Article
In 2008, the Network of Erasmus Based European Orthodontic Programmes (NEBEOP) was formed as an initiative of Professors Anne Marie Kuijpers Jagtmann and Stavros Kiliarides to allow exchange of information, opinions and ideas on orthodontic training requirements. Over the last 10 years, NEBEOP has accredited 26 European Orthodontic Programmes as having met the requirements of the Erasmus Programme (EJO 2014). Professor Ama Johal is to be congratulated for obtaining Full NEBEOP Membership for the Royal London Orthodontic Programme and I am delighted to say that Sheffield University are ready for a visitation and will hopefully be the second UK School to be fully approved.
The long term benefit to the specialty, and ultimately to the public, is that it will standardize the quality of orthodontic training programmes throughout Europe and this will allow easy recognition to both the profession and to the public of the ones that fulfil all the demanding requirements for a ‘Gold Standard’ training. This is partly in response to the rogue Masters Programmes popping up, all over Europe, which purport to provide ‘kosher’ training and qualifications but, on closer scrutiny, would fall well short of the mark, particularly in the area of closely supervised and hands-on clinical training.
The British Orthodontic Society are keen for as many programmes as would like to, to apply for membership and to demonstrate their support, if they are willing, to cover the costs to each University and to offer help, if required, with the paperwork. Any training programme directors who would like to follow up on this offer should initially contact Ann Wright at the BOS HQ.
There is an emphasis on Adult Treatment in this issue of Orthodontic Update. Trevor Hodge offers an overview of the 2D appliance which is an incredibly useful addition to the orthodontic armamentarium and is a ‘toe in the water’ for those who are keen to get some experience with lingual techniques. The importance of comprehensive periodontal examination is emphasized by Greer et al and a technique for effective intrusion in adults is offered by Kumar et al. The other end of the orthodontic spectrum is also covered with a discussion about eruption failure and early treatment for Class 2 division 1 malocclusions. Once again I trust that there is something of interest for all our readers as we enter the Autumn season.