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Syllabus

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Dent5310 Orthodontics Module Guide

Module Overview

  • Unit: Integrated Dental Practice 1
  • Year: Third Year DMD
  • Semester: Semester 1
  • Course: Orthodontics 2 (2026)

Introduction and Contact Information1

Coordination and Contact

Staff and Contact Details2

Communication Channels

  • Phone: (08) 6457 7654
  • Fax: (08) 6457 7666

Teaching Staff

  • Clinical Tutors:

  • Additional Support: Orthodontic Post-Graduate Students

All material reproduced herein has been copied in accordance with and pursuant to a statutory licence administered by Copyright Agency Limited (CAL), granted to the University of Western Australia pursuant to Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).

Copying of this material by students, except for fair dealing purposes under the Copyright Act, is prohibited. For the purposes of this fair dealing exception, students should be aware that the rule allowing copying, for fair dealing purposes, of 10% of the work, or one chapter/article, applies to the original work from which the excerpt in this course material was taken, and not to the course material itself.

Document Information

  • Version: 2: Dentistry 1709
  • Module Code: DENT5310 – ORTHODONTICS 2
  • Table of Contents: I. How You Do It

Module Overview and Structure3

This is a new version of the Orthodontics Module, within a new Unit - Integrated Dental Practice 1. This Orthodontic Module Guide is accurate at the time of publication. It is possible that changes may be required to accommodate staffing availability, resources, or unforeseen changes within the Unit.

Course Objectives

This course builds on the knowledge acquired about human growth and development to:

  1. Provide a perspective on orthodontic problems with special reference to their definition, prevalence, and etiology.
  2. Teach diagnostic procedures for developmental problems to distinguish skeletal from dental components and prepare students to sort patients by difficulty and severity.
  3. Provide an introduction to the clinical treatment of children, including procedures for treating child patients, diagnostic work-ups, and participation in treatment planning appointments.

Prerequisite Knowledge

At the commencement of this unit, it is assumed that the student has a working knowledge of the 2nd Year DMD Growth and Development unit. Students should be able to:

  • Outline the graphs for average somatic growth changes from birth to adulthood, describing the impact of early and late development, gender effects, and factors affecting growth patterns, timing, and rates

  • Describe the impact of somatic growth changes on the growth and development of the jaws and dentition.

  • Differentiate children with normal and abnormal somatic growth.

  • Identify normal and abnormal patterns of jaw growth.

  • Explain the theories of craniofacial growth and provide an explanation for the aetiology of facial growth problems.

  • Explain the role of endocrine function in the development of normal and abnormal jaw growth.

  • Describe the dentofacial changes associated with adolescence.

  • List the timings of tooth eruption and identify the dental age of a patient.

  • List the six significant stages of tooth development.

  • Describe clinical problems associated with disruption to the lifecycle of the tooth.

  • Describe the four major theories of tooth eruption and provide an explanation for clinical problems associated with tooth eruption.

  • Describe the normal dental arch dimensional changes between the deciduous to the permanent dentition.

  • Discuss the importance of growth and development of the dentofacial region in therapeutic procedures used to address developmental problems.

  • Describe the maturational changes which occur in the growing dentition from childhood through to late adulthood.

Note: Please ensure you have reviewed the above material as a working knowledge is required for laboratory and clinical sessions.

These goals correspond to the four instructional units of the course but do not aim to prepare students for comprehensive management of orthodontic problems. If children present with problems outside the scope of this course, students are encouraged to research these issues, though they will not be included in examinations.

Course Delivery and Materials45

This course is largely self-instructional, utilizing laboratory exercises for diagnostic techniques and clinical simulation. Students will have personal contact with faculty in seminars to discuss material learned from computer teaching programs and reading assignments.

Course Structure

The course consists of four didactic units across two levels (Level II and Level III) spanning Semester 1. This includes laboratory sessions and two formative online tests within the UNC Orthodontic Instruction system. Level II material will be formally reviewed and assessed in the Semester 1 Examination.

