Many dentists feel like they are on cloud 9 when they are on their orthodontic course journey. This is because of all the benefits that come with offering orthodontics: less physical dentistry, providing more comprehensive treatment for patients, and of course, boosting your production numbers. For dentists who took the beginner orthodontic courses with the American Orthodontic Society (AOS), there is so much to continue to learn and look forward to with the intermediate orthodontics courses. 

What is involved with intermediate orthodontics courses?

Advanced orthodontics classes for general and pediatric dentists offer more involved didactics and benchwork, which trains dentists to treat those difficult cases. The courses are extensive and offer hands-on training to get familiar with adjunctive orthodontic topics. The range of courses offered by the AOS includes:

1. Intermediate Straight Wire Course

This advanced orthodontics course for general and pediatric dentists not only offers 60 continuing education (CE) credits, but helps dentists strategize techniques to treat challenging orthodontic cases. Dr. Brad Williams teaches dentists with basic experience over three sessions. The course covers both clinical and case reviews on how to diagnose and treat those pesky Class III malocclusions, bend and torque wires, close extraction cases, distalize teeth, and all about orthognathic surgical cases. 

The Intermediate Straight Wire Orthodontic Course really goes above and beyond to get dentists up to speed on the difficult topics to become masters of this specialty. 

2. Orthodontic Treatment Strategies Phase II Update Course

If you are looking to improve your orthodontic problem-solving skills, this is the course for you. It is designed to cover an array of topics including:

• Ectopic canine strategies.
• Distalizing molars with appliances.
• TADS and anchoring. 
• Cross elastics.

This two-day course offers 16 CE credits and helps take the basic framework you learned from your beginner coursework and expand on all the strategies you need to complete a successful orthodontic case. When you encounter a difficult case in your private practice (which you will), you’ll feel prepared and ready to help the patient achieve the esthetic and functional outcome they desire. 

3. Adjunctive Orthodontic Procedures

This course will help you gain 20 CE credits while you get hands-on experience with electrosurgery, scanning, 3D printing, and TAD anchoring procedures. These are some of the latest procedures in orthodontic treatment that you don’t want to miss if you are looking to treat all orthodontic cases. Dentists love this course because scanning and 3D printing is becoming a permanent part of treatment and without understanding the technology, you will soon fall behind in the field.  

What is the benefit of taking intermediate orthodontics courses?

1. Gaining Useful CE Credits

If you are in need of CE credits, there is no greater investment than continuing your orthodontic education. The intermediate courses earn you between 20 and 60 CEs depending on the course you choose, but more than the credits, you gain intense exposure that you can bring back to your practice and patients. 

Dentists need CE credits to satisfy state requirements, but it is also important to continue learning throughout your career so you stay updated on the latest trends and safety protocols for patients. 

2. Becoming More Proficient

Taking the basics course is just the beginning for you. When you decide to pursue orthodontics and become  trained in the field, the intermediate courses are here to push you to the next level. The intermediate courses offer advanced topics like anchoring, closing larger gaps, distalizing teeth with appliances, and understanding how to correct more difficult malocclusions. 

The beginner courses taught by Dr. Williams help you treat at least 70% to 80% of cases, but when you take the intermediate courses, your skill level and knowledge increases drastically. 

3. Joining a Professional Network of Dentists

Throughout the basic courses, you learn all about diagnosing malocclusions, record taking, bracketing and wires, and retention. It is a comprehensive and thorough course for general and pediatric dentists wanting to incorporate orthodontics into their practices.

But, for dentists wanting to understand more challenging cases and be able to treat them, you need to continue your education so you can confidently and comfortably treat those patients. This is why the intermediate courses are highly respected and requested by dentists who want to master those skills. The intermediate courses help you join a network of dentists that truly care about their education and patients. Just like you bonded with your dental classmates throughout dental school, this opportunity is one to become part of a highly successful and unique niche of dentists. 

The AOS offers an orthodontic course to suit your skill level.

The AOS offers courses for dentists of all levels to help them acquire the skills they need to comfortably treat patients. If you are looking to advance your orthodontic knowledge after taking the basics beginner course, the best orthodontic courses for general dentists will help you achieve your goals and attain the professional growth you desire. If you’re looking to expand your orthodontics experience and skills, take a look at the range of courses run by the AOS and book your place today.