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Orthodontists achieve recognition of the specialty of orthodontics in Belgium After 15 years of hard work, orthodontists have achieved official recognition of the specialty of orthodontics in Belgium. This monumental achievement has been due to the efforts of the Belgian Society of University-trained Specialists in Orthodontics (BBUSO-UPBSUO).
The BBUSO-UPBSUO was founded in 1986 as a national society to unify, protect and defend the dental professional who specializes in orthodontics. The organization also promotes university training for orthodontists and high quality care in the daily practice of orthodontics. Since 1986, the BBUSO-UPBSUO has organized meetings with the dental profession (general dentistry) in order to begin the difficult process of obtaining recognition of the specialty of orthodontics in compliance with the European Union directives. In 1991, the title of orthodontist was created. In 1992, it was published in a law. "From that moment on, it was 'known' that exclusive orthodontic practice by a specialist in orthodontics was on its way," said Dr. Bart Vande Vannet, immediate past president of the BBUSO-UPBSUO. "We had to wait until 1997 for the creation of the Council of Dentistry, which would advise the minister of healthcare as to how the specialty should be implemented. Eventually, the recognition of the specialty of orthodontics was published on July 10, 2001. As of June 1, 2002, the recognition will be a fact. With this good news, we are sure to improve the quality of orthodontic care." The BBUSO-UPBSUO brought about this recognition by frequently contacting the different ministers of healthcare and social care. The organization also contacted the prime minister. In 1992, after the publication of the title in the Belgian laws, the organization sent an open letter to all interested parties who wished to support the recognition, as well as to national and European politicians. Recently, the European Federation of Orthodontist Specialist Associations (EFOSA) assisted the BBUSO-UPBSUO with the development of a letter to the Belgian Department of Healthcare. This recognition means that Belgian orthodontists must be competent in prevention, diagnosis, interception, treatment planning and all orthodontic treatment. The orthodontists will also be able to perform minor surgery in the marginal gingiva and, if necessary, the hygienic care. To be recognized as an orthodontist, all future candidates will need to complete a four-year full-time university training program. Dr. Vande Vannet reports that the recognizing commissions will begin their duties as of June 1. This recognition is important to the Belgian orthodontists because it recognizes those who have completed a university training program, often in difficult conditions. These orthodontists received this training despite knowing that the training would not immediately lead to an official diploma, Dr. Vande Vannet said. This recognition will also help the patients distinguish between general dentists and specialists in orthodontics. In addition, it may be possible for the recognized orthodontists to work in other countries in the European Union.
The BBUSO-UPBSUO supports membership in the European Orthodontic Society and fellowship in the WFO. To learn more about the organization, visit its Web site: www.orthodontics.be. The current officers of the BBUSO-UPBSUO are Dr. Colette Boitte,
president; Dr. Bart Vande Vannet, vice president; Dr. Alexei Del
Aguila, secretary; Dr. Lutgart De Ridder, vice secretary; Dr. Nathalie
Saelens, treasurer; Dr. Johan Aerts, officer; Dr. Philippe Soenen,
officer; and Dr. Jean-Louis Hanssens, officer. Dr. Vande Vannet,
who is the immediate past president of the organization, was asked
by the members to serve a new term as the vice president.
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