Is the best braces dentist a GP or a specialist? It all depends on who you ask.

Three out of four general dentists think it’s appropriate for GPs to do orthodontics, but a mere 4% of orthodontists surveyed agree. In fact, 41% of orthodontists say they’re the ones who should be doing virtually all ortho work.

“The training is often minimal and results often are not retained,” said one dentist. “I just think it is better to leave the specialties to the specialists.”

Here are some dentist comments on general dentists and orthodontics.

• “Case selection is critical and should be based upon the knowledge and skill of the GP.” (Florida dentist)
• “Some orthodontists resent GPs doing their own ortho. Why is that? I have never met a single oral surgeon, endodontist, or prosthodontist that had a problem with my practice desires. It could be a matter of greed or pride. You make the call.” (Georgia dentist)
• “Those who are doing it hopefully have a good lawyer on their side.” (Kentucky dental implant dentist)
• “Invisalign is becoming the latest malpractice issue. Too many GPs are doing it and getting into trouble!” (Florida dentist)
• “General dentists don’t have the proper knowledge to perform orthodontics. ‘Little knowledge is dangerous.’” (New York dentist)
• “Would you send your wife to a family physician for her brain surgery?” (Orthodontist)
• “As long as they stay within their level of training and they refer when appropriate.” (Texas pediatric dentist)
• “The quality of GP ortho is directly related to the quality and quantity of the dental CE. Most GP ortho CE courses are cursory and superficial. Only one or two are a true continuum that mimics an ortho residency.” (Alaska dentist)
• “Diagnosis is the most difficult part. Once you have the background, the rest is easy.” (New York dentist)
• “With proper training, any GP should be able to perform any procedure, whether it is endo, ortho, dental implants, etc.” (Prosthodontist)
• “Every orthodontist is being asked to help or bail out GP cases as they often underestimate the complexity of cases and or are tackling more complex cases than they should due to economic pressures.” (California orthodontist)
• “GPs see relapse on a regular basis after ‘specialist’ treatment.” (Maryland dentist)
• “No different than a GP doing endodontics, prosthodontics, pedodontics, oral surgery or perio.” (Florida pediatric dentist)
• “Bad ortho can ruin a patient’s dentition.” (Georgia periodontist)
• “It’s not rocket science.” (Australia dentist)

Read more about dental braces: General Dentists Do Orthodontics, But Orthodontists Aren’t Sure They Should