Institute of Graduate Studies and Research

Orthodontics (PhD)

Duration 5 Years
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ortodonti-doktora-programi ortodonti-doktora-programi ortodonti-doktora-programi

About the Program

The doctoral program of the Department of Orthodontics offered by the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research at Cyprus International University aims to train qualified orthodontist specialists and dentists, who examine the disorders and irregularities in the jaw and face region and prepares a treatment plan, is qualified in the field, has contemporary, analytical and critical thinking using the most up-to-date information and technologies.

Education Opportunities

Orthodontics doctoral program education includes the skeletal structures of the jaws, patient diagnosis, and treatment, knowledge, skills, and attitudes in dental alignment.

ciu-dentistry-orthodontics-phd

Career Areas

Graduates of the orthodontics doctorate program can continue their professional life as an academic with the title of "Doctor of Science" or can work as a dentist in public or private health institutions.

Contact

Institute of Graduate Studies and Research
Graduate Sciences and Education Center, GE106
Tel: +90 392 671 1111 Extension: 2776
Institute E-mail: ciu-institute@ciu.edu.tr

Compulsory Courses

First Semester
REMOVABLE AND FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCES

Course code

ORTO601

Credit

4

Theoretical

4

Practical

2

Ects

6
The aim of this course is to teach proper application of removable appliances and their mechanisms of action. Frequently used removable appliances are defined and their affects are shown with case presentations. Advantages and disadvantages of these appliances are also covered. Students also learn frequently used removable and fixed functional appliances and their applications in orthodontics. Treatment of skeletal Class II and Class III malocclusions with functional appliances are covered in detail. To choose proper cases for application of various functional appliances, students learn to detect malocclusions that can be treated by functional appliances. Criteria and proper developmental stage for the use of functional appliances are taught. Students also gain ability to detect skeletal developmental stage of the patient using various methods.
CEPHALOMETRIC ANALYSIS, RECORDS AND DIAGNOSIS

Course code

ORTO603

Credit

4

Theoretical

4

Practical

2

Ects

6
The aim of this course is to diagnose orthodontic anomaly by making related analysis on cephalometric radiographs. Students initially define anatomical structures and learns to mark cephalometric points on radiographs. Students also learn cephalometric superimposition methods to evaluate patient’s growth pattern and to monitorize changes in dentoalveolar and skeletal relationships after a course of orthodontic treatment. Students make model analysis on dental casts, radiographic analysis on cephalometric, panoramic and hand and wrist radiographs, takes intraoral scanning using digital intraoral scanners and use digital dental set-ups to mimic the outcome of orthodontic treatment, takes intraoral and extraoral photographs, makes clinical measurements and obtains cone-beam computed tomography when needed. At the final stage, students gather and evaluate these data to make a proper treatment plan.
BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF TOOTH MOVEMENT

Course code

ORTO605

Credit

3

Theoretical

2

Practical

2

Ects

4
The aim of this course is to reveal the basic biomechanical principles of tooth movements, which form the basis of orthodontic treatments. For this purpose, bone response to normal function, role of the periodontal ligament in eruption and stabilization of the teeth, bone response to sustained force, effects of force distrubition and duration are taught. The histological changes that occur in the bone during tooth movement will be examined. During tooth movement, osteoclast formation and direct bone resorption, osteoblast formation and bone apposition, remodeling events, periodontal ligament structure and changes in this structure are examined. It will be clarified how the direction and shape of the forces to be applied during the treatment should be planned at the beginning of the treatment.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS-I

Course code

ORTO701

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

10
The main aim of the course is to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for patient evaluation and treatment. Chairside education, defined as "teaching in the presence of the patient", has been an inseparable and powerful part of dentistry education throughout the history of modern dentistry and an important tool in the training of a professional dentist. The four skill areas that chairside education emphasizes are history taking (anamnesis), clinical examination, clinical reasoning, and clinical decision-making skills. In charside training, it is aimed to take anamnesis, make clinical examination, plan treatment, apply the treatment and then fulfill the requirements related to patient information and motivation.
DENTOFACIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Course code

ORTO703

Credit

3

Theoretical

3

Practical

0

Ects

4
The aim of this course is to teach concepts of growth and development. Students initially learn principles and theories. Factors affecting physical growth, rudiments of bone growth, theories of growth control will be covered in detail. On the following lessons student will learn prenatal and post natal development of the skull, face, maxilla and the mandible. Detailed knowledge will be provided about the growth direction and mechanisms of the cranial vault, nasomaxillary complex and the mandible. Aging changes in facial soft tissues will also be covered. Development of the dentition, stages of dental development, eruption sequence and timing will be teached so that the students will be able to differentiate normal from abnormal at each stage of dental development.
Second Semester
PREVENTIVE AND INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS

Course code

ORTO602

Credit

4

Theoretical

2

Practical

4

Ects

6
This course aims to give information to preserve what appears normal at a specific developmental stage. Students learn the importance of early detection of caries, early recognition and elimination of oral habits that might affect skeletal and dental development, space maintenance in case of an early loss of a decidious teeth, early detection of any supernumerary teeth or structure that interferes with the eruption of permanent teeth. Students gain the ability to correct or reduce the severity of developing malocclusion. These procedures include, early correction of developing anterior crossbite, detection of abnormal labial frenulum that might cause midline diastema, detection and elimination of occlusal interferences, regaining of narrowed space, serial extraction in case of severe crowding and interception of skeletal malrelationships.
FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES -I

Course code

ORTO604

Credit

4

Theoretical

2

Practical

4

Ects

6
This course aims to teach application of fixed orthodontic tratment, different treatment methods, properties of orthodontic braces and wires. Several types of orthodontic braces and their advantages and disadvantages will be stressed. Students will learn how to prepare tooth surface for bonding the braces and the tips for succesful bonding. They will place and position the braces first on orthodontic models and than on patients. The importance of correct positioning of the braces and direct and indirect bonding methods will be covered. Students will also learn applying molar bands when needed. Students will learn orthodontic pliers, cutters and other instruments and how to hold and when to use them. They will learn how to attach and change wires and different wire ligation techniques.
TEMPORARY ANCHORAGE DEVICES

Course code

ORTO606

Credit

3

Theoretical

2

Practical

2

Ects

4
This course aims to introduce the types and applications of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to overcome conventional anchorage limitations. Evaluation of bone sites for TAD placement, sucess rates and risk factors associated with skeletal anchorage are taught. Management of complex cases with palatal, buccal and zygomatic screws are presented. Students know the key characteristics of any orthodontic temporary anchorage device (TAD) and the factors affecting stability of miniscrews. Students learn safe sites for placing miniscrew and miniplates in maxilla and the mandible. Students also learn the methos of placing these devices for a succesful outcome. Choosing the proper size and type of miniscrews is also covered.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS-II

Course code

ORTO702

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

10
The purpose of this course is to provide the necessary knowledge about application of removable and functional appliances. Consrtuction, application and activation of these appliances are covered. Advantages and disadvantages and when to prefer removable appliances are taught. Students know the mechanisms of growth modification with functional appliances. Fixed and removable functional appliances that are frequently used in the treatment of skeletal Class II and Class III malocclusions are introduced and their applications are demonstrated. Students know treatment of maxillary constriction, the principles of rapid maxillary expansion and appliances used for palatal expansion. Maxillary expansion with the support of miniscrews and surgically assisted maxillary expansion are also taught.
MALOCCLUSIONS AND TREATMENT PRINCIPLES

Course code

ORTO704

Credit

3

Theoretical

3

Practical

0

Ects

4
The aim of this course is to teach how to make a correct treatment plan for different malocclusions. Before starting treatment, patient records are taken, and treatment planning is made by detecting the existing dental and skeletal orthodontic anomaly. For this purpose, initially ideal skeletal and dental concepts are taught to differentiate normal from abnormal. Malocclusions other than ideal relationships are defined. Factors such as chronological age, dental age and bone age, cephalometric and model analyzes are evaluated and treatment planning is revealed. Malocclusions are examined according to the antero-posterior, transversal and vertical planes of space and classified according to the Angle’s classification. In addition, the factors causing malocclusion are classified and examined.
Third Semester
FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES -II

Course code

ORTO607

Credit

4

Theoretical

2

Practical

4

Ects

6
The aim of this course is to teach orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances under the supervision of clinical specialists. Students will learn how to form arch wires and bend first, second and third orders. They will also learn bending loops, concepts of anchorage and how to preserve anchorage when needed. Students will learn application of force in orthodontics and optimum force magnitude and direction for optimum tooth movement. They will also learn important points in each stage of fixed treatment for different treatment modalities. Students will be taught protocols for extraction and non extraction treatments. This course will also teach when to finish treatment and finishing tips for succesful outcomes. Bending and bonding of fixed retainers will also be covered.
RETENTION, STABILITY AND COMPLICATIONS

