Orthodontic nursing – past, present and future

For those of us that work within the National Health Service, we have Aneurin Bevan to thank for our jobs. Since its inception in 1948, the NHS has provided dentistry to the public, initially free of charge. The hugely ambitious plan aimed to bring ‘good health care to all’. (NHS choices, 2016). Throughout the early years, some 14 million people were entitled to have their dental needs met, however only 6-7% actually claimed the benefit, with the majority of the treatment consisting of extractions and denture work. (British Dental Association, 2012). In 1950, it was noted that there were a lack of trained orthodontists and, therefore, removable appliances were much more commonplace than the fixed appliances (train track) with which we are all familiar.