Oral Health | Clinical and Risk Asessment | A General orthodontic examination of the patient

A general orthodontic examination of the patient
Session overview
Description
This session aims to introduce a simple, systematic method for orthodontic examination that can be performed as part of a routine check up. It describes how a systematic approach to an orthodontic examination of a patient can be used to identify an orthodontic problem at an early stage.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• identify a systematic approach to an orthodontic examination
• recognise and record abnormal skeletal development
• record and evaluate the normal and abnormal features of the dentition
• record appropriate findings

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• have some experience in examining child/adolescent and adult patients
• know the normal sequence of dental eruption
• have an understanding of basic orthodontic terminology

From the age of 6, all children should have an orthodontic assessment as part of their routine examination to pick up the presence of a developing malocclusion.

The transition from deciduous to permanent dentition involves a significant change in appearance and it is important that dental practitioners are able to reassure children and their parents during the process of normal development, and to identify abnormal development at an early stage.

This is important because:

• it identifies children who have an abnormally developing dentition and will therefore ensure timely and appropriate orthodontic referral to a specialist
• in many areas of the UK, demand for orthodontic treatment greatly exceeds supply with consequent waiting times for treatment. Early identification of an orthodontic problem and local knowledge of orthodontic waiting times will help you to refer your patients at an appropriate stage for optimal treatment