Course code

ORTO609

Credit

4

Theoretical

2

Practical

4

Ects

6
The aim of this course is to teach how to achieve the stability of the result obtained at the end of the treatment. For this purpose, environmental and genetic factors that may cause relapse after treatment are defined. Factors that may impair stability are identified and their elimination is evaluated. In addition, retention methods that will provide stability are explained. It is ensured that the most appropriate retention method is selected according to the patient's age, skeletal and dental structure, the treatment applied and the duration of the orthodontic treatment. The appointment schedule of the patient during the retention phase is determined. Complications that may occur during and at the end of treatment are also defined and methods to avoid these complications are presented.
SEMINAR

Course code

ORTO611

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

5
The aim of this course is to discuss recent research and issues in orthodontics. Students who are responsible for this course, examines the researches, case reports, meta-analyzes and systematic reviews published in different countries and included in different indexes. Students read and comment on articles about functional appliances, fixed orthodontic treatment methods, treatment approaches for different type of malocclusions and their effect on dentofacial structures, psychological effects of malocclusions and orthodontic treatment. They also can read and comment on articles about temporary orthodontic devices, cephalometric analysis, perception and factors affecting esthetics, retention strategies, bonding techniques and contemporary orthodontic approaches. They determine new research and thesis topics with the obtained inferences.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS-III

Course code

ORTO705

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

10
The main aim of the course is to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for fixed orthodontic treatment. Students know properties of orthodontic force, effects of force magnitude, force distribution and types of tooth movement, Students will learn application of optimal force, anchorage and its control, relationship of tooth movement to force and temporary anchorage devices. Students will be able to apply braces in correct position, learn bonding methods and choose appropriate wires and learn how to ligate them. The composition and properties of different wires, choosing correct wire at that stage of treatment will also be covered. They will be able to bend wires in natural arch form. Then they will learn to bend first, second and third orders and their sequence.
CLINICAL RESEARCH TECHNIQUES AND ETHICS

Course code

ORTO707

Credit

2

Theoretical

2

Practical

0

Ects

3
The aim of this course is to provide students with the necessary information about scientific research methodology, to convey the principles of research and publication ethics, to raise awareness and sensitivity by transferring information and discussions on this subject, and to conduct studies in accordance with research and publication ethics in this context. Students who take this course learn the scope and foundations of scientific research, access to scientific information and data collection methods, read and understand scientific texts and analyze data, learn to prepare a research report, learn about scientific ethics and prevent unethical behaviors. Thus, while planning any research, ethical problems and unethical behaviors are prevented, detailed information about scientific research methods and hypotheses is obtained, and data analysis methods are evaluated.
Fourth Semester
DOCTORAL PROFICIENCY

Course code

ORTO608

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

20
The aim of this course is to prepare presentations according to research principles by addressing topics on the agenda orthodontics. Students will be taught treatment approaches with removable and functional appliances, different methods of cephalometric analysis, orthodontic records and diagnosis and the biological bases of tooth movement. They will also learn dentofacial growth and development, preventive and interceptive treatments, fixed appliances and temporary orthodontic anchorage devices. Different malocclusions and treatment methods, retention, stability and complications and clinical research methods and ethics will also be taught. Students will prepare a presentation on a subject of her/his choice. Then the students will enter the proficiency exam of the doctoral program at the end of the semester being responsible for all the courses taken for orthodontics.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS-IV

Course code

ORTO706

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

10
The aim of the course is to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for contemporary orthodontic treatment applications and finishing and retention. In this context, students will learn differences between fixed orthodontic treatment and clear aligner appliances, digital work flow and monitoring treatment, treatment of crowding, deep bite, openbite, Class II and Class III malocclusions. Intraoral scanning with intraoral scanners and effective treatment planning with aligners are taught. Students learn finishing tips for both aligner and fixed orthodontic treatments. Removal of bands, braces and attachments are demonstrated. Students know special finishing procedures to avoid relapse. Retention procedures after correction of Class II, Class III, open bite, deep bite are also covered.
Fifth Semester
THESIS STUDY

Course code

ORTO610

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

120
Students who pass the proficiency exam determines a research subject on orthodontics. The subject can be about functional appliances, fixed orthodontic treatments, treatment approaches for different type of malocclusions and their effect on dentofacial structures. Psychological effects of malocclusions, perception and factors affecting esthetics, temporary orthodontic devices, retention strategies, cephalometric analysis, bonding techniques and contemporary orthodontic approaches can also be evaluated. The study begins after the thesis monitoring committee approves scientific resource adequacy, hypothesis, ethics committee approval, material-method and the contribution of the selected topic to the literature. As a result, the students present their thesis based on scientific research principles to a scientific jury. If the students are successful in their thesis defense, they get the title of PhD.
CLINICAL STUDY IN DOCTORAL FIELD-I

