Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, M.Dent.
Degree Requirements
Students must successfully complete:
- All courses listed under the "Progression Chart"
- A thesis based on original research and acceptable to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and successful oral defence is also required, as well as submission of a peer-reviewed paper suitable for publication to the satisfaction of the Program Director.
Expected Time to Graduate: 3 years
Progression Chart
| Year 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| GRAD 6000 | Summer Research | 0 |
| GRAD 7300 | Research Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| GRAD 7500 | Academic Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| ANAT 7060 | Advanced Human Macroscopic (Gross) Anatomy | 6 |
| CHSC 6810 | Biostatistics for Clinicians | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Years 1-3 | ||
| GRAD 7000 | Master's Thesis | 0 |
| GRAD 7020 | Master's Re-registration | 0 |
| PDSD 7000 | Neural Basis of Oropharyngeal Function (Bi-yearly course – may be taken in Year 2) | 3 |
| PDSD 7020 | The Mechanics of Orthodontic Therapy (Spanned course - registered in Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3) | 6 |
| PDSD 7040 | Clinical Craniofacial Growth and Development (Spanned course registered in Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3) | 3 |
| PDSD 7060 | Cephalometric Analysis (Spanned course - registered in Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3) | 3 |
| PDSD 7070 | Biology of Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics (Spanned course - registered in Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3) | 3 |
| DDSS 7030 | Advanced Oral Radiology (Bi-yearly course – may be taken in Year 2) | 1 |
| DDSS 7130 | Occlusion (Bi-yearly course – may be taken in Year 2) | 3 |
| DDSS 7230 | Advanced Oral Pathology (Bi-yearly course – may be taken in Year 2) | 6 |
| RSTD 7150 | Orthodontic Materials (Bi-yearly course – may be taken in Year 2) | 3 |
| Hours | 31 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Thesis Defense 1 | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 40 | |
- 1
The oral defence is open to all and the student has 20 to 25 minutes for a presentation, Typically, 5 minutes is permitted per examiner in a first round of questions, then a second round with an opportunity for follow-up questions from each examiner. Questions may be permitted from the audience should time permit. The entire oral examination should not exceed 1 hour, following which the committee will deliberate on whether the candidate passes, passes subject to revision of the thesis or fails.
Registration Information
Students should familiarize themselves with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies ‘GRAD’ courses applicable to their program. If you have questions about which GRAD course(s) to register in, please consult your home department/unit.
Regulations
Students must meet the requirements as outlined in both Supplementary Regulation and BFAR documents as approved by Senate.
Supplementary Regulations
Individual units may require specific requirements above and beyond those of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and students should consult unit supplementary regulations for these specific regulations.
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR)
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR) represent the core academic requirements a graduate student must acquire in order to gain, and demonstrate acquisition of, essential knowledge and skills.
All students must successfully complete:
- GRAD 7300 prior to applying to any ethics boards which are appropriate to the student’s research or within the student’s first year, whichever comes first; and
- GRAD 7500 within the first term of registration;
unless these courses have been completed previously, as per Mandatory Academic Integrity Course and Mandatory Research Integrity Online Course.
Students must also meet additional BFAR requirements that may be specified for their program.
General Regulations
All students must:
- maintain a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below C+,
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum course requirements, and
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum time requirements (in terms of time in program and lapse or expiration of credit of courses).
Courses
Preventative Dental Science
PDSD 7000 Neural Basis of Oropharyngeal Function 3 cr
A program of problem-oriented seminars on the sensory and reflex mechanisms affecting the respiratory and alimentary functions of the mouth and pharynx, mandibular posture and movement and respective application to oropharyngeal dysfunction and orthodontic therapy. One seminar per week for one term.
PDSD 7020 The Mechanics of Orthodontic Therapy 6 cr
The mathematics of three dimensional space, force and moment systems are given as the basis for considering the mechanics of orthodontic treatment. The mechanical properties of some orthodontic materials are studied as a background for appliance design. The quantitative aspects of tooth movement are discussed in terms of patient treatment planning. Seminar and laboratory sessions.
