Introductory Orthodontic Course
INT101 – Introduction to Orthodontics
Instructors: Multiple Instructors
On-line – 1.5-days
This course is for new, prospective USDI members who would like to learn more about Orthodontics and how the USDI can help them grow their practice and become better over-all Clinicians. Learn how the USDI’s Unique Diagnostic System will help you incorporate Orthodontics into your practice in an easy-to-understand step-by-step method. You will be able to compete with Do-It-Yourself Orthodontics and offer your patients a clinically sound alternative to the beautiful smile they have always wanted!! Increase your Practice Revenue (with no added marketing expenses), enhance your Cosmetic Results and become an overall well-rounded Practicing Clinician. Your patients want a beautiful smile and are looking for Orthodontic treatment – let the USDI train you on how to incorporate Orthodontics into your practice efficiently.
Basic Mechanics – Straight Wire Theory/Techniques
Complete bonding of articulator, fabrication and placement of arches, leveling arches, round, rectangular, and square arch wires, auxiliary attachments, power units. Completion of Class I crowded non-extraction case on articulator.
AC103/4 – Introduction to Straight Wire Mechanics
Instructor: Dr. Carver
Hands-on – 2-days
This course is designed to provide practical straight wire experience through working on a typodont. Arch wire and power unit principles will be reviewed, and the treatment stages and retention will be studied. The Class I crowded cases and Class II Division 1, will be worked through to completion on the articulator. In working on the typodont, the attendee experiences, in a short time span, tooth movement caused by the various power unit combinations. All cases will be reviewed in depth.
Advanced power mechanics will be discussed, and practical exercises will include diagnosis and treatment planning for Class II Division 1 cases. In addition, treatment planning for a Class II Division 2 case will be covered. This will include combination therapy using functional appliances as well as fixed.
Materials Needed for Course
Bird beak Pliers, Heavy Wire Cutter, Howe Pliers, standard plugger, Mosquito Forceps, auxiliary supply kit, Ortho study Articulator, Pre-molded Wax Forms, Set of Teeth, Brackets for Teeth — U.S.D.I specifications.
D303/3 – USDI Treatment Protocol: 10 Factors for Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
Instructor: Dr. Winnick
On-line 1-day
This course reviews the United States Dental Institutes’s principles of mechanics for orthodontic treatment. Each classification of malocclusion is evaluated to determine diagnosis, potential treatment mechanics, and treatment timing. The course is intended to provide an outline for treatment planning and act as a guide to individual patient management.
Intermediate Mechanics – Straight Wire Theory/Techniques
AM662 – Intermediate Straight Wire Mechanics
Instructor: Dr. Prittinen
On-line 2-day
This course is a continuation of D660. In D660, the main emphasis was to provide strategies for initial bracketing as well as the first nine months of treatment. In AM 662, we will discuss class II mechanics, extraction mechanics, management of canine impaction, management of midline discrepancies, how and when to use trans-palatal arches (TPA’s) and finishing mechanics. We will also discuss strategies for obtaining informed consent and what to do if root resorption is encountered. We will show many cases from start to finish; this gives the participant an idea of how to put together a comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan.
After the completion of these courses, the participant will be able to:
- Understand Bjork’s research and its implications in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment.
- Describe the importance of vertical control from both an esthetic and mechanical standpoint.
- Assess the differences between strong- and weak-muscled patients.
- Use mandibular morphology to predict how an individual patient will grow.
- Place brackets in the correct position based on the original malocclusion.
- Perform an initial tie-in on an orthodontic case.
- Understand the basics of the wire progression and realize that different wire progressions are appropriate for different patients.
- Illustrate why arch wires of different load deflection rates are needed in various cases.
- Describe a basic mechanics system that can be used in everyday practice.
- Understand how to gain informed consent from an orthodontic patient and his or her guardian.
- Assess the development of the cervical vertebrae on a cephalometric x-ray and use that information to determine approximately how much and when a patient will grow.
D660 – Diagnostics & Treatment Planning – Special Emphasis on Vertical Consideration
Instructor: Dr. Prittinen
On-line 2-day
This course highlights the importance of vertical control in orthodontic therapy. Learn how to diagnosis potential vertical difficulties by viewing cephs, models, and photographs. Case selection based on the potential vertical challenges will be covered in detail. Different treatment mechanics for deep bite and open bite cases will also be discussed.
