The Tweed Study Course ™
The Tweed Foundation
The Tweed Study Course™ Overview
Elevate Your Skills with Hands-On Training and Expert Instruction.
The Tweed Study Course™ is an intensive seven-day experience in advanced edgewise mechanics, differential diagnosis, and the Tweed/Merrifield force system. Each participant of the Course is given individual instruction in all of these skills/disciplines on a daily basis. The “hands-on” experience that the student receives is second to none. Each Tweed Study Course is an intensive seven-day experience devoted to learning the fundamentals of orthodontics. There will be 12.55 hours of lecture and 50.35 hours laboratory procedures spent with a typodont, for a total of 63 hours of continuing education. The Tweed Study Course is the oldest continuing education in all of dentistry. The Tweed Study Course™ is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
All students who successfully complete the Tweed Study Course™ report that it is a wonderful adjunct to their orthodontic knowledge and skill and that they leave Tucson with a greater understanding of diagnosis, treatment planning, orthodontic force systems, and a tremendous boost in confidence because of their greatly enhanced ability to manipulate archwires. It is a lasting and memorable experience.
Each day is full and most days will require you to be present until 7:00 p.m. You will be furnished a schedule for each day’s activities when you arrive. This schedule will be in the front of the syllabus you will be given upon arrival.
You will be furnished a list of your instructors when you arrive and receive your syllabus. Dr. James Vaden, Course Director, has taught since 1979. The Tweed Study Course™ instructor is carefully selected for his/her talents at teaching the necessary skills. The instructors for each Tweed Study Course, with the exception of Dr. James Vaden, come from our group of 100+ staff members. All instructors for the Tweed Study Course have presented clinical material to the Examining Committee of the Charles Tweed Foundation and have been deemed to be very proficient with the standard edgewise appliance. Each is very knowledgeable of the fundamentals of orthodontics. Ninety-five percent of the instructors who come from the United States are certified by The American Board of Orthodontics. Those who are not certified are in the process of certification. Instructors from other countries are either teachers in a university or are private practitioners who are certified by that country’s respective orthodontic certification body.
All Tweed Study Course™ instructors sign a Conflict of Interest Statement that requires the instructor to fully disclose any relevant financial interest. If an instructor has a relevant financial interest, it is fully disclosed. To date, there have been none.
The Charles H. Tweed International Foundation for Orthodontic Research is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
The Charles H. Tweed International Foundation for Orthodontic Research designates this activity for 63 continuing education credits.
Course FAQ's
If you have questions not answered below, please contact us.
Who qualifies for acceptance as a student to the Tweed Study Course™?
The Tweed Study Course™ is open to qualified orthodontic specialists and to orthodontic graduate students who are enrolled in accredited orthodontic training programs.
Proof of qualification to attend may be required. Applicants must be members of, or eligible for membership in, the World Federation of Orthodontists.
What is the application process to attend the Tweed Study Course™?
The first step is to complete an application for the course. You may do so online by selecting the Tweed Study Course™ you would like to attend. If you prefer, you may download an application and mail a printed copy to our office in Tucson (address at the bottom of the application.
When will I know if I have been accepted into the course?
Applicants are notified of acceptance by email after a review of their course application. Details regarding Tweed Course™ acceptance, tuition fee, payment instructions, and hotel accommodations will be provided.
If the applicant does not qualify to attend, or if the course is full, notice will also be given. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing.
Once I have been accepted to a course, how is my place reserved?
Your place at a course is held temporarily by your accepted course application. Your place is reserved by receipt of your tuition payment or eligible Tuition Loan Application.
If the Tweed Study Course™ I wish to attend is full, do you have an alternate list?
Yes, there is an alternate list for all courses. If the course you wish to attend is full, you will be given the option of placement as an alternate. We try to notify alternates of an opening in advance, but we might not have the availability until just before the course begins.
When is the best time to apply for the Tweed Study Course™?
Application 12 to 18 months prior to the desired course is strongly recommended.
What is the tuition for the course?
Tuition for the course is $2,200 for orthodontists / $1,900 for residents.
Applicants enrolled in an accredited graduate orthodontic program at the time of the Tweed Study Course™ may qualify for the student tuition of $1,900. Applicants are notified of their tuition fee following review of their application.
We will be increasing our tuition for 2026. It will go from $1900 to $2100 for orthodontic residents and from $2200 to $2400 for orthodontists. This will not go into effect until 2026.
How do I make my tuition payment?
Following acceptance into a Tweed Study Course, applicants are provided payment instructions by email.
Applicants may pay by credit card on our website or by check issued from a U.S. bank in U.S. funds. For international applicants who cannot pay by credit card or check, detailed instructions for paying by wire transfer are provided.
Applicants who are enrolled in an accredited graduate orthodontic program at the time of the Tweed Study Course AND are U.S. or Canadian Citizens, AND who have a relative living in the U.S. or Canada may qualify for a $1,900 tuition loan from the Charles H. Tweed Foundation.
