How Orthodontic Therapists have Changed the Provision of Orthodontic Treatment

Abstract

The last decade has seen the orthodontic workforce transformed by the introduction of orthodontic therapists. This article aims to highlight how they have changed the provision of orthodontic treatment and how the orthodontic profession has caught up with general dentistry where task delegation to dental therapists and hygienists has been commonplace for many years. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article will enable readers to see just what roles OTs undertake, increase their awareness of who may be undertaking the treatment on the patients they refer on and highlight the guidelines on appropriate supervision that their referring orthodontists should be following.

Orthodontic therapy teaching review at Trinity College Dublin

“…Since the introduction of OTs in the UK in 2007, it is said to have been one of the most significant changes in delivery of orthodontic care, facilitating a more efficient service delivery 6,7 . It is reassuring to see motivation to pursue training in this emerging profession.…”

“…With the increasing number of OTs in the orthodontic workforce, it is important that future orthodontists are trained to work with OTs 6 . A recent survey found that only 22.4% of dentists training to be orthodontists felt prepared to supervise OTs 15 .…”

“…These treatments include taking records and fitting appliances, follow up appointments (changing brackets, archwires) and can debond fixed appliances. The ability to diagnose disease and treatment plan or activate orthodontic wires remains with the orthodontist 6 . In Ireland, the scope of practice of an OT is clearly defined by the regulatory body 8 and cannot be fulfilled by other dental care assistants.…”

“…An essential criterion for applicants is the possession of a qualification in either dental nursing or dental hygiene 5 . Both in the UK and Ireland, orthodontic therapy courses are typically structured as a one‐year full‐time programme consisting of two elements, an initial core course (lasting approximately 2 months) followed by work‐based training (10 months) which includes additional didactic training days at the dental school over this period (c. 10‐15 days) 5,6 …”