The role of orthodontic experience

In an era of evidence-based dentistry, how easy is it to ensure that orthodontic treatments are based on sound and up-to-date research? Not at all easy was a key message to speakers at the British Orthodontic Conference (BOC) 2017 in Manchester.

But if gold standard research cannot always deliver conclusive results, then orthodontic experience comes to the fore, according to several speakers, who emphasised that orthodontists can draw confidence and insight from their long years of training and clinical practice.

And where better to build knowledge than at BOC which this year was the 30^th conference for a united orthodontic profession. More than 1100 delegates attended and had their pick of 64 presentations spread across three parallel sessions on each of the three days. With a theme of Back to the Future, many of the speakers were inspired to reflect on the past but also predict what might be on the horizon, whether discussing supplies, techniques, equipment or materials.