Held at the International Conference Centre in Edinburgh during the referendum, this year’s event had an extra buzz about it as all eyes were on the Scottish capital.
For the first time ever, attendees had an opportunity to interact with speakers, via an app on their smart phone – allowing them to ask and respond to questions. Professor Kevin O’Brien spoke about making sense of the latest orthodontic research and how it can be used to improve clinical practice. In an engaging and humorous lecture, he used the app to interact with the audience and gain their immediate feedback on his performance which was then broadcast live around the lecture theatre.
Other highlights included one of the profession’s most renowned and respected speakers, Professor Bill Proffit, presenting new research on the use of temporary anchorage devices and how they can reduce the need for facial surgery.
The event took place from September 18-20. Simon Littlewood, who is conference chairman and a consultant orthodontist in Yorkshire, said:
“I am absolutely delighted with how the conference went and how it delivered on all levels – from the first class speakers, to the excellent venue, lively social events and the high quality of the scientific and clinical information that was discussed.
“For anyone involved in orthodontics in anyway, this is the conference to be at. It has the best international speakers and the best evidence-based information to make sure we provide the highest quality of care for patients.”
There was also a full range of talks on the methods of treatment available for speeding up the efficiency of treatment and the evidence base for doing so. This included, examining how improving understanding of bone biology down to a molecular level, can help speed up treatment.
For professionals who were interested in developing their practical skills, there was a master class in lingual orthodontics - learning how to place braces on the inside of model teeth.
Professor Sue Cunningham, Professor Tony Ireland and Nigel Harradine hosted an ‘ask the experts’ session, fielding questions from the audience. Among the topics discussed, were how to better measure outcomes in orthodontics and use patient feedback to inform learning and best practice.
The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) is a charity which aims to promote the study and practice of orthodontics, maintain and improve professional standards in orthodontics and encourage research, to ensure patients receive the highest standards of care.
In September 2015, the 8th International Orthodontic Congress will be held at the Excel Centre in London.
Anyone interested in attending or becoming a member of the BOS can view the website: www.bos.org.uk or contact Mrs Ann Wright at the BOS: ann.wright@bos.org.uk; or telephone: 020 7353 8680.