Until now no specific training has been given to UK students on the use of lingual appliances; and with the increased interest in this type of system TOC was pleased to provide the opportunity for students to learn about the various aspects of lingual and help them gain the knowledge required to undertake lingual treatment.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Leeds was the venue for the Northern Universities Day on Tuesday 24 June with the Southern Universities Day being held at King’s College Dental Institute on Thursday 26 June.
The day was offered free of charge to all students, and training supervisors.
Dr Brandon Owen from the state of Colorado, who is highly experienced in a variety of lingual systems, proved to be an excellent speaker and gave a useful comparison between the different systems on the market.
Dr Brandon Owen
Mr Joe Noar, consultant and honorary senior lecturer at the Eastman Dental Institute, who attended at King’s College Dental Institute, summarised the day: 'Brandon Owen's one day TOC lingual course was split into two distinct modules.
'In the morning Brandon went through all the current lingual systems and the history of lingual orthodontics.
'He is a good speaker and has a high quality portfolio of slides.
'He introduced the concept of MTM (minor tooth movement), which is essentially 3-3 or 4-4 treatment only.
'In the afternoon Brandon focused on MTM with the GAC In-Ovation L and MTM No Trace systems.
'MTM No Trace is a self-ligating lingual bracket, it has no individual tooth prescription so relies on accurate wire bending and round wire; rectangular wire is avoided.
'He demonstrated each of the required stages of treatment including: direct and indirect bonding/archwire fabrication/use of crimpable stops, springs and power chain/debonding and retention.
'Brandon showed a number of videos demonstrating specific techniques that were very easy to follow and well produced.
'I think this was an excellent introduction to a simple lingual technique and ideal for orthodontic specialty registrars.'
David Morris, consultant orthodontist and head of department at Leeds Teaching Hospital and training programme director for Yorkshire, reported the following from the Northern Day: 'Dr Owen provided the assembled northern Universities’ trainees, as well as many of their consultant trainers, with an easy-to-follow approach aimed at encouraging us to select appropriate cases for simple lingual treatment.
'He gave us the benefit of his significant knowledge concerning a variety of lingual techniques and how to avoid the “pitfalls”.
'His advice on starting out with a “problem-focused” approach with limited objectives was sensible and is based on his past experience – both good and bad.
'Lots of practical tips and tricks to make the clinician’s life easier were well illustrated.
'An engaging, down-to earth speaker who made this study day go by in a flash.'