Treatment planning with an emphasis on goal setting constitutes a major portion of this course. Learn methods to discern which goals are important. Also, a method for determining the ideal anterior-posterior position of upper and lower incisors will be demonstrated.
Bjork’s interpretation of growth and development will be reviewed in detail. The course will demonstrate why an understanding of growth and development is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning and long-term Orthodontic success.
AM100 – Cosmetic Orthodontics Principles
Instructor: Dr. Do
On-line 1-day
This course will focus on the relationship between orthodontics and smile esthetics, specifically, an integration of how knowledge of basic core cosmetic principles will dictate orthodontic treatment to not only correct the dental malocclusion but create beautiful smiles.
After the completion of these courses, the participant will understand:
- The relationship between cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics.
- The principles of smile design and its application in orthodontic treatment.
- Cosmetic and restorative factors that can affect orthodontic treatment.
- A review of cases where these principles are applied.
Advanced Mechanics
AM200 – Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry: Incorporating Orthodontics Concepts
Instructor: Dr. Do
On-line 1-day
This course is part 2 of cosmetic orthodontic principles. You will also learn restorative elements related to cosmetic dentistry that must be considered during treatment. Critical cosmetic guidelines and their impact on orthodontic evaluation with treatment planning will be discussed.
After the completion of these courses, the participant will understand:
- How to plan for cosmetic and restorative dentistry before and after orthodontic treatment.
- How to utilize new cutting-edge diagnostic protocols.
- How to seamlessly transition through the different phases of treatment.
- Recognizing factors that complicate cases at consultation along with strategies to overcome them.
AM110 – Advanced Straight Wire Mechanics
Dr. Prittinen
On-line 2-day
This course will review the theory, technique, and efficient application of the straight wire appliance. Expectations and limitations of the appliance are demonstrated, and adjunctive mechanics are utilized to reach treatment goals of progressive difficulty.
AM402 – Biomechanics in Everyday Orthodontics
Dr. Prittinen
On-line 2-day
The goal of this course is to present a mechanics system with emphasis on techniques that lead to treatment efficiency. Sequencing of treatment using the USDI protocol will be emphasized in this course-not only when this protocol can be strictly adhered to, but also when deviations from the protocol are necessary. The goal of the course is not to present a “cookbook approach” to orthodontics but instead the goal is to enable the participant to understand what needs to be corrected at each stage of treatment.
Efficient treatment starts with good bracket positioning. In this course, the participant will learn why differential bracket positioning is the most important part of improving treatment efficiency.
Efficiency can also be improved by choosing the correct wire progression based upon individual case characteristics. Some patients need a long and involved wire progression, while others can be treated with a very minimal wire progression. By taking this course, the participant will discover which cases need complex wire progressions and which ones do not.
Basic mechanics for class II correction and class III correction, as well as for extraction mechanics will also be presented. Additionally, early treatment mechanics designed to improve efficiency will also be explored. Finally, a simple and effective set of finishing mechanics will also be demonstrated.
Upon completion of this course, the participant will understand that what stage of treatment certain aspects of malocclusion should be corrected. The participant will also understand many of the reasons why treatments often take longer than anticipated as well as how to avoid those situations.
Clear Aligner Treatment
CA100 – Clear Aligner Treatment for Orthodontic Cases
Instructor: Dr. Winnick
On-line 2-day
This course provides doctors with introductory concepts, terminology, and clinical knowledge necessary to incorporate Aligner treatments into their practice. Appropriate case selection and submission will be reviewed as well as how to manage Clear Aligner treatment efficiently.
Participants will learn the biological basis for tooth movements, diagnosis, and effective treatment planning for Aligner cases.
CA200 – Advancing Clear Aligner Treatment
Instructor Dr. Ostreicher
On-line 1-day
This course will review an exciting new way to treat patients using a faster, easier, and simplified next-generation aligner solution! Discover how to become a high-quality provider using the latest technologies and exceed your patients’ expectations with clinical precision and predictability. Attendees will learn how to decrease treatment times and differentiate their practice from direct-to-consumer clear aligner companies. Highly engaging and practical, this program provides standardized protocols to ensure that Clear Aligner treatment is successfully integrated.
