[Opinions on orthodontics: an online questionnaire among NTVT readers]

By means of an online questionnaire, the opinions of dental health practitioners on 'orthodontics' were assessed on the basis of 10 statements. There were 523 responses, 51% of which were from general practitioners, a relatively large number from orthodontists (31%) and 18% from other dental health practitioners. Concerning indication of treatment, dental health prior to treatment and the value of straightened teeth, opinions were clearly positive, somewhat more among orthodontist than among general practitioners. Patients knowledge concerning orthodontics and the negative side of orthodontics and their trust in the durability of orthodontic retention are all considered to be more positively present in patients by orthodontists than general practitioners. 1 in 3 non-orthodontists considered carrying out orthodontic procedures in the general practice to be fine. More than 90% of orthodontists disagreed. Female dental practitioners more often consider orthodontic treatment to belong with an orthodontist. The number of women was equally divided across the different groups.