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Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the ability and efficiency of dental hygienists, after preliminary training as orthodontic auxiliaries, with post-graduate orthodontists. The study was cross-sectional and prospective. The sample consisted of five second-year hygienists and five qualified orthodontists from Manchester University Dental Hospital. All subjects carried out a range of orthodontic exercises on phantom head typodonts. The ability and efficiency of each task was measured and comparison made between hygienist and orthodontic groups.

There was no statistically significant differences betwen hygienists and orthodontists in terms of their ability to carry out potential orthodontic auxiliary procedures. However, orthodontists were more efficient (P<0.05).

The ability of hygienists to carry out potential orthodontic auxiliary tasks after appropriate training is supported. Trained orthodontists are more efficient than newly trained hygienists in carrying out potential orthodontic auxiliary tasks.

Keywords

Orthodontic Auxiliaries Dental Hygienists Ability Efficiency

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British Dental Journal175, 209–213

The Effectiveness and Efficiency of Hygienists in Carrying Out Orthodontic Auxiliary Procedures

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