Team TrickyScribe: Maintaining high standards in orthodontics is crucial for ensuring optimal patient care, successful treatment outcomes, and adherence to professional ethics. The 28th Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS) Postgraduate Convention 2025, held at Manav Rachna Dental College (MRDC), served as a platform for experts to discuss the urgent need for uniform quality standards in orthodontic practice.
Addressing Challenges: Orthodontics by Specialists Only
Dr. Puneet Batra, Organizing Chairman of the IOS PG Convention and President of the Indian Orthodontic Society, emphasized that while orthodontic technology is evolving, the fundamental principles of quality care remain unchanged. He stressed the importance of standardized protocols, continuous skill development, and ethical practices. One of the major concerns he raised was the increasing trend of non-specialists, such as general dentists, providing orthodontic treatments despite lacking formal training. “Orthodontics is a super-specialized field and should only be performed by qualified orthodontists,” he asserted.
Threat of Misinformation and DIY Treatments
Dr. Batra also highlighted the dangers posed by misinformation, particularly due to misleading advertisements promoting DIY orthodontic treatments. Various companies offer at-home aligner services where untrained individuals visit patients to scan their teeth and provide plastic aligners. This practice, he warned, raises serious ethical and safety concerns. “Recently, the Dental Council of India, of which I am a member, issued a notice prohibiting such unsupervised in-house aligner treatments,” he added.
Role of Orthodontists in India’s Medical Tourism Boom
India’s growing medical tourism sector has made orthodontics an attractive option for international patients seeking affordable yet high-quality treatment. Orthodontists play a crucial role in this ecosystem by providing specialized treatments, such as braces and clear aligners, at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries. The combination of expertise, affordability, and world-class care makes India a prime destination for dental tourists.
Ethics and Legal Considerations in Orthodontics
Dr. Rajiv Ahluwalia, Head of the National Dental Bioethics Unit, UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, India, stressed the importance of transparent communication between orthodontists, patients, and their families. He pointed out that nearly 47% of orthodontic lawsuits stem from poor doctor-patient interactions. “Upholding ethical standards and maintaining open communication can significantly reduce such legal complications,” he stated.
Safeguarding Quality: The Role of the Indian Board of Orthodontics
Dr. Salil Nene, Chairman of the Indian Board of Orthodontics (IBO), and Dr. Ashish Garg, Director & Diplomate of IBO, highlighted the board’s commitment to maintaining clinical excellence. Dr. Garg emphasized the importance of high-quality orthodontic records, stating, “Accurate and comprehensive records are not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of effective treatment planning and patient care.”
Ensuring Excellence Through Rigorous Evaluations
Dr. Sridevi Padmanabhan, President-Elect of the Indian Orthodontic Society, and Dr. Ajit Kalia, Professor and Head of Orthodontics at M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences, Pune, provided insights into the IBO Phase-III examination. They explained how the rigorous evaluation process ensures that only the most proficient candidates receive Board Certification, reinforcing the importance of maintaining excellence in orthodontic care.
Call for Consistency
The convention underscored the necessity of quality assurance in orthodontics, reinforcing that advancements in the field should always align with ethical considerations and patient welfare. With a collective effort from regulatory bodies, orthodontists, and educational institutions, the future of orthodontic care in India can continue to thrive while upholding the highest standards of excellence.
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