Resident Clinical Training

Patient Assignment

Each resident is assigned between 40-50 new patients during the first year in the program. By the end of the second year, each resident will have 90-100 active patients under their care.

Techniques

Residents are trained in the use of .018 and .022 preadjusted edgewise appliances. The residents receive training in multiple bracket systems and prescriptions. Newly emerging technologies such as self-ligating brackets and Invisalign aligners are utilized on appropriate cases.

The University of Florida is a major research institution for Invisalign™. Each resident receives substantial experience with the Invisalign system. Our faculty have advanced experience with this technology and been actively involved with Align Technology in improving the appliance’s effectiveness. The faculty teach UF residents valuable clinical knowledge in case selection and management using Invisalign.  

Laboratory Responsibilities

First year residents are required to trace all their lateral cephalometric films by hand. Second and third year residents use Dolphin Imaging to digitally trace lateral head films.

First year residents must pour and trim their first five stone models to show competency with this technique. Thereafter all models are sent to OrthoCad and digital models are fabricated.  

Second year residents are required to make all retainers for their patients. First and third year residents’ retainers are fabricated by an outside laboratory.

All other appliances are fabricated by an outside laboratory.

Third Year Clinic

Third year residents are assigned one full time assistant and fellow to work chair-side for them during their final year in the program. Third year residents are considered independent practitioners and make all clinical decisions for their patients. Faculty are available for guidance when needed, but no start checks are required. This unique clinical experience helps the residents begin learning to delegate tasks and also to begin thinking independently. This clinical format is a great help in building clinical confidence and preparing the resident for a private practice setting.

Meetings/Conferences

The residents attend many local, regional, and national meetings during the year. All residents attend GORP- the annual meeting of orthodontic residents from around the nation. The other annual meetings attended are: Florida Association of Orthodontists, OrthoGators, Southern Association of Orthodontists, and American Association of Orthodontists. Residents also attend practice management courses such as Wired For Success, Gorman, and Bottom Line. These meetings and courses are an excellent opportunity for residents to meet colleagues from around the nation and also to hear lectures from the leading names in orthodontics.