Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2016-04-15, 12:06:52 | version 1.38.0
11Dental TribuneAsia Pacific Edition | 11/2015 OPINION By Aws Alani,UK The provision of orthodontics can be a life-changing experience for young patients whose “crooked” teeth can affect their confidence and self-es- teem. Indeed,where mature patients present with a history of malalign- ment,equally beneficial and fulfilling results can be achieved. In govern- ment-funded systems, patients with congenital abnormalities receive treatment that is essential to their ongoing oral health. Restorative den- tists work closely with orthodontists, whocanappreciatehowsmalldetails can aid in achieving positive restora- tiveoutcomes. As a young dentist, I corrected a tooth in crossbite with a simple T-spring appliance. It was enjoyable and brought a different type of de- layedgradualsatisfactiontothemore cerebralbuttenuousmolarendodon- tics or the more artistic and instant composite build-up. I was not a spe- cialist, but I managed to do some or- thodontics. In contrast to my experi- ence, general dental practitioners are now more routinely providing tooth movement with the emergence of short-term orthodontics (STO). This has resulted in some conjecture as to themethodsofachieving“straighter” teeth. Indeed, some may consider STO as an emerging entity compet- ing with specialist orthodontics, but shoulditbe? Thespecialisttrainingpathwayfor orthodontics involves a competitive- entry three-year full-time course linkedwiththeachievementofamas- ter’slevelqualificationthatmanymay feel daunted by. Indeed, navigating thepathwayfromstarttofinishcanbe difficultacademicallyandfinancially whenfactoringinfeesandlossofearn- ings during training. Once qualified, the majority of these specialists re- side,likethemajorityofallspecialists, in the south-east of England. With thisskeweddistributionofspecialists andassumedneedforaccess,itmight seemprudentforgeneraldentalprac- titionerstocontributetomeetingthe needfororthodontics. Indeed, the long-cited managed clinical networks have yet to be fully realised, although all planning and documentation related to managed clinical networks identify general dentalpractitionersasintegraltothe functionofthenetwork.Thenumber of orthodontic therapists has gradu- ally increased over the last ten years or so since inception of the first courses in Wales and Leeds. Thera- pists are allegedly more cost-effec- tive to train and employ in a large orthodontic practice; however, un- like their hygiene or therapy col- leagues, they cannot practise with- out a specialist’s treatment plan and supervision. Patientswhoqualifyfororthodon- tic treatment under the UK govern- ment-funded system need to be as- sessed according to the index of or- thodontic treatment need. There will be an obvious shortfall of adults or adolescent patients with minor mal- occlusions who do not meet the cri- teria who would like their teeth straightened.Thiscohortmayhaveto seek treatment privately from ortho- dontic specialists or general dental practitioners.Assuch,theseminoror straightforward cases may be man- agedinanumberofdifferentsettings utilising various techniques with the adventofSTO.Thismayhaveresulted in some territorial paranoia between the two camps of traditional ortho- dontics versus STO systems. Con- versely,itmaybethatdifferingscien- tific, technical and ethical ethos on managing the same problem is the sourceofthedebate. Quick and easy? Commercialisation has modified the provision of orthodontics in the UK.Indeed,therearenoworthodontic brands with courses attached and a faculty of individuals who promote www.idem-singapore.com STRIVING FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Featured Speakers APRIL 8 - 10, 2016 Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre Online Registration Now Open! IDEM Singapore 2016’s conference theme is built upon the common goal of all dentists – both general and specialist: Striving for Clinical Excellence. Look forward to world-class clinicians, researchers and educators discussing contemporary issues in the field of dentistry. Meet over 550 Exhibitors! Join the IDEM Singapore Trade Fair to meet over 550 internationally recognized manufacturers, distributors and traders. With exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services on levels 4 and 6, your visit will be packed with opportunities to strike new deals and re-enforce existing partnerships. Register online for your FREE exhibition entry. Ms. Cindy Tantarica Tel: +65 6500 6721 Fax: +65 6294 8403 idem-reg@koelnmesse.com.sg Ms. Cindy Tantarica Tel: +65 6500 6721 Fax: +65 6294 8403 idem-reg@koelnmesse.com.sg Robert Edwab, USA Treating Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office Endorsed By Singapore Dental Association Co-organizerHeld In In Co-operation WithSupported By Walter Dias, Germany Clinical Excellence in Aesthetic Restorations - Hybrid and Indirect Techniques Using Smart Composites Elif Keser, Turkey PiezocisionTM for Rapid Orthodontic Therapy: A Multi-disciplinary Team Approach Hien Ngo, Kuwait Chairperson of the Full Day Symposium: Towards the Post-Amalgam Era Ian Meyers, Australia Full Day Symposium: Towards the Post- Amalgam Era Shinya Murakami, Japan Cell to Cell Communcation: Oral Health and General Health – A Video Premiere Periodontal Regeneration: Present Status and Future Outlook AD Short-termgains…long-termproblems? The emergence of STO and its future implications in general practice DTAP1115_11-12_Alani 20.11.15 14:34 Seite 1 Tel: +6565006721 Fax: +6562948403 Tel: +6565006721 Fax: +6562948403 DTAP1115_11-12_Alani 20.11.1514:34 Seite 1