MSc Dentofacial Orthodontics and Clear Aligners

Programme Brief

The programme delivers a robust foundation in conventional orthodontic principles, mastery of clear aligner technologies, and invaluable clinical experience. By blending theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical training under expert guidance, it fosters the development of specialist orthodontists able to meet the evolving needs of patients and advances in the application of artificial intelligence. The field of orthodontics has witnessed transformative digital advancements, particularly with the emergence of artificial and clear aligner therapies. This full-time clinical MSc programme is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and practical skills essential for mastering both conventional and modern orthodontic practices.  It provides comprehensive training in digital therapies alongside conventional foundational fixed orthodontic and removable principles. 

Course Overview 

The structure encompasses a blend of theoretical coursework, hands-on training, and clinical practice on actual patients. Core subjects include advanced orthodontic principles and digital technologies, biomechanics of tooth movement, growth and development, and facial aesthetics.  The integration of technology in dental practices has become crucial; thus, students gain exposure to software and tools used in treatment planning and clear aligner therapies. Course work covers essential topics such as craniofacial growth and development, biomechanics, orthodontic materials, and treatment methodologies.

The programme incorporates extensive clinical training, where students engage in direct patient care under the guidance of experienced orthodontic faculty.  During clinical training, students are exposed to a diverse patient population, presenting a range of orthodontic cases, from simple to complex malocclusions. This variety enhances their problem-solving capabilities and equips students with the proficiency to manage different treatment modalities, including fixed appliances, removable appliances, and contemporary techniques such as aligners.  

Clinical training is meticulously structured to ensure that students gradually assume greater responsibilities, starting from observation quickly progressing to active participation in treatments in the second semester of the first year. This progressive approach not only builds confidence but also allows students to cultivate interpersonal skills vital for patient interactions, including communication, empathy, and professionalism essential for advanced clinical practice.    

Advanced Supervised Clinical Training in Orthodontics   

A hallmark of the MSc programme is its supervised clinical training component, ensuring students have the invaluable opportunity to work with actual patients under the supervision of orthodontic experts. This enhances learning and ensures that students acquire practical skills in real-world scenarios. Supervised clinical sessions allow students to both observe and implement treatment plans, engage with patients, and refine their techniques in a supportive environment.  Effective clinical training involves hands-on experience with different types of clear aligners, understanding the nuances of each system, and mastering the skills necessary for their application. Students learn how to evaluate each patient's unique dental structure and formulate appropriate treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Moreover, such practical exposure fosters confidence in making clinical decisions, enhancing overall competence. 

Clinical training is integral to developing orthodontic competencies and the primary purpose of advanced supervised clinical training in orthodontics is to provide post graduate students with an in-depth understanding of the clinical aspects of the discipline. While theoretical knowledge is foundational, orthodontics is inherently a hands-on practice that requires experiential learning to develop the necessary clinical skills. Supervised training enables students to apply theoretical principles to real-life situations, fostering clinical judgment and decision-making abilities critical for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.  

Outcomes of Advanced Supervised Training 

The outcomes of advanced supervised clinical training are multifaceted and profoundly impact both the students and the patients they serve. Firstly, students emerge as competent orthodontists with a comprehensive skill set that includes thorough diagnostic capabilities, advanced treatment planning, and an understanding of the latest technological advancements in orthodontics, such as digital treatment planning and 3D imaging. 

Importantly, the rigorous training instils a sense of ethical responsibility, emphasizing the importance of patient-centred care. Students learn to approach treatment holistically, considering not only the clinical aspects but also the psychological and social implications of orthodontic care. This well-rounded perspective is crucial in building lasting relationships with patients and ensuring their overall satisfaction with the treatment process. Furthermore, the training lays the foundation for lifelong learning and professional development. The field of orthodontics is constantly evolving, and graduates equipped with the necessary clinical skills are better prepared to adapt to new technologies and methodologies, ensuring their continual growth within the field.

Programme Awards

The porgrammes offer three exit options.

1. Master's Degree (MSc) Final Award: MSc Dentofacial Orthodontics and Clear Aligners
   
2. Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) Exit or Fallback Award: Postgraduate Diploma Dentofacial Orthodontics and Clear Aligners
   
3. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) Exit or Fallback Award: Postgraduate Certificate Orthodontics and Clear Aligners
   

Aims of the Programme 

The principal aims of the program are to:

• acquire coherent and detailed knowledge at the forefront of orthodontic practice, together with an understanding of the principles and theories which underpin safe clinical practice of clear aligner therapies 
• introduce concepts of occlusal assessment and diagnosis of occlusal abnormalities 
• explain occlusal aetiology, skeletal and dento-alveolar factors 
• be able to integrate prior knowledge and understanding of dentistry with the development of advanced level knowledge and understanding of conventional and digital technology to solve a range of occlusal problems 
• develop an enhanced critical and evaluative awareness of current issues within orthodontics with particular regard to digital treatment planning and appliances 
• develop high levels of proficiency in the application of digital treatment planning of clear aligner orthodontic cases 
• develop the ability to take responsibility for the extension of your own learning and to exercise independent judgement in the investigation, analysis and evaluation of dental topics
• develop self-reflective skills as well as encouraging opportunities for research and further postgraduate development 
• allow you to develop acritical awareness of the use of technology in the discipline 
• enable you to undertake an independent research project.
  

