Storage of orthodontic study models in hospital units in the U.K.

Orthodontic study models form an essential part of the dental records of patients undergoing diagnosis and treatment. In order to ascertain the problems encountered by hospital orthodontic units in the utilization and storage of study models, a questionnaire was circulated in February 1991 to members of the Consultant Orthodontists Group. All respondents took pretreatment study models, while 9 per cent took their final study models at some time other than the end of active treatment; 85.5 per cent of respondents stored their study models in their units, but most were beginning to experience difficulties in this regard. There was a wide range for storage times, and only 10 per cent of employing authorities had a stated policy on the storage of study models. There was a highly significant difference (P much less than 0.001) between the time that models are stored at present, and the desired storage times. Most respondents appeared to be rather uncertain about the precise medico-legal requirements concerning model storage. The implications for audit and medico-legal matters are discussed in the light of these findings.