Student Responsibilities

It is the student’s responsibility to:

  • Read all instructions.
  • View videos and computer teaching programs (including self-tests) and read assigned texts.
  • Use feedback from self-tests to ensure material mastery.
  • Complete laboratory exercises and online formative quizzes according to the schedule.
  • Attend the seminar at the end of each unit.

Learning Strategies

Study materials consist of:

  1. Computer teaching programs.

Accessing Online Materials

Access modules and self-tests via OrthodonticInstruction.com:

  1. Click on “Register for access”.
  2. Fill out the registration form using uncortho as the registration code.
  3. Verify your account via the automated email link.
  4. Log in using your username and password.

Additional Resources

  • Textbook: Contemporary Orthodontics (5th or 6th edition).
  • Computer Labs: Available at OHCWA, University Libraries, or via personal laptops at the Dental School.
  • Seminars: Used for note-taking and discussing learning objectives. Concepts are presented in multiple formats; students should review all assigned material as coverage varies.

Continuous Improvement

The course is revised annually based on student feedback. Students are encouraged to share comments or concerns to help improve the curriculum.

Assessment Structure6

The following indicative structure provides an overview of assessment. This may change due to teaching requirements or COVID-19 restrictions.

Assessment Components

  • On-line Cephalometric Quiz: Formative
  • On-Line Space Analysis Quiz: Formative
  • Professionalism: Pass/Fail
  • Practical Exercises: Pass/Fail (Formative)
  • Final Examination: 100% (2 hours - MCQ & short answers)

Practical Exercise Details

Orthodontic Practical Exercises include:

  1. Diagnostic Exercises (P/F):
    • Facial Form analysis
    • Space analysis (model)
    • Cephalometric tracing
  2. Knowledge-based Quiz 1 (Formative) (P/F)

Note: “P/F” indicates that the exercise must be completed to an acceptable level of competence before the end of Semester 1. Failure to submit these assessments by the deadline will result in the student being barred from the Final Examination.

Summative Assessment and Examination Requirements7

Completion of Pass/Fail laboratory items is compulsory to sit the DENT5310 Final Examination. Attendance is mandatory for all sessions; missed sessions must be made up and documented.

Examination Format

The Orthodontic Final Examination is a 2-hour assessment consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and/or MCQs with short answer components.

Professionalism

Professionalism is assessed as a Pass/Fail component based on the Professionalism Policy for Dental Students.

Supplementary Examinations

Supplementary Examinations may be granted based on overall academic performance in the DMD course. Decisions are made by the Board of Examiners. These exams may take any form (e.g., OSCE, written assignment, or extra practical work) depending on the specific area of deficiency.

Preparation Resources8

To excel in this course, students should utilize the following resources:

  • Textbook: Mastery of assigned readings in Contemporary Orthodontics is essential for the highest level of exam preparedness.
  • Online Modules: These approximate textbook information with supplemental cases. They do not cover every detail; studying modules alone is insufficient.
  • Module Self-Tests: These represent the difficulty level of the actual course exams.
  • Lab Material and Outlines: Essential review material for examinations.
  • Seminar Presentations: Delivered by Post-Graduate Orthodontic Students to guide studies and clarify questions.
  • Prior Coursework: General concepts from previous Growth and Development units may be included in exams.

Level II - Unit A: The Nature of Orthodontic Problems

Directions: Complete review and comprehension of all instructional materials.

Part 1. Malocclusion: What is it and why should we treat it?

Study Tasks and Self Tests9101112

Unit A, Part 1 Tasks

  1. Read Contemporary Orthodontics Chapter 1.
  2. Complete “Malocclusion: Definition and Prevalence” and take the self-test.

Unit A, Part 2 Tasks: The Etiology of Malocclusion

  1. Read Contemporary Orthodontics Chapter 5.
  2. Complete “Known Causes of Malocclusion” and the computer self-test.
  3. Complete “Equilibrium Theory and the Etiology of Malocclusion” and the computer self-test.

Educational Objectives: Part 1

  • Describe ideal occlusion regarding tooth relationship to the line of occlusion.
  • Describe ideal occlusion in transverse, antero-posterior, and vertical planes.
  • List dental characteristics for the Angle classification and discuss its advantages.
  • Describe functional, health, and psychosocial reasons for treatment.
  • Describe realistic goals for orthodontic treatment and their evolution.
  • Discuss treatment need versus demand in the current environment.

