In the same way that your family doctor might refer you to a specialist for treatment or assesment, the same may apply to being referred to the Orthodontist by your dentist.

A specialist Orthodontist is a highly trained professional who has completed a five-year university dentistry degree course to obtain a dental qualification. Then subsequently completed an approved three-year full-time university and hospital postgraduate orthodontic training programme to achieve higher qualifications.

This advanced training includes subjects such as growth and development, genetics, biomechanics and anatomy; as well as clinical skills in the design, application and control of corrective appliances or braces.

Orthodontics has long been a specialised discipline. Though general dentists are also legally entitled to perform procedures in any branch of dentistry, the complexity of orthodontic treatment is increasing and requiring ever greater expertise. As a result you should always ask to be referred to a specialist and ensure that they have the MOrth specialist qualification.