Differences Between Flexible Spending and Health Savings

Differences Between Flexible Spending and Health Savings

Here's the article outline for 'Understanding Common Fee Structures in Orthodontics' focusing on orthodontic treatment for kids:

When it comes to covering orthodontic expenses for pediatric dental care, understanding the eligibility criteria for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be crucial for parents looking to manage their healthcare costs effectively.


Flexible Spending Accounts typically offer more immediate benefits for orthodontic treatments. With an FSA, parents can use pre-tax dollars to cover qualifying orthodontic expenses for their children. The key advantage is that FSA funds can be used for braces, aligners, and other orthodontic procedures, often with fewer restrictions compared to HSA accounts.


Early treatment can prevent more serious dental problems later Pediatric orthodontic care health care.

Health Savings Accounts, on the other hand, provide a bit more flexibility but with some nuanced considerations. To be eligible for an HSA, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. The great benefit is that HSA funds can roll over year to year, unlike FSA funds which typically follow a "use it or lose it" approach. For orthodontic care, HSA funds can cover similar treatments, but there are sometimes more stringent documentation requirements.


One important distinction is the age limitations and medical necessity documentation. Both accounts generally require that orthodontic treatment be considered medically necessary, not just cosmetic. This means parents might need a detailed diagnosis from an orthodontist explaining why the treatment is essential for the child's overall dental health.


The documentation process can be somewhat complex. Parents should keep detailed receipts, treatment plans, and medical recommendations to substantiate their orthodontic expenses. It's always wise to consult with a tax professional or benefits administrator to understand the specific nuances of your particular plan.


Ultimately, both FSA and HSA can provide valuable financial support for pediatric orthodontic care, helping families manage what can often be significant medical expenses. The key is to understand the specific rules of your individual account and plan accordingly.

When it comes to planning for orthodontic treatments, understanding the contribution limits and tax advantages of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can make a significant difference in managing your family's healthcare expenses.


Flexible Spending Accounts offer a great way to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, including orthodontic treatments. For 2023, families can contribute up to $2,850 per year to a healthcare FSA. The biggest advantage is the immediate availability of funds at the start of the plan year, which can be helpful for upfront orthodontic costs. However, there's a catch - FSAs operate on a "use it or lose it" principle, meaning you'll forfeit any unused funds at the end of the plan year or grace period.


Health Savings Accounts, on the other hand, provide more flexibility and long-term benefits. For 2023, families with high-deductible health plans can contribute up to $7,750 for family coverage. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over year to year and can even be invested, potentially growing your healthcare savings. The real beauty of HSAs is their triple tax advantage: contributions are tax-deductible, the money grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.


For families considering orthodontic treatments, HSAs offer more long-term financial planning opportunities. You can save funds now and use them for braces or other orthodontic work years down the line. FSAs are more suited to immediate, predictable expenses within the current plan year.


The choice between an FSA and HSA depends on your specific financial situation, healthcare needs, and employer benefits. Some families even use both accounts strategically to maximize their healthcare savings and tax benefits.


When planning for orthodontic treatments, it's crucial to carefully consider contribution limits, tax implications, and your family's specific healthcare needs. Consulting with a financial advisor or benefits specialist can help you make the most informed decision for your unique situation.

Insurance Coverage and Impact on Orthodontic Expenses

When it comes to using Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for orthodontic expenses, understanding the specific spending restrictions and rollover policies can be crucial for managing your healthcare costs effectively.


For Flexible Spending Accounts, the rules are typically more stringent. FSA funds are subject to an annual "use it or lose it" policy, which means you must spend the entire balance within the plan year or risk forfeiting the remaining funds. However, some employers offer a grace period of up to 2.5 months after the plan year ends, or allow a small rollover amount (usually around $550) to be carried forward.


Orthodontic expenses are generally considered eligible for FSA spending, which is good news for families dealing with braces or other dental alignment treatments. You can use pre-tax dollars to cover these costs, potentially saving a significant amount on out-of-pocket expenses.


Health Savings Accounts offer more flexibility. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over completely from year to year, with no risk of losing your balance. This makes HSAs particularly attractive for long-term orthodontic planning. If you're anticipating extensive dental work, you can gradually save funds in your HSA without worrying about losing them at year-end.


Both account types require that orthodontic expenses be considered medically necessary, not purely cosmetic. This means treatments must be prescribed by a healthcare professional to improve dental health, not just enhance appearance.


Understanding these nuanced rules can help you maximize your healthcare spending and make informed decisions about orthodontic treatments for yourself or your family.

Payment Plan Options for Pediatric Orthodontic Care

When it comes to orthodontic treatments, navigating the documentation and reimbursement processes for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a bit tricky. Let me break it down in a way that's easy to understand.


With Flexible Spending Accounts, you'll typically need to submit detailed documentation for your orthodontic expenses. This means keeping every single receipt and claim form meticulously organized. The process is pretty straightforward but requires prompt action. You'll usually need to submit paper claims or use an online portal, providing proof of the expense and showing that it meets IRS guidelines for medical treatments.


Health Savings Accounts offer a bit more flexibility. These accounts tend to have a more relaxed documentation process. While you still need to keep receipts, the record-keeping is less intense. You can typically pay for orthodontic treatments directly from your HSA funds, and the documentation requirements are generally less stringent compared to FSAs.


One key difference is the timing of reimbursement. FSA funds are typically use-it-or-lose-it within the plan year, which means you'll want to submit claims quickly. HSA funds, on the other hand, roll over year to year, giving you more breathing room for managing your orthodontic treatment expenses.


It's worth noting that both account types require you to prove that the orthodontic treatment is a qualified medical expense. This means keeping detailed documentation from your orthodontist, including treatment plans, invoices, and receipts of payment.


Pro tip: Always check with your specific plan administrator, as individual plans can have slight variations in their documentation and reimbursement processes. Each employer or insurance provider might have unique requirements that can impact how you handle your orthodontic treatment expenses.


Understanding these nuances can save you time, reduce stress, and help you maximize the benefits of your healthcare spending account. Whether you're using an FSA or HSA, staying organized and proactive is key to smoothly managing your orthodontic treatment costs.

Factors Influencing Orthodontic Treatment Costs

When it comes to managing healthcare expenses for children's dental care, parents often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Each option offers unique benefits, but understanding their long-term financial implications is crucial for making an informed decision.


Flexible Spending Accounts provide an immediate tax advantage, allowing parents to set aside pre-tax dollars for dental expenses. The primary benefit is the ability to reduce taxable income while covering predictable dental costs like cleanings, fillings, and orthodontic treatments. However, FSAs come with a significant drawback - the "use it or lose it" rule. Any unused funds at the end of the plan year typically expire, which can feel like throwing money away.


Health Savings Accounts, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and long-term financial planning potential. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over year after year, creating an opportunity to build a healthcare nest egg. Parents can invest HSA funds, potentially growing their healthcare savings over time. This makes HSAs particularly attractive for families with children who might have future dental needs like braces or more complex dental procedures.


The key difference lies in account ownership and portability. HSAs are individually owned and can move with you between jobs, while FSAs are typically tied to a specific employer. For parents thinking about long-term financial stability, HSAs provide more control and potential for future savings.


Tax considerations also play a significant role. HSA contributions are triple-tax advantaged - contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses. This makes them an incredibly powerful financial planning tool for parents looking to manage healthcare costs efficiently.


Ultimately, the choice depends on individual family circumstances. Families with predictable, immediate dental expenses might find FSAs more suitable, while those seeking long-term savings and investment potential will likely lean towards HSAs. Careful consideration of current dental needs, future anticipated expenses, and overall financial goals is essential in making the right choice.


By understanding these nuanced differences, parents can make a more informed decision that not only covers their children's dental care but also supports their broader financial planning strategy.

Comparing Different Orthodontic Practices and Their Pricing Strategies

When it comes to managing orthodontic treatment costs, understanding the pros and cons of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can make a significant difference in your financial planning. Both accounts offer tax advantages, but they have unique characteristics that can impact how you approach your orthodontic expenses.


Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) provide an immediate tax benefit by allowing you to contribute pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. The biggest advantage is that you can access the full annual election amount from day one, which can be helpful for upfront orthodontic costs. However, FSAs come with a critical drawback - the "use it or lose it" rule. If you don't spend the entire balance by the end of the plan year, you risk forfeiting the remaining funds.


Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), on the other hand, offer more long-term flexibility. These accounts are only available to individuals with high-deductible health plans, but they provide several compelling benefits. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over year after year, allowing you to accumulate savings for future medical expenses. Additionally, HSA contributions are triple tax-advantaged: contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are not taxed.


For orthodontic treatment, an HSA might be more advantageous if you're planning for long-term treatment or have a child who will need braces in the future. The ability to save and invest HSA funds means you can potentially grow your medical expense fund over time. FSAs are better suited for those who know their exact medical expenses for the year and want immediate access to funds.


Ultimately, the choice between an FSA and HSA depends on your individual financial situation, health plan, and anticipated orthodontic expenses. Consider your expected treatment timeline, annual income, and comfort with potential fund limitations when making your decision.

Additional Fees and Potential Hidden Expenses in Orthodontic Treatment

When it comes to managing healthcare expenses, choosing the right account can make a significant difference in your financial well-being. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer unique advantages, but selecting the most suitable option depends on your family's specific healthcare needs and financial situation.


First, consider your current health status and anticipated medical expenses. If you have predictable, recurring healthcare costs and are enrolled in a traditional health insurance plan, an FSA might be the better choice. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for immediate medical expenses, with the convenience of using funds throughout the year.


On the other hand, HSAs are ideal for individuals with high-deductible health plans. They offer more long-term financial benefits, including the ability to invest unused funds and roll them over year after year. This makes HSAs particularly attractive for families looking to build a healthcare nest egg for future medical needs.


Your financial flexibility is another crucial factor. FSAs typically have a "use it or lose it" policy, meaning you'll forfeit unused funds at the year's end. HSAs provide more financial breathing room, allowing you to accumulate savings over time and even use the account as an additional retirement savings vehicle.


Consider your tax situation as well. Both accounts offer tax advantages, but HSAs provide triple tax benefits: contributions are tax-deductible, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-exempt. This makes HSAs particularly appealing for those looking to maximize their tax savings.


Family size and age are also important considerations. Younger, healthier families might benefit more from an HSA's long-term savings potential, while families with more immediate medical needs might find an FSA more practical.


Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Take time to carefully assess your family's unique healthcare and financial circumstances. Compare contribution limits, eligible expenses, and potential tax benefits. Don't hesitate to consult a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.


Remember, the goal is to choose an account that not only helps you manage current medical expenses but also supports your long-term financial health and peace of mind.

A health professional, healthcare professional, or healthcare worker (sometimes abbreviated HCW)[1] is a provider of health care treatment and advice based on formal training and experience. The field includes those who work as a nurse, physician (such as family physician, internist, obstetrician, psychiatrist, radiologist, surgeon etc.), physician assistant, registered dietitian, veterinarian, veterinary technician, optometrist, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, medical assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dentist, midwife, psychologist, audiologist, or healthcare scientist, or who perform services in allied health professions. Experts in public health and community health are also health professionals.

Fields

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NY College of Health Professions massage therapy class
US Navy doctors deliver a healthy baby
70% of global health and social care workers are women, 30% of leaders in the global health sector are women

The healthcare workforce comprises a wide variety of professions and occupations who provide some type of healthcare service, including such direct care practitioners as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, dentists, pharmacists, speech-language pathologist, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical and behavior therapists, as well as allied health professionals such as phlebotomists, medical laboratory scientists, dieticians, and social workers. They often work in hospitals, healthcare centers and other service delivery points, but also in academic training, research, and administration. Some provide care and treatment services for patients in private homes. Many countries have a large number of community health workers who work outside formal healthcare institutions. Managers of healthcare services, health information technicians, and other assistive personnel and support workers are also considered a vital part of health care teams.[2]

Healthcare practitioners are commonly grouped into health professions. Within each field of expertise, practitioners are often classified according to skill level and skill specialization. "Health professionals" are highly skilled workers, in professions that usually require extensive knowledge including university-level study leading to the award of a first degree or higher qualification.[3] This category includes physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, dentists, midwives, radiographers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, optometrists, operating department practitioners and others. Allied health professionals, also referred to as "health associate professionals" in the International Standard Classification of Occupations, support implementation of health care, treatment and referral plans usually established by medical, nursing, respiratory care, and other health professionals, and usually require formal qualifications to practice their profession. In addition, unlicensed assistive personnel assist with providing health care services as permitted.[citation needed]

Another way to categorize healthcare practitioners is according to the sub-field in which they practice, such as mental health care, pregnancy and childbirth care, surgical care, rehabilitation care, or public health.[citation needed]

Mental health

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A mental health professional is a health worker who offers services to improve the mental health of individuals or treat mental illness. These include psychiatrists, psychiatry physician assistants, clinical, counseling, and school psychologists, occupational therapists, clinical social workers, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, as well as other health professionals and allied health professions. These health care providers often deal with the same illnesses, disorders, conditions, and issues; however, their scope of practice often differs. The most significant difference across categories of mental health practitioners is education and training.[4] There are many damaging effects to the health care workers. Many have had diverse negative psychological symptoms ranging from emotional trauma to very severe anxiety. Health care workers have not been treated right and because of that their mental, physical, and emotional health has been affected by it. The SAGE author's said that there were 94% of nurses that had experienced at least one PTSD after the traumatic experience. Others have experienced nightmares, flashbacks, and short and long term emotional reactions.[5] The abuse is causing detrimental effects on these health care workers. Violence is causing health care workers to have a negative attitude toward work tasks and patients, and because of that they are "feeling pressured to accept the order, dispense a product, or administer a medication".[6] Sometimes it can range from verbal to sexual to physical harassment, whether the abuser is a patient, patient's families, physician, supervisors, or nurses.[citation needed]

Obstetrics

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A maternal and newborn health practitioner is a health care expert who deals with the care of women and their children before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Such health practitioners include obstetricians, physician assistants, midwives, obstetrical nurses and many others. One of the main differences between these professions is in the training and authority to provide surgical services and other life-saving interventions.[7] In some developing countries, traditional birth attendants, or traditional midwives, are the primary source of pregnancy and childbirth care for many women and families, although they are not certified or licensed. According to research, rates for unhappiness among obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob-Gyns) range somewhere between 40 and 75 percent.[8]

Geriatrics

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A geriatric care practitioner plans and coordinates the care of the elderly and/or disabled to promote their health, improve their quality of life, and maintain their independence for as long as possible.[9] They include geriatricians, occupational therapists, physician assistants, adult-gerontology nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, geriatric clinical pharmacists, geriatric nurses, geriatric care managers, geriatric aides, nursing aides, caregivers and others who focus on the health and psychological care needs of older adults.[citation needed]

Surgery

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A surgical practitioner is a healthcare professional and expert who specializes in the planning and delivery of a patient's perioperative care, including during the anaesthetic, surgical and recovery stages. They may include general and specialist surgeons, physician assistants, assistant surgeons, surgical assistants, veterinary surgeons, veterinary technicians. anesthesiologists, anesthesiologist assistants, nurse anesthetists, surgical nurses, clinical officers, operating department practitioners, anaesthetic technicians, perioperative nurses, surgical technologists, and others.[citation needed]

Rehabilitation

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A rehabilitation care practitioner is a health worker who provides care and treatment which aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. These include physiatrists, physician assistants, rehabilitation nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, chiropractors, orthotists, prosthetists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, audiologists, speech and language pathologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation counsellors, physical rehabilitation therapists, athletic trainers, physiotherapy technicians, orthotic technicians, prosthetic technicians, personal care assistants, and others.[10]

Optometry

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Optometry is a field traditionally associated with the correction of refractive errors using glasses or contact lenses, and treating eye diseases. Optometrists also provide general eye care, including screening exams for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy and management of routine or eye conditions. Optometrists may also undergo further training in order to specialize in various fields, including glaucoma, medical retina, low vision, or paediatrics. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, Optometrists may also undergo further training in order to be able to perform some surgical procedures.

Diagnostics

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Medical diagnosis providers are health workers responsible for the process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs. It is most often referred to as diagnosis with the medical context being implicit. This usually involves a team of healthcare providers in various diagnostic units. These include radiographers, radiologists, Sonographers, medical laboratory scientists, pathologists, and related professionals.[citation needed]

Dentistry

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Dental assistant on the right supporting a dental operator on the left, during a procedure.

A dental care practitioner is a health worker and expert who provides care and treatment to promote and restore oral health. These include dentists and dental surgeons, dental assistants, dental auxiliaries, dental hygienists, dental nurses, dental technicians, dental therapists or oral health therapists, and related professionals.

Podiatry

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Care and treatment for the foot, ankle, and lower leg may be delivered by podiatrists, chiropodists, pedorthists, foot health practitioners, podiatric medical assistants, podiatric nurse and others.

Public health

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A public health practitioner focuses on improving health among individuals, families and communities through the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries, surveillance of cases, and promotion of healthy behaviors. This category includes community and preventive medicine specialists, physician assistants, public health nurses, pharmacist, clinical nurse specialists, dietitians, environmental health officers (public health inspectors), paramedics, epidemiologists, public health dentists, and others.[citation needed]

Alternative medicine

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In many societies, practitioners of alternative medicine have contact with a significant number of people, either as integrated within or remaining outside the formal health care system. These include practitioners in acupuncture, Ayurveda, herbalism, homeopathy, naturopathy, Reiki, Shamballa Reiki energy healing Archived 2021-01-25 at the Wayback Machine, Siddha medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Korean medicine, Unani, and Yoga. In some countries such as Canada, chiropractors and osteopaths (not to be confused with doctors of osteopathic medicine in the United States) are considered alternative medicine practitioners.

Occupational hazards

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A healthcare professional wears an air sampling device to investigate exposure to airborne influenza
A video describing the Occupational Health and Safety Network, a tool for monitoring occupational hazards to health care workers

The healthcare workforce faces unique health and safety challenges and is recognized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as a priority industry sector in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) to identify and provide intervention strategies regarding occupational health and safety issues.[11]

Biological hazards

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Exposure to respiratory infectious diseases like tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and influenza can be reduced with the use of respirators; this exposure is a significant occupational hazard for health care professionals.[12] Healthcare workers are also at risk for diseases that are contracted through extended contact with a patient, including scabies.[13] Health professionals are also at risk for contracting blood-borne diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS through needlestick injuries or contact with bodily fluids.[14][15] This risk can be mitigated with vaccination when there is a vaccine available, like with hepatitis B.[15] In epidemic situations, such as the 2014-2016 West African Ebola virus epidemic or the 2003 SARS outbreak, healthcare workers are at even greater risk, and were disproportionately affected in both the Ebola and SARS outbreaks.[16]

In general, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is the first-line mode of protection for healthcare workers from infectious diseases. For it to be effective against highly contagious diseases, personal protective equipment must be watertight and prevent the skin and mucous membranes from contacting infectious material. Different levels of personal protective equipment created to unique standards are used in situations where the risk of infection is different. Practices such as triple gloving and multiple respirators do not provide a higher level of protection and present a burden to the worker, who is additionally at increased risk of exposure when removing the PPE. Compliance with appropriate personal protective equipment rules may be difficult in certain situations, such as tropical environments or low-resource settings. A 2020 Cochrane systematic review found low-quality evidence that using more breathable fabric in PPE, double gloving, and active training reduce the risk of contamination but that more randomized controlled trials are needed for how best to train healthcare workers in proper PPE use.[16]

Tuberculosis screening, testing, and education

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Based on recommendations from The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for TB screening and testing the following best practices should be followed when hiring and employing Health Care Personnel.[17]

When hiring Health Care Personnel, the applicant should complete the following:[18] a TB risk assessment,[19] a TB symptom evaluation for at least those listed on the Signs & Symptoms page,[20] a TB test in accordance with the guidelines for Testing for TB Infection,[21] and additional evaluation for TB disease as needed (e.g. chest x-ray for HCP with a positive TB test)[18] The CDC recommends either a blood test, also known as an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), or a skin test, also known as a Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST).[21] A TB blood test for baseline testing does not require two-step testing. If the skin test method is used to test HCP upon hire, then two-step testing should be used. A one-step test is not recommended.[18]

The CDC has outlined further specifics on recommended testing for several scenarios.[22] In summary:

  1. Previous documented positive skin test (TST) then a further TST is not recommended
  2. Previous documented negative TST within 12 months before employment OR at least two documented negative TSTs ever then a single TST is recommended
  3. All other scenarios, with the exception of programs using blood tests, the recommended testing is a two-step TST

According to these recommended testing guidelines any two negative TST results within 12 months of each other constitute a two-step TST.

For annual screening, testing, and education, the only recurring requirement for all HCP is to receive TB education annually.[18] While the CDC offers education materials, there is not a well defined requirement as to what constitutes a satisfactory annual education. Annual TB testing is no longer recommended unless there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission at a healthcare facility. Should an HCP be considered at increased occupational risk for TB annual screening may be considered. For HCP with a documented history of a positive TB test result do not need to be re-tested but should instead complete a TB symptom evaluation. It is assumed that any HCP who has undergone a chest x-ray test has had a previous positive test result. When considering mental health you may see your doctor to be evaluated at your digression. It is recommended to see someone at least once a year in order to make sure that there has not been any sudden changes.[23]

Psychosocial hazards

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Occupational stress and occupational burnout are highly prevalent among health professionals.[24] Some studies suggest that workplace stress is pervasive in the health care industry because of inadequate staffing levels, long work hours, exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous substances leading to illness or death, and in some countries threat of malpractice litigation. Other stressors include the emotional labor of caring for ill people and high patient loads. The consequences of this stress can include substance abuse, suicide, major depressive disorder, and anxiety, all of which occur at higher rates in health professionals than the general working population. Elevated levels of stress are also linked to high rates of burnout, absenteeism and diagnostic errors, and reduced rates of patient satisfaction.[25] In Canada, a national report (Canada's Health Care Providers) also indicated higher rates of absenteeism due to illness or disability among health care workers compared to the rest of the working population, although those working in health care reported similar levels of good health and fewer reports of being injured at work.[26]

There is some evidence that cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training and therapy (including meditation and massage), and modifying schedules can reduce stress and burnout among multiple sectors of health care providers. Research is ongoing in this area, especially with regards to physicians, whose occupational stress and burnout is less researched compared to other health professions.[27]

Healthcare workers are at higher risk of on-the-job injury due to violence. Drunk, confused, and hostile patients and visitors are a continual threat to providers attempting to treat patients. Frequently, assault and violence in a healthcare setting goes unreported and is wrongly assumed to be part of the job.[28] Violent incidents typically occur during one-on-one care; being alone with patients increases healthcare workers' risk of assault.[29] In the United States, healthcare workers experience 23 of nonfatal workplace violence incidents.[28] Psychiatric units represent the highest proportion of violent incidents, at 40%; they are followed by geriatric units (20%) and the emergency department (10%). Workplace violence can also cause psychological trauma.[29]

Health care professionals are also likely to experience sleep deprivation due to their jobs. Many health care professionals are on a shift work schedule, and therefore experience misalignment of their work schedule and their circadian rhythm. In 2007, 32% of healthcare workers were found to get fewer than 6 hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation also predisposes healthcare professionals to make mistakes that may potentially endanger a patient.[30]

COVID pandemic

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Especially in times like the present (2020), the hazards of health professional stem into the mental health. Research from the last few months highlights that COVID-19 has contributed greatly  to the degradation of mental health in healthcare providers. This includes, but is not limited to, anxiety, depression/burnout, and insomnia.[citation needed]

A study done by Di Mattei et al. (2020) revealed that 12.63% of COVID nurses and 16.28% of other COVID healthcare workers reported extremely severe anxiety symptoms at the peak of the pandemic.[31] In addition, another study was conducted on 1,448 full time employees in Japan. The participants were surveyed at baseline in March 2020 and then again in May 2020. The result of the study showed that psychological distress and anxiety had increased more among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.[32]

Similarly, studies have also shown that following the pandemic, at least one in five healthcare professionals report symptoms of anxiety.[33] Specifically, the aspect of "anxiety was assessed in 12 studies, with a pooled prevalence of 23.2%" following COVID.[33] When considering all 1,448 participants that percentage makes up about 335 people.