Distinctive Features of the Programme

• supervised clinical practice of orthodontics on actual patients delivered from the Queens Dental Sciences Centre dental 
• laboratory activities, digital planning, work flows and application fabrication 
• provide unbiased teaching in the theory and practice of conventional fixed and Clear Aligner Orthodontics 
• small group learning opportunities and access to the very latest digital Orthodontic treatment modalities 
• opportunities for personal and professional development in the field of Orthodontics 
• contribution to the research base of Orthodontics, encouraging research amongst practitioners 
• reflective practice through the self-appraisal of own levels of competency
  

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of:
  
• the safe practitioner framework, the range of currently available treatment modalities applicable to Dentofacial Orthodontics and Clear Aligners 
• evidence-based approaches to learning, practice, clinical judgment and decision-making
• utilising critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• how to access research and synthesize it for use as part of an evidence-based approach to practice
• the use of technology in the field of Dentofacial Orthodontics and Clear Aligners.
  

Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• critically evaluate and analyze information to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments
• critically evaluate treatment outcomes and provide aftercare to produce a patient centre maintenance regime
• critically analyse problems and synthesize learned knowledge and practical experience to their satisfactory solution
• synthesise and critically appraise information gained from a wide variety of sources
• synthesise acquired knowledge for the evaluation of new technologies and techniques.
  

Practical, Professional or subject-specific Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• develop innovative solutions professionally, safely and effectively, making the high-quality long-term care of patients the first concern in accordance with relevant guidelines
• critically analyse and synthesize a comprehensive patient history and maintain accurate, comprehensive, and contemporaneous patient records
• critically evaluate the importance of each component of the patient assessment process and based treatment plan
• critically solve problems that involve complex issues and systematically execute specific treatment procedures
• synthesise the full results of the patient’s assessment and make clinical judgements to formulate a differential diagnosis and reach a definitive restorative diagnosis.

Transferable, Key or Personal Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• solve complex problems with originality and independence when planning and implementing tasks at aprofessional level
• develop innovative solutions to devise a treatment plan and choice of treatment modality
• critically evaluate various digital technologies
• systematically and creatively solve problems, communicate, and make good use of digital technology
• synthesise knowledge and develop innovative solutions from a variety of medical specialties based evidence
• Clearly communicate complex ideas either verbally and/or in writing and construct coherent arguments using language appropriate to your programme of study.
  

Learning & Teaching Strategies

The learning and teaching methods typically used by tutors include lectures, seminars, practical classes in the dental manikin and skills laboratory, clinical training placement, workshops, and tutorials. A significant amount of personal study is expected to be undertaken by students, comprising, for example, background reading, assignment work and preparation for seminars, patient treatment planning, and dental laboratory activities. This program adopts a blended style of learning and teaching, including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.

Assessment Strategy

Students are assessed with diverse assessment methods, including group activities (group role plays), professional discussions, OSCEs, Vivas, reports, written exams, portfolios of clinical cases, PowerPoint presentations, and a dissertation. The assessments also follows those equivalent and utilised by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons intercollegiate examinations. 

Support for Student Learning

• The clinical aspects of the programme are managed by the Programme Clinical Leader
• The programme is managed by a Programme Leader 
• Each student has a personal tutor who is responsible for support and guidance 
• The online Student Information-Policy Zone provides all regulatory and policy information in one place 
• A subject specialist link tutor supports the programme 
• Programme Handbooks and Module Guides provide information about the programme and university/partner regulations 
• Student representative training is available online from the Student Union
  

Programme Structure

The programme consists of seven modules: 3 x 20 credit modules, 2x 15 credit module, 1 x 30 credit module and 1 x 60 credit Dissertation module. The MSc Periodontology and Implantology requires successful completion of all. the modules to total 180 credits at level HE7. 

Validated Modules

All module components reinforce one another efficiently, as the taught in-class theory sessions running in parallel with the clinical training placement, prepare the students appropriately for their OSCE assessment, while they also inform them with appropriate directions they require to follow for the development of their clinical logbooks. Module learning is consolidated by applying taught in-class theory knowledge to the clinical training placement environment. 

1. Multidisciplinary Patient Assessment and Risk Management (DDT7014)
   
2. Three Dimension Digital Imaging Techniques, Interpretation and Technology
   
3. Occlusal Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
   
4. Digital Orthodontic Treatment Protocols (Design and Manufacture)
   
5. Multidisciplinary Care and Advanced Reflective Clinical Practice
   
6. Research Methodology
   
7. Dissertation