the periodontium and its reaction to orthodontic tooth movement, together with relevant biomechanical principles.
• The properties and uses of orthodontic materials.
• A basic knowledge of epidemiology and research methods including dental statistics.
• Cleft palate and other dento-facial deformities and their surgical management.
• Photography.
• The investigation of a research topic.

Assessment

Examinations
Examinations are held in October/November of the first and second years and may comprise two, three-hour written papers, viva voce examination and a clinical examination involving the presentation of patients treated by the student under supervision.  The examinations are rigorous and exacting and success in these examinations as well as the continual assessments through each year will determine entry into the following year of the program.  Final clinical and theoretical examinations are held in October of the final year.

Seminars
Seminar presentations, essays and practical exercises throughout the program will also be assessed.  Clinical performance is continually assessed and students are encouraged to seek feedback on their performance.

Research Thesis
Research forms 67% of the total assessment and the research thesis forms a major component.  It would be expected that the research experimentation be completed by the end of the second year.  The research project will be assessed by nominated external examiners at the end of the first and second years to guide the progress.  All corrections and examiners’ recommendations should be finalised, together with preparation of a research paper, for publication before the end of the third year of the program.  Three typed unbound copies of the research thesis will be submitted for examination.  Once changes demanded by the examiners have been made and approved by the supervisors, two bound copies must be given to the Dental Graduate School and at least one copy for each supervisor.

General Information

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry - General Information: D.Clin.Dent.