Postgraduate School of Orthodontics

Common training objectives (or common core)
Students must acquire formal knowledge of the generalist disciplines contributing to specialist training in Oral Surgery, Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry and of key disciplines characterising the clinical-diagnostic aspects of emergency medicine and first aid

Core training objectives
-Deepen knowledge of biological and medical disciplines pertaining to the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the dento-maxillofacial region, with particular reference to development and growth, as well as the formative and morphological conditioning mechanisms of the dento-maxillofacial complex and interactions with the soma;
-Learn and acquire the skills to apply statistical and statistical-epidemiological methods

School-specific training objectives
-Comprehensive knowledge of clinical and instrumental diagnosis, the physiopathology of the dento-maxillofacial region and related treatment;
-In-depth knowledge of orthognathodontic semeiotics, including the use of clinical and instrumental devices;
-Identification of useful diagnostic pathways for classifying the various types of malocclusion and alterations of the dento-maxillofacial region, from dental to generalised hereditary or congenital malformative pathologies;
-Acquisition of specific skills in the prevention, interception and correction of malocclusions, as well as treatment of dental and dento-skeletal dysgnathia in both children and adults;
-Acquisition of specific knowledge and skills in the treatment of dento-maxillofacial malformations and in orthodontic preparation and finalisation in support of orthognathic surgery;
-Acquisition of specific knowledge and skills in the diagnostic aspects and therapeutic solutions for intra- and extra-articular problems affecting the temporomandibular joint, as well as their interconnections with various general conditions such as headaches, postural imbalances, muscle tension, myofascial pathologies, and asymmetries;
-Ability to adopt multidisciplinary approaches in orthodontics and other disciplines included in the scientific-disciplinary sector in which the Postgraduate School operates;
-In-depth knowledge of loco-regional and systemic implications related to orthognathodontic treatment of patients affected by diseases of other systems and organs, including rare diseases

Related, additional and interdisciplinary objectives
-In-depth knowledge of the basic principles of diseases related to alterations of the dento-maxillofacial region;
-In-depth knowledge of phenomena linked to the psychological approach to conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, to the neurological problems of headaches, and to altered postural attitudes;
-In-depth knowledge of the foundations of legal medicine and its various aspects, including clinical bioethics;
-In-depth knowledge of the basic principles of healthcare management;
-In-depth knowledge of the legislation governing healthcare organisation;
-Acquisition of useful computer skills, in particular for the management of diagnostic data and treatment planning;
-In-depth knowledge of the English language so as to understand the international literature and stay up-to-date

The practical training of residents takes place in University, Hospital, and Local Health Authority facilities affiliated with the University.
The resident's training must be aimed at pursuing the educational objectives of the School of Orthodontics and must include guided and supervised participation in all practical, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic activities, both for growing children and adults, with specific and targeted learning of laboratory procedures and the use of instrumental aids. This participation must also be certified through formal attendance records.

The professionalizing activities for the Specialization in Orthodontics are identified in the treatments for specific pathologies outlined in the characterizing objectives.
Specifically, the above objectives are considered met if the resident performs, under specific tutoring, the following therapies during the three-year training program:
- 50 outpatient and/or community orthodontic visits
- 30 diagnoses and treatment plans
- 20 cases of interceptive therapy
- 12 cases of corrective therapy
- 5 cases of gnathological therapy
- 5 multidisciplinary cases (relating to interconnections with other dentistry disciplines)
- 3 cases of treatment of dento-maxillo-facial alterations and/or malformations (relating to interconnections with maxillofacial surgery).

The resident may apply for the diploma after completing the professional development activities.

As part of their training, the trainee will be expected to learn the scientific foundations of the School's typology in order to achieve full maturity and professional competence, including an adequate ability to interpret scientific innovations and a critical understanding that allows them to consciously manage both assistance and their own development. This training may include participation in meetings, conferences, the production of scientific publications, and periods of attendance at qualified Italian and foreign institutions useful for their training.