The perceptions of undertaking a higher degree alongside orthodontic speciality training: a cross-sectional survey of British Orthodontic Society members

Introduction: In the UK, orthodontic speciality training takes place over three years full-time. In addition to the clinical training, there is an expectation that trainees undertake a higher degree. Currently, there is little evidence regarding the impact of undertaking a higher degree on specialist orthodontists. Aims: Investigate UK orthodontists' perceptions of undertaking a higher degree alongside speciality training. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional research study involving the distribution of an anonymous, descriptive, online, questionnaire-based survey between May and June 2021 via the British Orthodontic Society. Data were obtained in relation to the impact of undertaking a higher degree on the completion of speciality training, research skills, delivery of patient care and career opportunities. Results: In total, 166 questionnaires were completed (approximately 13.3% response rate). Most respondents 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that undertaking a higher degree had improved their scientific (77.1%) and critical appraisal skills (80.7%), job prospects (60.2%) and career opportunities (63.9%). Most respondents felt the benefits of the higher degree outweighed the associated costs (65.1%) and was a worthwhile component of training (69.3%). Conclusions: Specialist orthodontists place a high value on undertaking a higher degree. The results of this questionnaire should be of importance to stakeholders involved in the development of the orthodontic curriculum

National British Orthodontic Society (BOS) Orthognathic Audit 2017-2018

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a UK national clinical audit of orthognathic acceptance criteria and information provided to orthognathic patients before treatment. DESIGN: National clinical audit. SETTING: Data collected using Bristol Online Surveys. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine UK hospital orthodontic departments submitted data. METHODS: Data were collected at two time points using Bristol Online Surveys over a period of 12 months. These were before treatment at the first multidisciplinary clinic (MDT) and immediately after surgery. The data collected included: Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need (IOFTN); Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN); age; previous orthodontic treatment; attendance at an MDT; treatment times; and information provision. RESULTS: Eighty-five units agreed to take part in the audit with 69 submitting data, giving a response rate of 81%. The data from 3404 patients were uploaded, 2263 before treatment and 1141 immediately after surgery. Of patients, 91.07% had an IOFTN score of 4 or 5 and 88.73% had an IOTN score of 4 or 5. The mean age at the first MDT was 22 years in the first cohort and 21 years and 4 months in the second immediate post-surgery cohort. Of patients, 37.93% had undergone some form of previous orthodontic treatment, but only 0.28% had undergone previous orthognathic treatment; 96.93% had an MDT confirm that orthodontic treatment by itself was insufficient to adequately correct their functional symptoms. The average treatment time from bond up to surgery was 2 years and 6 months. With respect to information provision, patients received information from a number of sources, principally the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) patient information leaflets and the BOS website Your Jaw Surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the UK, the majority of orthognathic cases fulfil the criteria for acceptance for NHS-funded orthognathic treatment, as outlined by the Chief Dental Officer's interim guidance on orthognathic treatment. This suggests any prior approval process would not be a good use of NHS resources in the commissioning of orthognathic treatment

National BOS Orthognathic Audit 2017-2018

Objective; To carry out a UK national clinical audit of orthognathic acceptance criteria and information provided to orthognathic patients prior to treatment. / Design; National clinical audit. / Setting; Data collected using Bristol Online Surveys (BOS). / Participants; 69 UK hospital orthodontic departments submitted data. / Methods; Data was collected at two time points using BOS over a period of 12 months. These were prior to treatment at the first multidisciplinary clinic (MDT), and immediately post-surgery. The data collected included: IOFTN, IOTN, age, previous orthodontic treatment, attendance at an MDT, treatment times and information provision. / Results; 85 units agreed to take part in the audit with 69 submitting data, giving a response rate of 81%. The data from 3404 patients were uploaded, 2263 prior to treatment and 1141 immediately post-surgery. 91.07% of patients had an IOFTN score of 4 or 5 and 88.73% had an IOTN score of 4 or 5. The mean age at the first MDT was 22yr in the first cohort, and 21yr and 4mo in the second immediate post-surgery cohort. 37.93% of patients had undergone some form of previous orthodontic treatment, but only 0.28% had undergone previous orthognathic treatment. 96.93% had a multidisciplinary team confirm that orthodontic treatment by itself was insufficient to adequately correct their functional symptoms. The average treatment time from bond up to surgery was 2yr and 6mo. With respect to information provision, patients received information from a number of sources, principally the BOS patient information leaflets and the BOS website Your Jaw Surgery. / Conclusions; In the UK, the majority of orthognathic cases fulfil the criteria for acceptance for NHS funded orthognathic treatment, as outlined by the Chief Dental Officer’s interim guidance on orthognathic treatment. This suggests any prior approval process would not be a good use of NHS resources in the commissioning of orthognathic treatment

Getting started with self-ligation

This paper discusses some of the changes to everyday clinical practice necessary when three of the most popular types of self-ligating brackets are used in fixed orthodontic appliance treatment. These include bracket placement, archwire ligation, archwire sequencing, space closure and, in addition, the instruments and materials needed during their use. Clinical tips are highlighted to boost treatment efficiency and ease the transition from conventional to self-ligating brackets. </jats:p