If I qualify for a tuition loan from the Charles H. Tweed Foundation, how do I apply?
Download a Tuition Loan Application. After completing and signing the application, you may submit it by email to chtweed@aol.com, fax to 520-326-11663, or mail to: Charles H. Tweed Foundation, 2620 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.
How do I need to prepare for the Tweed Study Course™?
The Tweed Course™ instructions are emailed approximately three months prior to the course. These instructions will outline what you will need to prepare in advance for the course:
- Materials and instruments that are needed to complete the course. Some instruments and supplies are available for purchase during the course. A list of instruments available for purchase will be provided with the course instructions.
- Recommended Reading List.
- Course schedule and recommended attire for our climate.
What hotel accommodations are available? What are the costs?
Participants of the Tweed Study Course™ are responsible for making their own hotel accommodations. Approximately two months prior to the course, instructions will be mailed with recommendation of hotels located near the Charles H. Tweed Foundation. The cost will vary depending on the hotel and the time of the year.
What are the expenses besides the tuition?
Students must pay for their hotel, meals, transportation, and instruments purchased at the course.
Is transportation available to and from the airport, or the course and hotel each day?
Transportation is not available and students must arrange their own transportation.
What is the course schedule? Is there any free time?
Each day begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and ends at approximately 7:00 p.m. The course ends with a typodont check-in on the final day at approximately 5:00 p.m.
May I receive a letter of invitation to the course to assist in obtaining a travel visa?
Students who need assistance in obtaining a travel visa may request a letter of invitation from our office. The letter will outline the course objectives, hours, and fee.
What is your cancellation policy?
Refunds are not given to international students who cancel their registration. A credit will be held for a future course placement.
For U.S. and Canadian student cancellations less than 30 days prior to the course, an additional $35 fee will be charged.
Course Dates
View and apply for courses
Advanced Training with Edgewise Appliance
This is a seven-day intensive program in advanced edgewise mechanics, combining lectures and hands-on training. As the oldest continuing education course in dentistry, it enhances orthodontic skills, confidence, and treatment planning.
Available course dates for 2026:
- June 14, 2026 - June 20, 2026
- September 12, 2026 - September 18, 2026
- September 20, 2026 - September 26, 2026
- April 3, 2027 - April 9, 2027
- April 11, 2027 - April 17, 2027
- June 13, 2027 - June 19, 2027
- September 11, 2027 - September 17, 2027
- September 19, 2027 - September 25, 2027
All training sessions are held at the Charles H. Tweed Foundation, located in Tucson, Arizona.
Course Application
The Tweed Study Course™ is open to qualified orthodontic specialists and to orthodontic graduate students who are enrolled in accredited orthodontic training programs. Proof of qualification to attend may be required. Applicants must be a member of / eligible for membership in the W.F.O. affiliated orthodontic association in their country.
Once an application is processed, applicants will receive an email to confirm acceptance to the course, tuition fee, and payment instructions. If the applicant does not qualify to attend or if the course is full, notice will also be given. Please allow 1-2 weeks for processing.
Tuition Payments
Pay by Credit Card
Pay your tuition payment with credit card below by choosing the appropriate payment including transaction fee.
Before submitting your payment, confirm that you’ve chosen the correct location (U.S. or International). Fees vary by location, so selecting the right option is important to ensure your payment is processed correctly and without delay.
If paying by credit card, proceed directly to Checkout.
Apply for a Student Loan
If you’re a student interested in applying for a loan to cover the tuition, we’re here to assist. Simply click the button below to access the loan application form and complete the necessary details. We’re committed to helping you take the next step in your professional development.
Loans are available to U.S. or Canadian citizens who have a relative living in the U.S. or Canada. Residents without citizenship are not eligible.
Course Instructions
Next Steps for Accepted Participants
Congratulations on being accepted into the Tweed Study Course™, Advanced Course in Edgewise Technology and Differential Diagnosis, sponsored by The Charles H. Tweed International Foundation for Orthodontic Research. It is hoped your visit in Tucson will be both pleasant and rewarding.
Because the course is highly concentrated, for you to realize the full benefit you must study the instructions and follow them closely. Here is a suggested schedule for course preparation.
1
Review Recommended Reading List
2
Bring complete permanent dentition pretreatment records of a patient with a Class I malocclusion and of a patient with a Class II malocclusion. The records must include photographs, study models, cephalograms and intraoral x-rays. The Cephalograms must be traced. Headfilm tracings of the cephalometric x-rays should include the normal anatomical landmarks as well as the diagnostic facial triangle. These records will be used in the diagnostic exercises which are an integral part of the Course.
3
The typodont with the appliance will be furnished free of charge. All arch wires used in the course will be supplied.
