On Reflection - November 2008

2008 saw The British Orthodontic Society’s (BOS) Chairman Dr Iain Hathorn address a Parliamentary Health Select Committee at the Houses of Parliament as it continued its strong political lobbying to petition for a more sustainable, fair and consistent orthodontic provision across the country.

The BOS Annual Conference took place between 14-16 September 2008 and attracted a substantial number of members to Brighton. The Society succeeded in drawing in an impressive number of internationally renowned speakers to address the Conference and served up a superb scientific programme. In line with it’s lobbying objective, there was also an impressive political session during which the membership was addressed by, and had an opportunity to question, a number of influential public figures including Lee Scott, a serving Member of Parliament.

Each year, an outstanding contributor to the world of orthodontics is invited to give the Northcroft Memorial Lecture at the Conference. This year was no exception when Dr Nigel Harradine, the BOS’ Chairman Elect presented a perceptive address on ‘self-ligation: past, present and future’.

To punctuate the clinical proceedings, the BOS Scholarships and Grants Committee presented over twenty prizes for research, service and excellence including the Houston Young Researcher Scholarship. In addition gold medals from the recent examinations were also conferred. Amongst the prizes were those which recognised the Outstanding Orthodontic Technician and Orthodontic Nurse of Distinguished Service.

Looking to the future of orthodontics, the British Orthodontic Society Foundation made a record award announcing funding for two major pieces of research. A sum of £97,296 was awarded for a “longitudinal study of orthognathic patients’ self-perception, motivation and expectations in relation to outcomes” and a further £32,534 to a project examining “the possible role of chewing gum in orthodontic pain relief”.

It was announced that in 2009 the BOS’ Spring Meeting takes place in Dublin, whilst the Annual Conference will be held in Edinburgh, ensuring a truly National provision for its members who will also have the opportunity to take in the heritage of two outstanding parts of the country.

On the International front, the BOC will attend the 7^th IOC which is taking place in Sydney, Australia in 2010. The event is staged by the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) and will be hosted by the Australian Society of Orthodontists. As part of this event the BOS will be arranging a full day of lectures by both British and International speakers. The 8^th IOC will take place in London in 2015 and plans are already being made to welcome the world of orthodontics to Britain.

Issued on behalf of The BOS by Positive Communications. For more information and images please contact: Tracy Posner on 020 8566 8811/ tracyposner@postivecomm.com or Catherine Domanski on 07738 287764/ catherine.domanski@positivecomm.com