In the lead up to his orthodontics course, we caught up with Dr Howard Holmes.
Dr Howard Holmes is a well-known Orthodontist – and it is clear he would be in the science field from his school days.
“Many years ago, my father worked as an Electron Microscopist at the UWA Department of Anatomy and Human Biology alongside Prof. John McGeachie and other renowned researchers – many of whom would be well-known to the dental and medical students of that era,” he recalls. “My brother Mark was also next door at the Biochemistry Department completing his PhD. When I was in Year 12, I recollect Dad and Mark mentioning to me that some of the academics they worked with had suggested dentistry as a potential future career path for me, especially as I was already interested in enrolling in the UWA Bachelor of Science degree. That advice resonated with me, and after completing the then-mandatory first year of my BSc, I was accepted into Dental School.”
After working for four years as a General Dentist in Rockingham, Howard realised pretty quickly that there were certain areas of general practice that weren’t for him. “After considering all the dental specialties, I concluded that Orthodontics might be a good fit for me,” he says. “Fortunately, I had won a few academic prizes in Orthodontics as an undergraduate dental student, and I had also completed an ADRF-sponsored summer research project on neurosensory deficits following orthognathic surgery— both of which helped get me selected for the MDSc (Ortho) programme at UWA in 1998.
“I love how diagnosis, treatment planning, and problem-solving skills are probably the most important attributes you need to produce good clinical outcomes in Orthodontics. It requires constant critical thinking and decisive action— there’s never a dull moment, and new challenges present every day. I can’t imagine doing anything else now.”
Howard will be presenting: Orthodontics – It’s So Easy (and Other Lies) at a dinner course in November.
“My presentation will explore recent changes in the delivery of Orthodontic care with a particular focus on the evolution and current status of clear aligner treatment, highlighting common misconceptions about the simplicity of achieving outstanding outcomes – particularly with aligners,” Howard explains.
“Through case studies, practical insights, and real-world experiences, I’ll examine the good, the bad, and the unusual in modern evidence-based Orthodontics.
“Attendees should gain valuable clinically applicable tips in many areas including referral and treatment timing, case selection and risk assessment, treatment planning, pros and cons of different treatment options, retention management, as well as honest insights on how to avoid common mistakes and manage complications.”
Howard recommends any dentist who provides Orthodontics in their practice or is considering integrating Orthodontics into their clinical workflow (especially clear aligners) should attend. “Even dentists who don’t practice Orthodontics will gain a better appreciation for what to look out for when assessing children, teen, and adult patients for an orthodontic referral, what can realistically be achieved with various Orthodontic treatment modalities, identifying disingenuous orthodontic marketing, and how they can successfully collaborate with their friendly local specialist Orthodontist,” he says.
Howard says he hopes attendees take away a better appreciation for how Orthodontics is a challenging process for the clinician, but when done properly it is also highly rewarding and highly beneficial to patients of all ages. “As an evolving field, successful integration into any practice requires ongoing learning and an appreciation that orthodontics is highly customised and adaptive – not a one-size-fits-all, click-and-accept treatment,” he says. “I hope to encourage good working relationships between specialist Orthodontists and General Dentists and also address a few of the outrageous claims that are peddled by some Orthodontic short course providers and Orthodontic product manufacturers/suppliers.”
Dr Howard Holmes will be presenting Orthodontics – It’s So Easy (and Other Lies) in November. Book your spot at our website, cpd.adawa.com.au
