The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Orthodontics is a specialised qualification meticulously designed for established dental professionals seeking to enhance their career trajectory, deepen their expertise, and enrich their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Not intended for those entering the field for the first time, this Certificate serves as a valuable advancement tool for individuals already working within orthodontics or related disciplines who wish to build on their existing knowledge base.
This qualification is awarded by LICQual, a reputable awarding body structured under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), ensuring rigorous academic standards and professional relevance. The course content is crafted to refine applied clinical understanding and support professional growth within the orthodontic sphere.
Centres authorised to deliver the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Orthodontics must adhere to stringent quality requirements. They are required to employ competent and qualified teaching staff, equipped with both academic credentials and hands-on experience. Additionally, centres must provide comprehensive materials, practical resources, and a robust learning environment that guarantees effective instruction and supports learner success.
In choosing this qualification, professionals commit to maintaining a high standard of practice, staying current within their field, and achieving measurable progression in their orthodontic career through continuous professional development.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Orthodontics
Total Units
6
Total Credits
24
GLH
120
Qualification #
LICQ2200633
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Orthodontics, applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200633-1 |
Orthodontic Principles & Diagnostic Techniques |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200633-2 |
Growth & Development, Biomechanics & Appliances |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200633-3 |
Treatment Planning for Class I, II & III Malocclusions |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200633-4 |
Digital Orthodontics & Self-ligating Systems |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200633-5 |
Advanced Biomechanics & Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200633-6 |
Emergencies & Retention Management |
4 |
20 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Orthodontic Principles & Diagnostic Techniques
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the principles of orthodontics and their role in dental health.
- Classify malocclusions using internationally recognised systems.
- Accurately record and interpret patient diagnostic data, including cephalometric analysis and dental photography.
- Develop comprehensive orthodontic case histories for treatment planning.
2. Growth, Biomechanics & Appliances
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Describe craniofacial growth and its impact on orthodontic treatment.
- Apply biomechanical principles to orthodontic tooth movement.
- Select and recommend appropriate appliance types for specific cases.
- Demonstrate understanding of anchorage control and retention methods.
3. Treatment Planning for Class I–III Malocclusions
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Assess and diagnose Class I, II, and III malocclusions accurately.
- Create individualised treatment plans based on case complexity and patient needs.
- Incorporate interceptive orthodontics for mixed dentition cases.
- Evaluate treatment outcomes against planned objectives.
4. Digital Orthodontics & Self-ligating Systems
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Use digital orthodontic tools, including CAD/CAM and aligner design software.
- Explain the benefits and limitations of self-ligating bracket systems.
- Integrate 3D printing into orthodontic appliance production.
- Apply digital technology to enhance patient outcomes and efficiency.
5. Advanced Biomechanics & Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the biomechanical principles behind complex orthodontic movements.
- Safely recommend and use temporary anchorage devices (mini-implants).
- Plan anchorage strategies for challenging orthodontic cases.
- Monitor and evaluate patient progress using advanced biomechanics.
6. Emergencies, Pain Management & Retention Strategies
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Identify and manage common orthodontic emergencies effectively.
- Apply pain management strategies for orthodontic patients.
- Recognise and address complications such as root resorption and oral lesions.
- Develop effective retention protocols to maintain treatment results.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Orthodontics is aimed at qualified and experienced dental professionals who wish to progress their careers and enhance their clinical expertise. It is not suitable for beginners or fresh candidates. This course is ideal for:
- Dentists seeking to expand their orthodontic skills and treatment capabilities.
- Orthodontic therapists aiming to refine their techniques and broaden their scope of practice.
- Dental hygienists and dental nurses involved in orthodontic care who wish to deepen their knowledge.
- Dental professionals in general practice looking to integrate orthodontic services into their patient offerings.
- Practitioners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who want to remain up to date with modern orthodontic approaches and technologies.
- Professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects within orthodontics or related dental specialisms.
- Learners who want to build their CPD portfolio and ensure compliance with professional standards and best practice guidelines.
This course offers specialised, internationally aligned training that supports professional growth, clinical excellence, and increased opportunities in both private and public dental care settings.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Orthodontics must meet strict quality and compliance standards to ensure a high-level learning experience and successful outcomes for every learner.
To be approved, centres must have:
- Qualified and Experienced Tutors – Instructors must hold relevant dental or orthodontic qualifications, along with proven clinical experience in orthodontics.
- Competent Assessors – Assessors must be suitably qualified and experienced to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies.
- Adequate Facilities and Equipment – Centres must provide fully equipped training facilities, including clinical tools, orthodontic appliances, and simulation resources to meet course delivery requirements.
- Access to Learning Materials – Centres must offer comprehensive learning resources such as textbooks, digital content, and visual aids to support learner progress.
- Quality Assurance Systems – An internal quality assurance process must be in place to maintain consistent delivery, fair assessment, and continuous improvement.
- Learner Support Services – Centres should provide guidance, academic support, and pastoral care to ensure learner wellbeing and success.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards – Centres must adhere to all awarding body policies, assessment guidelines, and reporting requirements.
Meeting these centre requirements ensures that learners receive professional, structured, and effective orthodontic training that aligns with international educational best practices.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
