World of orthodontics meets in Brighton

Sharing the stage for the first time are esteemed academics Prof. Lysle Johnston from the US and the UK’s very own Prof. Kevin O’Brien of University of Manchester, two of the world’s most insightful orthodontists. They will be discussing a range of topics, including the latest orthodontic trends, research and even their views on orthodontic quackery, which is sure to command a full auditorium. Expertise in the increasingly popular range of aesthetic aligners is provided by arguably the world’s leading expert in Invisalign care, Dr Sam Daher from Canada, presenting at the BOC for the first time. Two other clinicians making their BOC debut will be Prof. Hans-Peter Bantleon from Austria and Dr Stefano Troiani from Denmark, both extremely popular and accomplished worldwide lecturers presenting their views on contemporary fixed appliance mechanics, which is sure to be very stimulating and of benefit to all clinicians. Moreover, the lingual orthodontic session will feature two of the world’s leading lingual exponents: Dr Magali Mujagic from France and Dr Vittorio Cacciafesta from Italy.

The conference is committed to presenting the latest orthodontic research, and on the programme are two Chapman Prize-winning pieces of research with Dr. Jonathan Sandler from Chesterfield Royal Hospital, presenting his team’s research into different methods of implant-reinforced anchorage. Award-winning comprehensive research into vibrational forces in orthodontics will be presented by Dr Neil Woodhouse and his team from Royal Tunbridge Wells. World-famous authority Dr Adrian Becker from Switzerland will present his groundbreaking and, to date, unique research looking at the failed treatment of impacted teeth and associated root resorption. These are all must-see lectures.

The prestigious Northcroft memorial lecture is always a big crowd-pleaser and will this year be delivered by Prof. Anthony Ireland from the University of Bristol’s School of Oral and Dental Sciences, who will discuss his views on contemporary orthodontic materials in his own inimitable style.

There is simply a wealth of lectures covering a range of key orthodontic topics, with Dr Ama Johal, Dr Robert Kirschen and Dr Peter Huntley sharing their views and expertise on adult orthodontic treatment. The ever-popular Clinical Pearls session, comprising a series of short clinical presentations, returns and has never failed to delight delegates.

The successful Team, Leadership and Communication lectures continue, focusing on some non-clinical skills of benefit to the entire team, including presentations by Dr Guido Sampermans, an inspirational speaker on practice development. The highly esteemed Dr Bernadette John joins us to talk about the implications, both good and bad, of social media in relation to orthodontics. We are also thrilled that world-renowned psychologist and best-selling author Prof. Richard Wiseman will be presenting his unique insight into personal development and success.

Once again, we have comprehensive parallel programmes running on all three days for the entire orthodontic team. This year, the BOC has a full programme for managers and administrative staff and two separate clinical days for therapists and nurses, giving an increased amount of verifiable continuing professional development. For the first time, the BOC is being held alongside the Orthodontic Technicians Association annual conference.

On Friday, the conference welcomes the new Chief Dental Officer Dr Sara Hurley to discuss her vision for NHS dentistry and orthodontics. The always important Commissioning session will form the closing session of the conference on Sunday afternoon, keeping delegates up to date with the latest developments in the ever-changing world of NHS commissioning and contracting across both primary and secondary care.

As ever, there is a pre-conference course and this year, ‪on 22 September, it covers dento-legal aspects of orthodontics, with speakers Drs Kevin Lewis and Yvonne Shaw from Dental Protection, alongside Dr Richard Birkin from the British Dental Association. ‬‬‬‬

New for 2016 are the Skill Clinics, four 90-minute sessions sponsored by major orthodontic suppliers. Each session is dedicated to learning a practical skill, transferable to your surgery. Seminar-based teaching and small numbers ensure maximum benefit. Subjects covered this year include efficient use of the ClinCheck software, a fixed Class II corrector from American Orthodontics and ligation techniques for the Incognito appliance. The session on clinical instruments is particularly suited to dental care professionals.

Finally, the conference would not be a BOC without a fantastic social programme. From a bohemian street festival at the historic Brighton Dome to the spectacular Fire and Ice banquet at the Grand Brighton hotel, they will be nights to remember!