The discipline of Orthodontics is a very challenging and rewarding aspect of Dentistry. In aligning teeth and enhancing the patient’s facial appearance, orthodontic treatment contributes considerably to the patient’s self-perception and well-being. Nationally, the demand for orthodontic treatment is high, manifesting in a five to seven-year waiting list for patients seeking treatment from the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Pretoria. To address this problem, the Department targets children with an urgent need for treatment to maximize the psychological comfort that orthodontic treatment can render.

The Department of Orthodontics strives toward excellence in teaching and training at both under- and postgraduate levels, as this will extend and uplift orthodontic treatment in the private and public sectors. All academic and support staff in the Department must attend job-specific continuing education programs offered by the University to develop themselves and fulfill the objectives of the Department.

Research in the Department is an essential component of postgraduate training and is directed at finding affordable orthodontic solutions for African problems. In addressing the three tiers of health care, viz., service rendering, teaching, and research, the Department of Orthodontics of the University of Pretoria hopes to make a meaningful contribution to orofacial health nationally and internationally become a leader in this discipline of dentistry.