Course Title: Orthopedic/Orthodontic Mechanics I
Teaching Method: Lecture, Participation
Prerequisite Courses: General Dentists — OC Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and Ortho 2 | Orthodontic Specialists — OC Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and Ortho 2
CE Credit Hours: 16
AGD Subject Code(s): 370 Orthodontics
ORTHO 3 - Orthopedic/Orthodontic Mechanics I
Verticalization, Anchorage and Advanced Mechanics — Where GNM Orthodontics Reaches Its Full Clinical Depth.
A 2-Day Masterclass and Case Round Table with Dr. Clayton A. Chan
This is where the pieces come together.
(Ortho 3 is the third program in a continuum series — offered for graduates of Ortho 1 and 2.)
Ortho 2 Is Behind You. Now The Real Work Begins.
Ortho 3 is not just the next course — it is where everything comes together. Building on the diagnostic foundation and bracket mechanics of Ortho 1 and 2 this program takes GNM orthodontics and orthopedics to its next clinical level — sequencing mechanics, managing complex cases and developing the confident clinical thinking that separates a GNM trained dentist from everyone else.
You do not need a long list of completed ortho cases to attend. Whether you are just beginning to implement what you learned in Ortho 1 and 2 or already managing cases actively — this course meets you where you are and moves you forward methodically.
What This Course Covers:
- The Optimized K7 Bite as the underlying diagnostic theme for moderate to complex case planning
- Treatment mechanics — narrow arch form, expansion, protraction and deep bite correction
- Case Review sessions with Dr. Chan following the OC Diagnostic Records Template — optional but highly encouraged
- Verticalization transitioning mechanics of the anterior matrix
- Implementing anchorage systems
- Anterior open bite management
- Class III correction mechanics
- Managing the Orthopedic Matrix on the optimized GNM trajectory
A Mini-Residency Atmosphere
Half a day is dedicated to case presentations — reviewing treatment successes and areas for improvement in a collaborative round table setting. Class II crowded cases, orthosis therapy cases and moderate cases using adjunctive mechanics are all on the table. Questions get answered. Cases get clarity. Doctors leave with direction.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Manage all jaw relationships involving six dimensional changes
- Apply case selection criteria to identify and avoid complex problem cases
- Implement diagnostic and treatment sequencing for the orthopedic orthotic matrix
- Execute the full records GNM data gathering process
- Control vertical dimensions through appropriate verticalization mechanics
- Apply expansion, protraction and retraction mechanics using fixed wires and removable appliances
- Interpret scientific literature on maxillary remodeling, TMJ remodeling and craniofacial development as it relates to malocclusion
- Apply kinematic and cephalometric skeletal dental and esthetic measurements
- Implement anchorage systems in orthopedic cases
- Manage anterior open bite and Class III cases according to GNM orthopedic principles
- Avoid TMD relapse through proper sequencing and case management
- How to diagnose moderate cases and develop appropriate treatment plans
- How to apply treatment mechanics for narrow arch form, expansion, protraction and deep bite correction
- How to present and review cases following the OC Diagnostic Records Template — two case review sessions included
- How to implement advanced verticalization transitioning mechanics — with a focus on posterior verticalization processes
- How to apply anchorage systems in orthopedic cases
- How to manage anterior open bite cases using GNM orthopedic protocols
- How to apply Class III correction mechanics
- How to manage the Orthopedic Matrix on the Optimized GNM Trajectory
Case Round Table:
Doctors are encouraged to bring 1 or 2 in-progress ortho cases — optional but highly recommended. Input and feedback will be provided by Dr. Chan to support case diagnosis and treatment direction. Participants will review each other's cases evaluating:
- Treatment diagnostic static and dynamic records including CMS, EMG and ESG
- Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
- Method of sequencing mechanics and thought process
- Types of appliances — removable and fixed — used to meet treatment goals
About Your Teacher
Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S. — Founder and Director, Occlusion Connections | The Center for Gneuromuscular Dentistry & Orthopedic Advancement
Ortho 3 represents the deepest level of that curriculum — where verticalization mechanics, anchorage systems, anterior open bite management and Class III correction are taught within the complete GNM orthopedic framework. The posterior verticalization protocols Dr. Chan teaches in this course are not found in any conventional orthodontic curriculum anywhere in the world.
Dr. Chan is the creator of the OC Fellowship, Mastership and Diplomate Award Program — the most rigorous and comprehensive credentialing pathway in Gneuromuscular Dentistry in the world. He has achieved Mastership standing with the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. He is the author of numerous published articles on GNM occlusion, orthodontics and neuromuscular dentistry.
His Ortho 3 course manual is a comprehensive clinical reference covering advanced mechanics, verticalization protocols and orthopedic case management with the clarity and precision that only decades of measured clinical experience can produce.
"I just spent the weekend with 9 amazing people who were at Ortho III. 6 students, Joe Liwag from JML Dental Laboratory, and of course Clayton and Jane Chan. The system that Dr Chan has developed to replace the orthotic with the patient's teeth is so clever, so precise, and so understandable that I can't wait to get to work tomorrow. It astonishes me that one person, Clayton Chan can figure all this stuff out. We learned techniques that allow us to maintain the optimized bite throughout treatment. Only a few people in the world know how to do this. I don't know any University trained orthodontists who think this type of treatment is even possible. I am so grateful that everyone involved with Occlusion Connections is so amazing." — Roger Anderson, D.D.S., Seattle, WA (Levels 1, 5, Ortho 1 and 2)
"Ortho 3 was an amazing course with top notch doctors in an intimate setting. Time was well spent on analyzing cases and treatment planning. I thought doing NM ortho is cutting away the orthotic and erupting teeth. But there is verticalization and there is GNM VERTICALIZATION steps for specific category. That page alone worth the whole course, ...... In fact, I spent the whole afternoon reviewing the course manual, after arriving home. There are many nuances to pay attention to in order not to lose sight of the trajectory. As always, it is always a pleasure to reconnect with old friends and make new friends." — Hoa Nguyen, D.D.S., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, (Levels 1-7, Ortho 1 and 2)
"It was an incredible course. I am amazed that just when I think I have heard it all, Clayton manages to present something from a slightly different point of view that stimulates all sorts of new thoughts and ideas. I also want to thank everyone for making this course another amazing experience....
"Just got back from Ortho 3 and Clayton saved his best for the last class of the year! Just when you think he can't make another huge, info-filled, excellent manual, all of his late night and exhausting work pays off again! Wow! To see how simply his sophisticated process can be done by all of us is so helpful and encouraging. What a benefit to us and our patients! If you have been considering pursuing Ortho, the time is now and Clayton's course is what you need. You and your patients will be glad you did. So great to see how well the other Ortho OC docs are doing with what Clayton has so graciously shared with us in Ortho 1-3! And Biomimetic as well :)
Thank you Clayton and Jane for all of your time and effort and the way you care for all of the OC family." — Jon Caulfield, D.D.S., Littleton, CO (Levels 1, 2 Ortho 1 and 2)
6170 W. Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89146 | Telephone: (702) 271-2950
