CATEGORY 62 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST For too long, orthodontics has been viewed as a mysterious and exclusive discipline – reserved only for specialists. While specialist orthodontists play an essential role in complex and multidisciplinary cases, the notion that general dentists should not perform orthodontic treatment is both outdated and detrimental to patient care. When properly trained, general dentists are uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality orthodontic outcomes and to integrate tooth movement as part of comprehensive dental care. 1. Orthodontics is part of dentistry, not separate from it Every dental procedure – whether restorative, prosthodontic, or periodontal – is influenced by tooth position. Orthodontics simply applies biomechanical principles to move teeth into healthier, more aesthetic, and more functional positions. For the general dentist, understanding and applying these principles enhances virtually every aspect of practice: restorative margins are better placed, occlusal schemes are more stable, and aesthetic results are dramatically improved. 2. Patients want comprehensive care in one place Modern patients value convenience and continuity. They prefer to receive orthodontic treatment from the dentist who already understands their oral health history, habits, and expectations. With sound orthodontic education, general dentists can safely provide interceptive, limited, and even comprehensive orthodontic care – often preventing problems from escalating to the point that specialist intervention becomes necessary. 3. Education and training have evolved Today’s structured orthodontic education programs for general dentists – such as the OrthoED Mini Masters and Diploma pathways – emphasise biomechanics, diagnosis, and treatment planning rather than appliance-specific techniques. These programs are taught by specialists and grounded in evidence-based principles identical to those taught in postgraduate orthodontic residencies. With proper mentorship, ongoing case support, and clinical supervision, general dentists can perform orthodontics at a very high standard. 4. Expanding the dentist’s clinical scope benefits patients and the profession When general dentists understand orthodontics, they recognise malocclusions earlier, manage growth and development more effectively, and make more informed referrals for complex cases. This not only raises the standard of dental care but also alleviates the access gap that exists in many communities – particularly in regional and remote Australia, where patients may wait months or even years to see a specialist. 5. Orthodontics enhances professional fulfilment and practice growth Learning orthodontics allows dentists to transform lives through improved function, aesthetics, and confidence. It also reinvigorates clinical passion – offering intellectual challenge, diversity of treatment options, and measurable patient satisfaction. Economically, it strengthens the viability of a general practice by reducing referral leakage and positioning the dentist as a comprehensive oral-health provider. 6. The key is not who performs orthodontics, but how it is performed The real issue isn’t whether a general dentist should do orthodontics – it’s whether they are appropriately trained and supported. A well-trained dentist who applies sound biomechanical principles, respects biological limits, and maintains professional collaboration delivers care that is both safe and effective. Conversely, an untrained clinician using aligner software as a substitute for diagnosis is a risk, regardless of their title. In summary Orthodontics should not be confined to a small subset of practitioners; it should be an integral part of dentistry as a whole. The future of our profession lies in integration, education, and collaboration, not territorial separation. When general dentists are empowered with sound orthodontic knowledge and ongoing mentorship, patients benefit from more accessible, comprehensive, and predictable care. That is precisely why, at OrthoED, we exist – to teach the principles, not just the appliances, and to ensure that every dentist who performs orthodontics does so with confidence, competence, and integrity. X CLINICAL Why orthodontics should be performed by general dentists Dr Geoff Hall By Dr Geoffrey Hall, Specialist Orthodontist
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