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Programme Duration 

This is a 6-month full-time Clinical Fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Orthodontics, designed to provide structured clinical exposure and academic training in the multidisciplinary management of cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial deformities. It can be extended upto a period of one year. This Fellowship has a stipend of Rs.15000/ month 

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Must be a qualified orthodontist with recognised postgraduate training (MDS in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics)
  • Must be registered with the Dental Council of India Specialist Register
  • Demonstrated interest in cleft and craniofacial care
  • Proficiency in English
Certification

A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of:

  • The prescribed clinical training
  • Research requirements
  • Portfolio submission
  • Final assessment
Programme Objectives

By the end of the fellowship, the trainee will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of craniofacial growth patterns in cleft patients
  2. Diagnose and formulate comprehensive orthodontic treatment plans across the lifespan for cleft and craniofacial anomalies
  3. Perform orthodontic interventions for pre-surgical orthopaedics, mixed dentition management, and adolescent orthodontics in cleft care
  4. Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, paediatric dentists, psychologists, ENT specialists, and nutritionists
  5. Evaluate treatment outcomes using evidence-based methods
  6. Understand global cleft service delivery models and apply standards of care
  7. Acquire competency in research methodology and scientific writing
  8. Gain experience in manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed journals
  9. Obtain guidance on grant opportunities for funded research projects
Core Training Areas
  • Pre-surgical orthopaedics (NAM and moulding techniques)
  • Infant feeding and neonatal care
  • Primary repair surgeries and orthodontic implications
  • Mixed dentition management and interceptive orthodontics
  • Secondary alveolar bone grafting: timing and orthodontic preparation
  • Orthodontic management of cleft patients in permanent dentition
  • Orthognathic planning and surgical orthodontics
  • Speech implications and velopharyngeal dysfunction
  • Multidisciplinary team (MDT) approaches
Clinical Exposure

Clinical training includes:

  • Attendance at multidisciplinary cleft clinics
  • Hands-on orthodontic management of cleft patients across age groups
  • Assisting in pre-surgical orthopaedics
  • Preparation and orthodontic management of cases undergoing alveolar bone grafting
  • Secondary deformity management
  • Orthognathic case work-up for cleft patients
  • Participation in operating theatre sessions (observational)
  • Exposure to speech therapy and paediatric dentistry clinics
  • Participation in audit and quality improvement activities
Clinical Requirements for Completion 

Fellows are required to fulfil the following clinical criteria: 

  • Completion of a minimum number of supervised case assessments 
  • Maintenance of a documented treatment planning portfolio 
  • Submission of a completed reflective clinical logbook 
  • Satisfactory performance in periodic supervisory evaluations 
Research Exposure for Completion 

During the fellowship, the trainee will: 

  • Develop and submit a protocol for a clinical research project 
  • Apply for approval from the Institutional Review Board and Local Ethics Committee 
  • Prepare Standard Operating Protocols and implement the approved study 
  • Collect, analyse, and interpret clinical data 
  • Prepare a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal 
Research Requirements for Completion 

Submission of at least two research paper to a Scopus-indexed journal 

Faculty and Governance  

The fellowship is delivered by experienced orthodontist specialising in cleft and craniofacial anomalies and supported by a multidisciplinary faculty including maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, speech therapists, paediatric dentists, psychologists, ENT specialists, and nutritionists. 

A Programme Director oversees curriculum delivery, clinical supervision, assessments, and trainee progression in accordance with established standards of cleft care. 

Expected Outcomes for Fellows 

Upon successful completion of the fellowship, the fellow will demonstrate: 

  • Advanced clinical competence in cleft and craniofacial orthodontics 
  • Experience working within a multidisciplinary cleft team 
  • A comprehensive clinical case portfolio 
  • Eligibility for roles within cleft centres, academic institutions, and craniofacial units 
  • Award of a Certificate of Clinical Fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Orthodontics (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences) 
Block Image

Overview

We are pleased to announce that admissions are now open for the Fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Orthodontics. This prestigious program is designed for qualified orthodontists who seek advanced training and exposure in the multidisciplinary field of craniofacial treatment.

Duration: 6 Months / 1 Year

Last Date of Application: June 20, 2025

Attention Please !

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has not appointed any Agent or Third-Party Client for securing admission in any programme. Students are hereby requested to contact only the toll-free number on our website for any admission related queries.
– Issued in Public Interest by Directorate of Admissions and Academic Outreach

Eligibility

Admission

Duration

The fellowship offers two durations of study:

  • 6 months which can be extended if desired
Qualification

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must possess:

  • An MDS in Orthodontics

Important Note

Last of Date Application: June 20, 2025

Program Detail

Training and Exposure

The Cleft and Craniofacial Department is renowned for its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Fellows will gain intensive training in orthodontics and will also be exposed to the surgical and rehabilitative aspects of treatment. This program ensures that participants receive a well-rounded education that encompasses all dimensions of craniofacial care.

Our Legacy

Since 2002, our department has been recognized as a Smile Train center, dedicated to the care and treatment of cleft patients. Our commitment to excellence in this field has established us as a leading institution for craniofacial orthodontics.

Why Join Us?
  • Multidisciplinary Training: Benefit from a dynamic learning environment that integrates orthodontics with surgical and rehabilitative practices.
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from leading experts in the field who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge.
  • Hands-On Experience: Gain practical skills through direct involvement in patient care and treatment planning.
  • Research Opportunities: Engage in cutting-edge research that contributes to advancements in craniofacial treatment.
  • Professional Growth: Enhance your skills and knowledge, positioning yourself for leadership roles in orthodontics and craniofacial care.
Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, please submit the following documents:

  • Completed application form
  • Proof of MDS qualification
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation

Contact Us

Join us in advancing the field of craniofacial orthodontics and making a lasting impact on patients’ lives through specialized training and comprehensive care. Apply now and be a part of our esteemed fellowship program.

mariajohnk@aims.amrita.edu

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