Abuse by patients

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  • The patients are selecting victims who are more vulnerable. For example, Cho said that these would be the nurses that are lacking experience or trying to get used to their new roles at work.[34]
  • Others authors that agree with this are Vento, Cainelli, & Vallone and they said that, the reason patients have caused danger to health care workers is because of insufficient communication between them, long waiting lines, and overcrowding in waiting areas.[35] When patients are intrusive and/or violent toward the faculty, this makes the staff question what they should do about taking care of a patient.
  • There have been many incidents from patients that have really caused some health care workers to be traumatized and have so much self doubt. Goldblatt and other authors  said that there was a lady who was giving birth, her husband said, "Who is in charge around here"? "Who are these sluts you employ here".[5]  This was very avoidable to have been said to the people who are taking care of your wife and child.

Physical and chemical hazards

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Slips, trips, and falls are the second-most common cause of worker's compensation claims in the US and cause 21% of work absences due to injury. These injuries most commonly result in strains and sprains; women, those older than 45, and those who have been working less than a year in a healthcare setting are at the highest risk.[36]

An epidemiological study published in 2018 examined the hearing status of noise-exposed health care and social assistance (HSA) workers sector to estimate and compare the prevalence of hearing loss by subsector within the sector. Most of the HSA subsector prevalence estimates ranged from 14% to 18%, but the Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories subsector had 31% prevalence and the Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners had a 24% prevalence. The Child Day Care Services subsector also had a 52% higher risk than the reference industry.[37]

Exposure to hazardous drugs, including those for chemotherapy, is another potential occupational risk. These drugs can cause cancer and other health conditions.[38]

Gender factors

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Female health care workers may face specific types of workplace-related health conditions and stress. According to the World Health Organization, women predominate in the formal health workforce in many countries and are prone to musculoskeletal injury (caused by physically demanding job tasks such as lifting and moving patients) and burnout. Female health workers are exposed to hazardous drugs and chemicals in the workplace which may cause adverse reproductive outcomes such as spontaneous abortion and congenital malformations. In some contexts, female health workers are also subject to gender-based violence from coworkers and patients.[39][40]

 

Workforce shortages

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Many jurisdictions report shortfalls in the number of trained health human resources to meet population health needs and/or service delivery targets, especially in medically underserved areas. For example, in the United States, the 2010 federal budget invested $330 million to increase the number of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and dentists practicing in areas of the country experiencing shortages of trained health professionals. The Budget expands loan repayment programs for physicians, nurses, and dentists who agree to practice in medically underserved areas. This funding will enhance the capacity of nursing schools to increase the number of nurses. It will also allow states to increase access to oral health care through dental workforce development grants. The Budget's new resources will sustain the expansion of the health care workforce funded in the Recovery Act.[41] There were 15.7 million health care professionals in the US as of 2011.[36]

In Canada, the 2011 federal budget announced a Canada Student Loan forgiveness program to encourage and support new family physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses to practice in underserved rural or remote communities of the country, including communities that provide health services to First Nations and Inuit populations.[42]

In Uganda, the Ministry of Health reports that as many as 50% of staffing positions for health workers in rural and underserved areas remain vacant. As of early 2011, the Ministry was conducting research and costing analyses to determine the most appropriate attraction and retention packages for medical officers, nursing officers, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians in the country's rural areas.[43]

At the international level, the World Health Organization estimates a shortage of almost 4.3 million doctors, midwives, nurses, and support workers worldwide to meet target coverage levels of essential primary health care interventions.[44] The shortage is reported most severe in 57 of the poorest countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nurses are the most common type of medical field worker to face shortages around the world. There are numerous reasons that the nursing shortage occurs globally. Some include: inadequate pay, a large percentage of working nurses are over the age of 45 and are nearing retirement age, burnout, and lack of recognition.[45]

Incentive programs have been put in place to aid in the deficit of pharmacists and pharmacy students. The reason for the shortage of pharmacy students is unknown but one can infer that it is due to the level of difficulty in the program.[46]

Results of nursing staff shortages can cause unsafe staffing levels that lead to poor patient care. Five or more incidents that occur per day in a hospital setting as a result of nurses who do not receive adequate rest or meal breaks is a common issue.[47]

Regulation and registration

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Practicing without a license that is valid and current is typically illegal. In most jurisdictions, the provision of health care services is regulated by the government. Individuals found to be providing medical, nursing or other professional services without the appropriate certification or license may face sanctions and criminal charges leading to a prison term. The number of professions subject to regulation, requisites for individuals to receive professional licensure, and nature of sanctions that can be imposed for failure to comply vary across jurisdictions.

In the United States, under Michigan state laws, an individual is guilty of a felony if identified as practicing in the health profession without a valid personal license or registration. Health professionals can also be imprisoned if found guilty of practicing beyond the limits allowed by their licenses and registration. The state laws define the scope of practice for medicine, nursing, and a number of allied health professions.[48][unreliable source?] In Florida, practicing medicine without the appropriate license is a crime classified as a third degree felony,[49] which may give imprisonment up to five years. Practicing a health care profession without a license which results in serious bodily injury classifies as a second degree felony,[49] providing up to 15 years' imprisonment.

In the United Kingdom, healthcare professionals are regulated by the state; the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) protects the 'title' of each profession it regulates. For example, it is illegal for someone to call himself an Occupational Therapist or Radiographer if they are not on the register held by the HCPC.

