Children's orthodontic referrals: When does timing matter?
10 Oct 2026
Clinical Excellence Theatre
Learning Content
While many children can safely wait before being referred for orthodontic assessment, others may miss important opportunities for early intervention if referred too late. This session provides a practical approach to referral timing, helping clinicians identify which children benefit from early assessment through common clinical scenarios and current evidence, while considering the challenges of increasing waiting times and growing public interest in early orthodontic treatment.
Aims
With increasing online discussion surrounding early orthodontics and two-phase treatment plans, knowing when to refer a child for orthodontic assessment can be challenging. This presentation will help clinicians make confident referral decisions by discussing when early referral is beneficial, when it is appropriate to wait, and how referral timing can influence future treatment options.
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