Mastership Digital Orthodontics

Program Description

The Mastership in Digital Orthodontics is a postgraduate continuing education program designed for licensed dentists. It provides comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in the application of digital technologies in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapy execution.

The program emphasizes the integration of:

• Digital diagnostics (CBCT, intraoral scanning, facial analysis)
• Virtual treatment planning
• Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT)
• CAD/CAM and 3D printing technologies

The curriculum combines lectures, hands-on training, and case-based learning to ensure practical applicability in daily practice.

Target Group

• Licensed dentists seeking specialization in digital orthodontics
• Dental practitioners aiming to integrate digital workflows and clear aligner therapy into their practice

Program Duration and Credits

• Total Duration: 12 contact days, plus self-study and practical application
• ECTS Credits: 15 (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)
• CPD Points: 45 (Continuing Professional Development)
• Workload: Approximately 375 hours

Module	ECTS	Workload
Module 1 “October 2026”	4	100 hours
Module 2 “March 2027”	3	75 hours
Module 3 “August 2027”	4	100 hours
Practical Case Documentation	4	100 hours

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Didactic lectures
• Hands-on practical training
• Case-based group work
• Practical exercises
• Literature reviews and presentations
• E-learning (Moodle platform)

Curriculum Structure

Module 1: Digital Orthodontic Diagnostics & Treatment Planning (CAT Fundamentals)

Students are introduced to the structure of the study programme. A special lecture with practical exercises on the use of the course’s own virtual learning platform (LMS) Moodle will be given. Students learn the principles of orthodontic diagnostics and hospital planning, with a special focus on the use of digital technologies.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Perform structured orthodontic diagnostics
• Analyze digital patient records
• Develop individualized treatment plans
• Understand CAT indications and limitations

Assessment

• Written Examination (90 minutes)
• Continuous assessment via case exercises

Module 2: Biomechanics & Practical Implementation of CAT

Students first consolidate their knowledge from the previous module on case planning by presenting cases they have independently planned using documentation provided in advance. Subsequently, they learn the biological foundations of tooth movement, as well as fundamental biomechanical principles relevant to orthodontic treatment. The module also introduces the biomechanics of clear aligner therapy (CAT). Students gain an understanding of how different aligner properties influence tooth movement and treatment outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Apply biomechanical principles in aligner therapy
• Design effective CAT treatment plans
• Monitor and evaluate treatment progress
• Perform key practical procedures

Assessment

• Written Examination (60 minutes)
• Case presentation and literature discussion

Module 3: Advanced Digital Orthodontics (Anchorage, Expansion & Retention)

Students first consolidate their knowledge from the previous module (case planning) by presenting independently planned cases for which they have received the documents in advance. Students acquire comprehensive knowledge on the topic of expansion treatment in the upper jaw. The age- and equipment-dependent limitations of such treatment are theoretically examined. In practice, students acquire the ability to digitally design expansion equipment and manufacture it using metal 3D printing. Another focus of this module is the topic of anchoring, which is worked out both theoretically and practically, especially based on skeletal anchoring by means of mini screws.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Design advanced orthodontic appliances digitally
• Apply anchorage systems effectively
• Plan expansion therapies
• Ensure long-term treatment stability

Assessment

• Written Examination (90 minutes)
• Final practical case presentation

Module 4: Practical Case Documentation (Longitudinal Module)

• Students document their treatments according to the “Example Case Presentations” issued by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO):

https://www.americanboardortho.com/media/nurff5kw/24-example_case_madelaine-copy.pdf

https://www.americanboardortho.com/media/evkfbpd5/example_case_anna_marie1.pdf

Duration

• Conducted throughout the program in practical practice

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Document orthodontic treatments professionally
• Present cases according to international standards
• Demonstrate ethical and practical competence

Assessment

• Oral Examination (~30 minutes)
• Submission of 5 documented practical cases
• Case presentation and defense

Assessment Strategy

Assessment Type	Description
Written Exams	Conducted after each module (60–90 minutes)
Practical Evaluation	Continuous assessment during hands-on sessions
Case Presentations	Group and individual presentations
Final Oral Exam	Based on documented practical cases
Practical Portfolio	Introduction to ERP & Odoo

Progression Requirements

• Successful completion of Module 1 is required for Module 2
• Successful completion of Module 2 is required for Module 3
• Completion of all modules required for final certification

Certification

Participants who successfully complete all modules and assessments will receive 2 certificates:

• Certificate of Mastership in Digital Orthodontics accredited by MIU and Sigmund Freud University, Vienna.
• Certificate of Mastership in Digital Orthodontics accredited by MIU and the Egyptian Health Council.

ILOS

Overall Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to:

Knowledge

• Critically explain the principles of digital orthodontic diagnostics, including intraoral scanning, CBCT, and digital imaging.
• Evaluate the biological and biomechanical principles underlying orthodontic tooth movement.
• Analyze the indications, limitations, and practical applications of Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT).
• Describe the use of CAD/CAM technologies and 3D printing in orthodontic appliance design and manufacturing.
• Understand the principles of anchorage, expansion, and retention in digital orthodontic treatment.

Skills

• Perform comprehensive digital orthodontic diagnostics, including data acquisition, processing, and interpretation.
• Develop and implement individualized digital treatment plans using specialized orthodontic software.
• Design and optimize clear aligner treatment setups, including staging and attachment placement.
• Apply practical procedures such as interproximal reduction (IPR) and attachment bonding safely and effectively.
• Utilize digital tools to monitor treatment progress, including model superimposition and outcome evaluation.
• Design and fabricate orthodontic appliances (e.g., expanders, retainers) using digital workflows and 3D technologies.

Competences

1. Integrate digital technologies into practical orthodontic practice to improve treatment efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes.
2. Make evidence-based practical decisions regarding treatment modality selection (aligners vs. fixed appliances).
3. Manage orthodontic cases independently using digital workflows from diagnosis to retention.
4. Demonstrate professional competence in practical case documentation and presentation according to international standards.
5. Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues regarding digital treatment planning and outcomes.
6. Engage in lifelong learning and adapt to emerging technologies in digital orthodontics.