Department Of Orthodontics

Introduction to the Department of Orthodontics

The Department of Orthodontics at de ‘Montmorency College of Dentistry is a renowned center for education and clinical training, recognized for its excellence in orthodontics for decades. Orthodontics, a highly specialized branch of dentistry, focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental malocclusions (misaligned bites) and facial irregularities. By aligning teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment enhances the appearance and function of a patient’s smile—essentially, it involves straightening teeth and correcting bite issues to ensure optimal oral health and aesthetics.

Undergraduate Training

At the undergraduate level, orthodontics is a core subject taught during the final year of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of orthodontic principles through regular lectures, clinical demonstrations, and hands-on training. Students are assigned a two-month clinical rotation, during which they complete designated clinical quotas. This structured approach ensures that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to effectively diagnose and manage orthodontic cases.

Postgraduate Training Programs

The department is one of the largest postgraduate training centers in the region, offering Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (FCPS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs in orthodontics. Both programs span four years and are designed to produce competent and skilled orthodontists capable of addressing complex cases.

Admission to these postgraduate programs is highly competitive, with candidates selected through the Central Induction Policy after successfully passing initial entrance examinations. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most dedicated and capable individuals are enrolled, maintaining the high standards of the training programs. The FCPS and MDS trainees undergo extensive theoretical and clinical training, gaining exposure to a wide range of orthodontic cases, including Class I, Class II, Class III malocclusions, cleft lip and palate, various craniofacial anomalies, as well as advanced techniques involving fixed appliances, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.

Faculty

The Department of Orthodontics is led by a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members who are dedicated to fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. The faculty includes:

Professor Dr. Muhammad Ilyas – Head of Department

With years of experience and a commitment to advancing orthodontic education, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ilyas leads the department with a vision to provide the highest standards of training and patient care.

Dr. Asmi Shaheen – Associate Professor

A dedicated educator and clinician, Dr. Asmi Shaheen plays a pivotal role in mentoring students and trainees, ensuring they develop the skills needed to excel in the field.

Dr. M. Azeem – Associate Professor

Dr. M. Azeem contributes to the department’s academic and clinical programs, providing valuable insights and guidance to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Dr. Annam Imtiaz – Assistant Professor

Known for her expertise and dedication, Dr. Annam Imtiaz is actively involved in teaching, clinical supervision, and research, helping shape the next generation of dental surgeons.

Dr. Ahmad Shamim – Principal Dental Surgeon

Dr. Ahmad Shamim oversees clinical operations and patient care with an emphasis on delivering excellence in orthodontic treatment and guiding clinical teams in achieving optimal results.

The department also has a team of committed demonstrators who support the clinical and academic activities, including:

Dr. Hafiza Asma (Senior Demonstrator )

Dr. Sara Mehmood Malik

Their combined efforts ensure that students and trainees receive comprehensive training in orthodontics, from foundational principles to advanced clinical techniques.

Facilities and Resources

The Department of Orthodontics is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support both educational and clinical activities. Key features include:

Clinical Units: Fully functional clinical units with modern dental chairs and workstations for patient care and hands-on training.

Diagnostic Tools: Advanced diagnostic equipment, including cephalometric tracers, panoramic X-rays and lateral cephalometric allowing precise evaluation and treatment planning.

Specialized Labs: Dedicated orthodontic laboratories equipped for the fabrication of various appliances, such as retainers , anchorage and functional devices

Seminar Room: A spacious seminar room with an overhead projector and illuminators for presentations, lectures, and academic discussions.

Library and Learning Resources: An extensive collection of latest textbooks, journals, and digital resources to aid in research and continuous learning. The library also includes access to orthodontic case studies and clinical guidelines.

Research Facilities: Tools and equipment for conducting research on cutting-edge orthodontic techniques and materials.

Clinical Services

The department provides a wide range of orthodontic services, catering to a diverse patient population. Treatments include:

Diagnosis and management of Class I, Class II, Class III malocclusions, cleft lip & palate and craniofacial anomalies.
Comprehensive care using fixed and removable appliances
Multidisciplinary approaches to address complex dental and skeletal discrepancies.
Preventive orthodontics and early interventions for children.
Adult orthodontics, including aesthetic options such as clear aligners.

These clinical services not only enhance the training experience for students and trainees but also contribute to improving the oral health and quality of life of the community.

Commitment to Excellence

The Department of Orthodontics at de ‘Montmorency College of Dentistry is committed to excellence in education, research, and patient care. By combining a comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, advanced facilities, and innovative treatment options, the department ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern orthodontic practice.

Conclusion

As a cornerstone of dental education, the Department of Orthodontics continues to set the benchmark for orthodontic training and research in the region. Through its rigorous programs, state-of-the-art resources, and exceptional faculty, the department remains dedicated to shaping the future of orthodontics and improving the smiles and lives of its patients