Orthodontic auxiliaries--a pilot project

Abstract

UK dental nurses can be trained to fill the role of an orthodontic auxiliary. It would appear that an introductory clinical skills course of one week followed by an orthodontic skills training of three weeks is sufficient for a qualified dental nurse of above average abilities such as typifies those who are currently applying for places on UK dental hygiene courses. It is estimated that a further period of nine months supervised training will be necessary for those who have successfully completed such a training to develop clinically useful speeds when delivering these skills.

Dental therapy in the United Kingdom: part 4. Teamwork – is it working for dental therapists?

“…Care. team, the dentist must delegate a range of appropriate tasks to them. [27][28][29] One survey reported that the majority (59%) of GDPs thought (incorrectly) that therapists must work only under the direct supervision of a dentist, 4 rather than to a written treatment plan. In the wider context, this misunderstanding will impact on the lack of job opportunities for recently qualifi ed therapists.…”

The role of professionals complementary to dentistry in orthodontic practice as seen by United Kingdom orthodontists

“…The 'comments' section of the questionnaire indicated that many operators felt that when placing direct bonds and bands, the accuracy of placement is of great importance. Recent pilot studies carried out 25,26 have shown that with correct training both dental hygienists and dental nurses can position brackets with acceptable accuracy. Further published work on this matter may go some way to encourage orthodontists to change their views regarding these procedures and to support draft educational guidelines proposed by the GDC.…”

Orthodontic therapists – the first Bristol cohort

“…1,2 These were timely publications as there was evidence that up to 50% of 11-yearold children had a defi ned need for orthodontic treatment 3 and that within the UK there were fewer orthodontic specialists than in the majority of European countries. In addition, most orthodontists in high street practice had caseloads of at least double that of their European counterparts.…”