Midyear symposium addresses advances in orthodontics and dentofacial surgery

Abstract

By every measure, the midyear conference sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), “Advances in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Surgery,” last February in Palm Springs, Calif, was an outstanding success. Attendees included 546 orthodontists, 219 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and 81 students. It was a complete sellout, and there was a waiting list. The material presented was unique and exciting. This rewarding experience was a tribute to the speakers and the AAO staff as well as the planning committee headed by Trustee Donald Joondeph and last year's AAO and AAOMS presidents, James Caveney and Elgan Stamper. Initial plans called for this symposium to be evidence-based, and the committee gave this challenge more than lip service. Speakers were invited who had a reputation for basing their presentations on the available evidence without relying on personal opinion or the crutch of “only in my hands.” In addition, each speaker knew that the committee wanted every statement to be based on the best evidence that could be cited in the refereed literature and that floor moderators would be on hand to call attention to unreferenced conclusions. During the symposium, the moderators circulated through the audience in search of questions on 3 × 5 cards; these were sorted and consolidated before each question-and-answer session. If questions were not adequate or left a void, the moderators usually stepped up to ask the needed question. Some called this approach a “poor man's audience response system,” but it worked for the benefit of all. Was the result perfect? No, it wasn't, but it was just about the best orthodontic meeting I have ever attended, and that's not bad. Just ask those who were there. To extend the value of this meeting, several presentations were videotaped, and CDs are available for purchase or online education use. AAO members can access the online distance-learning education program through the AAO Web site (http://www.AAOmembers.org or http://www.braces.org). Another way to benefit from these varied presentations is by reading this issue of the Journal. Nearly 90% of the material presented at the symposium is summarized here. What can you learn by reading these summaries? For starters, I'll challenge you with 3 questions. 1When surgically advancing the mandible, a secondary transverse discrepancy might be created. If the patient is an adult, is the treatment result likely to be more stable if you expand the maxilla with a LeFort procedure or constrict the mandible with a midline osteotomy? The answer can be found in the first summary presented by Donald Joondeph and oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dale Bloomquist.2In the US, few practitioners even consider autotransplantation to manage missing maxillary anterior teeth. The primary indications for autotransplantation of developing premolars are (1) unevenly distributed multiple agenesis, (2) agenesis of mandibular second premolars in low-angle facial types, and (3) accidentally lost or congenitally missing maxillary central and lateral incisors. Is the evidence presented in the summary by Bjorn Zachrisson, Arild Stenvik,and oral and maxillofacial surgeon Hans Haanaes strong enough to convince you that they know what they are doing?3Many patients agree to orthognathic surgery but are reluctant to pursue adjunctive soft-tissue procedures recommended to enhance esthetics. If rhinoplasty is needed, can this surgical procedure be combined with the orthognathic procedure, eliminating the need for a second surgery? Look to the summary by David Sarver and plastic surgeon Daniel Rousso for the answer. If you like this type of educational experience, mark your calendars for January 21- 23, 2005, a midyear symposium sponsored by the AAO on early treatment: “When to Treat—Making Decisions,” in Las Vegas, Nev. This evidence-based experience is planned to meet the needs of the typical practitioner facing daily questions about the value of early treatment from parents and dental colleagues. Registration and housing are open through the AAO, and attendance is limited, so don't miss this opportunity to participate.