Malocclusion

Term from Oral Health industry explained for recruiters

Malocclusion is a common dental condition where teeth don't line up correctly when the jaws close. Think of it as teeth that aren't in their ideal positions - they might be crowded, crooked, or the upper and lower jaws might not meet properly. Dental professionals work with this condition regularly, especially orthodontists and general dentists. It's similar to what many people call having "crooked teeth" or a "bad bite." This term often appears in dental job descriptions because treating malocclusion is a key part of orthodontic and dental work.

Examples in Resumes

Treated over 200 patients with various types of Malocclusion using modern orthodontic techniques

Developed treatment plans for complex Malocclusion cases in pediatric patients

Specialized in correcting severe Malocclusion cases using Invisalign and traditional braces

Typical job title: "Orthodontists and Dental Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Orthodontist Dental Specialist Pediatric Dentist General Dentist Dental Surgeon Oral Health Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you approach complex malocclusion cases that might require interdisciplinary treatment?

Expected Answer: A senior practitioner should discuss their experience coordinating with other specialists (like oral surgeons), creating comprehensive treatment plans, and managing challenging cases that might require multiple approaches.

Q: What factors do you consider when choosing between different treatment options for malocclusion?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of patient age, severity of condition, cost considerations, patient compliance likelihood, and treatment timeframes in making decisions between options like traditional braces, clear aligners, or surgical intervention.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the most common types of malocclusion you've treated, and how did you address them?

Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss common cases like overbites, underbites, and crowding, explaining typical treatment approaches and timeline expectations.

Q: How do you explain treatment options to patients with malocclusion?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to communicate complex dental concepts in simple terms, discuss treatment costs, and explain expected outcomes to patients.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic classifications of malocclusion?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic types of bite problems in simple terms and identify common characteristics of each type.

Q: What initial steps do you take when examining a patient with malocclusion?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic examination procedures, including visual inspection, taking measurements, and gathering patient history.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic diagnosis of common malocclusion types
  • Taking dental impressions and measurements
  • Assisting in treatment planning
  • Basic orthodontic adjustments

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Independent treatment planning
  • Managing various orthodontic appliances
  • Patient consultation and education
  • Treatment progress evaluation

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex case management
  • Interdisciplinary treatment coordination
  • Advanced treatment techniques
  • Training and supervising other practitioners

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Inability to identify basic types of malocclusion
  • Lack of experience with modern orthodontic techniques
  • Poor communication skills when explaining treatment plans
  • No experience with patient case documentation