Open AccessPursuit of Excellence: A Forgotten Quest?
Author(s) -
Mark Wertheimer
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
apos trends in orthodontics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2321-4600
pISSN - 2321-1407
DOI - 10.4103/apos.apos_3_18
Subject(s) - excellence , compromise , competition (biology) , specialty , product (mathematics) , marketing , best practice , public relations , business , medicine , political science , management , economics , law , family medicine , ecology , geometry , mathematics , biology
The article explores the current orthodontic landscape with respect to the challenges that affect the pursuit of excellence in the specialty. These challenges include marketing by manufacturing companies, financial pressures, marketplace competition, attaining practice efficiency, new product introduction with limited supporting evidence, attributing greater importance to patient experience than the best approach to treatment, and lack of public education regarding their best interests. Home or DIY treatment, bypassing office visits and the practitioner, have also emerged as a concerning trend with the public not clearly understanding the detrimental consequences that may ensue. An over reliance on technology may override individualized treatment and further compromise treatment results.