The Advanced Diploma Course from IAS Academy is a gateway to enhanced dental care. Practitioners who complete the two-year orthodontic programme will emerge with an unbeatable understanding of managing complex malocclusions, including extraction cases. With these advanced skills, practitioners can make a positive impact around the world.
Dr Dora Oforiwaa Hall is based in Accra, Ghana, and undertook the Advanced Diploma Course to help make a difference:
“Orthodontics in Ghana is a field with immense potential, yet it remains largely underserved. Despite a population of 40 million people, Ghana has only 44 orthodontists – a glaring disparity between the demand for teeth-straightening services and the skilled professionals available to meet it. I recognised the urgent need for accessible, high-quality orthodontic care in my community and felt a personal responsibility to bridge this gap.
“Finding the right programme was crucial. I needed a course that would allow me to continue my clinical practice while gaining advanced skills and knowledge to better serve my patients. IAS Academy’s Advanced Diploma Course stood out as the perfect fit: its comprehensive curriculum, emphasis on practical application, and flexible structure allowed me to balance my professional commitments with my educational pursuits.”
The course is expansive, with 154 verifiable CPD hours presented in a variety of ways. It covers all appliance systems – clear aligners, Inman Aligner, fixed functional, and lingual – both theoretically and practically. Dora champions the diversity of the teaching:
“One of the standout aspects of the Advanced Diploma programme is the wide range of lectures, hands-on practicals, webinars and literature. Each session is carefully designed to cover essential topics in orthodontics. The instructors are exceptional – patient and skilled at breaking down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand components. What truly impressed me was how the course content empowered me to start practising sound orthodontics right from Module One. The immediate practical applicability of the training is invaluable.”
Delegates of the course are expected to treat at least 10 cases, supervised in a one-to-one capacity by an IAS Academy mentor. These cases will form a reliable portfolio that demonstrates competency in orthodontics. Dora praises the help from her mentor in achieving this:
“The mentorship aspect of the programme is incredible. My mentor, Dr Zaid Esmail, is not only highly knowledgeable, but also remarkably patient and supportive. Personalised guidance is instrumental in building confidence for all practitioners, and Dr Esmail’s invaluable feedback has had a profound impact, not only on my practice but on the lives of my patients.
“Furthermore, the incredible group of course mates made the experience even more memorable. The camaraderie, shared learning and support was inspiring, and this is a great opportunity to build long-lasting industry connections.
“For any practitioner aspiring to excel in orthodontics, this course is a must. It will transform how you treat patients for superior outcomes. I feel assured that the skills I have acquired from IAS Academy will empower me to make a meaningful impact in Ghana’s orthodontic care. This, I hope, will reduce the disparity in orthodontic demand and supply for a happier and healthier future.”
The Advanced Diploma Course is recommended for practitioners who treat a minimum of 10 orthodontic cases a year. Completing the course is the next essential step for dentists who wish to enhance the life-changing treatments they provide to patients. Align your career with the smiles of the future, and contact a member of the IAS Academy team today.
For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1)
