Why General Dentists Are Adding Orthodontics to Their Practice
Orthodontics is no longer the exclusive domain of specialists. With the rise of clear aligner systems and increased patient demand for straighter smiles, general dentists worldwide are incorporating orthodontic treatment into their daily workflows. Whether your interest is in clear aligner therapy, interceptive orthodontics for children, or limited fixed appliance treatment for adults, there is now a wide range of orthodontic courses for general dentists designed to build clinical confidence from the ground up.
The global clear aligner market has grown significantly, and brands like Invisalign, Spark, and Angelalign now offer their own certification and training ecosystems. Meanwhile, organisations such as the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and various university-affiliated programmes offer structured short courses, hands-on workshops, and postgraduate diplomas for general practitioners looking to deepen their skills.
Types of Orthodontic Courses Available for General Dentists
Clear Aligner Courses: These are the most popular entry point for general dentists. Provider-specific training (such as Invisalign's online Itero and case submission workflow, or Spark's training portal) teaches case selection, attachments, interproximal reduction (IPR), refinements, and retainer protocols. Independent courses from institutions like MCDI offer brand-agnostic training covering multiple aligner systems so you can compare them and choose the right tool for each patient.
Fixed Appliance Short Courses: Courses covering basic pre-adjusted edgewise techniques, bracket placement, archwire sequencing, and common mechanics such as space closure and overbite management. These are typically 3–6 days of hands-on training and are suitable for simple crowding and spacing cases in adults.
Online Orthodontic CPD: Many dental educational platforms offer video-based modules on orthodontic diagnosis, cephalometric analysis, malocclusion classification, and treatment planning. These build theoretical knowledge and count toward continuing professional development requirements.
Postgraduate Diplomas and Master's Programmes: For dentists who want to practise orthodontics extensively, formal postgraduate education — such as a Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), MClinDent, or MOrth — offers the most comprehensive training. These are typically 2–3 years part-time.