See also

[edit]
  • List of healthcare occupations
  • Community health center
  • Chronic care management
  • Electronic superbill
  • Geriatric care management
  • Health human resources
  • Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "HCWs With Long COVID Report Doubt, Disbelief From Colleagues". Medscape. 29 November 2021.
  2. ^ World Health Organization, 2006. World Health Report 2006: working together for health. Geneva: WHO.
  3. ^ "Classifying health workers" (PDF). World Health Organization. Geneva. 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-08-16. Retrieved 2016-02-13.
  4. ^ "Difference Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists". Psychology.about.com. 2007. Archived from the original on April 3, 2007. Retrieved March 4, 2007.
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  6. ^ Johnson, Cheryl L.; DeMass Martin, Suzanne L.; Markle-Elder, Sara (April 2007). "Stopping Verbal Abuse in the Workplace". American Journal of Nursing. 107 (4): 32–34. doi:10.1097/01.naj.0000271177.59574.c5. ISSN 0002-936X. PMID 17413727.
  7. ^ Gupta N et al. "Human resources for maternal, newborn and child health: from measurement and planning to performance for improved health outcomes. Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine Human Resources for Health, 2011, 9(16). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  8. ^ "Ob-Gyn Burnout: Why So Many Doctors Are Questioning Their Calling". healthecareers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  9. ^ Araujo de Carvalho, Islene; Epping-Jordan, JoAnne; Pot, Anne Margriet; Kelley, Edward; Toro, Nuria; Thiyagarajan, Jotheeswaran A; Beard, John R (2017-11-01). "Organizing integrated health-care services to meet older people's needs". Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 95 (11): 756–763. doi:10.2471/BLT.16.187617 (inactive 5 December 2024). ISSN 0042-9686. PMC 5677611. PMID 29147056.cite journal: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of December 2024 (link)
  10. ^ Gupta N et al. "Health-related rehabilitation services: assessing the global supply of and need for human resources." Archived 2012-07-20 at the Wayback Machine BMC Health Services Research, 2011, 11:276. Published 17 October 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  11. ^ "National Occupational Research Agenda for Healthcare and Social Assistance | NIOSH | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2019-02-15. Retrieved 2019-03-14.
  12. ^ Bergman, Michael; Zhuang, Ziqing; Shaffer, Ronald E. (25 July 2013). "Advanced Headforms for Evaluating Respirator Fit". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Archived from the original on 16 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  13. ^ FitzGerald, Deirdre; Grainger, Rachel J.; Reid, Alex (2014). "Interventions for preventing the spread of infestation in close contacts of people with scabies". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014 (2): CD009943. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009943.pub2. ISSN 1469-493X. PMC 10819104. PMID 24566946.
  14. ^ Cunningham, Thomas; Burnett, Garrett (17 May 2013). "Does your workplace culture help protect you from hepatitis?". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Archived from the original on 18 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  15. ^ a b Reddy, Viraj K; Lavoie, Marie-Claude; Verbeek, Jos H; Pahwa, Manisha (14 November 2017). "Devices for preventing percutaneous exposure injuries caused by needles in healthcare personnel". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 (11): CD009740. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009740.pub3. PMC 6491125. PMID 29190036.
  16. ^ a b Verbeek, Jos H.; Rajamaki, Blair; Ijaz, Sharea; Sauni, Riitta; Toomey, Elaine; Blackwood, Bronagh; Tikka, Christina; Ruotsalainen, Jani H.; Kilinc Balci, F. Selcen (May 15, 2020). "Personal protective equipment for preventing highly infectious diseases due to exposure to contaminated body fluids in healthcare staff". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020 (5): CD011621. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011621.pub5. hdl:1983/b7069408-3bf6-457a-9c6f-ecc38c00ee48. ISSN 1469-493X. PMC 8785899. PMID 32412096. S2CID 218649177.
  17. ^ Sosa, Lynn E. (April 2, 2019). "Tuberculosis Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health Care Personnel: Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC, 2019". MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 68 (19): 439–443. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6819a3. PMC 6522077. PMID 31099768.
  18. ^ a b c d "Testing Health Care Workers | Testing & Diagnosis | TB | CDC". www.cdc.gov. March 8, 2021.
  19. ^ "Health Care Personnel (HCP) Baseline Individual TB Risk Assessment" (PDF). cdc.gov. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  20. ^ "Signs & Symptoms | Basic TB Facts | TB | CDC". www.cdc.gov. February 4, 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Testing for TB Infection | Testing & Diagnosis | TB | CDC". www.cdc.gov. March 8, 2021.
  22. ^ "Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005". www.cdc.gov.
  23. ^ Spoorthy, Mamidipalli Sai; Pratapa, Sree Karthik; Mahant, Supriya (June 2020). "Mental health problems faced by healthcare workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic–A review". Asian Journal of Psychiatry. 51: 102119. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102119. PMC 7175897. PMID 32339895.
  24. ^ Ruotsalainen, Jani H.; Verbeek, Jos H.; Mariné, Albert; Serra, Consol (2015-04-07). "Preventing occupational stress in healthcare workers". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015 (4): CD002892. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002892.pub5. ISSN 1469-493X. PMC 6718215. PMID 25847433.
  25. ^ "Exposure to Stress: Occupational Hazards in Hospitals". NIOSH Publication No. 2008–136 (July 2008). 2 December 2008. doi:10.26616/NIOSHPUB2008136. Archived from the original on 12 December 2008.
  26. ^ Canada's Health Care Providers, 2007 (Report). Ottawa: Canadian Institute for Health Information. 2007. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27.
  27. ^ Ruotsalainen, JH; Verbeek, JH; Mariné, A; Serra, C (7 April 2015). "Preventing occupational stress in healthcare workers". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015 (4): CD002892. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002892.pub5. PMC 6718215. PMID 25847433.
  28. ^ a b Hartley, Dan; Ridenour, Marilyn (12 August 2013). "Free On-line Violence Prevention Training for Nurses". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Archived from the original on 16 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  29. ^ a b Hartley, Dan; Ridenour, Marilyn (September 13, 2011). "Workplace Violence in the Healthcare Setting". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH. Archived from the original on February 8, 2014.
  30. ^ Caruso, Claire C. (August 2, 2012). "Running on Empty: Fatigue and Healthcare Professionals". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH. Archived from the original on May 11, 2013.
  31. ^ Di Mattei, Valentina; Perego, Gaia; Milano, Francesca; Mazzetti, Martina; Taranto, Paola; Di Pierro, Rossella; De Panfilis, Chiara; Madeddu, Fabio; Preti, Emanuele (2021-05-15). "The "Healthcare Workers' Wellbeing (Benessere Operatori)" Project: A Picture of the Mental Health Conditions of Italian Healthcare Workers during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18 (10): 5267. doi:10.3390/ijerph18105267. ISSN 1660-4601. PMC 8156728. PMID 34063421.
  32. ^ Sasaki, Natsu; Kuroda, Reiko; Tsuno, Kanami; Kawakami, Norito (2020-11-01). "The deterioration of mental health among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak: A population-based cohort study of workers in Japan". Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. 46 (6): 639–644. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3922. ISSN 0355-3140. PMC 7737801. PMID 32905601.
  33. ^ a b Pappa, Sofia; Ntella, Vasiliki; Giannakas, Timoleon; Giannakoulis, Vassilis G.; Papoutsi, Eleni; Katsaounou, Paraskevi (August 2020). "Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis". Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 88: 901–907. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.026. PMC 7206431. PMID 32437915.
  34. ^ Cho, Hyeonmi; Pavek, Katie; Steege, Linsey (2020-07-22). "Workplace verbal abuse, nurse-reported quality of care and patient safety outcomes among early-career hospital nurses". Journal of Nursing Management. 28 (6): 1250–1258. doi:10.1111/jonm.13071. ISSN 0966-0429. PMID 32564407. S2CID 219972442.
  35. ^ Vento, Sandro; Cainelli, Francesca; Vallone, Alfredo (2020-09-18). "Violence Against Healthcare Workers: A Worldwide Phenomenon With Serious Consequences". Frontiers in Public Health. 8: 570459. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.570459. ISSN 2296-2565. PMC 7531183. PMID 33072706.
  36. ^ a b Collins, James W.; Bell, Jennifer L. (June 11, 2012). "Slipping, Tripping, and Falling at Work". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH. Archived from the original on December 3, 2012.
  37. ^ Masterson, Elizabeth A.; Themann, Christa L.; Calvert, Geoffrey M. (2018-04-15). "Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among Noise-Exposed Workers Within the Health Care and Social Assistance Sector, 2003 to 2012". Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 60 (4): 350–356. doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000001214. ISSN 1076-2752. PMID 29111986. S2CID 4637417.
  38. ^ Connor, Thomas H. (March 7, 2011). "Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012.
  39. ^ World Health Organization. Women and health: today's evidence, tomorrow's agenda. Archived 2012-12-25 at the Wayback Machine Geneva, 2009. Retrieved on March 9, 2011.
  40. ^ Swanson, Naomi; Tisdale-Pardi, Julie; MacDonald, Leslie; Tiesman, Hope M. (13 May 2013). "Women's Health at Work". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Archived from the original on 18 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  41. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget. Retrieved 2009-03-06 – via National Archives.
  42. ^ Government of Canada. 2011. Canada's Economic Action Plan: Forgiving Loans for New Doctors and Nurses in Under-Served Rural and Remote Areas. Ottawa, 22 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  43. ^ Rockers P et al. Determining Priority Retention Packages to Attract and Retain Health Workers in Rural and Remote Areas in Uganda. Archived 2011-05-23 at the Wayback Machine CapacityPlus Project. February 2011.
  44. ^ "The World Health Report 2006 - Working together for health". Geneva: WHO: World Health Organization. 2006. Archived from the original on 2011-02-28.
  45. ^ Mefoh, Philip Chukwuemeka; Ude, Eze Nsi; Chukwuorji, JohBosco Chika (2019-01-02). "Age and burnout syndrome in nursing professionals: moderating role of emotion-focused coping". Psychology, Health & Medicine. 24 (1): 101–107. doi:10.1080/13548506.2018.1502457. ISSN 1354-8506. PMID 30095287. S2CID 51954488.
  46. ^ Traynor, Kate (2003-09-15). "Staffing shortages plague nation's pharmacy schools". American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 60 (18): 1822–1824. doi:10.1093/ajhp/60.18.1822. ISSN 1079-2082. PMID 14521029.
  47. ^ Leslie, G. D. (October 2008). "Critical Staffing shortage". Australian Nursing Journal. 16 (4): 16–17. doi:10.1016/s1036-7314(05)80033-5. ISSN 1036-7314. PMID 14692155.
  48. ^ wiki.bmezine.com --> Practicing Medicine. In turn citing Michigan laws
  49. ^ a b CHAPTER 2004-256 Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 1118 Archived 2011-07-23 at the Wayback Machine State of Florida, Department of State.
[edit]
  • World Health Organization: Health workers

 

Orthodontics
Connecting the arch-wire on brackets with wire
Occupation
Names Orthodontist
Occupation type
Specialty
Activity sectors
Dentistry
Description
Education required
Dental degree, specialty training
Fields of
employment
Private practices, hospitals

Orthodontics[a][b] is a dentistry specialty that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, management, and correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws, as well as misaligned bite patterns.[2] It may also address the modification of facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics.

Abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaws is very common. The approximate worldwide prevalence of malocclusion was as high as 56%.[3] However, conclusive scientific evidence for the health benefits of orthodontic treatment is lacking, although patients with completed treatment have reported a higher quality of life than that of untreated patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.[4][5] The main reason for the prevalence of these malocclusions is diets with less fresh fruit and vegetables and overall softer foods in childhood, causing smaller jaws with less room for the teeth to erupt.[6] Treatment may require several months to a few years and entails using dental braces and other appliances to gradually adjust tooth position and jaw alignment. In cases where the malocclusion is severe, jaw surgery may be incorporated into the treatment plan. Treatment usually begins before a person reaches adulthood, insofar as pre-adult bones may be adjusted more easily before adulthood.

History

[edit]

Though it was rare until the Industrial Revolution,[7] there is evidence of the issue of overcrowded, irregular, and protruding teeth afflicting individuals. Evidence from Greek and Etruscan materials suggests that attempts to treat this disorder date back to 1000 BC, showcasing primitive yet impressively well-crafted orthodontic appliances. In the 18th and 19th centuries, a range of devices for the "regulation" of teeth were described by various dentistry authors who occasionally put them into practice.[8] As a modern science, orthodontics dates back to the mid-1800s.[9] The field's influential contributors include Norman William Kingsley[9] (1829–1913) and Edward Angle[10] (1855–1930). Angle created the first basic system for classifying malocclusions, a system that remains in use today.[9]

Beginning in the mid-1800s, Norman Kingsley published Oral Deformities, which is now credited as one of the first works to begin systematically documenting orthodontics. Being a major presence in American dentistry during the latter half of the 19th century, not only was Kingsley one of the early users of extraoral force to correct protruding teeth, but he was also one of the pioneers for treating cleft palates and associated issues. During the era of orthodontics under Kingsley and his colleagues, the treatment was focused on straightening teeth and creating facial harmony. Ignoring occlusal relationships, it was typical to remove teeth for a variety of dental issues, such as malalignment or overcrowding. The concept of an intact dentition was not widely appreciated in those days, making bite correlations seem irrelevant.[8]

In the late 1800s, the concept of occlusion was essential for creating reliable prosthetic replacement teeth. This idea was further refined and ultimately applied in various ways when dealing with healthy dental structures as well. As these concepts of prosthetic occlusion progressed, it became an invaluable tool for dentistry.[8]

It was in 1890 that the work and impact of Dr. Edwards H. Angle began to be felt, with his contribution to modern orthodontics particularly noteworthy. Initially focused on prosthodontics, he taught in Pennsylvania and Minnesota before directing his attention towards dental occlusion and the treatments needed to maintain it as a normal condition, thus becoming known as the "father of modern orthodontics".[8]

By the beginning of the 20th century, orthodontics had become more than just the straightening of crooked teeth. The concept of ideal occlusion, as postulated by Angle and incorporated into a classification system, enabled a shift towards treating malocclusion, which is any deviation from normal occlusion.[8] Having a full set of teeth on both arches was highly sought after in orthodontic treatment due to the need for exact relationships between them. Extraction as an orthodontic procedure was heavily opposed by Angle and those who followed him. As occlusion became the key priority, facial proportions and aesthetics were neglected. To achieve ideal occlusals without using external forces, Angle postulated that having perfect occlusion was the best way to gain optimum facial aesthetics.[8]

With the passing of time, it became quite evident that even an exceptional occlusion was not suitable when considered from an aesthetic point of view. Not only were there issues related to aesthetics, but it usually proved impossible to keep a precise occlusal relationship achieved by forcing teeth together over extended durations with the use of robust elastics, something Angle and his students had previously suggested. Charles Tweed[11] in America and Raymond Begg[12] in Australia (who both studied under Angle) re-introduced dentistry extraction into orthodontics during the 1940s and 1950s so they could improve facial esthetics while also ensuring better stability concerning occlusal relationships.[13]

In the postwar period, cephalometric radiography[14] started to be used by orthodontists for measuring changes in tooth and jaw position caused by growth and treatment.[15] The x-rays showed that many Class II and III malocclusions were due to improper jaw relations as opposed to misaligned teeth. It became evident that orthodontic therapy could adjust mandibular development, leading to the formation of functional jaw orthopedics in Europe and extraoral force measures in the US. These days, both functional appliances and extraoral devices are applied around the globe with the aim of amending growth patterns and forms. Consequently, pursuing true, or at least improved, jaw relationships had become the main objective of treatment by the mid-20th century.[8]

At the beginning of the twentieth century, orthodontics was in need of an upgrade. The American Journal of Orthodontics was created for this purpose in 1915; before it, there were no scientific objectives to follow, nor any precise classification system and brackets that lacked features.[16]

Until the mid-1970s, braces were made by wrapping metal around each tooth.[9] With advancements in adhesives, it became possible to instead bond metal brackets to the teeth.[9]

In 1972, Lawrence F. Andrews gave an insightful definition of the ideal occlusion in permanent teeth. This has had meaningful effects on orthodontic treatments that are administered regularly,[16] and these are: 1. Correct interarchal relationships 2. Correct crown angulation (tip) 3. Correct crown inclination (torque) 4. No rotations 5. Tight contact points 6. Flat Curve of Spee (0.0–2.5 mm),[17] and based on these principles, he discovered a treatment system called the straight-wire appliance system, or the pre-adjusted edgewise system. Introduced in 1976, Larry Andrews' pre-adjusted edgewise appliance, more commonly known as the straight wire appliance, has since revolutionized fixed orthodontic treatment. The advantage of the design lies in its bracket and archwire combination, which requires only minimal wire bending from the orthodontist or clinician. It's aptly named after this feature: the angle of the slot and thickness of the bracket base ultimately determine where each tooth is situated with little need for extra manipulation.[18][19][20]

Prior to the invention of a straight wire appliance, orthodontists were utilizing a non-programmed standard edgewise fixed appliance system, or Begg's pin and tube system. Both of these systems employed identical brackets for each tooth and necessitated the bending of an archwire in three planes for locating teeth in their desired positions, with these bends dictating ultimate placements.[18]

Evolution of the current orthodontic appliances

[edit]

When it comes to orthodontic appliances, they are divided into two types: removable and fixed. Removable appliances can be taken on and off by the patient as required. On the other hand, fixed appliances cannot be taken off as they remain bonded to the teeth during treatment.

Fixed appliances

[edit]

Fixed orthodontic appliances are predominantly derived from the edgewise appliance approach, which typically begins with round wires before transitioning to rectangular archwires for improving tooth alignment. These rectangluar wires promote precision in the positioning of teeth following initial treatment. In contrast to the Begg appliance, which was based solely on round wires and auxiliary springs, the Tip-Edge system emerged in the early 21st century. This innovative technology allowed for the utilization of rectangular archwires to precisely control tooth movement during the finishing stages after initial treatment with round wires. Thus, almost all modern fixed appliances can be considered variations on this edgewise appliance system.

Early 20th-century orthodontist Edward Angle made a major contribution to the world of dentistry. He created four distinct appliance systems that have been used as the basis for many orthodontic treatments today, barring a few exceptions. They are E-arch, pin and tube, ribbon arch, and edgewise systems.

E-arch

[edit]

Edward H. Angle made a significant contribution to the dental field when he released the 7th edition of his book in 1907, which outlined his theories and detailed his technique. This approach was founded upon the iconic "E-Arch" or 'the-arch' shape as well as inter-maxillary elastics.[21] This device was different from any other appliance of its period as it featured a rigid framework to which teeth could be tied effectively in order to recreate an arch form that followed pre-defined dimensions.[22] Molars were fitted with braces, and a powerful labial archwire was positioned around the arch. The wire ended in a thread, and to move it forward, an adjustable nut was used, which allowed for an increase in circumference. By ligation, each individual tooth was attached to this expansive archwire.[8]

Pin and tube appliance

[edit]

Due to its limited range of motion, Angle was unable to achieve precise tooth positioning with an E-arch. In order to bypass this issue, he started using bands on other teeth combined with a vertical tube for each individual tooth. These tubes held a soldered pin, which could be repositioned at each appointment in order to move them in place.[8] Dubbed the "bone-growing appliance", this contraption was theorized to encourage healthier bone growth due to its potential for transferring force directly to the roots.[23] However, implementing it proved troublesome in reality.

