Graduate education

In the orthodontics classroom, we are responsible for the clinical dentistry field of orthodontics, and instruct graduate students according to the following basic educational policies.

1. Training outstanding researchers with problem finding, exploration, problem-solving, and presentation abilities in the field of orthodontics to become leaders in their field.
2. At the same time, cultivating orthodontic clinicians with advanced specialist knowledge and techniques.
3. Furthermore, training clinical dentists with insight orthodontics and a clear view of the field of dentistry as a whole who demonstrate clinical orthodontic skills while cooperating with other departments.

Research

Basic and clinical research related to examination, diagnosis, and the development of treatment methods etc. in orthodontic dentistry are carried out in the orthodontics classroom. Some main research themes are described below, but emphasis is also placed on graduate students exploring issues they have discovered themselves while consulting sufficiently regarding their research themes. Despite the examples below, students are encouraged to demonstrate freely the spirit of inquiry.

1. Research regarding mechanism elucidation of tissue remodeling phenomena by mechanical stimulation:

Study of tissue remodeling phenomena by mechanical stimulation such as orthodontic force, perioral muscle/soft tissue etc., and related age-related changes. Additionally, biochemical research by providing mechanical stimuli to cultured cells, microvascular research, histological studies using diabetic rats, and joint research in a wide range of themes with Dental Pharmacology, the Oral Function and Anatomy, and the Developmental Biology of Hard Tissue classrooms, etc.

2. Research regarding stomatognathic functions:

The tongue, lips, and cheeks play an important role in stomatognathic functions such as pronunciation, chewing, and swallowing. Using a device for determining continuous sealing of the lips, basic and clinical research regarding diagnosis and treatment of stomatognathic 2. functions with focus on lip sealing function and muscle function therapy (MFT). Research regarding the relevance of malocclusion and orthodontics to temporomandibular disorders typified by TMJ arthrosis is also progressing.

3. Development of orthodontic dental materials:

In addition to high performance and aesthetically superior orthodontic wire using fiber-reinforced plastic composite material, new concept orthodontic wires, orthodontic brackets, and adhesive materials are also being developed.

4. Research regarding jaw deformities:

Basic and clinical research regarding (particularly genetic) causes of jaw deformities such as the abnormal growth and development of the craniofacial skeleton, and surgical diagnosis and treatment methods. Research regarding the pathogenesis of malocclusion using mice with spontaneous malocclusion is also being developed.

5. Research regarding the cleft palate:

Clinical research of cleft palate patients and basic research of palate scar tissue using rats.

Clinical Education

The society of orthodontics representing Japan (Japanese Orthodontic Society) has established a system which currently provides the three qualifications of ‘certified physician’, ‘attending physician’, and ‘specialist physician’. As part of this system, participation in a specialist clinical education curriculum at university is a requirement, which is supplemented with an examination of qualifications through a thesis, clinical experience, and educational experience. Our orthodontics classroom is a designated institution for carrying out Basic Orthodontic Training and Clinical Orthodontic Training as recognized by the Japanese Orthodontic Society. Therefore, we provide the 2 years of Basic Orthodontic Training and 3 years of Clinical Orthodontic Training needed for students to attain the first qualification of ‘certified physician’ in a curriculum stipulated by the Society.  In accordance with the 2 curricula for graduate students, we provide lectures, basic practical training, diagnosis, treatment, and other comprehensive clinical education that is generally completed by all graduate students.

Basic Orthodontic Training

2 years’ study of basic orthodontic training through lectures and practice of orthodontic knowledge and techniques, or comprehensive dental treatment studies in combination with other disciplines are carried out.  Students participate in investigation of cases in seminar format while carrying out self-case studies of orthodontic treatment with attending physicians. When basic training is completed, a certificate will be awarded upon completion of final examination.

Clinical Orthodontic Training

After basic training is completed, students study a 3-year clinical orthodontic training course under the supervision of an attending physician to achieve the goals set by the Japanese Orthodontic Society. Students study a variety of cases at clinical conferences and outpatient clinics. Self-case studies are discussed with attending physicians and further examination occurs at clinic conferences and seminars. When clinical training is completed, a certificate will be awarded upon completion of final examination.