Practice profiles of orthodontists in Taiwan

Realization of orthodontists' practice profiles is crucial for orthodontic development, which has been performed in many countries. This study aimed to realize the practice profiles and affecting factors of orthodontists in Taiwan because there is no similar research in recent decades. Our findings may be important references for the orthodontic development.

An anonymous survey was conducted the Taiwan Association of Orthodontists (TAO) annual meeting on December 8, 2018. The questionnaire comprised 37 questions including demographics, practice profiles, patient profiles, and orthodontic mechanisms. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the distribution of the study variables. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify correlations between the orthodontists' practice profiles and demographics.

648 orthodontists were approached for the survey, and 177 questionnaires were returned (response rate: 27.3 %). A goodness-of-fit test confirmed that our cohort did not differ significantly from the members of the TAO in 2023. Our findings revealed that 60 % of the orthodontists were practicing in the northern Taiwan. 46 % of the orthodontists regularly used temporary anchorage devices (TADs). 40 % of the orthodontists reported that >50 % of their patients were referred by other patients. 79.4 % of the orthodontists charged between $3200 and $5000 for adult patients.

This study provides an overview of the practice profiles of orthodontists in Taiwan. Our fundings highlighted the uneven distribution of orthodontists within Taiwan and the widespread use of TADs. Word of mouth remains a crucial factor in patient referrals.