Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Clinical Experience
Along with the program curriculum, prominent lecturers from all over the world are invited to give lectures on various orthodontic topics. The residents have the opportunity to attend conferences and events such as the Damon Forum, Invisalign certification course, Invisalign Summit, and the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) annual meeting. Residents may also attend other valuable courses throughout the year.
The residents are exposed to a whole range of bracket and appliance systems including traditional braces, Invisalign and lingual braces. Each resident is Invisalign certified and exposed to treating patients with lingual braces. The residents are encouraged to treat at least 10 patients each with Invisalign and lingual braces. With traditional braces, we offer a wide selection of bracket systems so that each resident is knowledgeable for the variety of systems.
In addition to clinical experience, a practice management course is offered to the second and third year residents. This critical training prepares residents to become more familiar with how to run their own office. Our program focuses on all areas of orthodontic development to ensure the residents are prepared after graduation to transition into successful practices.
How many patients will I have? You will treat 65 orthodontic patients and 20 transfer cases.
Where do I receive my clinical education? We have a resident and faculty-run orthodontics clinic at UT Dentistry’s Center for Oral Health Care & Research.
How many operatories are in the clinic where I will work? We have 20 dental chairs for the residents and four dental chairs for the faculty.
What types of procedures will students be expected to perform to complete the rotation? Identify, manage and treat dental malocclusions and dentofacial deformity. You will design and fabricate orthodontic appliances, including retainers and specialized appliances for complex orthodontic cases. You will be exposed to a whole range of bracket and appliance systems including traditional braces, Invisalign and lingual braces
Who supervises and teaches? All of our faculty members are also practicing orthodontists. You will be working with a team of faculty members who are there to guide you and serve as mentors. Instructors hold case conferences with students.
Who are my patients? Patients are members of the San Antonio community. We also serve South Texas with locations in Laredo and at a variety of community clinics in Bexar County.
What else should I know? Our faculty will evaluate students on patient management and chair-side manner. You must serve our patients in a professional way to complete the program.