Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is a specialty of dentistry which focuses on the study of growth and development of the jaws, teeth and face as a whole. It deals with the prevention and correction of abnormalities in the position of teeth and jaws. The aim of this specialty is to effectively create a balanced and pleasing appearance of the face and smile particularly, while maintaining or improving other functions such as speech and mastication.
The Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics was established in the year 2001 and the post graduate (MDS) program was Commenced in 2008 and students enroll for the masters program every year. Both the undergraduate and postgraduate training programs in Orthodontics are recognised by the Dental Council of India.

Serving as an academic cum research center and a treatment hub, the department offers all orthodontic treatments with a contemporary approach. Multidisciplinary treatments are offered to patients who have Cleft lip and Palate, syndromes and other complex abnormalities. Treatments are offered right from infancy through childhood and well into adulthood. Interdisciplinary approach is used for cases requiring Orthodontics as an adjunctive procedure. Similarly, adjunctive procedures of other specialties are carried out in an orthodontic case depending on the need and requirement.

Patients reporting to the department are in the best hands as each case is handled with equal care and utmost importance is given to accurate assessment and diagnosis. A comprehensive treatment plan is devised by the doctor treating the case under the guidance of a team of experienced orthodontists. Every patient’s treatment progress is directly monitored by senior faculty, thereby ensuring best results.

The department is well equipped with modern dental chairs and armamentarium, a clinical laboratory and all required instruments and materials. Apart from the regular aids required for orthodontic practice, the department is also equipped with modern tools like digital photography equipment and orthodontic software for diagnosis and treatment planning. A staunch protocol of sterilization is followed to meet good clinical standards.

Orthodontics is introduced in the 3rd year of BDS and continues into the 4th year and internship. As a part of the undergraduate program, students are taught to recognise and diagnose an orthodontic case. They also fabricate removable appliances in parts and as a whole.

The postgraduate curriculum is an extensive training program spread over 3 years. It includes detailed learning and practice of various diagnostic and treatment modalities, first as pre-clinical exercises in the laboratory followed by clinical training on patients. Intensive study of the vast subject of Orthodontics is carried out through weekly seminars, journal discussions, and assessments. Research work in the field is carried out by every postgraduate student in the form of short and major studies. The topics of research are chosen in such a way as to be in line with international research and emphasis is placed on their clinical relevance. Master’s degree is attained only after submission of dissertation along with the examinations conducted by the university.

Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in GITAM Dental College and Hospital is committed to providing the best patient care in Orthodontics with a contemporary yet success proven approach and to propagate a teaching program which carves the best orthodontists who work with an evidence based approach.

Specific competencies

• Understand about normal growth and development of facial skeleton and dentition.
• Pinpoint observations in growth process of both dental and skeletal and plan necessary treatment.
• Diagnose the various malocclusion categories.
• Able to motivate and explain to the patient (and parent) about the necessity of treatment.
• Plan and execute preventive orthodontics (space maintenances or space regaines).
• Plan and execute interceptive orthodontics (habit breaking appliances).
• Manage treatment of simple malocclusion such as anterior spacing using removable appliances.
• Handle delivery and activation of removable orthodontic appliances.
• Diagnose and appropriately refer patients with complex malocclusion to the specialist.