Readers' forum 3

6. Ehsani S, Mandich MA, El-Bialy TH, Flores-Mir C. Frictional resis-tance in self-ligating orthodontic brackets and conventionallyligated brackets. A systematic review. Angle Orthod 2009;79:592-601.

7. Ellis CP. Lack of evidence forces practitioners to make clinicallybased decisions. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2011;139:3.

Who determines when orthodontictreatment is complete?

Iread the October 2011 editorial with great interest,since I am often in the position of working with

dentists in multi-disciplinary cases (Kokich VG. Whodetermines when orthodontic treatment is complete?Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2011;140:451). It isso important to have input and coordination with theteam. It is also important to have a mutually respectfulrelationship. We really need to emphasize mutualrespect, and I have found that to be lacking in our com-munity. I have often wondered whether some dentistsrealize that we went to dental school and then some! Istill believe that orthodontists are the experts in our fieldsince we have gone to an additional 2 or 3 years afterdental school—and most of us were in the top of ourclass to qualify for specialty training. We are highlytrained and educated professionals, and our specialtyshould be doing more to emphasize this. It was ironicthat just yesterday I received letters from a dentist withdetailed instructions for me to follow for 2 patients’orthodontic care. Not only were the recommendationsinappropriate—they didn’t even have the teeth labeledcorrectly. This form of arrogance disrupts therelationships we have with these patients. Rather thanencouraging dentists to check our work, let’s encourage

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthoped

open, respectful dialog among professionals. Thanks somuch.

Diane M. DoppelSeattle, Wash

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2012;141:30889-5406/$36.00Copyright � 2012 by the American Association of Orthodontists.doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2011.11.004

We must learn to learn from each other

Congratulations on the October 2011 editorial(Kokich VG. Who determines when orthodontic

treatment is complete? Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop2011;140:451). I am an orthodontist; I graduated fromthe Universidad Intercontinental in M�exico City, and Iam currently living and practicing in the central partof Mexico, where I “suffered” the same experience. Mybrother has a master’s degree in prosthetic and cosmeticdentistry, and we often work together on patients. Ihave learned many aspects that I must correct beforefinishing a patient’s treatment. As orthodontists, wesometimes forget that all the perspectives of estheticsand function, from all branches of dentistry, matchperfectly when we learn what other disciplines know.We must learn to learn from each other. We mustopen our eyes, wearing glasses that we have never tried.Once again, congratulations.

Italia Mar�ınAguascalientes, M�exico

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2012;141:30889-5406/$36.00Copyright � 2012 by the American Association of Orthodontists.doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2011.11.005

ics January 2012 � Vol 141 � Issue 1