University of Western Cape UWC Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry Department
UWC Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry Department – See Details Below:
Orthodontics
The discipline of orthodontics focuses on the growth and development of the craniofacial complex and dental occlusion and the treatment of abnormalities related to these structures. Although the word orthodontics is derived from the Greek “orthos” being “straight” and “odontos” being “tooth”, the scope of orthodontics and orthodontic treatment is much wider than only dentition. It involves the study of the dentition, craniofacial skeleton and facial and jaw musculature and other related soft tissues.
At an undergraduate level emphasis is placed on a thorough knowledge of preventive and interceptive orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. This includes the use of suitable appliances to maintain or create space in the mixed dentition, treat habits and speech problems, and achieve better occlusion and esthetics. Functional appliances can be used to improve skeletal jaw relationships and direct the growth of the jaws in young patients in the late mixed dentition stage of development.
The speciality of orthodontics (MChD degree) includes all of the above as well as a comprehensive treatment of dentofacial abnormalities (including cleft lip and palate defects, craniofacial syndromes, and orthognathic surgery), often using fixed appliance systems. Modern-day orthodontics often involves a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of patients, for example, the use of implant dentistry (Temporary Anchorage Devices), periodontal and prosthetic procedures, and orthognathic surgery in treatment planning. The Department also offers other postgraduate programmes, namely MSc by Research and the Postgraduate Diploma in Interceptive Orthodontics.
Paediatric Dentistry
The Department of Paediatric Dentistry conducts an undergraduate and a postgraduate programme to enable students to manage their child’s dental patients. The postgraduate programmes consist of a postgraduate diploma in dentistry part-time and a master’s programme full-time.
University of Western Cape UWC Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry Department Contact