Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus

Course Title:

Clear Aligners: Trending Orthodontic treatment

Course mode: Continuing Education

Level: Beginner course

Instructor:

Dr. Jaisri R. Thoppay

Course Description:

This course provides a comprehensive overview of clear aligner therapy as a modern orthodontic solution. Participants will learn about the historical development of aligners, the underlying biomechanics of tooth movement, appropriate case selection, and the step-by-step workflow for successful treatment implementation. The course also examines the advantages, limitations, current evidence, and future trends in clear aligner technology.

Format and Delivery:

• Type: Blended Learning
• Asynchronous Component: Online self-paced presentation (60 minutes)
• Synchronous Component: Live discussion/Q&A or interactive session (60 minutes)
• Total Duration: 2 hours
• Delivery Mode: Online (Zoom, LMS)

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the evolution and advancements in clear aligner therapy.
2. Explain the biomechanics of tooth movement using aligners.
3. Identify appropriate cases for clear aligner treatment.
4. Outline the digital workflow and clinical process of clear aligner therapy.
5. Compare the benefits and limitations of aligners versus traditional orthodontics.
6. Evaluate current evidence and consider future innovations in clear aligner treatment.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction

• What Are Clear Aligners?
• Overview of the Course Structure

Module II.

Evolution of Clear Aligners

• Historical Timeline: From Tooth Positioners to AI-Driven Planning
• Key Milestones and Innovations

Biomechanics and Tooth Movement

• How Aligners Move Teeth
• Common and Challenging Movements

Ideal Case Selection

• Clinical Indications and Contraindications
• Patient Compliance and Oral Health Factors

Treatment Workflow

• Digital Impressions and 3D Planning
• Aligner Delivery, Monitoring, and Refinements
• Retention Phase

Clinical Considerations

• Advantages of Clear Aligners
• Limitations and Common Pitfalls
• Attachments, IPR, and Auxiliaries

Evidence-Based Outcomes

• What Research Says About Efficacy
• Patient Satisfaction and Hygiene Benefits

Future Trends

• In-Office 3D Printing
• AI-Based Planning Tools
• Smart Aligners and Remote Monitoring

Summary and Key Takeaways

Module 3. Live Session Date (TBD)

• Case Reviews or Discussion
• Q&A with Instructor

Course Expectations:

Participants are expected to:

1. Engage fully with both the asynchronous and synchronous components of the course.
2. Demonstrate understanding of course content through knowledge assessments and case reflections.
3. Participate professionally in live or discussion-based activities, contributing to peer learning.
4. Apply evidence-based principles when analyzing case selection, biomechanics, and treatment workflows.
5. Maintain academic integrity, ensuring original responses in any assessments or discussions.

 

Assessment: (as per ADA CERP requirement standards)

• Knowledge check with multiple choice questions (embedded in asynchronous module)
• Open-ended reflection or discussion prompt in live session

Assessment Methods:

Assessment Type	Description	Weight
Knowledge Quiz	6–10 multiple choice questions based on course content, including history, biomechanics, etc.	40%
Case-Based Scenario Question	Short written response analyzing a hypothetical aligner case for treatment suitability.	30%
Participation (Live Session)	Contributions to synchronous discussion or Q&A, including reflections on future trends.	20%
Post-Course Reflection	Brief written reflection on how the learner may apply knowledge gained to clinical practice.	10%

Rubric for Case-Based Scenario & Reflection

Criteria	Excellent (4 pts)	Good (3 pts)	Fair (2 pts)	Poor (1 pt)
Clinical Reasoning	Accurately identifies ideal case traits and biomechanical strategy	Identifies most case criteria, with minor omissions	Basic recognition, but lacks key clinical detail	Misidentifies or omits key criteria
Use of Evidence	Supports reasoning with evidence or course concepts	Refers to general concepts but lacks specificity	Vague or limited reference to course content	No reference to evidence or course principles
Application to Practice	Clearly explains how the approach applies in their own or hypothetical setting	Provides general application to dental settings	Vague or unrealistic clinical connection	No application to practice
Reflection Quality	Insightful, professional, and well-organized	Clear but lacks some depth or detail	Disorganized or overly general	Minimal effort or off-topic

 

Target Audience:

Dentists, dental specialists, dental students, and clinical team members are involved in orthodontic care, corporate health professionals.

Passing Criteria (ADA CERP Minimum Requirements):

• Minimum score of 70% on cumulative assessments
• Completion of full course (asynchronous + synchronous components)
• Submission of case scenario and reflection

Prerequisites:

Basic understanding of dental anatomy and orthodontic principles is recommended.