Foundation of Interceptive Orthodontics for General Practitioners

This comprehensive course is designed to address common questions and concerns that general practitioner (GPs) encounter regarding interceptive orthodontics, using scientific evidence and practical treatment protocols. Through detailed discussions and case studies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of various orthodontic scenarios such as habits, management of habits, open bites, deep bites and management of crowding in the mixed dentition.

At the conclusion of this course, the participants should be able to:

1. Recognize normal and abnormal growth and development patterns in the mixed dentition, and identify early signs of developing malocclusion.
2. Apply evidence-based treatment protocols for interceptive management of malocclusions, including space supervision, arch length analysis, and habit-breaking appliances.
3. Evaluate the timing of intervention versus referral to a specialist, recognizing situations that can be effectively managed by general practitioners and those requiring specialist care.
4. Differentiate between normal self-correcting crowding in the mixed dentition and crowding that requires interceptive treatment or referral to a specialist.

Flavio Copello, DDS, MSc, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is the assistant Orthodontic predoctoral program director and course director of several courses such as Clinical Orthodontics, Clear Aligners Therapy, Biomechanics (Co-course director), wire bending (Co-course director). Dr. Copello developed the course Clear Aligners Therapy for the post-doctoral program, and an elective course for the pre-doctoral program on Clear Aligners for GPs.

Dr. Copello was educated in Brazil (DDS, residency in Orthodontics, and MSc), he also has a PhD degree in Orthodontics from the University of Rio de Janeiro and Rush University Medical Center - Chicago USA. Dr. Copello has published 22 papers and 2 book chapters. His interests are clear aligners biomechanics, palatal expansion, and interceptive orthodontics.