Education
The course
A practical orthodontic course for Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists: lectures plus hands-on work on typodonts, with an optional clinical shadowing day.
Register now- Course length
- 16-24 hrs
- Format
- In-person / hands-on / lecture / combination
- Location
- GTA (TBD). Please contact us for full information.
- CE credits
- 16-24 hrs
- Course fee
- Please contact us for full information.
- Next course date
- TBD. Please contact us for full information.
Who is this for?
Dental Assistants
Learn how orthodontic procedures and workflows differ from general dentistry and what you can and can't do in orthodontics. Gives you more hands-on intraoral work with the patient. Advance your skill set and compensation.
Dental Hygienists
Understand orthodontic considerations and skills to top up your hygiene skills. Develop greater confidence explaining orthodontic treatment and terminology.
Course schedule
Core Boot Camp (Day 1 & 2)
Lectures and Hands-On Training (16 hours total).
Location: GTA (TBD). Please contact us for full information.
Optional Day 3
Full-Day Clinical (1 on 1 Pre-Booked) Shadowing at an Orthodontic Office (8 hours).
Location: North Oshawa Orthodontics, 100-1400 Ritson Rd. N, Oshawa, ON L1G 7W4
Topics include
- Orthodontic terminology
- Basic orthodontic diagnosis
- Types of orthodontic appliances
- Braces and brackets
- Clear aligners
- Orthodontic records
- Patient preparation
- Orthodontic emergencies
- Attachment/bonding concepts
- Retention: fixed and removable retainers
- Treatment coordination basics
- Understanding orthodontic treatment plans
What you will learn
After completing the OrthoBoss Boot Camp, participants will be able to:
- Identify common orthodontic appliances
- Identify different orthodontic malocclusions
- Identify different orthodontic treatment options
- Identify different orthodontic instruments
- Place and remove brackets
- Place and remove bands
- Place fixed retainers
- Place attachments
- Place passive orthodontic appliances
- Take high-quality orthodontic records
- Practise scanning using the iTero scanner
- Understand basic terminology
- Recognize common orthodontic procedures
- Understand a typical orthodontic patient journey from start to finish
- Identify common orthodontic emergencies and protocols
- Understand what is needed and why for orthodontic records
- Communicate more effectively with orthodontic patients
- Understand why and when a patient should be referred for orthodontics
- Apply orthodontic knowledge within the professional scope of practice
All procedures will be done on typodonts.
Course outline
Day by day
Pre-course requirements
- Participants must be either a Level II Dental Assistant or a Registered Dental Hygienist.
- Digital OrthoBoss Manual & Video Modules (provided one week prior).
- Self-study expectations (preparation expected before Day 1).
Day 1: Foundational Knowledge & Initial Hands-On Training
Morning: didactic sessions
- Introduction to Orthodontics: goals, workflow, and team roles.
- Legal scopes of practice: RCDSO, CDHO, ODAA regulations.
- Diagnosis & case types: Class I/II/III, crowding, spacing, crossbites, etc.
- Overview of orthodontic appliances: bands, brackets, clear aligners, removable and fixed appliances.
- Records-taking techniques & record keeping (including non-alginate conventional impressions, scans).
Afternoon: hands-on training
- Orthodontic records: photographs, scans.
- Band placement on typodonts.
- Bracket positioning and bonding systems (simulated).
Day 2: Advanced Skills & Competency Evaluation
Morning: advanced didactic sessions
- Aligner systems: attachment placement, tracking, patient coaching.
- Patient management & communication during orthodontic care.
- Common orthodontic emergencies and troubleshooting.
- Retention: types of retainers, wire selection, bonding procedures, and maintenance.
- Debonding: celebrate every patient!
Afternoon: advanced hands-on training & evaluation
- Attachment placement simulation for aligner therapy (on typodonts).
- Bracket & band removal (on typodonts).
- Fixed retainer placement: wire selection, bonding procedures, and maintenance (on typodonts).
- Written quiz & typodont skill assessment.
- Q&A, feedback session and certificate distribution.
Optional Day 3: Clinical Shadowing Experience
Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (lunch break 12 pm to 1 pm, lunch not included)
- Chairside observation with live patients.
- Team communication and time management in a real orthodontic setting.
- Q&A session with the orthodontic team.
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify different orthodontic malocclusions, appliances, instruments, and treatment options, including Class I, II, and III cases, and understand their clinical significance in treatment planning, appliance selection, and the sequence of orthodontic care.
- Confidently perform orthodontic procedures within their authorized scope of practice, in accordance with the latest RCDSO Guidelines, CDHO & CDAA practice standards and approval, for Level II Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists.
- Place and remove brackets, bands, fixed retainers, attachments, and passive orthodontic appliances (that have been previously selected, fitted and/or dispensed by a dentist for orthodontic purposes) on typodonts.
- Master clear aligner protocol. Learn the proper placement of clear aligner attachments with tips and tricks to optimize retention, fill, tracking, and treatment success.
- Take high-quality orthodontic records using photographs, scans, non-alginate materials suitable for fabricating appliances &/or working models.
- Assist with orthodontic treatment workflows including record-taking, patient education, patient follow-up appointments, record-keeping and appliance maintenance support.
- Improve patient communication and compliance, especially with aligners/removable appliance therapy and hygiene in orthodontic care.
- Gain real-world exposure to active orthodontic procedures during the optional full-day clinical training at an orthodontic practice.
- Master the art of ortho "oops!" management; from poking wires and broken brackets to mystery ligatures and flipped brackets; learn how to save the day (and the patient's comfort) with confidence, clarity, and a smile!
- Unlimited access to information, contact information for any questions to your instructors at any time during and after the course.
Certification requirements
- Full attendance of Days 1 & 2.
- Successful completion of written and practical evaluations.
- Optional Day 3 is not required for certification but is highly recommended for practical exposure.
Course inclusions
- Printed & digital PDF copy of course manual.
- Use of orthodontic typodonts and instruments and all needed materials.
- Certificate of Completion (eligible for CE credits).
- Lunch & refreshments provided on Day 1 & 2.
CE / Certification
OrthoBoss Boot Camp courses may be eligible for continuing education credits depending on the course and participant's professional association/regulatory requirements.