Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry
Core concepts
Orthodontics: growth and development, Angle's classification of malocclusion, cephalometric landmarks, and treatment timing (interceptive, comprehensive). Know appliances (removable, fixed, functional) and their indications. Pediatric dentistry: eruption and exfoliation schedules, behavior management, caries risk assessment, fluoride varnish, pit-and-fissure sealants, and pulp therapy in primary teeth (pulpotomy, pulpectomy). Understand space maintenance and the management of early childhood caries.
Traps
Angle's classification uses the first permanent molar relationship; Class II is distal mandibular relationship, Class III mesial. Questions often confuse interceptive (early, growth modification) with comprehensive treatment. In primary teeth, pulpotomy is for vital pulp exposure; pulpectomy for irreversibly inflamed/necrotic pulp. Fluoride varnish concentration and frequency are commonly tested. Space maintainers are indicated for premature loss of primary molars to prevent space loss.
Worked example
Rule of thumb: "Class II = lower molar distal to upper; Class III = lower molar mesial to upper." A 7-year-old with a retained primary incisor and erupting permanent incisor usually needs extraction of the primary tooth, not orthodontic referral. For early childhood caries, the first-line preventive measure is fluoride varnish plus diet and hygiene counseling.