Dr. Maria Doughan is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Maryland Dental School. She earned her DDS from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon and completed her residency training and MSc in Orthodontics at the American University of Beirut. Her research interests include periodontal disease, orthodontic compliance, and psychosocial impacts of malocclusion.

This course provides a systematic examination of malocclusion, elucidating its physiological and psychosocial consequences. The core content delves into the primary motivations driving patients towards orthodontic interventions, highlighted through case studies. Key areas covered include functional determinants, aesthetic factors, and spatial challenges.

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Acquire an understanding of malocclusion's multifaceted impacts, from functional disorders to societal implications.
• Understand key aesthetic and functional determinants in orthodontic treatment need, navigating the challenges of tooth spacing and crowding.
• Understand the critical importance of implementing interceptive strategies during pivotal growth phases.