Patient perspectives on the supervision of orthodontic retention

INTRODUCTION The NHS contract dictates that orthodontic treatment providers supervise retention for 12 months. Typical protocols involve multiple face-to-face appointments during this period. The aim of this study was to explore the views of patients on the current and future direction of supervising retention. METHODS A local questionnaire was developed to assess patients’ perspectives on current review protocols and their associated burden, and the potential for alternative modes of review. Questionnaires were completed by 50 consecutive patients with removable retainers attending for review between May and July 2024. RESULTS Patients generally felt that retainer review appointments were important (90%). However, the burden of travelling to appointments meant that a quarter (28%) of patients estimated that this would result in missing more than 2 hours of education or employment. A majority (56%) of patients wanted other means of review to be offered. In particular, university students faced the largest burden of attending appointments and expressed the greatest desire for other modes of monitoring. CONCLUSIONS Accounting for patient lifestyle factors and the burden of attending appointments should supplement clinical aspects in determining the review protocols utilised. Further research investigating clinical and patient-reported outcomes with alternative supervision protocols is required.