The Effect of ‘Block’ and ‘Longitudinal’ Orthodontic Teaching: A Survey of the Recently Qualified Graduates of Two Dental Schools

Abstract

In an attempt to compare the long-term effectiveness of the longitudinal teaching of orthodontics at Bristol Dental School with the block system at Guy's Hospital Dental School, a questionnaire was sent to those graduates who had been qualified for between 3 and 5 years. There were significant differences between the two schools, both in the number of patients treated by their graduates and in the proportion of patients that were treated without advice. These differences did not consistently favour one school when males and females were considered separately. Both schools achieved similar success at producing graduates who felt confident at adjusting removable appliances and both groups of practitioners attempted similar orthodontic problems in practice.