Development of the integrated general practitioner training scheme in orthodontics

A training scheme for general dental practitioners (GDPs), based on that recommended by the British Orthodontic Standards Working Party, has been set up within Northern Ireland. It has been developed to encourage and support interested GDPs to diagnose and treat suitable patients orthodontically within their own practice, to widen the scope of their orthodontic expertise and to increase experience through clinical attachments to consultant units, backed up by theoretical and practical sessions. The aim of the scheme was to heighten interest, identify suitable patients and to increase the accuracy of referral for advice and treatment elsewhere. It is hoped that this framework may be of interest and value to those in other centres, who may be considering ways and means of making orthodontic treatment more available. By following this pattern, it is hoped that in due course, this integrated approach of clinical attachment and theoretical module may progress towards the setting up of a national network, adequately funded by the Department of Health.