Ribbon arch

[edit]

Realizing that the pin and tube appliance was not easy to control, Angle developed a better option, the ribbon arch, which was much simpler to use. Most of its components were already prepared by the manufacturer, so it was significantly easier to manage than before. In order to attach the ribbon arch, the occlusal area of the bracket was opened. Brackets were only added to eight incisors and mandibular canines, as it would be impossible to insert the arch into both horizontal molar tubes and the vertical brackets of adjacent premolars. This lack of understanding posed a considerable challenge to dental professionals; they were unable to make corrections to an excessive Spee curve in bicuspid teeth.[24] Despite the complexity of the situation, it was necessary for practitioners to find a resolution. Unparalleled to its counterparts, what made the ribbon arch instantly popular was that its archwire had remarkable spring qualities and could be utilized to accurately align teeth that were misaligned. However, a major drawback of this device was its inability to effectively control root position since it did not have enough resilience to generate the torque movements required for setting roots in their new place.[8]

Edgewise appliance

[edit]

In an effort to rectify the issues with the ribbon arch, Angle shifted the orientation of its slot from vertical, instead making it horizontal. In addition, he swapped out the wire and replaced it with a precious metal wire that was rotated by 90 degrees in relation—henceforth known as Edgewise.[25] Following extensive trials, it was concluded that dimensions of 22 × 28 mils were optimal for obtaining excellent control over crown and root positioning across all three planes of space.[26] After debuting in 1928, this appliance quickly became one of the mainstays for multibanded fixed therapy, although ribbon arches continued to be utilized for another decade or so beyond this point too.[8]

Labiolingual

[edit]

Prior to Angle, the idea of fitting attachments on individual teeth had not been thought of, and in his lifetime, his concern for precisely positioning each tooth was not highly appraised. In addition to using fingersprings for repositioning teeth with a range of removable devices, two main appliance systems were very popular in the early part of the 20th century. Labiolingual appliances use bands on the first molars joined with heavy lingual and labial archwires affixed with soldered fingersprings to shift single teeth.

Twin wire

[edit]

Utilizing bands around both incisors and molars, a twin-wire appliance was designed to provide alignment between these teeth. Constructed with two 10-mil steel archwires, its delicate features were safeguarded by lengthy tubes stretching from molars towards canines. Despite its efforts, it had limited capacity for movement without further modifications, rendering it obsolete in modern orthodontic practice.

Begg's Appliance

[edit]

Returning to Australia in the 1920s, the renowned orthodontist, Raymond Begg, applied his knowledge of ribbon arch appliances, which he had learned from the Angle School. On top of this, Begg recognized that extracting teeth was sometimes vital for successful outcomes and sought to modify the ribbon arch appliance to provide more control when dealing with root positioning. In the late 1930s, Begg developed his adaptation of the appliance, which took three forms. Firstly, a high-strength 16-mil round stainless steel wire replaced the original precious metal ribbon arch. Secondly, he kept the same ribbon arch bracket but inverted it so that it pointed toward the gums instead of away from them. Lastly, auxiliary springs were added to control root movement. This resulted in what would come to be known as the Begg Appliance. With this design, friction was decreased since contact between wire and bracket was minimal, and binding was minimized due to tipping and uprighting being used for anchorage control, which lessened contact angles between wires and corners of the bracket.

Tip-Edge System

[edit]

Begg's influence is still seen in modern appliances, such as Tip-Edge brackets. This type of bracket incorporates a rectangular slot cutaway on one side to allow for crown tipping with no incisal deflection of an archwire, allowing teeth to be tipped during space closure and then uprighted through auxiliary springs or even a rectangular wire for torque purposes in finishing. At the initial stages of treatment, small-diameter steel archwires should be used when working with Tip-Edge brackets.

Contemporary edgewise systems

[edit]

Throughout time, there has been a shift in which appliances are favored by dentists. In particular, during the 1960s, when it was introduced, the Begg appliance gained wide popularity due to its efficiency compared to edgewise appliances of that era; it could produce the same results with less investment on the dentist's part. Nevertheless, since then, there have been advances in technology and sophistication in edgewise appliances, which led to the opposite conclusion: nowadays, edgewise appliances are more efficient than the Begg appliance, thus explaining why it is commonly used.

Automatic rotational control

[edit]

At the beginning, Angle attached eyelets to the edges of archwires so that they could be held with ligatures and help manage rotations. Now, however, no extra ligature is needed due to either twin brackets or single brackets that have added wings touching underneath the wire (Lewis or Lang brackets). Both types of brackets simplify the process of obtaining moments that control movements along a particular plane of space.

Alteration in bracket slot dimensions

[edit]

In modern dentistry, two types of edgewise appliances exist: the 18- and 22-slot varieties. While these appliances are used differently, the introduction of a 20-slot device with more precise features has been considered but not pursued yet.[27]

Straight-wire bracket prescriptions

[edit]

Rather than rely on the same bracket for all teeth, L.F. Andrews found a way to make different brackets for each tooth in the 1980s, thanks to the increased convenience of bonding.[28] This adjustment enabled him to avoid having multiple bends in archwires that would have been needed to make up for variations in tooth anatomy. Ultimately, this led to what was termed a "straight-wire appliance" system – an edgewise appliance that greatly enhanced its efficiency.[29] The modern edgewise appliance has slightly different construction than the original one. Instead of relying on faciolingual bends to accommodate variations among teeth, each bracket has a correspondingly varying base thickness depending on the tooth it is intended for. However, due to individual differences between teeth, this does not completely eliminate the need for compensating bends.[30] Accurately placing the roots of many teeth requires angling brackets in relation to the long axis of the tooth. Traditionally, this mesiodistal root positioning necessitated using second-order, or tip, bends along the archwire. However, angling the bracket or bracket slot eliminates this need for bends.

Given the discrepancies in inclination of facial surfaces across individual teeth, placing a twist, otherwise known as third-order or torque bends, into segments of each rectangular archwire was initially required with the edgewise appliance. These bends were necessary for all patients and wires, not just to avoid any unintentional movement of suitably placed teeth or when moving roots facially or lingually. Angulation of either brackets or slots can minimize the need for second-order or tip bends on archwires. Contemporary edgewise appliances come with brackets designed to adjust for any facial inclinations, thereby eliminating or reducing any third-order bends. These brackets already have angulation and torque values built in so that each rectangluar archwire can be contorted to form a custom fit without inadvertently shifting any correctly positioned teeth. Without bracket angulation and torque, second-order or tip bends would still be required on each patient's archwire.

Methods

[edit]
Upper and lower jaw functional expanders

A typical treatment for incorrectly positioned teeth (malocclusion) takes from one to two years, with braces being adjusted every four to 10 weeks by orthodontists,[31] while university-trained dental specialists are versed in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists offer a wide range of treatment options to straighten crooked teeth, fix irregular bites, and align the jaws correctly.[32] There are many ways to adjust malocclusion. In growing patients, there are more options to treat skeletal discrepancies, either by promoting or restricting growth using functional appliances, orthodontic headgear, or a reverse pull facemask. Most orthodontic work begins in the early permanent dentition stage before skeletal growth is completed. If skeletal growth has completed, jaw surgery is an option. Sometimes teeth are extracted to aid the orthodontic treatment (teeth are extracted in about half of all the cases, most commonly the premolars).[33]

Orthodontic therapy may include the use of fixed or removable appliances. Most orthodontic therapy is delivered using appliances that are fixed in place,[34] for example, braces that are adhesively bonded to the teeth. Fixed appliances may provide greater mechanical control of the teeth; optimal treatment outcomes are improved by using fixed appliances.

Fixed appliances may be used, for example, to rotate teeth if they do not fit the arch shape of the other teeth in the mouth, to adjust multiple teeth to different places, to change the tooth angle of teeth, or to change the position of a tooth's root. This treatment course is not preferred where a patient has poor oral hygiene, as decalcification, tooth decay, or other complications may result. If a patient is unmotivated (insofar as treatment takes several months and requires commitment to oral hygiene), or if malocclusions are mild.

