The South Wales Peer Review Group: A Case Study in Collaboration Part 1

With the backdrop of a global health crisis, dentistry faces challenges the likes of which many in the profession will never have experienced. Protocols, policies and guidelines, which were long established and adhered to, became instantly deficient in the midst of a pandemic few experts fully understand.

With a plethora of guidelines and documents circulating on an almost weekly basis, orthodontists would be forgiven for feeling lost and uncertain about the future and the best way to proceed. As we start to see the social and public service restrictions begin to be eased, orthodontists are trying to position themselves to be ready for the first phase of de-escalation. With services suspended for 3 months, or at least significantly limited, the resumption of clinical activity will require major adjustments to ensure clinics are run in line with the most current healthcare guidance and wider policies, such as social distancing, enhanced infection control measures and new protective equipment requirements.