Webinar: TO MARPE OR NOT – AN INTERACTIVE SESSION

The COVID – 19 lockdown period has been an educating experience for all. In line with the spirit of learning and growing, the department of Orthodontics conducted a webinar session on 14th May featuring an eminent speaker, Dr Jorge Faber, for the benefit of postgraduates and faculty. Dr Faber is a Professor of Evidence Based Dentistry and Orthodontics at the Post-Graduate Program of the University of Brasilia Dental School. He uses his editorial background to stimulate keen analysis of the scientific literature, since he has served for 11 years as editorin-chief of the Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists and the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics. He holds a PhD degree on Biology-Morphology, a Master’s degree in  Orthodontics and is a Diplomate of the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Faber has lectured extensively in many countries and has published over 100 articles in scientific journals. He also maintains a private practice in Brasilia, Brazil. The agenda for discussion was MARPE – Mini Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, a procedure that is gaining rapid preference among young Orthodontists. Like many other innovations and clinical techniques, MARPE too comes with its shares of disputable evidence. Dr Faber, an ardent researcher and practitioner of the technique, shed light on the basics, nuances, and clinical relevance of MAPRE in general with specific attention laid on the use of the same in children with sleep-disordered breathing. He provided our students with evidence in support of MARPE; with additionally showcasing cases that were personally treated by him. A newer perspective of patient selection, clinical acumen and handling of the appliances along with an overview of statistics in research were also discussed. The webinar drew to a close with an interactive segment of Q&A wherein the participants interacted with Dr Faber and clarified their queries regarding the same. The webinar was well received by all participants with Dr Faber appreciating the involvement of all participants and the efforts made by the institution.