​The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) and Oral Health Foundation are planning a national campaign to warn patients about the risks of direct to consumer orthodontics, also known as DIY orthodontics.

Launched at the BOC 2019 in Glasgow, this joint campaign will advise patients in all circumstances to visit a trained clinician ensuring that they have the various options open to them explained so they can make an informed decision. The website is to be launched in December 2019.

It comes as recent statistics from BOS reveal adult orthodontics continues to rise with three quarters (75%) of orthodontists reporting an increase in adult private patients.

By bringing the expertise of the two organisations together on this issue, campaigners feel it will empower patients to make the right choices.

Jonathan Sandler, BOS President, said: ‘In my professional opinion, if you embark on any orthodontic treatment without a suitably trained clinician taking the time to examine you and make appropriate recommendations, you could be in danger of having serious conditions missed, as well as inappropriate and dangerous treatment carried out.

‘For me, one of the issues with DIY orthodontics is that it offers just one narrow solution when there may be a more appropriate one for the patient. The value of informed choice cannot be over estimated.’

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation said:‘As the demand for adult orthodontics increases, so do the options for patients. We are seeing a growth in online companies offering orthodontic treatments at significantly reduced prices. For many patients, it will feel like a sensible consumer-savvy choice. But this may not be the case.

‘My clinical view is that orthodontics should always involve face-to-face contact with a trained clinical professional. This is to ensure patient safety and the most effective treatment. When carried out correctly, orthodontic treatment can give patients the straight and confident smile they have always dreamed about. We want to make sure that patients are given the very best advice about the safest and most effective way to have orthodontic treatment. This new campaign will make sure patients have a trusted space where they can see the most independent and impartial information available.’

In addition to the campaign, the BOS is currently exploring regulatory options in relation to this issue and hope that the appropriate bodies will take a patient safety-led decision.

Author: