Providing Interceptive Orthodontic Care for Children

Pediatric dentistry poses a variety of unique challenges related to ensuring healthy development in patients. Many of these challenges require orthodontic intervention to handle them properly, and dentists can provide a better patient experience by offering more in-house treatment options. 

For help, you can turn to the American Orthodontic Society’s Comprehensive Early Treatment Mechanics for the Growing Child course. This educational opportunity provides general and pediatric dentists with the skills and knowledge to plan and carry out early orthodontic intervention.

Understanding Growth and Development

Providing effective early orthodontic treatment requires a thorough comprehension of growth and development. This is a complex area with many factors to consider. The Comprehensive Early Treatment Mechanics for the Growing Child course teaches dentists the fundamental concepts necessary to diagnose and plan treatment.

Many orthodontic courses fail to address the complexity of childhood oral development. The connection between airway issues, malocclusion, and other factors can make each case highly unique. During the course, dentists will come to understand the causal development of these issues, which will enable them to provide better care.

The course covers theory in detail but also includes a focus on practical skills. Dentists will learn a variety of techniques for evaluation and diagnosis, including cast analysis and cephalometric interpretation. With this insight and experience, dentists can discern nuanced indicators to proactively address developmental issues.

Providing Phase 1 Treatment

Many patients and dentists alike assume that early orthodontic intervention is too complex a field for general and pediatric dentists to address. However, with the right orthodontic courses, dentists can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective Phase 1 treatment—even those without prior orthodontic experience.

The course will give dentists the foundation they need to apply interceptive orthodontics for patients in the approximate age range of six to 10, typically referred to as Phase 1 treatment. Dentists will develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide care with confidence and offer quality outcomes for their patients.

Both lectures and hands-on demonstrations will cover the full range of skills necessary to conduct Phase 1 treatment using a variety of appliances. That includes selecting the appropriate appliance, creating impressions, fitting bands, and more.

Dentists will also learn the essential skill of proper communication with patients and parents regarding Phase 1 treatment. Knowing how to explain the importance and details of treatment can help assuage fears and ensure that patients get the care they need.

Identifying the right time for Phase 1 treatment.

A fundamental element of Phase 1 treatment is ensuring that it occurs at the right time. Dentists must have the knowledge to identify when that time is if they are to achieve effective results with interceptive orthodontics.

The course will enable dentists to identify signs that a patient may require or would benefit from early orthodontic treatment. These include details on when cases should be referred to a specialist so that the dentist can ensure proper treatment for any case.

The course will also cover the important legal and ethical considerations involved in making these treatment decisions. Dentists will develop an understanding of the principles behind these decisions and how they can ensure that the patient’s best interests are always paramount.

Specific topics that apply in this section include airway obstruction and abnormal jaw development. Hands-on exercises in measurement and analysis provide dentists with the tools they need to accurately diagnose issues and develop treatment plans.

Empowering Practice Growth

Implementing orthodontic treatment options into your practice is a highly effective way to support long-term growth. This is particularly true in pediatric dentistry, where the need for orthodontic care is widespread, and parents are likely to make receiving comprehensive care under one roof one of their primary decision-making factors.

The Comprehensive Early Treatment Mechanics for the Growing Child course from the American Orthodontic Society provides the necessary knowledge and skills for pediatric dentists to implement interceptive orthodontics in their practices. Dentists will have the ability and the confidence to provide quality care for their patients.

The course covers a variety of topics related to successfully implementing new treatments. These include insights into how to communicate these new treatments to patients effectively. The course details several administrative and management aspects of orthodontic care as well, such as documentation and insurance claims.

Dentists leave the Comprehensive Early Treatment Mechanics for the Growing Child with the full range of skills they need to expand their practices’ orthodontic treatment options.

Equipping your practice to provide early orthodontic treatment.

The connection between general dentistry and orthodontics is even more pronounced in pediatrics. In this field, all patients require careful evaluation of their development, with many requiring intervention. Prepare your practice to provide that intervention with the American Orthodontic Society’s Comprehensive Early Treatment Mechanics for the Growing Child course. Find out more today.