Interceptive orthodontic practices in general dentistry: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the current practice of interceptive orthodontics undertaken by general dental practitioners and identify influencing factors. Materials and methods Printed questionnaires were provided to 200 registered Australian general dental practitioners. Participants were questioned about their current confidence, attitudes, and practice, related to interceptive orthodontics in general dentistry. Results The decision to practise interceptive orthodontics (17.4% of respondents) was strongly dependent on the confidence of the dentist (x2 = 48.693; df = 4; p < 0.001). It was also found that the provision of interceptive orthodontics was prevented by its perceived importance (x2 = 23.559; df = 5; p < 0.001) and benefit in a general dental setting (x2 = 9.411; df = 4; p = 0.035). The provision of more education was not shown to likely increase the number of dentists performing interceptive orthodontics. Low clinician confidence in the provision of interceptive orthodontics was also shown to result in orthodontic consultation prior to performing treatment (x2 = 31.782; df = 16; p = 0.004) or referral to an orthodontist (x2 = 42.465; df = 12; p < 0.001). Conclusions Interceptive orthodontics was not practised by most dentists. This decision was shown to be influenced by the clinicians’ confidence, further education or training, perceived importance of interceptive orthodontics and the impact that early intervention might have on future orthodontic treatment. Consideration should also be given to clarifying the orthodontic scope of practice for general dentists, in order to reduce the confusion influencing the provision of orthodontic care.

A Cross‐Sectional Survey of the Use of Clear Aligners by General Dentists in Australia

“…The number of respondents in the present survey compared with 149 to 382 general dentists who responded to recent surveys conducted in Australia (Brennan et al 2020 ; Currell, Vaughan, and Dreyer 2019 ; George et al 2017 ; Teoh et al 2019 ). It also compared with 43 to 87 general dentist respondents in studies conducted outside Australia and involving comparison with orthodontists (Aacaashnathan et al 2023 ; d'Apuzzo et al 2019 ; Gao et al 2024 ).…”

“…Although some studies have investigated aspects of CAT by general dentists in comparison with orthodontists, investigations focussing solely on general dentist CAT practices are few (Aacaashnathan et al 2023 ; d'Apuzzo et al 2019 ; Gao et al 2024 ). Recent evaluation of the provision of orthodontic therapy by general dentists in Australia is limited to one study evaluating interceptive orthodontic practices in general practice (Currell Vaughan, and Dreyer 2019 ).…”

Eruption disturbances in the mixed dentition: orthodontic considerations for primary dental care

“…A recent survey has shown that knowledge and confidence regarding interceptive orthodontics is lacking among general dental practitioners in Australia 3 . However, a baseline knowledge is critical to ensure optimal management of the mixed dentition patient, even if it is to refer patients in a timely fashion to a specialist orthodontist and/or paediatric dentist.…”

“…A recent survey has shown that knowledge and confidence regarding interceptive orthodontics is lacking among general dental practitioners in Australia. 3 However, a baseline knowledge is critical to ensure optimal management of the mixed dentition patient, even if it is to refer patients in a timely fashion to a specialist orthodontist and/or paediatric dentist. It is essential, for instance, that the examining clinician has a sound knowledge of the timing and the sequence of the eruption of permanent teeth to provide an effective orthodontic evaluation (Table 1 ).…”