Orthodontic National Group

The Orthodontic National Group (ONG) is a specialist group for orthodontic nurses and orthodontic therapists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Origin
The Orthodontic National Group was established in 1994 and originated from the British Orthodontic Conference, which holds an Orthodontic Nurses Day.

Offices
As an affiliate organisation of the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), the officials and committee members of the ONG the meet at the BOS headquarters at 12 Bridewell Place in London.

Logo
The ONG logo is octagonal in shape and depicts an orthodontic bracket, a small but vital item to the majority of orthodontic treatment cases.

Aims and Objectives
The aims of the Orthodontic National Group are "To act on behalf of the Dental Nurses to advance high standards by developing the Orthodontic Dental Nurse and Therapists roles."

The objectives of the Orthodontic National Group are:
 * To develop the Orthodontic Dental Nurse and Therapists roles within the specialist group
 * To provide continuing professional education and development with at least bi-annual study days
 * To keep the membership informed by means of the ONG journal and website
 * To recommend to the General Dental Council and to relevant bodies any changes needed in legislation
 * To liaise with relevant professional bodies to promote the status of the Orthodontic Dental Nurses and Orthodontic Therapists
 * To manage the group's finances to achieve its objectives
 * To plan for the future

Membership
Since 2001 there has only been one membership category. Annual membership is £10.

Study Days
The ONG hold at least two study days a year.

British Orthodontic Conference
An orthodontic nurse day programme is held at the British Orthodontic Conference (BOC), the main annual conference of the British Orthodontic Society and is organised by ONG committee members.

3M Unitek Orthodontic Dental Nurse of the Year Award
This award was established in 1999 and is sponsored by 3M Unitek.

TOC Orthodontic Dental Nurse Prize
This award was established in 2001 and is sponsored by TOC Orthodontics.

BOS Award to an Orthodontic Nurse for Distinguished Service
Established in 2003 and presented annually at the British Orthodontic Conference.

Committee
An elected committee is responsible for governing the ONG. There are also regional representatives. The functions of the committee are:


 * To meet the aims of the group
 * To provide for the needs of its members
 * To promote the group within the Dental profession
 * To communicate with its members
 * To manage the finances of the group to achieve its aims and functions
 * To appoint a President and Chief Executive is required