Work

Co-delivery of orthodontic treatment: Perceptions of supervising clinicians and orthodontic therapists

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To establish how orthodontics is currently co-delivered by orthodontic therapists (OTs) and supervising clinicians (SCs), and to explore both sets of clinicians' perceptions of these working arrangements. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS: General Dental Council (GDC)-registered OTs and specialist or non-specialist dentists who supervise OTs and work in the UK. METHODS: A link to the online questionnaire was emailed to all members of the British Orthodontic Society and Orthodontic National Group and was posted in two Facebook groups. Reminder emails and Facebook posts were sent. RESULTS: A total of 161 responses were received from 89 SCs and 72 OTs. Most worked in primary care as their main clinical role. Most OTs in primary care provided a mix of NHS and private care. Appointments with OTs were most likely to be supervised every other visit, with more frequent supervision reported by SCs, and by clinicians in secondary care. Remote supervision of some kind was reported by 63% of OTs. Different barriers and enablers to effective working practices were suggested by OTs and SCs. OTs reported improved patient satisfaction as the main consequence of their utilisation in the orthodontic workforce while SCs described improved clinical efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: OTs reported improved patient satisfaction as the main consequence of their utilisation, whereas SCs described improved clinical efficiency. Some OTs felt that SCs should be more readily available and that OTs should have more autonomy. SCs would prefer more time to supervise and provide prescriptions.

Source: Journal of Orthodontics

DOI: 10.1177/14653125251391368

Authors: Jonathan D Shelswell, Louise A Belfield, Simon J Littlewood, Sophy K Barber

Institutions: University of Leeds, Brunel University of London, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Nursing Roles and Practices

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150