PDSD 7040 Clinical Craniofacial Growth and Development 3 cr
A program of student-based seminars on the morphogenesis of craniofacial structures and their significance to clinical problems.
PDSD 7060 Cephalometric Analysis 3 cr
A seminar program on the application of cephalometric radiography to craniofacial morphological research, orthodontic diagnosis and case analysis.
PDSD 7070 Biology of Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics 3 cr
A program of student-based seminars and lectures on the biological basis of orthodontic and facial orthopedic diagnosis and therapeutic technique.
PDSD 7101 Preventive Programs in Pediatric Dentistry 3 cr
This course will be offered during the second year (term III). The prerequisite for this course will be the completion of the required courses in the first year of the program. In clinical terms this course will be taught with the following courses: Management and Restorative Treatment of Pediatric Patients II. Course is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
PDSD 7106 Preventive and Community Pediatric Dentistry 3 cr
This course will be offered during the first year (term I). The prerequisite for this course will be the dental degree obtained prior to applying to the program. In clinical terms this course will be taught with the following courses: Management and Restorative Treatment of Pediatric Patients I. Course is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
PDSD 7108 Growth and Development - Management of the Developing Occlusion 3 cr
A program of resident presentations and seminars on the biology of interceptive orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics and their significance to clinical pediatric dentistry.
PDSD 7110 Pharmacology and Toxicology in Pediatric Dentistry 3 cr
Residents will be expected to obtain knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology of commonly used medications in clinical pediatric dentistry. A number of seminars will be conducted to obtain adequate knowledge and skills in this course.
PDSD 7112 Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Part A 4 cr
This foundational course introduces residents to the essential knowledge and terminology required for comprehensive pediatric dental care, emphasizing the recognition and understanding of patient data. Residents will learn to obtain and interpret comprehensive medical, dental, and social histories and to determine accurate preliminary diagnoses and problem lists. The course focuses on foundational documentation, including recordkeeping and informed consent principles, and introduces the ethical obligation to recognize signs of neglect or abuse. Through structured learning, residents will develop the core comprehension skills necessary to communicate findings and prepare for basic patient management. May not be held with the former PDSD 7102.
Equiv To: PDSD 7102
PDSD 7114 Management & Restorative Treatment of Pediatric Patients Part A 4 cr
This course provides the essential base for pediatric dental care. Residents will recall facts regarding patient development and basic assessment protocols. The course covers defining the objectives of various behaviour management techniques (including sedation/GA) and identifying common restorative materials and basic pulp therapies. Emphasis is placed on summarizing the required steps for obtaining patient history, conducting general evaluations of attitude, and understanding informed consent components. Successful completion ensures residents possess the foundational understanding necessary for subsequent application. May not be held with the former PDSD 7104.
Equiv To: PDSD 7104.
PDSD 7116 Special Needs and Emergency Care in Pediatric Patients Part A 1 cr
This foundational course establishes the knowledge base and comprehension necessary for managing pediatric patients with special healthcare needs (SHCN) and emergencies. Residents will recall facts regarding common special healthcare needs, behavioural management definitions, and basic trauma terminology. The course emphasizes summarizing protocols for obtaining comprehensive patient histories and conducting foundational physical assessments to identify abnormal development. Residents will define and describe the basic framework for preventive strategies, ethical recordkeeping, and the steps required for obtaining informed consent from caregivers of SHCN patients. May not be held with the former PDSD 7107.
Equiv To: PDSD 7107
PDSD 7122 Growth and Development - Management of the Developing Occlusion Part A 1 cr
This introductory course establishes the biological and theoretical foundations necessary for understanding dentofacial development. Residents will focus on the core concepts related to skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes from infancy through adolescence. Key theories of craniofacial growth mechanisms are described and summarized. The course emphasizes identifying the characteristics of normal versus abnormal occlusal and dentofacial development across primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions. This course is essential for establishing the terminological and scientific baseline required for advanced clinical study. May not be held with the former PDSD 7108.