4
Report to 2620 E. Broadway with instruments and supplies at 8:00 a.m. on the first day of the course. This will be a full day of instruction and organization. You will finish the day at 6:00 p.m. Each day begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. The course ends with typodont check-in on the last day of the course at 5:00 p.m. Students will be presented Tweed Study Course completion confirmation at that time. A student who leaves before this date and hour WILL NOT receive course completion documentation. DO NOT LEAVE BEFORE THIS DATE AND TIME! Plans to return home should be made for the following day
5
In the event of cancellation less than thirty days prior to the course, no refund will be made. For cancellations prior to the thirty days, a $35.00 processing fee will be assessed.
6
A class photograph is included in your tuition.
The temperature average during the course is 85º (spring) to 100ºF (summer and fall). Tucson is a resort city, so casual wear is suggested at all times. We are looking forward to meeting you.
Recommended Reading List
Read these prior to your course date
This reading material is copywrited by each respective publisher. It is intended for individual use only and may not be duplicated and distributed.
Tweed, Charles H.
The Frankfort Mandibular Plane Angle In Orthodontic Diagnosis, Classification, Treatment Planning And Prognosis
American Journal Of Orthodontics Oral Surgery, April 1946.
Tweed, Charles H.
"The Frankfort-Mandibular Incisor Angle (FMIA) In Orthodontic Diagnosis, Treatment Planning And Prognosis
Angle Orthodontist, July 1954
Merrifield & Cros
A Study Of Directional Forces
American Journal Of Orthodontics, May 1970
Merrifield, L. Levern
The Profile Line As An Aid In Critically Evaluating Facial Esthetics
American Journal Of Orthodontics, November 1966
Merrifield, L. Levern
Space Analysis And Differential Diagnosis
Journal Of The Charles H. Tweed Foundation, Volume 6, No. 1, March 1978. Pages 10 – 15
Merrifield, L. Levern
The Systems Of Directional Force
Journal Of The Charles H. Tweed Foundation, Volume X, April 1982. Pages 15 – 29
Klontz, Herbert A.
Readout
Journal Of The Charles H. Tweed International Foundation, Volume Xiii, April 1985. Pages 53 – 64.
8. Gramling, J.F.
The Probability Index
American Journal Of Orthodontics And Dentofacial Orthopedics, 107:165, 1995
Merrifield, L. Levern, Klontz, Herbert, & Vaden, James L.
Differential Diagnostic Analysis Systems
American Journal Of Orthodontics And Dentofacial Orthopedics, 106:641, 1994
Klontz, Herbert K.
Facial Balance And Harmony: An Attainable Objective For The Patient With A High Mandibular Plane Angle
American Journal Of Orthodontic And Dentofacial Orthopedics, Vol. 114, No.2, Pp. 176-188
Vaden, James, Klontz, Herbert & Dale, Jack
Standard Edgewise: Tweed Merrifield Philosophy, Diagnosis, Treatment & Planning, And Force Systems
In Graber, L., Vanarsdall R., Vig, K., Huang, G., Editors: Orthodontics: Current Principles And Techniques, Sixth Edition, Eloevier, St. Louis, 2016.
Tweed Study Course™ Required Instrument List
Bring All Instruments and / or Supplies Listed Below. Each is Essential.
Required Instruments / Supplies that are Available for Purchase at The Tweed Study Course™:
- Tweed Loop Former (Orthopli 044-W or similar)
- Bird Beak Plier (139)
- Arch Torquing Plier (142). Two of these pliers are required.
- Ligature tying plier (Coon tying plier is recommended)
- Distal End Wire Cutter
- A high quality arch turret with .017, .018, .019, .020 & .0215 slots (preferably 0º torque)
- 1 Boley Gauge
- Stainless steel ligature wire .010 (bring 200)
- “O” Ties (bring 200)
- Arch marking pen
- *30 split curved crimpable ball hooks (Phoenix #182-18/22L) phoenixorthodonticsgeorgia.com
- *30 split curved crimpable ball hooks (Phoenix #182-18/22R) www.phoenixorthodonticsgeorgia.com
Required Instruments / Supplies that are NOT Available for Purchase at the Course:
- Ligature cutter
- Large wire cutter
- Weingart plier
- Hook crimping plier (Orthopli 058-H)
- Orthopli 0162-H scaler
- Mathieu plier
- Continuous Alastic Chain (1 spool)
- Scotch tape
- Lined/ruled 4×6 inch index cards
- Safety glasses
- Protractor
*Hooks attached to an archwire are an integral part of the fundamentals that are taught. If crimpable hooks are used, the student MUST use the hooks specified above for the attachment of the high pull headgear. The specified curved crimpable high pull headgear hooks will be available for purchase at the Tweed Study Course™. The curved crimpable hooks or any high quality crimpable hook can be used for elastics.
Course Gallery
Check out these photos from past courses
