An independent research study examining how families make decisions about orthodontic treatment — and what gets in the way.
About the Research
Orthodontic treatment is one of the most common forms of private healthcare that Australian and New Zealand families encounter — and one of the most expensive. Yet remarkably little is known about how families actually experience this cost, what drives their decisions, and what stops many from proceeding at all.
This study is the first of its kind in the region. It asks families directly: what do you know, what do you value, and what gets in the way? The evidence generated will inform policy discussions about access, pricing, and the future of orthodontic care in both countries.
If you are a parent or guardian of a child who has had, is having, or has considered orthodontic treatment, your experience is exactly what this research needs. Your responses are completely anonymous and take around 8–10 minutes.
This study is conducted independently by Dr Benjamin Gaffey, a specialist orthodontist with over fifteen years of clinical experience. It has no industry funding, no commercial agenda, and no connection to any orthodontic practice or corporate body.
For Organisations
We are asking community organisations — sporting clubs, associations, and parent groups — to share the survey link with their parent membership. No member contact details are ever provided to the researcher. Participation is entirely voluntary.
The study has been approved by the University of Tasmania Human Research Ethics Committee (approval H0040668). Ethics documentation is available on request.
Send the survey link via your newsletter, email, social media, or app — whatever works for you. There is no obligation and no follow-up.
Your members self-select whether to participate. You provide nothing further. The researcher will never contact your members directly.
For Families
We are looking for parents and guardians of children aged 10–18 who have had, are currently having, or have considered orthodontic treatment.
A short, completely anonymous survey about your family's experience with orthodontic treatment decisions.
Research Credentials
Contact
If you have any questions about the research, would like to see the ethics approval documentation, or are an organisation wanting to discuss participation, please get in touch.
survey@orthodonticeconomics.com