VERIFIABLE CPD PAPER• Readers will develop an understanding of the background of nickel allergy and its epidemiology in orthodontics.• Readers will learn the signs and symptoms of a nickel allergy in orthodontics.• Readers will have an understanding of making a diagnosis and alternative methods to treat orthodontic patients who have developed an intra-oral nickel allergy due to orthodontic appliances.• Two detailed real life cases are presented. I N B R I E F PRACTICENickel is a common component in many orthodontic materials. An allergy to nickel is commonly seen in the population, more frequently in women. This allergy has increased with the more frequent use of nickel containing jewellery and in traoral piercings. As a result, this allergy can be expected to be more readily encountered in dental practice. Possible allergy to nickel should be a question in the initial patient health history questionnaire. The dental practitioner should be mindful of this allergy during the course of orthodontic treatment, and know how to diagnose a nickel allergy if it appears and subsequent action in treatment and referral if it is suspected. This paper provides a summary of nickel allergy, its epide miology, diagnosis and recommendations and alternatives to treatment. A detailed description of two cases where it was discovered in orthodontic patients is also reported.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the satisfaction of Canadian orthodontic residents with their programs and determine the scope of their training. An anonymous online questionnaire was sent to all Canadian orthodontic residents in November 2006. Data were assembled and categorized by different variables, and chi-square comparative analyses were performed. Forty-four out of fifty-four residents responded, giving a participation rate of 81.48 percent. Overall, 86.36 percent of responding residents were satisfied with their program. Respondents said they felt they received the appropriate amount of formal didactic teaching sessions and dedicated and protected academic time. All residents indicated their programs offered training in numerous treatment philosophies: 93.18 percent said they have sufficient clinically based training, and 72.73 percent indicated that their research-based training was sufficient. All responding residents indicated they will complete more than thirty patients from start to finish, and 25 percent estimated completion of more than seventy patients by graduation. Residents said they will complete on average five orthognathic surgery, twenty-four extraction, thirty-one non-extraction, eight adult, and thirteen patients in the mixed dentition. Only 50 percent said their programs contained care for disabled or underserved patients. Most (86.36 percent) said they feel they will be adequately prepared to provide unsupervised orthodontic care after graduation. These orthodontic residents indicated they collaborate most with the disciplines of oral surgery, periodontics, and prosthodontics. However, only 52.27 percent indicated they have a formal interdisciplinary program for treating patients. We conclude from the study that Canadian orthodontic residents are satisfied with the didactic, clinical, and research aspects of their programs. They receive comprehensive instruction with the opportunity to complete a significant number of patients, employing a variety of treatment approaches.Dr. Noble is a part-time Clinical Instructor,

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PRACTICE I N B R I E F• Readers will understand the incidence and aetiology of infraerupted primary teeth.• Readers will understand how to effectively diagnose an infraerupted primary tooth.• Readers will become aware of the potential consequences of an infraerupted primary tooth and the different treatment options available.