Orthodontic education and practice in Canada: perceptions of the profession as shown in a recent survey.

A questionnaire survey concerning the training and practice of orthodontics was mailed to 20 per cent of the licensed dentists and to dental specialists in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia between March and August of 1987. The response rate was 49.4 per cent. Many dentists and orthodontists who completed the survey reported declines in patient load during the past three years. Dental schools are perceived to be providing inadequate orthodontic training, in both the undergraduate dental curriculum and in the area of continuing education. A desire for an increase in time, quality, and applications was expressed. Between 20.1 and 34.2 per cent of fully-banded orthodontic cases are being treated by general practitioners.