Download one day intro seminar - Progressive Orthodontic Seminars

ONE DAY INTRO SEMINAR
2-2005
I have created some content for the one-day seminar to give direction to the instructors
teaching such a promotional class. In the past introductory seminars, it appears that we
focused too much on teaching orthodontics, confusing many in the group. We want
everyone to feel that they can do orthodontics when they leave this seminar.
Also, it is felt that a more direct approach to the business of ortho education and
incorporating ortho into the general practice is allowable in a introductory “Free”
seminar, as those attending are expecting a promotion. This may be modified in different
cultures.
We definitely want to remove the mystery and FEAR from orthodontics, giving those
attending the understanding of just how valuable the skills of orthodontics are to a
successful dental career, both financially and emotionally. Sharing your personal
experience when you first started may be just what they need….they are not alone and
not stupid. They can do orthodontic treatment and be proud of it. You might relate the
ability to do other specialty work without the specialist feeling threatened.
The group will likely be a mixed group with some experienced in various systems and
others with no education in ortho at all. Be sure to control the group, not giving a
comprehensive course in orthodontics for the one advanced student. After all, if their
ortho system is so good, why do they need to come to a introductory seminar?
There are several title slides that ask the student to write their answer BEFORE you
give them the answer. This is intended to make the class more interactive. Suggested
answers for these are:
What do brackets do? Provide attachment to the teeth. The attachments have been
preformed for you, in such a way as to perform certain orthodontic tasks. Get the
brackets working for you, not you working for the brackets.
What do bands do? Same as bonded brackets except there is more chance for bond
failure. Same attachment can be bonded as banded.
What do archwires do? Provide the force for alignment (nickel-titanium) by deforming
the original wire shape. Form the final archform, which should be consistent with the
cortical bone. Provide the support and direction for mechanics (elastics, closing loops,
coil springs).
Reasons to extract: I put this question into the program since some feel that extraction
is not allowed in orthodontics. Yes, should not be allowed for dentists with poor training,
but most of the cases shown here in this class were extraction cases. Dentists are usually
not well versed in WHY extraction may be needed for successful ortho and why nonextraction is not always good.
 to correct crowding without excess incisor advancement
 to correct protrusion
 to correct class II or III
 to close open bites
 to correct transverse discrepancy upper vs. lower
 to solve missing teeth problems.
How many cases do you refer each month? This is a function of the practice size PLUS
their ability to recognize cases in need of orthodontic treatment, AND their ability or
willingness to talk to the patients about ortho. Of course this will show the value of the
skills they are seeking by coming to the introductory seminar. How can you NOT want
to learn ortho skills? We still plan to have them refer, just the difficult or unusual cases as
with other specialties.
How many cases ? The perspective must be that of a career, not just this year. Every
doc in the room, whether experienced or not, will have a destiny to treat a certain number
of orthodontic cases (zero to 1000’s), positively effecting the lives of the patient and their
own professional life. The skills gained from POS remain throughout the entire career,
making this a small investment in time and money relative to the rewards. Immediate
return of course is possible by accepting 5 cases during the program to learn clinical
orthodontics with supervision. We would like to see the student gain a wide variety of
skills so they can treat a wide range of case types. See the honors graduation list of cases
in the student handout.
Overhead and doctor time? Most do not think of this when considering orthodontics.
Today with the IP appliance, it is felt that 1 hour doctor time, including consultations and
diagnosis is possible to do an easy ortho case. More diagnosis at the start of the case
leads to less work in the clinic. Less breaking the back, more thinking. Managed
properly, ortho is of course very profitable….just look at the specialists.
Does a patient want you (gp) to do ortho and not the specialist? Many patients will
not go to a specialist for treatment, trusting their general dentist and perceiving they
would charge a lower fee. If a patient wishes to be treated by a specialist, then please
refer. Document any specialty refusals.
How important is diagnosis in orthodontics? Diagnosis of course is everything.
Diagnosis of extraction vs. non-extraction, the best appliance, and the best mechanics.
Everyone can learn this as it only involves training the mind. Diagnosis does not require
any special dexterity or mechanical skill. You can learn this!
Image: The computer software is a tremendous value for our students, giving them
access to “how to do it treatment plans”, organized data, and of course looking good to all
during the process.