Educational Objectives: Part 2 (Etiology)

  • Categorize known causes of malocclusion and their relative prevalence.
  • Identify malocclusions linked to inherited jaw proportions and provide supporting evidence.
  • Explain how mandibular trauma affects future growth.
  • Identify the magnitude and duration of force required for tooth movement (e.g., thumb sucking habits).
  • Describe the maturation of oral function and swallowing patterns from infancy to adulthood.
  • Discuss myofunctional therapy for tongue thrusting and its validity for anterior open bite.
  • Describe the role of nasal obstruction in malocclusion etiology.

Level II - Unit B: Diagnostic Procedures

Dentofacial Proportions

  1. Read Contemporary Orthodontics Chapter 6.
  2. Complete “Facial Form Analysis” (includes integrated self-tests).

Principles of Cephalometric Analysis

  1. Read Contemporary Orthodontics Chapter 6.
  2. Complete “Cephalometric tracing techniques” (Online quiz serves as self-test).

Unit B Tasks (Continued)

  • Cephalometric Superimposition: Complete the program and online quiz.
  • Formative Quiz: Complete the online “Facial Form and Cephalometrics Quiz”.

Space Analysis

  1. Read Contemporary Orthodontics Chapter 6.
  2. Complete “Space Analysis and Its Interpretation” and the computer self-test.
  3. Complete the online “Space Analysis Quiz-Formative”.

Systematic Description of Malocclusion

  1. Read Contemporary Orthodontics Chapter 6.
  2. Complete “Ackerman-Proffit Classification” and the computer self-test.

Educational Objectives: Dentofacial Proportions

  • Describe ideal proportions from full-face (symmetry) and lateral (A-P/vertical) aspects.
  • Describe methods, objectives, and limitations of facial form analysis.
  • Perform a facial form analysis.

Educational Objectives: Cephalometric Analysis

  • Discuss the history and two major uses of cephalometric radiography.
  • Identify and trace landmarks for the cranial base, maxilla, mandible, and dentition.

Educational Objectives: Cephalometric Analysis (Continued)

  • Evaluate if incisors are retrusive, proper, or protrusive relative to supporting bone.
  • Evaluate jaw relationships to the cranial base and each other.
  • Compare measurement analysis versus template analysis.
  • Complete overall, maxillary, and mandibular superimpositions on composite tracings.
  • Describe changes in composite tracings related to growth or treatment.

Educational Objectives: Space Analysis

  • Identify the four major assumptions of space analysis regarding growth.
  • Discuss why accuracy decreases in non-Class I jaw relationships.
  • Identify necessary diagnostic materials.
  • Perform a space analysis as described in the practical exercise.
  • Interpret results considering retrusive or protrusive incisors.

Educational Objectives: Systematic Description

  • Identify the five major characteristics of systematic malocclusion description.
  • Relate incisor crowding to incisor protrusion.
  • Differentiate skeletal versus dental posterior crossbites, Class II/III malocclusions, and open/deep bites.

Practical Exercises

Refer to the DENT5310 Orthodontics Workbook for details on the following exercises:

  • A. Facial Profile Analysis
  • B. Cephalometrics and Cephalometric Analysis
  • C. Model and Dental Arch Analysis
  • D. Space Analysis
  • E. Diagnostic Model Preparation or Model Trimming (Online only)

Administrative Queries

For academic queries, personal matters, or administrative issues, students must follow the approved Student Communication Flow Chart.

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct13

Definitions

  • Ethical Scholarship: Scholarly enquiry marked by honesty and integrity.
  • Academic Literacy: The capacity to research and communicate findings according to disciplinary conventions.
  • Academic Misconduct: Any practice that breaches guidelines for assessment production, including:
    • Collusion and inappropriate collaboration
    • Plagiarism
    • Misrepresenting or fabricating data
    • Inappropriate electronic data sourcing
    • Breaching examination rules

Penalties

Penalties vary by severity and may include requirements to repeat work, mark deductions, zero marks, unit failure, suspension, exclusion from the University, or non-conferral of a degree.