Equiv To: PDSD 7108
PDSD 7202 Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Part B 4 cr
This course transitions from foundational knowledge to application and clinical problem-solving. Residents will apply diagnostic skills to conduct thorough clinical examinations, including caries-risk assessments. A primary focus is the development and application of comprehensive, prioritized, and sequenced treatment plans for non-complex pediatric patients (ASA1 or ASA2). Furthermore, residents will begin to analyze and manage patient behaviour using mild sedation techniques (Nitrous Oxide) and apply established protocols for preventing and managing routine dental emergencies. This course emphasizes using acquired knowledge to solve problems in familiar clinical contexts. May not be held with the former PDSD 7103.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7112 or the former PDSD 7102.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7112 or the former PDSD 7102.
Equiv To: PDSD 7103
PDSD 7204 Management & Restorative Treatment of Pediatric Patients Part B 4 cr
This course focuses on transitioning foundational knowledge into clinical Application and detailed Analysis. Residents will conduct appropriate clinical and radiographic examinations and analyze findings to determine an accurate diagnosis and problem list. The curriculum requires residents to use nonpharmacological and inhalation sedation techniques effectively and apply complex restorative procedures (e.g., Stainless steel crowns, composites) in simulated settings. Residents will differentiate the indications for various pulp therapies and analyze initial management strategies for common dental trauma. May not be held with the former PDSD 7105.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7114 or the former PDSD 7104 Management and Restorative Treatment of Pediatric Patients 1.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7114 or the former PDSD 7104 Management and Restorative Treatment of Pediatric Patients 1.
Equiv To: PDSD 7105
PDSD 7206 Special Needs and Emergency Care in Pediatric Patients Part B 1 cr
This foundational course establishes the knowledge base and comprehension necessary for managing pediatric patients with special healthcare needs (SHCN) and emergencies. Residents will recall facts regarding common special healthcare needs, behavioural management definitions, and basic trauma terminology. The course emphasizes summarizing protocols for obtaining comprehensive patient histories and conducting foundational physical assessments to identify abnormal development. Residents will define and describe the basic framework for preventive strategies, ethical recordkeeping, and the steps required for obtaining informed consent from caregivers of SHCN patients. May not be held with the former PDSD 7107.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7116 Special Needs and Emergency Care in Pediatric Patients – Part B.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7116 Special Needs and Emergency Care in Pediatric Patients – Part B.
Equiv To: PDSD 7107
PDSD 7208 Growth and Development - Management of the Developing Occlusion Part B 1 cr
Building on foundational biology, this course focuses on the diagnostic information in clinical scenarios. Residents will learn to apply principles of comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning to evaluate dentofacial growth. Emphasis is placed on using diagnostic tools, critically appraising relevant literature, and breaking down complex patient information to understand underlying causes (Analysis). Residents will apply evidence-based principles to distinguish between variations requiring monitoring, intervention, or referral, and recognize indications/contraindications for early orthodontic care. May not be held with the former PDSD 7108 .
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7122.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7122.
Equiv To: PDSD 7108
PDSD 7300 Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Part C 3 cr
This advanced capstone course focuses on evaluation (making judgments) and creation (synthesis/building new strategies). Residents will evaluate and formulate treatment plans for the most severely medically or physically challenged patients, requiring the synthesis of specialized knowledge regarding complex conditions like cancer, genetic disorders, and sensory impairments. The course emphasizes creating advanced behavioural management strategies, including the work-up and management of IV/General Anesthesia. Residents will participate in interdisciplinary settings like PICU and Cleft-Palate rounds to evaluate and create integrated care protocols. May not be held with the former PDSD 7103.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7202.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7202.
Equiv To: PDSD 7103.
PDSD 7306 Growth and Development - Management of the Developing Occlusion Part C 1 cr
This capstone course where Residents will manage complex interceptive orthodontic care, synthesize findings into comprehensive treatment protocols, and evaluate ethical and evidence-based decisionmaking in intervention timing. The course culminates in scholarly communication, requiring residents to synthesize current scientific literature and create detailed, justifiable management plans for complex dentofacial concerns. Residents will master multidisciplinary collaboration and communication to ensure patient-centred care. May not be held with the former PDSD 7108.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7208.
Prerequisite: PDSD 7208.
Equiv To: PDSD 7108