The consultant orthodontic service--1996 survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the working patterns and facilities of the consultant orthodontist service.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey.

SETTING: Consultant orthodontist departments in the UK.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All consultant orthodontists in the UK were sent a questionnaire that gathered information on the individual consultant, the facilities available, the new patients referred and patients under current treatment.

RESULTS: The consultant orthodontist service provided treatment to a high number of patients who were in definite need of orthodontic treatment. A marked reduction in the use of removable appliances suggests improving standards of care and provision of more complex treatment. The caseload was high and a fair proportion of patients were returned to their referring dentists with treatment plans. The consultant service has not completely evolved into a service that provides treatment at a super-specialist level alone.

CONCLUSIONS: There has been little change in the consultant orthodontist service over the past ten years. Arguably, this is because of the wishes of the purchasers and the shortage of trained orthodontic manpower as a direct result of poor manpower planning and lack of funds for post-graduate training.