Appeals

Students who feel they have been unfairly assessed may appeal by submitting an “Appeal Against Academic Assessment” form to the Head of School and Faculty Office within twelve working days of the formal dispatch of assessment results.

Student Appeals and Leave Procedures14

Appeals Process

It is recommended that students contact Guild Education Officers (+61 8 6488 2295 or education@guild.uwa.edu.au) for assistance. Full regulations are available in the University Handbook.

Attendance Requirements

  • Compulsory Attendance: Attendance at ALL lectures, seminars, laboratories, and clinical sessions is mandatory. Failure to attend may result in remedial work, exclusion from clinics/exams, or other penalties.
  • Sick Leave Notification: Students unable to attend due to illness MUST telephone the Dental School Office and speak to Student Services BEFORE the first session of the day. If unavailable, leave a voicemail and call back later.
  • Patient Coordination: If you have booked patients, notify the clinic immediately so patients are not kept waiting.
  • Medical Certificates: A valid Doctor’s Certificate (not from a family member) must be presented within 24 hours of returning.

Compassionate and Other Leave15

Compassionate Leave

Follow the same notification process as Sick Leave. For foreseeable events (e.g., funerals), provide advanced notice so patients can be cancelled in advance.

Other Leave Procedures

To apply for leave for reasons other than illness or compassion:

  1. Initial Approval: Seek “in principle” approval from the Head of School using the Dental School Student Leave Form (found in the Course Guidebook Appendix). Provide supporting documentation.
  2. Unit Coordinator Consultation: If approved in principle, meet with each affected Unit Coordinator to discuss “catch up” arrangements for missed work. The Coordinator must sign the form.
  3. Logistical Considerations: Students should note that catch-up sessions or exams are not always possible due to logistics. Be considerate of the impact on patients, staff, and peers.
  4. Final Approval: Obtain final signature from the Head of School. Leave may be denied if alternate arrangements for missed work cannot be made.
  5. Extended Leave: Applications for more than one week require approval from the Dean.
  6. Grievances: If unhappy with a leave decision, contact the Head of School.

Board of Examiners16

Students performing poorly may be required to undertake additional assessments (viva, remediation, or practical work) prior to the Board of Examiners meeting.

Availability

Students MUST remain contactable and available to attend further examinations at short notice during the University examination period, up until the day the Board of Examiners in Dentistry meets.

Academic Dishonesty

All forms of cheating, plagiarism, and copying are unacceptable. The Faculty policy ensures no student profits from such behavior. Generally, a failure will be recorded for the subject. Serious cases are referred to the University’s Board of Discipline and recorded on the student’s permanent record.

UWA Student Guild

Students can contact the Guild for support via:

Student Support and Rights17

Charter of Student Rights

Details regarding student rights can be found at: http://www.guild.uwa.edu.au/info/student_help/student_rights/charter.shtml

Right of Appeal

If students feel they have been unfairly assessed, they have the right to appeal their mark by submitting an “Appeal Against Academic Assessment” form to the Head of School and Faculty Office.

Deadlines:

  • The form must be submitted within 12 working days of the formal dispatch of the unit assessment.
  • Students are encouraged to contact Guild Education Officers for assistance with the appeals process.

Footnotes

  1. Original PDF page 1: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.1 ↩

  2. Original PDF page 2: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.2 ↩

  3. Original PDF page 3: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.3 ↩

  4. Original PDF page 5: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.5 ↩

  5. Original PDF page 6: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.6 ↩

  6. Original PDF page 7: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.7 ↩

  7. Original PDF page 8: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.8 ↩

  8. Original PDF page 9: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.9 ↩

  9. Original PDF page 10: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.10 ↩

  10. Original PDF page 11: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.11 ↩

  11. Original PDF page 12: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.12 ↩

  12. Original PDF page 13: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.13 ↩

  13. Original PDF page 15: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.15 ↩

  14. Original PDF page 16: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.16 ↩

  15. Original PDF page 17: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.17 ↩

  16. Original PDF page 18: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.18 ↩

  17. Original PDF page 19: 2026ThirdYearDMDSemester1GuideBook(1), p.19 ↩

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