CA300 – Advanced Clear Aligner Treatment
Instructor: Dr. Winnick
On-line 1-day
Cephalometric
C300 – Introduction to Diagnosis: Model Analysis
Model Analysis the first and foremost Adjunct to Cephalometrics. Measurements are performed on the models of each case to determine the Arch Form, Arch Width and Arch Depth. The Arch Form is assessed as Roman (IDEAL), Gothic or Truncated. The Arch Width and the Arch Depth is then measured. Each value is compared to IDEAL for an individual patient using the appropriate forms to compile the information. These are the first steps in the DIAGNOSIS of a case.
Instructor: Dr. Beistle
On-line 2-hours
C302 – USDI Contemporary Cephalometric Analysis
Instructor: Dr. Beistle
On-line 1-day
This is a Cephalometric course covers the definitions of landmarks, tracing of head plates, and review of Steiner and the USDI’s systems of analysis. A brief history of cephalometrics, structures of the skull and landmarks will also be reviewed. Constructing the USDI analysis and the measurements needed will be discussed.
C346 – Sassouni Plus Cephalometric Analysis
Instructor: Dr. Beistle
On-line 2-day
This course will include detailed instruction on Sassouni analysis. Also, additional measurements are included which define growth tendencies extremely well. This course will provide an excellent working knowledge of Sassouni as well as key measurements derived from other analyses that can be used to support growth predictions and provide additional essential information not gathered from the Sassouni Archial portion of the analysis.
Attendees will be able to trace a headplate using the Sassouni technique and will be able to utilize; the tracings to assist in growth and treatment response predictions.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (Beginning Series)
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Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (Early Treatment)
F303 – Introduction to Early Orthodontic Treatment
Instructor: Dr. Gallant
On-line 2-day
Early treatment is an extremely important concept for both General and Pediatric Dentists doing Orthodontics. Dentists are in the best position to see patients in the 7–9-year range, which is the ideal time to treat Orthopedic problems. This is usually long before the Orthodontists would see these patients.
This course will review two early treatment phases. The first is the orthopedic followed by second phase of full brackets or even better aligner therapy. The second phase of early treatment begins when all permanent teeth have erupted.
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F349 – Advanced Early Orthodontic Treatment
Instructor: Dr. Gallant
On-line 2-day
This course will review previous concepts related to early orthodontic treatment. Emphasis is placed on the management of the more advanced orthopedic/functional appliances. Cephalometric analyses that are useful in orthopedic treatment will also be reviewed. The diagnosis and treatment of TMD in children and young adults will be examined.
Upon completion of this course attendees will be able to diagnose and treatment plan advanced malocclusions that are best resolved with early orthodontic intervention.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (Retention and Case Finishing)
D319 – Retention & Finishing of Cases
Instructor: Dr. Prittinen
On-line 1-day
This course will cover the retention and finishing stages of treatment. One of the most rewarding achievements in orthodontics is the ability to finish a case to the satisfaction of both the practitioner and the patient Achieving this goal can sometimes be elusive for both experienced and inexperienced practitioners. The participants will learn the fixed appliance discipline required to achieve outstanding finishing results as well a variety of retention protocols.
The two primary goals of this course are:
- To help Doctors develop the expertise that is necessary to diagnose, treatment plan, and then establish efficient mechanics case finishing.
- To give Doctors a solid understanding on retention theory and how to set up a solid retention protocol in their practice.
An overview of basic diagnosis and treatment planning will also be presented since these are the building blocks of effective case finishing.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (Advanced Series)
D406 – Orthodontic Diagnosis – Start to Finish
Instructor: Dr. Prittinen
On-line 2-day
This course will discuss angle of wire entry and how an understanding of this concept will greatly increase the efficiency of your orthodontic treatment. Following that discussion, we will explore how to handle some very challenging open bites cases, canted occlusal planes, and midline discrepancies. This will be followed by a short presentation on how to do IPR and the rationale behind distal offsets. We will end the webinar with a presentation on battling relapse. Retention strategies based upon not only the original malocclusion, but also the severity of the malocclusion will be emphasized.
The first topic to be discussed is muscle strength, particularly how a patient’s muscle strength influences every decision made during treatment. That will be followed by a presentation of a collection of basic cephalometric measurements that I often use to both formulate and supplement the orthodontic diagnosis of a particular case.
Following the discussion on cephalometrics, we will explore the topic of visualization of treatment results and how this technique is used to formulate a treatment plan. This discussion will include a look at cases that could be treated in a variety of ways. Advantages and disadvantages to various treatment plans will be presented for each of these cases.
