A British-trained specialist orthodontist is a highly trained professional who has completed a five-year university dentistry degree course to obtain a dental qualification; then worked in various branches of dentistry to gain a broad working knowledge and experience of its different fields; and then completed an approved three-year full-time university or hospital postgraduate orthodontic training programme to achieve higher qualifications.

This advanced training includes subjects such as growth and development, genetics, biomechanics and anatomy; as well as clinical skills in the design, application and control of corrective appliances or braces.

Orthodontics has long been a specialised discipline, though general dentists are also legally entitled to perform procedures in any branch of dentistry. However, specialist orthodontists are the most highly trained experts in the field of orthodontics.

Our specialist orthodontist Dr Sunil Hirani treats orthodontic problems only. He is on the Specialist Register of the General Dental Council; as well as being a member of the British, European and American Associations of Orthodontics, the British Lingual Orthodontic Society and a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists.