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GHANACOLLEGEOFPHYSICIANSANDSURGEONS
Towardsthefellowshipprogrammeinorthodonticsinthe
FacultyofDentalSurgery
CURRICULUM
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OUTLINE
• Preamble
• Philosophy
• Aims/Objectives
• Admission requirements
• Course Duration
• Programme outline
• Training site(s)/ requirements
• Core competencies
• Fellow Activities
• Research
• Specialty Conferences (Local, Abroad)
• Recommended textbooks and Journals
• Assessment/ Evaluation Methods
• Final Assessment
• Time table
• Criteria for certification (General Fellowship criteria)
• Logbook/Portfolio
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1. Preamble Orthodontics and Dentofacial orthopaedics is the branch of Dentistry, which is concerned with the study of the growth of the craniofacial complex, the development of the occlusion and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dentofacial anomalies and malocclusions 2. Philosophy As with every other specialty in Dentistry, there is a lack of specialists and consultants in the field of orthodontics. The few orthodontists currently are concentrated in the largest cities of Ghana, that is in Accra and Kumasi. There are also very few orthodontists in the training institutions to mentor and train new specialists and consultants. Most orthodontic treatment in the Country is carried out by General Dentists with very little experience and knowledge in this specialty leading to compromised outcomes. It is thus imperative that more orthodontists are trained to fill this vacuum and provide quality care for patients needing treatment.
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3. Aims of the programme
1. To produce fellows who have completed their didactic and clinical education under the auspices and
direction of an advanced educational institution. 2. Offer comprehensive, contemporary and advanced knowledge in Orthodontics to consultant level;
instill the need for continuing professional development and lifelong learning;
3. Promote a critical approach to evaluating relevant literature so as to enable evidence-based practice in
Orthodontics to consultant level.
4. COURSE DURATION The course is expected to last for 2 years full time.
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4. Programme outline
The guidelines of the world federation of orthodontics (see appendix) for the training of orthodontic specialists
and consultants will be used throughout the programme
This programme is for those who have passed the three-year Membership examination in Orthodontics course
and would like to seek further consultant level training. These additional clinical years of education and training
would consolidate the candidate with valuable experience to the highest level endorsed by the world federation
of orthodontists In addition to academic inputs, the programme offers a major specialist led clinical component in
which the Residents will gain high level training on multi-disciplinary management for both children and adults
who require restorative and surgical treatments. Other components include clinical audit, governance and
research consolidation
The general requirements for the residency programme will be followed.(refer membership logbook) Apart from
that, the following requirements will have to be fulfilled.
1. Cleft rotation: the Senior Resident will have to spend a specified amount of time each year at the cleft lip
and palate clinic to acquaint themselves with the management of cleft lip and palate cases.
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2. The Senior Resident will spend a specific amount of time at the paediatric surgery department to acquaint
themselves with the management of patients with craniofacial anomalies and carry out research work
3. The last Friday afternoon of every month will be set aside for journal club, case discussions, research
work, special lectures and debates etc.
4. Every resident will have one session off (half day) during the week for independent work and research etc
and this time must be spent in the premises of the training institution
5. Tuesday afternoons are reserved for exposure clinics and all residents are required to be present.
Residents may also attend to a few cases if there is no exposure clinic.
6. Specified dates will be set aside for tutorials lectures, debates
7. Residents are required to do supervision work in the clinic and also deliver some lecture topics and mentor
junior residents
8. It is mandatory that Residents fabricate their own appliances and retainers
9. Each resident is encouraged to publish at least two peer reviewed articles during this period. You are also
required to participate in all the scientific conferences of the GCPS, COHS and the GDA and submit
posters, or abstracts for publication.
To this effect apart from the main research topic each resident is encouraged to have 3 smaller topics for
research.
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PATIENT LOAD
Each resident is required to start at least 15 new fixed appliance cases each year. Cases are expected to exhibit greater complexity with an IOTN of 3 and above.
6. FACULTY
All consultants at Department of orthodontics and Paedodontics and any other fellows of the Ghana College or other recognised institutions in the diaspora
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7. TRAINING SITE/REQUIREMENTS:
The site of training shall be at the University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry(UGSMD) Dental clinic
and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology (KNUST) Dental School or any other institution
accredited by the college of Physicians and Surgeons. The Resident is required to have passed the
membership examination in orthodontics and per the requirements of the Ghana Health Service should have
served at least 1 year in the district
Residents must be enrolled full-time and are required to attend an adequate amount of faculty-supervised
clinical sessions to establish proficiency in clinical orthodontics. Twenty-four (24) hours per week of supervised
patient management is recommended. The trainee may spend more time in preparatory work in the form of
individual studies, research or other specific assignments. However, all clinical training and taught courses must
fit within an 8-hour daily work schedule. Ten to twelve hours per week, 25% to 30% of the programme should be
dedicated for research and administration (treatment planning, preparation of tutorials, assignments and case
presentations).
The number of new patients assigned to each resident should not be fewer than 30(15 per year) and equal or
more transferred patients will be assigned during the course of the study. Clinical responsibilities of the residents
should also include supervision of retention patients and recall for observation of former patients with special
clinical interest. A minimum of 2 hours per week should be devoted to case presentation and another 1 hour for
review of the current literature in the form of a journal club. Treatment modalities and appliances should include
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removable and fixed appliances, growth modification, orthognathic surgery, guided eruption of impacted teeth,
craniofacial anomalies, interdisciplinary management and preventive and interceptive case management.
EQUIPMENT
• Prior to the beginning of the Residency, each Resident must have a kit of wire bending pliers and wire cutters, soldering kit a digital SLR or compact digital camera (mobile phones are not accepted) and these must be available at all times
• Each Resident must possess a diary for the booking of appointments • Residents must obtain the separate illustrated manual to prepare for the fellowship examination in
orthodontics. This manual takes the resident through a step by step presentation of each case treated in a standardized form
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8. CORE COMPETENCIES
• Demonstrate the possession of in-depth and extensive current knowledge in Orthodontics to consultant
level • Undertake independent, proficient and advanced clinical practice in Orthodontics to the highest level in
either primary or secondary care settings.
• Relate Orthodontic care to other dental and medical specialties;
• Utilise problem-solving and decision-making skills to assess, diagnose and treatment plan advanced,
multi-disciplinary and complex cases;
• Accept secondary referrals for advice and treatment in Orthodontics;
• Understand and analyze the literature and research bases for evidence-based clinical care;
plan and perform research including clinical audits;
• Communicate effectively and interact with patients and colleagues in other dental and medical specialties;
• Be eligible for entry to sit the fellowship examination of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Evaluate psychological aspects of relevance to orthodontics
• Formulate a research hypothesis and design and conduct an experiment to test its validity
• Efficiently organize, present, and publish research findings, as well as present clinical cases in a
comprehensive manner.
• Coordinate an Orthodontic Specialty Practice.
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• Get acquainted with the different types of mechanics apart from the straight wire discipline in the
management of patients eg. Begg, Tip edge, Bioprogressive, Bi-dimensional, Alexander discipline,
MEAW, Damon System, lingual orthodontics and invisalign
Academic content:
• Advanced principles of Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning in children and adults
• Advanced clinical mechanics for treating a variety of malocclusions
• The current approaches to the scientific method of research
• The skill in multi-disciplinary management of children and adults requiring restorative and/or surgical
treatment
Disciplinary Skills - able to:
• Critically appraise scientific papers
• Reflect on case-studies, the integration of current clinical skills with new knowledge of the discipline
• Synthesize information in a manner that may be innovative, utilizing knowledge or processes from the
forefront Carry out orthodontic treatment in children and adults to a specialist standard of the
discipline/practice and from a wide range of sources
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• Discuss ethical and governance issues associated with research and patient treatment
• Apply principles of patient safety and a patient-centred approach to oral health care for children and adults
and recognise own limitations and when to seek advice
Attributes:
• Demonstrate high level competency in patient care, skill and knowledge
• Show professional judgement to implement clinical solutions in response to problems by developing
evidence based treatment plan and taking an holistic approach to solving problems and designing
treatment plans.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically assess scientific papers and available evidence such as guidelines
using a variety of information sources.
• Evaluate critically the scope and limitations of the various techniques used in Orthodontics
• Develop an integrated insight into how the development and impact of their knowledge and skills is of
value and relevance to the workplace.
• Appraise systematically current evidence in Orthodontics and appreciate research inform practice
• Demonstrate the ability to sustain a critical argument in writing and through oral presentations
• Demonstrate ability to write a scientific paper
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9. FELLOW ACTIVITIES
PATIENT CARE • For every patient, Residents must have full documentation of records and this Includes a full detailed
history, study models trimmed to orthodontic specification, X-rays ( lateral cephs must be traced), pictures and these must be available at all times during patient treatment.
• During the period of residency training, every patient being treated will be strictly under the supervision of the consultant in charge.
CLINIC ETIQUETTE
• Residents must be at post at least 10mins before the start of clinic. Reprieve is given for the Resident attending lectures and seminars etc.
• At every quarter, each Resident will be required to submit an update and summary of cases done and of patients undergoing treatment
• The patients of the Consultant must be attended to before the patients of the Resident. In case you need to see your patient earlier, you must arrange to do so before the official start of the clinic
• The periods for your lab work and research work are not off days and thus you are to be present at all times. laboratory and research days for each Resident are mandatory and start at 8.30am and ends at 12 pm If for any reason you cannot make it, this has to be communicated to the HOD either verbally or in writing.
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• Absenteeism will not be condoned. Any missed day without any tangible reason will be deducted from your leave period
LEAVE PERIOD Your leave period should be planned at the beginning of the year and submitted to the HOD. This should be such that not more than two Residents are on leave at the same time since this could interrupt clinical work. Each Resident shall take full responsibility for his or her patient. Residents must plan their annual leave in advance so as not to coincide with the visits of their patients. Patients will only be attended to in your absence only in cases of emergency. 10. RESEARCH Six months into the residency programme each Resident is required to submit for Consideration, an outline of research topic to be undertaken for the fellowship programme. Each Resident is also required to identify three smaller topics to research on. Each Senior Resident should undertake a research project for which its methodology as well as the results
should be presented in the form of a dissertation. The Senior Resident should produce a bound dissertation of
research work before submission date and be able to discuss and defend the research in an oral examination.
Senior Residents are expected to publicize the findings of their research in a variety of ways, including (a)
Presentation at research seminars, (b) Presentation at national/international meetings and (c) Publication in a
refereed journal.
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11. SPECIALTY CONFERENCES Within 1-2 years of the fellowship programme, each Resident is encouraged to attend at least one International orthodontic/ paedodontic conference and submit at least one article and abstract for presentation or publication in any peer reviewed journal. The orthodontic courses attended will form part of the Resident’s final assessment before being required to take the examinations 12. COURSES The Senior Resident must make it an objective to attend at least one continuing education work shop to learn new techniques and methods in orthodontics 13. Specialty related journals The following journals are recommended for use by the fellowship resident.
• Journal of clinical orthodontics • Orthodontic update • Journal of orthodontics • American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics • Angle orthodontics • European journal of orthodontics • West African journal of orthodontics • Journal of the world federation of orthodontics
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14. Assessment There will be a system of ongoing evaluation and advancement. Written evaluations of the Residents, shall be
obtained from the training staff. The evaluation will include:
a. Cognitive skills;
b. Clinical skills;
c. Interpersonal skills;
d. Patient management skills; and
e. Ethical standards.
f. Research activity
Twice a year, the institution shall conduct constant evaluation of the performances of the Resident to assess the
progress forward (formative assessment). Procedures that are required are assessed and graded by trainers.
Residents must have completed all the necessary procedures.
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15. Final assessment. Part II Fellowship Examinations Candidates must have received instruction in the application of the principle of ethical reasoning, ethical
decision-making and professional responsibility as they pertain to the academic environment, research, patient
care and practice management before the Final Fellowship Examinations.
There should be assessment of the achievement of the competencies for the specialty in all the three domains
(cognitive, psychomotor and affective) using formal evaluation methods;
a. Presentations
b. Assessment of log books
c. Assessment of interest in publication writing
d. Bi-annual reports of performance from their trainers
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The Format of the Examination
The Final Fellowship examination will consist of three parts:
a. Dissertation defense: 15 minutes of power point presentation followed by 45 minutes of questioning by
examiners.
b. Clinical case presentation: 15 minutes Power Point presentation by candidate and 45 minutes of
questioning by the Examiners. NB: five (5) Clinical Case Presentations covering different malocclusions of
the specialty including one interdisciplinary case should be submitted for the examination for assessment.
(for complexity of cases to be presented, check the illustrated manual) However, ONLY ONE will be
presented by the candidate, but all five (5) will be scored.
Full clinical records of the 5 cases must include:
i. Clinical photographs
(Extra-oral views) -frontal, lateral and three-quarters views
(Intra-oral views) - lower arch, upper arch, right and left lateral and frontal views in occlusion.
ii. Orthodontic casts
iii. Well-trimmed Orthodontic casts before and after active treatment. In- between treatment casts may be
included.
iv. Radiographs
v. Pre- and post treatment Lateral cephalograms including tracings and superimpositions should be
provided and in-between treatment Lateral cephalograms may be included.
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vi. Pre- and post treatment panoramic radiographs must be provided. In- between treatment panoramic
radiographs may be included.
vii. Pre- and post treatment upper anterior occlusal radiographs should be provided (where indicated). In-
between treatment of upper anterior occlusal views may be included.
Log book should be accepted at the time of application for the Final Fellowship Examination. The logbook
and Dissertation should be submitted and sent to the examiners 2-3 months prior to the examination. An
Internal Assessor shall be present at the examination.
NOTE: Candidates must pass ALL SECTIONS of the Final Fellowship Examinations to merit a PASS in the
examination
c. Specialty vivo voce and Log book assessment
Log-Book which must show clear evidence of treatment of different malocclusions from the beginning to the end
using various orthodontic techniques. Evidence of all the clinical records must be shown in form of case book.
One hour of questioning will be conducted covering a wide range of topics in orthodontics. There will be at least
two internal examiners and one external examiner present at the final exam
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16. Time Table At the beginning of each academic year (January) a time table will be drawn up. This will include laboratory-training schedules with the junior residents, weekly seminars and case presentations, lectures debates, assessments and research work. This will generally follow the guidelines set out by the world federation of orthodontists for the training of orthodontic specialists
17. Recommended textbooks
• Contemporary orthodontics by William R. Proffitt and Henry W. Fields • Diagnosis of the orthodontic patient by Mc Donald and Ireland • Removable orthodontic appliances by Isaacson et al., • Systemized treatment mechanics II by Mclaughlin, Bennet and Trevisi • Postgraduate notes in orthodontics by Atack et al.,
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18. Criteria for certification The minimum of two years senior residency training programme encompasses the full scope of Orthodontic
fellowship training leading to:
Fellowship of Ghana College of Surgeons in Orthodontics
The certification gives recognition to the effect that the holder has acquired the competences expected.
NOTE: Candidates must pass ALL SECTIONS of the Final Fellowship Examinations to merit a PASS in the
examination.
19. logbook/portfolio E-logbooks will be provided by the College and procedures done by trainees approved by Trainers and
accepted at the time of application for the Final Fellowship Examination. The e-logbook and Dissertation would
be submitted to the College to be sent to the examiners 3 months before the proposed examination date for
assessment by internal and external Assessors. Senior Residents who commenced their training before the
introduction of the e-logbooks will record all procedures done in the hard copy log book. (an example is found
below) The logbook will be assessed before the candidate is allowed to take the final examination.
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20. Appendix (taken from the WFO guidelines for the training of orthodontists) Course work/topics to be covered A. Biomedical sciences with emphasis on biological and medical subjects • Growth and development
• Anatomy of the head and neck
• Genetics
• Embryology of the head
• Cell and molecular biology
• Oral immunology and microbiology
• Oral physiology
• Biostatistics
• Research methodology
B. Basic orthodontic subjects
• Development of the dentition
• Physiology of the stomatognathic system
• Orthodontics as it relates to growth
• Biomechanics
• Dental radiography
• Introductory orthodontic seminars/diagnosis and treatment planning
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• Cephalometric radiography
• Orthodontic materials
• Occlusion and TMJ
• Iatrogenic effects from orthodontics
C. Special orthodontic subjects
• Biomechanics and tooth movement
• Obstructive sleep apnea and orthodontics
• Interdisciplinary treatment (eg, prosthodontics-periodontics)
• TMD and orthodontics
• Orthognathic surgery joint clinics and seminars
• Face asymmetries
• Class I malocclusion
• Class II malocclusion
• Class III malocclusion
• Vertical problems
• Maxillary constriction
• Orthodontic diagnosis in 3 dimensions of space
• Orthodontic techniques
• Cleft lip and/or palate treatment
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• Adult orthodontics
• Noncompliance treatment
• Temporary anchorage device (TAD)
• Practice management
Appendix 2: Educational Topics
BASIC MEDICAL SUBJECTS
Growth and development Somatic growth and variations
Growth adolescent acceleration Development of the craniofacial complex Genetic/environmental factors and
growth Determination of skeletal and biological age Stages of sexual development
Anatomy of the head and neck
Craniofacial structures Skeletal deformities Craniofacial malformations
Genetics The genetic basis of diseases
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Genetic diseases - syndromes
Cancer genetics
Gene therapy and bioethics Development of malformations
Genetic and epigenetic control of growth
Embryology of the head
Development of jaws, teeth, and face Teratogenesis and syndromes Development of clefts
BASIC ORTHODONTIC SUBJECTS
Development of the dentition Development of normal occlusion Tooth eruption
Development of abnormal occlusion Local and genetic factors
Deviation from normality
Agenesis and supernumerary teeth
Physiology of the stomatognatic system Constituent muscles, bone, and cartilage Abnormal function
TMJ physiology and function in health and
disease
Diagnostic procedures Therapeutic protocols
Orthodontics as it relates to growth
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Types of growth in bone, condyle, and sutures Adaptation of tissues to stimuli
Mechanical stimulation
Dentofacial orthopedics
Biomechanics
Equilibrium of bodies Mechanics of solids Viscoelasticity
Oral and maxillofacial radiography
Periapical radiographs [intra- and extraoral technique]
Variables affecting the quality of radiographs
Cell and molecular biology Cell metabolism
Tooth movement and reaction to force Biochemical pathways of force transduction
to cell
Biological mechanisms of root resorption Biological events accompanying force
application to cartilage, bone and periodontal ligament
Oral immunology and microbiology Oral immunology
Saliva and the formation of acquired pellicle Oral microbiology
Biofilms
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Oral physiology Physiology of speech, swallowing and gestation Physiology of TMJ
Physiology of breathing and swallowing
Normal and abnormal breathing and
obstructive sleep apnea
General and oral pathology
Systemic diseases (growth and sex hormone imbalances, hepatitis, HIV, leukemia
osteoporosis, and endocarditis)
Oral manifestations of diseases (radiation,
cysts, herpes, and aphtha)
Anatomical landmarks in intra- and extraoral radiographs
Caries diagnosis through radiographs Periodontal diagnosis and radiographs Oral and maxillofacial applications
Orthodontic applications
Digital imaging
Cone beam computed tomography Radiation safety
Introductory orthodontic seminars/diagnosis and treatment-planning Medical/dental history
Records
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Extra- and intraoral examination
Diagnostic sequelae
Photographic assessment
Model analysis (crowding/space assessment, Bolton analysis, set-up)
Cephalometric radiography Lateral
Posterior - anterior
Landmark identification
Measurements
Noninvasive techniques
Analyses (Steiner, Wits, Downs, Hasund, Coben, Bjork, Sassouni, Tweed, Ricketts,
McNamara, and Pancherz) Superimpositions (overall, regional) 3D imaging
Biostatistics Regression and correlation
Parametric and nonparametric analyses Analysis of variance
Meta analysis
Applications in orthodontics Biostatistic-epidemiologic surveys Clinical research in orthodontics
Research methodology
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Ethics and integrity in research Design of a study
Submission of a protocol Statistical analysis of findings
Orthodontic materials Alloys
Polymers
Ceramics
Bonding to enamel
Bonding to restorative materials Enamel side effects
Occlusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) Anatomy and function
General TMJ concepts
Normal occlusion and function Differential diagnosis of TMD
TMD in children, adolescents and adults Management philosophies
Iatrogenic effects from orthodontics Classification of undesirable tissue, organ, and system effects
Enamel effects during bonding; debonding and treatment with fixed appliances
Root resorption
Damage to tooth-supporting tissues Risk-management principles
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Appendix 2: Educational Topics (continued)
SPECIAL ORTHODONTIC SUBJECTS
Biomechanics and tooth movement Methods of study
Applications to clinical practice
Obstructive sleep apnea and orthodontics
Interdisciplinary treatment (prosthodontics, periodontics, etc)
TMD and orthodontics
Orthognathic surgery joint clinics and seminars
Face asymmetries
Classification Etiology Diagnosis Treatment options
Class I malocclusion patient Diagnosis
Etiology
Treatment planning
Class II malocclusion patient Diagnosis
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Etiology
Treatment planning Headgear
Functional appliances
Class III malocclusion patient Diagnosis
Etiology
Treatment planning Face mask, chin cup
Vertical problems Open bite
Deep bite Diagnosis
Etiology Treatment-planning
Maxillary constriction Rapid maxillary expansion
Diagnosis
Appliances (Quad-helix, Haas and Hyrax expanders)
Effects on periodontium
Effects on airway
Orthodontic diagnosis in 3 dimensions of space
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Sagittal Transverse Vertical Appliances
Orthodontic techniques Straight-wire
Tweed
Ricketts
Standard edgewise Tip-edge
Self-ligating techniques Clear sequential appliances
Cleft lip and/or palate treatment
Indications, timing, protocols Interdisciplinary approach Speech therapy Psychological Involvement
Adult orthodontics Esthetics
Emergence profile
Periodontal considerations
Treatment planning complex cases Limitations of reconstructive techniques
Noncompliance treatment
TAD
Accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (eg, Wilckodontics)
Practice management
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Sterilization and disinfection protocols Orthodontic practice: setting up/the design process
Orthodontic practice: engaging with the team/the building process
Medical and legal aspects of orthodontic care Practice visits and discussion with private practitioners
Professional ethics
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Appendix iv Membership of society 12. Each member may join as a student member of the Ghana Society of orthodontists. Being a member of the Ghana Society of orthodontics grants you special priviledges to join affiliate societies like the world federation of orthodontics and the American association of orthodontics I hereby agree that I have read and understood the listed guidelines and code of conduct for my orthodontic residency and I promise to abide by them. I agree that failure to do so may result in punitive measures being taken against me. ................................................. ............................................. Resident. Head of Department