American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Readers’ forum 301Volume 137, Number 3

‘‘Anything goes’’ letter

After reading the letter ‘‘Anything goes’’ by Dennis Wardin the December 2009 issue (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop2009;136:760), I thought that I needed to respond to his direpredictions about the direction of our specialty. Dr Wardseems to feel that we are at the mercy of salespeople andspeakers who are subsidized by commercial interests, andthat the specialty of orthodontics is heading to hell in a handbasket. I would like to suggest several ideas to Dr Ward andanyone else who feels this way.

Initially, try teaching at a local orthodontic residency pro-gram, even if on a part-time basis. You will find that the resi-dents are highly intelligent and thoughtful, and, if you teachthem to be critical thinkers, they will not ‘‘fall victim’’ to sales-persons’ claims. Next, use your experience to guide our new

members of the American Association of Orthodontists.Also, use this same philosophy on yourself and embracetechnology but only after critically evaluating the merits andmechanics of each new system or appliance. Clear alignersare not right for every patient. Expanders are not right forevery patient. Phase 1 treatment is not right for every patient.But with clinical judgment and critical evaluation, these tech-niques can be beneficial.

Embrace the future, but with a critical and analyticaleye.

Donald GeorgeWest Lafayette, Ind

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;137:301

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Copyright � 2010 by the American Association of Orthodontists.

doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2010.01.008