The biology of tooth movement and how advances in gene therapy and molecular biology technology may shape the future of orthodontic treatment.[35]

Braces

[edit]
Dental braces

Braces are usually placed on the front side of the teeth, but they may also be placed on the side facing the tongue (called lingual braces). Brackets made out of stainless steel or porcelain are bonded to the center of the teeth using an adhesive. Wires are placed in a slot in the brackets, which allows for controlled movement in all three dimensions.

Apart from wires, forces can be applied using elastic bands,[36] and springs may be used to push teeth apart or to close a gap. Several teeth may be tied together with ligatures, and different kinds of hooks can be placed to allow for connecting an elastic band.[37][36]

Clear aligners are an alternative to braces, but insufficient evidence exists to determine their effectiveness.[38]

Treatment duration

[edit]

The time required for braces varies from person to person as it depends on the severity of the problem, the amount of room available, the distance the teeth must travel, the health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone, and how closely the patient follows instructions. On average, however, once the braces are put on, they usually remain in place for one to three years. After braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer all the time for the first six months, then only during sleep for many years.[39]

Headgear

[edit]

Orthodontic headgear, sometimes referred to as an "extra-oral appliance", is a treatment approach that requires the patient to have a device strapped onto their head to help correct malocclusion—typically used when the teeth do not align properly. Headgear is most often used along with braces or other orthodontic appliances. While braces correct the position of teeth, orthodontic headgear—which, as the name suggests, is worn on or strapped onto the patient's head—is most often added to orthodontic treatment to help alter the alignment of the jaw, although there are some situations in which such an appliance can help move teeth, particularly molars.

Full orthodontic headgear with headcap, fitting straps, facebow, and elastics

Whatever the purpose, orthodontic headgear works by exerting tension on the braces via hooks, a facebow, coils, elastic bands, metal orthodontic bands, and other attachable appliances directly into the patient's mouth. It is most effective for children and teenagers because their jaws are still developing and can be easily manipulated. (If an adult is fitted with headgear, it is usually to help correct the position of teeth that have shifted after other teeth have been extracted.) Thus, headgear is typically used to treat a number of jaw alignment or bite problems, such as overbite and underbite.[40]

Palatal expansion

[edit]

Palatal expansion can be best achieved using a fixed tissue-borne appliance. Removable appliances can push teeth outward but are less effective at maxillary sutural expansion. The effects of a removable expander may look the same as they push teeth outward, but they should not be confused with actually expanding the palate. Proper palate expansion can create more space for teeth as well as improve both oral and nasal airflow.[41]

Jaw surgery

[edit]

Jaw surgery may be required to fix severe malocclusions.[42] The bone is broken during surgery and stabilized with titanium (or bioresorbable) plates and screws to allow for healing to take place.[43] After surgery, regular orthodontic treatment is used to move the teeth into their final position.[44]

During treatment

[edit]

To reduce pain during the orthodontic treatment, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), vibratory devices, chewing adjuncts, brainwave music, or cognitive behavioral therapy can be used. However, the supporting evidence is of low quality, and the results are inconclusive.[45]

Post treatment

[edit]

After orthodontic treatment has been completed, there is a tendency for teeth to return, or relapse, back to their pre-treatment positions. Over 50% of patients have some reversion to pre-treatment positions within 10 years following treatment.[46] To prevent relapse, the majority of patients will be offered a retainer once treatment has been completed and will benefit from wearing their retainers. Retainers can be either fixed or removable.

Removable retainers

[edit]

Removable retainers are made from clear plastic, and they are custom-fitted for the patient's mouth. It has a tight fit and holds all of the teeth in position. There are many types of brands for clear retainers, including Zendura Retainer, Essix Retainer, and Vivera Retainer.[47] A Hawley retainer is also a removable orthodontic appliance made from a combination of plastic and metal that is custom-molded to fit the patient's mouth. Removable retainers will be worn for different periods of time, depending on the patient's need to stabilize the dentition.[48]

Fixed retainers

[edit]

Fixed retainers are a simple wire fixed to the tongue-facing part of the incisors using dental adhesive and can be specifically useful to prevent rotation in incisors. Other types of fixed retainers can include labial or lingual braces, with brackets fixed to the teeth.[48]

Clear aligners

[edit]

Clear aligners are another form of orthodontics commonly used today, involving removable plastic trays. There has been controversy about the effectiveness of aligners such as Invisalign or Byte; some consider them to be faster and more freeing than the alternatives.[49]

Training

[edit]

There are several specialty areas in dentistry, but the specialty of orthodontics was the first to be recognized within dentistry.[50] Specifically, the American Dental Association recognized orthodontics as a specialty in the 1950s.[50] Each country has its own system for training and registering orthodontic specialists.

Australia

[edit]

In Australia, to obtain an accredited three-year full-time university degree in orthodontics, one will need to be a qualified dentist (complete an AHPRA-registered general dental degree) with a minimum of two years of clinical experience. There are several universities in Australia that offer orthodontic programs: the University of Adelaide, the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, the University of Western Australia, and the University of Otago.[51] Orthodontic courses are accredited by the Australian Dental Council and reviewed by the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO). Prospective applicants should obtain information from the relevant institution before applying for admission.[52] After completing a degree in orthodontics, specialists are required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in order to practice.[53][54]

Bangladesh

[edit]

Dhaka Dental College in Bangladesh is one of the many schools recognized by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BM&DC) that offer post-graduation orthodontic courses.[55][56] Before applying to any post-graduation training courses, an applicant must have completed the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) examination from any dental college.[55] After application, the applicant must take an admissions test held by the specific college.[55] If successful, selected candidates undergo training for six months.[57]

Canada

[edit]

In Canada, obtaining a dental degree, such as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD), would be required before being accepted by a school for orthodontic training.[58] Currently, there are 10 schools in the country offering the orthodontic specialty.[58] Candidates should contact the individual school directly to obtain the most recent pre-requisites before entry.[58] The Canadian Dental Association expects orthodontists to complete at least two years of post-doctoral, specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited program after graduating from their dental degree.

United States

[edit]

Similar to Canada, there are several colleges and universities in the United States that offer orthodontic programs. Every school has a different enrollment process, but every applicant is required to have graduated with a DDS or DMD from an accredited dental school.[59][60] Entrance into an accredited orthodontics program is extremely competitive and begins by passing a national or state licensing exam.[61]

The program generally lasts for two to three years, and by the final year, graduates are required to complete the written American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) exam.[61] This exam is also broken down into two components: a written exam and a clinical exam.[61] The written exam is a comprehensive exam that tests for the applicant's knowledge of basic sciences and clinical concepts.[61] The clinical exam, however, consists of a Board Case Oral Examination (BCOE), a Case Report Examination (CRE), and a Case Report Oral Examination (CROE).[61] Once certified, certification must then be renewed every ten years.[61] Orthodontic programs can award a Master of Science degree, a Doctor of Science degree, or a Doctor of Philosophy degree, depending on the school and individual research requirements.[62]

United Kingdom

[edit]

Throughout the United Kingdom, there are several Orthodontic Specialty Training Registrar posts available.[63] The program is full-time for three years, and upon completion, trainees graduate with a degree at the Masters or Doctorate level.[63] Training may take place within hospital departments that are linked to recognized dental schools.[63] Obtaining a Certificate of Completion of Specialty Training (CCST) allows an orthodontic specialist to be registered under the General Dental Council (GDC).[63] An orthodontic specialist can provide care within a primary care setting, but to work at a hospital as an orthodontic consultant, higher-level training is further required as a post-CCST trainee.[63] To work within a university setting as an academic consultant, completing research toward obtaining a Ph.D. is also required.[63]

See also

[edit]
  • Orthodontic technology
  • Orthodontic indices
  • List of orthodontic functional appliances
  • Molar distalization
  • Mouth breathing
  • Obligate nasal breathing

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Also referred to as orthodontia
  2. ^ "Orthodontics" comes from the Greek orthos ('correct, straight') and -odont- ('tooth').[1]

References

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Frequently Asked Questions

For 2023, FSA allows up to $3,050 per year, while HSA allows up to $3,850 for individual plans and $7,750 for family plans, providing substantial coverage for orthodontic treatment.