UFCD Orthodontics: Mission, Goals, and Objectives 

Mission:

The mission of the Department of Orthodontics is to provide an excellent educational experience for predoctoral and postdoctoral students, to further the profession through research, and to provide service to the profession.

Goals:

The orthodontic faculty at the University of Florida are committed to the graduate program and are very proud not only of the quality of our residents, but also of the education that they receive. The goals of the program are based on the premise that a specialist in orthodontics must be:
1. A competent and ethical dentist with an extensive background in growth and development and oral pharyngeal function.
2. An astute diagnostician prepared to interact with professional colleagues in medicine and dentistry in formulating a multidisciplinary treatment plan.
3. Mechanically versatile and able to apply biomaterials science to design treatments which reflect patient needs.
4. Knowledgeable in the development of research and able to assess scientific conclusions.
5. Experienced in teaching basic orthodontic diagnosis and treatment skills to non-specialists.
6. Service-oriented and sensitive to the individual who seeks treatment, as well as to the handicapped person who requires community support.
7. A perpetual student: belonging to, supporting, and participating in organized dentistry.

Objectives:

The specific objectives of the program are:
1. To train students to achieve the clinical and didactic competency required by the American Board of Orthodontics.
2. To provide clinical services to the residents of Florida.
3. To provide research opportunities in basic and clinical areas of interest in orthodontics.
4. To provide an opportunity for clinical teaching of pre-doctoral students.