ORTHOLAB (Australia - HQ) Orthodontic Labs and Appliances Worldwide

Dr Skip Truitt talks to Ortholabs Graham Manley

Its well recognised that Dr Skip Truitt is one of the worlds best Ortho teachers. His series of courses start with the asumption that the doctor knows nothing about orthodontics/dentofacial orthopaedics, and Skip builds, one fact at a time, until Course 6 when doctors are able to diagnose and treat complex cases possibly involving TMJ therapy. Skip has taught many thousands of doctors over the years and I was happy to catch up with him during a break in Course 1 in Sydney in 2009. I put a few light questions to him. . . . . . . . . . . . .

GM     What prompted you to first start lecturing and when did you give your
           first presentation?
SK      Back in 1971 I gave my first presentation. At that time I had a strong desire to share my knowledge with other doctors so they could provide a better service to their patients.

GM Over the years who has influenced you in ortho?
ST There have been many great people, but the ones that come to mind instantly are people such as Peter Bimler, John Witzig, Bert Wibreck. Those guys started it all and really knew their stuff. It was a pleasure to know those men and learn from them.

GM     Due to your hectic schedule you dont get much down time, but when you do, what do you like to do to relax and chill out?
ST    Down time? Whats That?   Seriously though, when I get a little time I try to fit in some scuba diving or a little skiing, and enjoying fine wine. Im putting together quite a cellar back home.

GM     In your opinion what has been the best innovation in orthodontics over
         the last 10 years?
ST    The Delta Force bracket, it has changed straightwire in so many ways and made it possible to do so much more with the bracket system.

GM What 1 piece of advice would you give to a doctor wanting to start ortho?
ST Learn all that you can and start using your new information ASAP, you really need to start a case. You cant wait until you know everything there is to know and then start, you must do it ASAP. Thats very important.

GM      What country in the world that you have not been to would you like to lecture in?
ST      China. Its such a vast, untapped country from an ortho point of view. As well I love Chinese culture, they have thousands of years of great history. And the food!!!!

GM       Apart from sleep, what do you do to pass the time on long plane journeys?
ST       I spend a lot of that time writing professional articles, reading both the dental medical & dental literature, and reading good books.

GM Are you still enjoying lecturing and what do you see as major challenges ahead for yourself in this area?
ST I still love lecturing and shall continue to share my knowledge and enjoy professional comradships as long as I am able to do so. That is my goal and my challenge.