A reduced tendency to prescribe orthodontic extractions over the past 5-10 years among British Orthodontic Society members was identified. Comparative clinical research exploring the relative merits of extraction and non-extraction approaches could be timely.

Objective: To determine the main factors influencing the timing of alveolar bone grafting among cleft teams in the UK and Ireland, to assess the types of radiographs used to evaluate bone grafting sites pre-and postoperatively and the views of the profession on orthodontic expansion prior to grafting. Design: An online survey consisting of 24 questions was compiled and emailed to 53 orthodontists and surgeons in all 12 Cleft Hub Units in the UK and Ireland. Results: All units in the UK and Ireland responded with 51 responses, 39 complete and 12 partial responses, obtained from cleft surgeons and orthodontists. The majority of units are using dental criteria (75%) as a guide to timing alveolar bone grafting. Most units take a postoperative radiograph at 6 months but the view being taken varied. When asked if four cases were ready for grafting based on their radiographs, there was clear agreement by a significant majority for 3 cases but for 1 only a minimal majority (61%). The most common donor site chosen for the graft is the Iliac crest (92.9%). There was excellent agreement for 2 cases asking when to use expansion but poor agreement for one, 55% saying they would expand and 45% saying no. Conclusion: Overall there is good agreement among cleft teams in the UK and Ireland about management of alveolar bone grafting; however, a clearer consensus on preoperative orthodontic expansion may be needed.

Background Undergraduate orthodontic teaching has been focused on developing an understanding of occlusal development in an effort to equip practitioners to make appropriate referrals for specialist-delivered care. However, there is a growing interest among general dentists in delivering more specialised treatments, including short-term orthodontic alignment. This study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge of occlusal problems among final year undergraduate dental students, as well as their interest in various orthodontics techniques and training.Methods A 36-item electronic questionnaire was sent to all final year undergraduate students in four dental institutes in the UK (Barts and the London, Kings College London, Cardiff and Dundee). The questionnaire explored satisfaction with undergraduate orthodontic teaching; students' perception of knowledge, based on General Dental Council learning outcomes; perceptions of the need for specialist involvement in the management of dental problems; interest in further training in orthodontics; and potential barriers to undertaking specialist training.Results The overall response rate was 66% (239/362). The majority of students (84.1%) were aware of GDC guidance in terms of undergraduate teaching. Students reported a preference for case-based and practical teaching sessions in orthodontics, with less interest in lectures or problem-based learning approaches. A high percentage were interested in further teaching in interceptive orthodontics (60.3%) and fixed appliance therapy (55.7%). Further training including specialist orthodontic training (36.4%), Invisalign (59%) and Six Month Smiles (41%) courses appealed to undergraduates. Levels of student debt, course fees and geographical issues were seen as potential barriers to formal, specialist training pathways.Conclusions Satisfaction with undergraduate orthodontic teaching is high and interest in further training, including specialist training pathways, continues to be high. While short-term orthodontics is not taught at undergraduate level, there appears to be an appetite to undertake alternatives to conventional orthodontics among dental students.

Accidentally, ingesting components of an orthodontic appliance can result in serious consequences for the patient. This paper presents one such complication, not previously reported, where the patient needed emergency surgery to retrieve part of an orthodontic appliance. This case report highlights the consequences of and possible solutions to prevent patients inhaling or ingesting parts of their appliance.

Orofacial infections following dental extractions are a common referral to an oral and maxillofacial department as an emergency, especially when combined with swelling and limited mouth opening. The case presented demonstrates a rare complication of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis with bilateral pathological fractures of the mandible, which occurred following a staged dental clearance. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental extractions are one of the most common treatments carried out by oral surgeons and general dental practitioners. This case highlights a rare but encountered complication of routine oral surgery and demonstrates when it is necessary to make an immediate referral to the local oral and maxillofacial surgery unit.