Keys to Compliance: Engaging Kids and their Families in Treatment Success

Over dozens of conversations between personal friends, one of which is a respected and nationally recognized Orthodontist, the other a career educator, it became quite apparent that they had been serving the same clientele over the years, but that their training was vastly different. Orthodontic professionals often do not receive the training and skill development opportunities in working with children and their families that are typical to educators. Additionally, there is limited instruction and resources in the areas of: childhood development, learning types and disabilities, as well as special needs within oral health care curriculums. Although a primary demographic of most orthodontists are typically children and adolescents, these professionals are often not initially equipped to effectively work with them; or more specifically, engage them in a positive way that will maximize the treatment program set forth. Orthodontic professionals, to be most effective, require training and skills to work with a wide range of children as well as their families, which is also paramount to a successful educator.

Learning Objectives:

• Better understand the kids you serve.
• Identify how learning styles, learning disabilities, and other special needs play a role in treatment success.
• Resolve issues that you find most often create tension between you and a parent.