Autumn is breezy and the desire to learn is strong. From September 17th to 19th, 2025, the "2025 Johnston Head Film Measurement Technology Training Course" hosted by Tweed China Center and supported by the Orthodontic Special Committee of Inner Mongolia Dental Medical Association was successfully held in Baotou City. This training course attracted hundreds of orthodontic colleagues from all over the country to gather in Baotou to explore the essence and mysteries of head film measurement technology together.

The three-day training was an academic feast where theory and practice were intertwined, and tradition and innovation collided. The course was led by Professor Qimin Teng ( a senior instructor from the Tweed Foundation and Chief Instructor of the China Tweed Center) and Professor Tianmin Xu (from the Department of Orthodontics at Peking University ). Professor Yan Sun (an international instructor from the Tweed Foundation and an instructor at the China Tweed Center), served as the academic director, along with Professor Liang Jin (from the Department of Orthodontics at the Fourth Military Medical University Oral Hospital), Professor Jun Wang (from the Department of Orthodontics at Huaxi Oral Hospital), Professor Min Zhu (from the Deputy Director of the Department of Craniofacial Surgery at the Ninth People's Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine), Professor Si Chen (from the Department of Orthodontics at Peking University Oral Medical College), Professor Duanqiang Zhang (from Jiujiu Oral Specialized Clinic), Professor Yiqiang Qiao(the current Vice Dean of the Academic Research Office of the School of Stomatology at Zhengzhou University), and Professor Zuo Zhang(the Chief Expert at the Oral Department of Ningxia People's Hospital), and Professor Yongjie Fan( a standing committee member of the Orthodontic Professional Committee of the Chinese Stomatology Association), forming a strong team of instructors, and also gathered more than ten professional teaching assistants to provide systematic and in-depth guidance to the trainees.

The opening ceremony of the course was held at 8:30 AM on September 17th, hosted by Professor Yongjie Fan, with Chief Instructor Qimin Teng delivering the opening speech, warmly welcoming all colleagues participating in the study class. Subsequently, Academic Director Yan  Sun introduced the team of instructors for this study class, thus kicking off the first day of training.

On the first day, the curriculum focused on solidifying the foundation and tracing the origins of theory. Professor Yan Sun guided the trainees to re-examine the anatomy of head and skull images with meticulous explanations, laying a solid foundation for precise positioning operations. Professor Teng provided a systematic review of the origins and development of head film measurement technology in a simple yet profound manner, allowing trainees to deeply understand its academic background and application value. Professor Duanqiang Zhang then offered a clear and practical methodology for the geometric analysis of complex skull structures through the "equal division principle" course.

On the second day of the course, Professors Yiqiang Qiao , Min Zhu, and Si Chen provided detailed explanations of common head film measurement items, Downs analysis method, and Steiner analysis method, closely linking the significance of each measurement indicator with clinical decision-making. Professors Yongjie Fan and Zuo Zhang systematically elaborated on the Tweed differential diagnosis system and its extraction guidance, providing scientific theoretical basis and systematic methods for the most critical "extraction or non-extraction" decision for orthodontic doctors. Professor Wang Jun's sharing on the application of computer head film measurement software demonstrated the modern and efficient diagnostic model of the integration of traditional technology and digitalization.

On the last day of the training, Professor Tianmin Xu brought courses on "Structural Overlay Efficacy Evaluation" and "The Guiding Significance of Head Film Measurement for Orthodontic Treatment Design (Scientific Basis for Orthodontic Extraction and Non-extraction)". Professor Xu analyzed how to scientifically evaluate orthodontic efficacy and how to formulate personalized treatment plans for patients from a macro perspective, sparking in-depth reflection among the students. Professor Jin Liang's wonderful lecture on "Vertical Control in Orthodontic Treatment" provided valuable strategies and ideas for clinical challenges.

This training has always adhered to the teaching philosophy of "combining theory with practice". The three-day course included intensive practical exercises. Under the patient guidance of each expert teacher, the trainees actively asked questions and practiced eagerly, immediately transforming the knowledge learned in the classroom into muscle memory and practical skills. The group discussion format greatly facilitated communication and exchange among students, creating a warm and intense learning atmosphere.

After the training, the students expressed that the harvest from this trip to Baotou far exceeded expectations. Not only was the knowledge system of head film measurement systematically organized, but many long-standing puzzles in clinical work were also solved. The precise diagnostic ideas and valuable clinical experience generously shared by the experts gave everyone a new understanding of orthodontics and strengthened their determination to practice precision treatment in future clinical work.

With "inheritance" as the flame, ignite the original intention of seeking medical knowledge. This inheritance is reflected in the dedication of the expert team who traveled thousands of miles to impart their wisdom, sharing decades of clinical experience and valuable lessons.

So far, the 2025 Johnston Head Film Measurement Technology Training Course in Baotou Station has concluded successfully. The journey of seeking knowledge has no end, let us move forward together, continuously explore on the path of precision orthodontics, and create health and smiles for more patients with technology and wisdom!