Preclinical Course

Orthodontics

(150)

Preclinical Course

Published Date December 28, 2025

An introductory hands-on course designed to build foundational orthodontic skills, focusing on instruments, materials, and basic clinical procedures before patient-based practice.

What You Will Learn

In the Preclinical Course of the British Fellowship in Orthodontics (FOrth) pathway, trainees develop the scientific and practical foundation needed to enter clinical orthodontic training with greater confidence, clarity, and structure. This stage is designed to build true orthodontic understanding, not just theoretical recall.

During this phase, you will learn how to:

Understand the core principles of modern orthodontics within a British fellowship-oriented training framework
Diagnose and analyse different types of malocclusion in a systematic and clinically relevant way
Interpret orthodontic records, including clinical photographs, radiographs, and study models
Build clear and rational treatment plans for a variety of orthodontic cases
Understand the fundamentals of orthodontic biomechanics and how forces influence tooth movement
Assess case complexity and classify cases before clinical management begins
Develop a strong foundation in cephalometric analysis and link findings to treatment decisions
Recognise the main orthodontic appliances, materials, and instruments used in daily practice
Strengthen clinical thinking and case discussion skills for seminars, supervision, and exams
Prepare for the clinical phase through a structured understanding of orthodontic workflow and case handling

This stage is not only about learning information. It is about building a real orthodontic mindset that prepares you for clinical training, case-based discussions, and a more confident journey toward the British Orthodontic Fellowship.

Course Objectives

The Preclinical Course is designed to prepare trainees academically and practically before entering the clinical phase of the FOrth pathway. Its purpose is to build a structured scientific foundation and develop sound orthodontic thinking that enables trainees to understand, analyse, and approach cases more professionally.

The main objectives of this course are to:

Provide trainees with a strong foundation in the essential principles of orthodontics before clinical training begins
Develop the ability to diagnose different orthodontic cases in a systematic and accurate manner
Train participants to interpret and analyse orthodontic records and relate findings to treatment decisions
Build a clear understanding of the fundamentals of treatment planning and case-based decision-making
Establish core knowledge in orthodontic biomechanics and the effect of orthodontic forces on tooth movement
Prepare trainees to understand the clinical workflow of orthodontic practice before case allocation
Strengthen clinical reasoning and scientific case discussion skills
Help trainees move from general theoretical knowledge to applied orthodontic understanding
Improve readiness for active participation in seminars, case discussions, and the practical phase of the programme
Build a solid academic base that supports a confident journey toward the British Fellowship in Orthodontics