In clinical education, shared expectations are only the starting point. The goal is to continually raise the standard for how care is delivered and how future orthodontists are trained.
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, the Department of Orthodontics recently completed a faculty calibration process designed to push that standard forward across clinical instruction, assessment, and patient care.
The effort included a structured review of curriculum, clinical protocols, and outcomes data, with reference to national benchmarks set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the American Board of Orthodontics. Faculty examined how the program performs across key areas and identified opportunities to strengthen performance and refine expectations.
While calibration is a routine part of academic programs, this process reflected a broader commitment to continuous improvement and clinical excellence. It also brought together full-time faculty and adjunct instructors—many of whom are practicing clinicians—who contributed their time and expertise to strengthen the program and support student learning.
“Educating the next generation of orthodontists requires meticulous planning and ensuring that everyone is equipped to carry out those expectations.”
— Dr. Chung How Kau, Chair