“There’s a saying in orthodontics, which is you only know what you know, and the longer you practice, the less you actually know.” So says specialist orthodontist Dr. Keith Harvey, pointing to his own 30-years of continuous learning, and what he views as the unpredictable nature of orthodontics.
As someone who trains undergraduate dentists at University College Hospital, London, and postgraduate orthodontists at the Eastman Dental Institute in London, as well as mentoring newly qualified specialist orthodontists, he sees ongoing learning as something all practitioners – regardless of qualifications or time in the profession, should embrace.
He points to the recent exponential rise in general dentists offering clear aligner treatment as the perfect opportunity for them to expand their knowledge and skills in tooth biomechanics – something he is very keen to help them navigate.
Moving teeth using clear aligners might initially seem ‘simple and predictable’, he says, but it’s not always as straightforward as the treatment plan suggests. There are hidden pitfalls, and many cases where patients are likely to need additional planning and potentially, extractions and the use fixed appliances, a fact that can go unnoticed by less experienced practitioners.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Harvey sees every patient as an opportunity for dentists to grow and to gain more experience – and that’s where he and the five specialist orthodontic colleagues behind Aligner Intelligence can help.
Aligner Intelligence’s mentors guide non-specialists with expert treatment guidance, planning and ongoing mentorship throughout their clear aligner treatments. This helps to avoid pitfalls and ultimately provides patients with a smoother, more successful treatment outcome whatever clear aligner system they chose to use.
For dentists, the route to signing up for clear aligner mentorship is easy. On subscribing to Aligner Intelligence they upload their case clinical assessment, including x-rays, scans and photographs, to its portal and at that point, are assigned their mentor.
“Case selection is one of the most important elements. We advise on case suitability for clear aligners. If it’s suitable, we provide a summary. If not, we give them more detailed, but constructive feedback saying why.” He stresses this is an important element of setting up both dentists and patients for success, and certainly not about ‘protecting’ the orthodontic profession.
Mentors works alongside their partner dentist from start to finish, helping them to create a treatment plan, while offering ongoing support and advice, usually responding to any queries within 24-hours. “The continuity is important to us because we’ve created the treatment plan and feel fully invested in ensuring that treatment works.”
Dr. Harvey and his colleagues always urge less experienced dentists to start with more simple clear aligner cases to gradually build their expertise in IPR and attachments and hone the way they communicate with patients. “This builds their confidence before they jump into the next phase: Performing a clear aligner treatment gently and sensibly does take time and cases might take a little longer, but it will avoid errors.”
Dr. Harvey’s mantra for dentists to seek help is one he repeatedly comes back to: “Even if you think a case is simple, always get help. Ask a million questions. Not necessarily of us, there is a wealth of support out there, including the British Orthodontic Society Mentoring. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘stupid’ questions – you and your patients will benefit enormously from your willingness to keep learning.”
For more information, please visit Aligner Intelligence,
