Article
It is our fault that the younger generation have grown up to be ‘censorious cry-babies’,1 at least according to Claire Fox from the Institute of Ideas.
I recall my very first week in general dental practice, and a patient's mother complaining to the practice receptionist about me giving her child oral hygiene instruction, suggesting that her child's toothbrushing was … how can I put this nicely … less than perfect? And that has been my life for the 35 years that followed. Weekly discussions still continue, with patients and parents about how, if Cynthia or Cedric are unwilling or unable to keep their teeth spotlessly clean, I will be unable to commit taxpayer's money to the straightening of their teeth. It just isn't ‘rocket science’. If we as providers of orthodontic treatment cannot guarantee that the benefits of treatment will vastly outweigh the potential harm, then we are obliged to withhold treatment. It is our responsibility and duty as professionals to point out the problems, both to the parents and to the children themselves. If we cannot criticize them, and make them aware of their failings, then how on earth can we do our job properly?
I have recently heard of two cases where seasoned and extremely well respected orthodontists have been reported to the GDC for: 1. drawing a probe across the anterior teeth and picking up gross plaque deposits, then having the audacity to show this to the patient and the parent; 2. withholding elective orthodontic treatment because, despite numerous discussions with parents and the patient, there was persistently florid gingivitis as a result of plaque deposits on the teeth. The GDC are investigating both cases, which I hasten to add, they are legally obliged to do. This will, however, cause an enormous amount of distress, probably over many, many months, to both of the professionals involved. Surely there has to be a better way? I ask you … when dentists point out potentially damaging dental disease to the parents … for the good of their offspring, merely to ensure that taxpayers' money is appropriately spent, why is it now seen as a reason for an official complaint to the dental regulator? Have we all just completely lost the plot?
On a happier note, this edition of Orthodontic Update contains a veritable cornucopia of Case Reports, assessment techniques and Tricks of the Trade. These are extremely popular with both the readers and the authors of these short papers, as a result of which we had a backlog which has delayed publication. We have therefore planned to produce two whole issues containing these nuggets of information, on subjects ranging from anterior crossbite and facial asymmetry to multidisciplinary treatment and orofacial granulomatosis.