D320 – Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Instructor: Dr. Prittinen
On-line 2-day
This course will introduce new appliances and reference the ALF appliance as well as the Tandem appliance. There will be strong emphasis on the anatomical and physiologic reasons for what is occurring during treatment. You will also see cutting edge videos of TMJ, Parkinson, Tourette’s and movement disorder patients being treated in dental offices.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (Airway Orthodontics)
D537 – Structural Screening for TMJ and OSA
Instructor: Dr. Beistle
On-line 1-day
This Structural Screening course will review the various propensities for the disruptive factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction in prospective orthodontic patients.
The objective of this course is to show each attendee, in the absence of telltale symptoms, how to recognize particular signs by using “Structural Screening” to eliminate those unwanted and serious complications that often occur during or after orthodontic treatment.
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D580 – Airway and Facial Aesthetics
Instructor: Dr. Do
On-line 1-day
This course will focus on the relationship between the airway, orthodontics, and facial aesthetics. Topics include airway and oral posture and its influence on facial development, malocclusion, and treatment stability. The factors that can result in a balanced and more esthetic facial appearance will also be discussed.
After the completion of these courses, the participant will understand:
- The influence of airway and oral postures and its effect on malocclusions.
- The cause of malocclusions and how to achieve long term stability.
- The effects of changes in oral posture on facial growth and development.
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D585 – Sleep Disorder Breathing, TMJ and Orthodontics
Instructor: Dr. Do
On-line 1-day
This course will focus on the relationship between orthodontics, the airway, and TMJ. We will discuss obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ disorder and how they are interrelated. Topics include the relationship between OSA and snoring, and why TMJ is also a deciding factor of successful treatment. Sample cases will be reviewed and treatment methods that can have a positive effect on the airway and TMJ will be discussed.
After the completion of these courses, the participant will understand:
- The basics concepts of sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Signs, symptoms and comorbidity of the airway and malocclusion
- The anatomy and physiology of airway and its relationship to OSA and TMD
TMJ Courses
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T347 – Conservative TMJ Treatment
Instructor: Dr. Garcia
On-line 1-day
Upon completion of this course attendees will understand the importance of obtaining detailed patient history. The technique to identify the subjective symptoms of the TMD patients will be discussed in detail. Participants will learn how to perform a comprehensive head, neck and TMJ examination as well as understand the causes of TMJ problems. During this course the Instructor will review a proven method of how to recognize the occlusal flags present in the TMD patient.
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T347/1 – TMJ Therapy Comprehensive Introduction Course
Dr. Garcia
On-line 1-day
This course will provide the information necessary to diagnose and treat TMD problems. Treatment guidelines for determining the splint position will be discussed – including the rationale and documentation for the guidelines. Ancillary modalities utilized in the treatment of the TMD/pain patient will be demonstrated- including adjustments to the splints, medications, injections, and physical therapy. Phase II treatment finishing methods also will be demonstrated including orthopedic and orthodontic appliances.
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T347/2 – TMJ Therapy – Advanced
Instructor: Dr. Garcia
On-line 1-day
This course will review the concepts discussed in the TMJ Therapy Comprehensive Introduction Course. The use of the head pain and temporomandibular joint examination form will be demonstrated as well as the interpretation of x-rays, tomograms and MRIs. The use of sonography, electromyography and jaw tracking and how they relate to the TMD patient will be examined. The treatment guidelines for determining splint position will be covered in detail. Ancillary treatment modalities as well as finishing techniques will also be discussed.
I started my dental career in 1992 and start taking CE courses with USDI and I strongly that this was one of my best decision I made as a private practitioner to incorporate ortho in my practice with USDI and I enjoyed the lifetime membership for continued education. I have recommended this course to several of my associates.
USDI was the best decision of my career. You cannot be a good dentist without knowing orthodontics. Period!
I have been a student at USDI for over thirty years. The quality of education provided is truly worthwhile and helpful in the practice of orthodontics. I have taken additional training from several of the instructors and have found that the training exceeds my expectations. Recently, I returned to take an aligner course (CA 101) that has opened another opportunity to provide options to my patients. USDI is well recommended!!
I joined USDI in 2005 and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn orthodontics. It’s been my best investment to learn continuously and gain confidence in orthodontics since repeating any course wouldn’t cost more. Thank you USDI!
If you are a general dentist wanting to incorporate orthodontics into your practice, this is the course for you. I highly recommend the USDI courses. The knowledge gained from these courses are of utmost value