So I am now in the second and final year of my Masters in lingual orthodontics. This course is unique in that it is the only Masters programme in lingual orthodontics, in the world. Every year there are many applicants from around the world. This will always lead to us having a diverse and interesting group.
Six new colleagues have joined us. It is a very international group, and fortunately the course is taught in English, I have met new colleagues from Germany, Russia and Poland. I am always very impressed by the ability of my European colleagues to speak English at such a high standard.
The weather was beautiful, 20 degrees, which for an Irish person is a summertime temperature.
My colleagues were both amused and shocked when I told them I did not have a coat with me. I had to explain that this was like a summers’ day, for me!
I am privileged to be in a Masters programme in which the quality of the teaching is so good. Between us all we have about forty patients in treatment at any one time, in Hanover Medical School.
We each have the opportunity to discuss each other’s casework, at each session, and this greatly improves all our learning.
One subject we discussed was the topic of how to maximize patient’s comfort with the appliance.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that for adult patients that they get their upper and lower braces fitted at two separate appointments. My experience has shown that this is indeed the easiest way to adapt to the brace.
However, on the odd occasion, mainly at the request of patients I place both upper and lower braces together. This seems to suit patients who have taken time off from work and may not have too much time available for appointments. In any cases, after a few weeks, people adapt very well. I think the most important point is to be prepared, and to expect and adaptation period.
Like in all technical areas, there are always constant changes. It is the skill and “know how” of the operator that determines the outcome, as the operator determines how the technological improvements should be applied.
I think that the onus is on all professionals’ to commit to lifelong learning. It is true that the basic diagnostic principles to not change greatly. However, just as the web has changed the world, technological advances will continue to change the way orthodontics is practiced for many years to come.
My “Hanover Weekend” was the bank holiday weekend in Ireland. My colleagues wished me luck in the Dublin marathon. I will be happy to report to them in November, that marathon Monday was a beautiful crisp Monday and that all went very well for me on the day.
We are back again in the middle of November, and Christmas grows ever closer.
To book an appointment with Dr Perry please email info@castleknockorthodontics.ie
Or visit us at Dental house
Opening April 2016
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