Toothfairy Update

Since 1995 when I began keeping records of the Toothfairy Orthodontic Assistants Course, over 500 assistants, hygienists and therapists have participated in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Newcastle.

The photographs shown here are from our most recent courses held in Sydney in November and the Gold Coast in December. For the latter course, participants travelled from as far a field as Rockhampton, Sydney, Ballina, Lismore and Brisbane.

The courses are held in a relaxed format using videos and workbooks which the participants complete during the day and take back to the surgery as a reference manual. I have always acknowledged that Orthodontic Assistants are not just Dental Assistants and need relevant training in everyday Orthodontic procedures, materials and equipment. The instruments alone are completely different from those found in general dental clinics. It is imperative that the professional, well trained orthodontic assistant is familiar with this specialised equipment and its maintenance.

For many years I have presented a two hour lecture on Orthodontics for the DAA in Sydney. Occasionally there is an Orthodontic Assistant on the course and it must be very difficult for them to learn Crown and Bridge, Root Canal treatments and restorative dentistry without the benefit of working in these areas. And so it is in reverse for Orthodontic specialist and it was for that reason that I began with the specialised Orthodontic Training Course. The interest has always been there and seems to be increasing.

I have several courses planned for the first half of 2001:

• Sydney: February 24 and May 26/li>
• Brisbane: May 5 to coincide with the ADA Congress and ADIA Exhibition.