A new survey has found that only 64{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} of people could correctly identify that an Orthodontist specialises in straightening teeth.
The survey was conducted on behalf of an organisation called The Invisible Orthodontist (www.theinvisibleorthodontist.co.uk) a network of Specialist Orthodontists throughout the UK, and highlights that consumer we are confused about specialists within the dental profession.
Approximately half of those surveyed (48{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb}) were unaware that a Specialist Orthodontist had completed up to three vital years of extra training after qualifying as a dentist (with 56{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} of men even more unaware than women).
So why are people confused?
The research also shows that people have a problem differentiating between the range of dental specialists with additional extensive training. The confusion may also have arisen because many dentists claim to have a ‘special interest’ in orthodontics; they may have completed courses on particular teeth straightening systems which means that they are able to offer orthodontic treatment to their patients.
Stephen Handisides said: “I’m not surprised to learn that there is a lot of confusion around what a Specialist Orthodontist does. Educational websites, such as MyFaceMyBody.com are great places for consumers to research the different types of dentistry and to ensure they can clearly learn what treatments they should be looking for.”
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