The Four Thames project: development of training in orthodontics for dental practice

The Four Thames Project to develop training in orthodontics for dental practice, offered 26 clinical attachments with Consultants, over a 2-year period (October 1984-1986). A course of tuition was provided centrally in four modules. The programme was evaluated using a postal questionnaire and personal interview of the course participants, and with a postal questionnaire of the participating Consultants. The results of the evaluation are discussed and effects on the orthodontics in the participants' practices and consultants' units are outlined. Those on the first 2-year programme changed the range of their orthodontic practice to include more use of fixed appliances and a reduction in the use of removable appliances and of treatment by extraction and observation alone.