Course code

ORTO612

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

0
Students can participate in all clinical practice and training on different methods of cephalometric analysis, orthodontic records and diagnosis, the biological bases of orthodontic tooth movement, dentofacial growth and development. They can also practice preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatments orthodontic treatment approaches with removable and functional appliances, fixed orthodontic appliances and treatment techniques, temporary orthodontic anchorage devices, different malocclusions and treatment methods, retention and stability. Students perform diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients who apply to orthodontic clinic. They support clinical studies of the Orthodontic program. They act as an assistant lecturer in the undergraduate education of the Faculty of Dentistry.
Sixth Semester
CLINICAL STUDY IN DOCTORAL FIELD-II

Course code

ORTO613

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

0
Students who are successful in the proficiency exam can practice orthodontic treatment approaches with removable and functional appliances, preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatments, fixed orthodontic appliances and treatment techniques, temporary orthodontic anchorage devices, different malocclusions and treatment methods, retention and stability, They can also participate in different methods of cephalometric analysis, orthodontic records and diagnosis, the biological bases of orthodontic tooth movement, dentofacial growth and development. Students perform diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients who apply to orthodontic clinic. They support clinical studies of the Orthodontic program. They act as an assistant lecturer in the undergraduate education of the Faculty of Dentistry.
Seventh Semester
CLINICAL STUDY IN DOCTORAL FIELD-III

Course code

ORTO614

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

0
Students can participate in all clinical practice and training on orthodontic treatment approaches with removable and functional appliances and fixed orthodontic appliances. They learn the importance of retention and stability. They are able to use different methods of cephalometric analysis, take orthodontic records and learn how to make diagnosis. They also participate in the biological bases of orthodontic tooth movement, dentofacial growth and development, preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatments. They can also practice temporary orthodontic anchorage devices, and apply treatment techniques for different malocclusions. Students perform diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients who apply to orthodontic clinic. They support clinical studies of the Orthodontic program. They act as an assistant lecturer in the undergraduate education of the Faculty of Dentistry.
Eighth Semester
CLINICAL STUDY IN DOCTORAL FIELD-III

Course code

ORTO615

Credit

0

Theoretical

0

Practical

0

Ects

0
Students can participate in all clinical practice and training on orthodontic treatment approaches with removable and functional appliances and fixed orthodontic appliances. They learn the importance of retention and stability. They are able to use different methods of cephalometric analysis, take orthodontic records and learn how to make diagnosis. They also participate in the biological bases of orthodontic tooth movement, dentofacial growth and development, preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatments. They can also practice temporary orthodontic anchorage devices, and apply treatment techniques for different malocclusions. Students perform diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients who apply to orthodontic clinic. They support clinical studies of the Orthodontic program. They act as an assistant lecturer in the undergraduate education of the Faculty of Dentistry.

Elective Courses

Entry Requirements

  • The prospective student agrees that she/he shall apply to YÖK or YÖDAK for the equivalency of their undergraduate diplomas.
  • The prospective student agrees that she/he shall apply to the Association of Turkish Cypriot Doctors in order to become a temporary member.
  • The prospective international student agrees that she/he shall provide a Turkish Language Certificate or shall attend the Turkish Proficiency Test or shall study for a year for Turkish language education in order to continue their clinical studies. During their Turkish language study, students shall take one PhD course per semester for their PhD in Dentistry program.
  • Prospective students agree that she/he shall provide an English Language Certificate (IELTS 6.0) or shall attend the English Proficiency Test which is organized by the School of Modern Languages. According to their success, students shall continue to the first year of the program or shall study the English language.
  • Prospective students agree that she/he shall accept to work at least 20 hours per week during their PhD study and this clinical duty shall continue for 46 weeks per year.
  • Prospective students agree that she/he shall accept buying clinical dentistry units with a written commitment.
  • Surgery prospective students agree that she/he shall accept to comply with a two-semester (9 months) rotation duty in a full-fledged hospital.
  • If necessary, Prospective students agree that she/he shall attend an online interview about the basic dental knowledge of the relevant field.
  • Prospective students agree that she/he shall comply with clinical working programs with a written commitment.
  • Prospective students agree that she/he shall comply with a written commitment to obeying professional and ethical responsibilities not to cause malpractice conditions.

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