Table 1 Frequencies of categorical variables in general questions from all responders: 108 (100%)

Orthodontic technique

  Straight wire (sliding)

66

61.1

  Straight wire (loop mechanics)

26

24.1

  Standard edge wise

12

11.1

  All other systems

4

3.7

Self-ligation

  Yes

62

57.4

  No

46

42.6

Bracket slot sizes or types

  0.018″

43

39.8

  0.022″

64

59.4

  0.018″ (front) and 0.022″ (back)

1

0.9

Country where specialisation was obtained

  Switzerland

84

77.8

  Germany

7

6.5

  Other

6

5.5

  Undefined

11

10.2

University where specialisation was obtained

  Zürich

43

39.8

  Bern

23

21.3

  Basel

8

7.4

  Geneva

11

10.2

  Outside of Switzerland

11

10.2

  Undefined

12

11.1

Working in private practice as

  Practice owner

64

59.3

  Practice partner

12

11.1

  Assistant or associate

13

12.0

  Not working in private practice

16

14.8

  Other

3

2.8

Gender

  Male

81

75.0

  Female

27

25.0