Department of Orthodontics
Welcome to the Department of Orthodontics
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Crooked teeth move quicker. Braces require fewer appointments. And patients no longer have metal brackets or need to wear head gear. These are just some of many advances in orthodontics. Listen to three of Baylor College of Dentistry's faculty members talk about major changes as national experts and leaders in this important, dental specialty in this Orthodontics Round Table Discussion. |
Orthodontics Round Table Discussion |
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Presentation by: HSC-BCD Web Communications
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The Orthodontic Department is one of six clinical departments in the College.
Historically, while the college taught the subject of Orthodontics in its undergraduate curriculum as far back as 1905, it was several decades later when Dr. Robert Gaylord, and his colleagues Drs. Tom Matthews and Tommy Williams recognized the need to establish a graduate training program.
In 1959 the College set aside sufficient space for the new graduate orthodontic program and additional funds and equipment were solicited from several generous benefactors in the Dallas community to establish the new facility. The Orthodontic Department accepted its first class of five residents in the summer of 1961.
The Department is responsible for instruction in both predoctoral and postdoctoral programs. The predoctoral didactic component is taught in each year of the four year curriculum. A selective course is offered in the senior year which provides an opportunity for additional study and clinical orthodontic experience for a limited number of students.
The Advanced Specialty Education Program strives to develop proficiency in diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment of a wide variety of malocclusions using multiple appliance techniques and treatment philosophies.
Students treat a broad age range of patients with emphasis on the adolescent. In addition, they manage adults requiring surgical, interdisciplinary or temporomandibular dysfunction treatment.
Currently, the program length is 34 months, with graduates receiving both a certificate in Orthodontics and a Masters in Oral Biology upon completion of their requirements.
There is also a program that leads to a PhD in Craniofacial Biology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
An experienced departmental teaching staff is composed of full-time and part-time faculty. Additional instruction is provided by faculty from other departments within the College and by invited guest lecturers and consultants.
The Department has eight full-time staff members that support the clinic and the research center. The major focus of departmental research activity is the Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis.
The Center includes a clinical treatment facility, functional analysis and data processing laboratory, and offices for cephalometric tracing and analysis. The Department is supported by a strong and active alumni organization. Alumni also volunteer as instructors for special technique courses and frequently lecture in the consultants program. Graduates have served with distinction in all levels of the professional community.
The Department has a long history of educating orthodontists dedicated to excellence. Today's faculty and staff are committed to upholding that tradition.
