BSOS stands for ‘British Society for Occlusal Studies’
BSOS is a society for dentists and dental professionals who have an interest in Occlusion, the study of the dynamic relationship between the surfaces of the teeth and how they move in function. This encompasses both restorative dentistry, where the aim is to create or regain correct function (chewing, speaking etc), and parafunctional activit
ies, such as bruxism (clenching and grinding the teeth), which may contribute to painful and damaging conditions included within the umbrella term TMD (Temporo-Mandibular Disorders)
BSOS was set up in 1982 by a small group of dentists including Roy Higson, Peter Watson, John Hyde and Andy Lane, who had realised they lacked knowledge in the subject. In fact, at that time Roy was the only dentist teaching occlusion in the UK, having studied at the world-renowned Pankey Institute in Key Biscane, Florida. To this day, Occlusion is still poorly understood by most dentists, partly due to a lack of teaching of the subject in dental schools. All BSOS members have undergone a thorough training and can demonstrate a knowledge of the subject; full members having undergone a much more rigorous and wide-ranging training including being able to equilibrate appropriate patients.
