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Orthodontic auxiliaries: the way forward?
Dental Update
|April 15, 2000
Summary
The UK could train orthodontic auxiliaries to perform routine intra-oral tasks, mirroring practices in two-thirds of European countries. A pilot project explored a 4-week modular training structure for these dental professionals.
Area of Science:
- Dental Medicine
- Orthodontics
- Healthcare Workforce Development
Background:
- Most European countries utilize orthodontic auxiliaries for routine tasks.
- The UK currently does not permit orthodontic auxiliaries.
- There is professional support for delegating intra-oral tasks to auxiliaries in the UK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine a viable training structure for orthodontic auxiliaries in the UK.
- To assess the feasibility of a modular training approach.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week modular pilot training course was designed and implemented.
- The course focused on routine intra-oral tasks for orthodontic auxiliaries.
Main Results:
- The pilot project successfully outlined a potential training structure.
- The results indicate the possibility of training dental personnel for auxiliary roles.
Conclusions:
- A structured training program can prepare orthodontic auxiliaries for delegated tasks.
- Implementing orthodontic auxiliaries could align UK practices with European standards.