CATEGORY AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST 45 support throughout this new learning journey really gives me the confidence to deliver better care to my patients.” Module 1 focuses on diagnosis, treatment planning, risk management, and the art of excellent case presentation. Other modules cover conventional and unconventional straight wire mechanics, early orthodontic treatment, clear aligner therapy, aesthetic and accelerated orthodontics, advanced biomechanics, management of severe skeletal and dental discrepancies, IDT and management of difficult orthodontic problems and malocclusions, and advanced aligner course. Dr Farah Hares, a Senior Associate Dentist at Parramatta Dental Avenue, completed Module 4 (on clear aligners) in November, and immediately started applying the newfound knowledge. Now excited to pick up “practical principles” fromModule 1, she says: “I think that Geoff is a great lecturer because he takes out the needless information that you’re never going to use – which if you want, is available as part of the pre-course and post course materials anyway. EV NTS “He gets straight to the point and explains the concepts very well – and in very practical terms.” As OrthoED’s long-standing Course Coordinator, dentists often ask Robyn Wood at what stage of the 9-module course they can start treating patients, to which she would respond: “Immediately.” “It is important to start implementing the principles learned in module one right away, particularly in diagnosis and treatment planning,” she says. “Module two has a comprehensive hands-on component that teaches doctors how to bond brackets and tie arch wires. We encourage doctors to start treating patients with braces after completing module two. “Module three focuses on early treatment of younger children. While some doctors report that it takes until the end of module three to build their confidence, we believe success stories come from doctors who start treating patients early on with our support. “We hold their hands from the start of treatment until the braces are removed, and even after completing the course. Our alumni membership provides ongoing support to doctors who complete the course.” Keeping Doctors and Patients Safe The courses are also designed to address another genuine concern of many “orthodontists”, an informal reference to general dentists providing teeth alignment services. The reason why general dentists don’t often refer back to an orthodontist, Wood reasons, is that some orthodontists do not support general dentists doing orthodontic work. “Although some specialists do support their colleagues, many general dentists are hesitant to seek their guidance for fear of being reported to APRA if their work doesn’t meet the orthodontist’s standards,” she says. “However, fromOrthoED’ s perspective, general dentists are already treating orthodontic patients and should be taught properly by experts like Geoff. “The Mini Masters course aims to keep doctors and patients safe by teaching dentists to identify cases that fall outside their scope of treatment and refer them to specialists. Before treatment, doctors are encouraged to send their cases to Geoff, who can assess whether they are suitable for treatment or should be referred out. “Additionally, the program emphasizes risk management by helping doctors identify potential problems at the diagnosis stage and find ways to avoid them to prevent prolonged treatment times and ensure patients’ safety.” Practical Training and Full Case Support In addition to comprehensive training, the OrthoED Mini Masters provides practical training and full case support to general practitioners. The course includes a team training day, scheduling and integration plan, practical treatment planning and case management mentoring and support, six 90-minute webinars per year, weekly Q+A/treatment planning sessions for general dentists and hygienists, quarterly lunchtime Q+A sessions for teams, and inpractice training sessions (elective). The OrthoED Mini Masters course provides convenience of study, with the option of face-to-face learning or livestream with online support during each session. In the last two years the OrthoED MiniMasters program have sold out within a few months of registrations opening , and soon OrthoED will be taking applications for the 2024 programwith exceptional Early bird specials for the first 30 registrants. u If you’d like to be placed on the waiting list for 2024, contact Mrs Robyn Wood on: 1300 073 427 or via email robyn@orthoed.com.au
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