Venue: UQ School of Dentistry, Brisbane

Topics:

• Orthodontics
• Interceptive orthodontic treatment
• Diagnosing orthodontic problems

Summary:

This clinically relevant small group workshop will provide attendees with the ability to diagnose, intercept and manage various orthodontic anomalies. Significant emphasis is placed on providing and using evidence-based orthodontic information to guide clinical decisions.

This small group workshop facilitates interaction between all attendees and the presenter through the utilisation of a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. Considerable time is set aside for in-depth discussion of a variety of orthodontic cases.

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends orthodontic assessment for patients around the age of 8 years. Despite this, an assessment of patients in the mixed dentition does not and should not routinely lead to early orthodontic treatment.

Such an assessment is a good opportunity to assess the development of the dentition and screen for orthodontic anomalies. Appropriate and timely interception of various orthodontic anomalies can result in favourable outcomes in carefully selected cases. It is important for any treatment modality to be justified from the cost-benefit perspective.

This course will cover and discuss the following orthodontic anomalies:

• Anterior crossbites
• Posterior crossbites and transverse discrepancies
• Ectopic canines
• Digit sucking
• Appropriate use of space maintenance
• Compromised first permanent molars
• Missing teeth
• Class II and Class III interceptive treatment

Each participant will work through several clinical cases with a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. Following each case there will be discussion of the diagnosis, treatment options, the recommended treatment plan and justification from the cost-benefit perspective.

This course will update the practitioners knowledge and skills with respect to the diagnosis, interception and management of orthodontic anomalies. All attendees will also receive a copy of the Orthodontic Diagnostic Principles (3rd Edition) textbook by Professor Terry Freer and Associate Professor Christopher Ho.

How does this course apply to you?

• Dentists

This clinically relevant course will be very useful for any dentist who treats children and adolescents. In particular, dentists involved in orthodontic screening or with an interest in providing simple orthodontic treatment will greatly benefit from the clinically relevant diagnostic and treatment planning principles provided in this course. Dentists considering applying for the 3 year full-time Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry Postgraduate Program in Orthodontics will also find this course to be a useful foundation of knowledge and helpful preparation for the application process.

• Oral health therapists, dental therapists & dental hygienists

This clinically relevant course will be very useful for any oral health therapist or hygienist wishing to gain further insight into the diagnosis and management of orthodontic anomalies at the interceptive level. Therapists involved in orthodontic screening will greatly benefit from the clinically relevant diagnostic and treatment planning principles provided in this course. Hygienists currently working in an orthodontic practice will find that their understanding of orthodontic management will be improved through the detail of orthodontic principles provided by this course.