DH Contact Feb 15

www.bsdht.org.uk VOLUME 57 FEBRUARY 2015 NO 1 OF 6 DH CONTACT (ONLINE) ISSN 2056-5097

DH CONTACT T h e N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e B r i t i s h S o c i e t y o f D e n t a l H yg i e n e a n d T h e r a py

REGIONAL GROUPS TEAM DAY

President Michaela ONeill with the Jersey Team

Representatives from the BSDHT Regional Group Teams met on Saturday 10th January at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport. Each of the thirteen Regional Groups, including Jersey, the most recently formed group, sent their committee members to join with the Executive and Council to share their experiences and plan for future group activity.

Following meetings of the Executive and Council earlier in the day, the various teams got together at an informal dinner on the Friday evening, to make friends and renew acquaintances. This set the scene well for the next day’s informal activities which were inclusive and extremely productive.

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Our partners in the dental trade;

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Planning your meetings;

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AGM - Top Tips;

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Your BSDHT publications;

Following a welcome from the President, Michaela ONeill, the programme was soon underway and included:

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Use of social media in your teams.

Following lunch parallel workshops enabled the Chairs, Secretaries, Treasurers and Trade Liaisons of each group to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences with their counterparts from around the regions.

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The structure of BSDHT;

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The history and importance of your role in your team;

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The role of the Regional Group Co-ordinator;

Throughout the day each session ended with an open forum providing lively debate and some fantastic ideas for the future.

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The future of our Regional Groups and BSDHT - learning from the survey in Dental Health;

A big thank you to all who took part and particularly for the generous sponsorship provided by Oral-B, Philips and Tepe.

2 NEWS

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NEW SUGAR DRINKS POLICY

www.bsdht.org.uk EDITOR

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has produced a new policy on sugary drinks entitled Interventions Which Reduce the Consumption of Energy from Sugary Drinks in Children.

Heather L Lewis, 19 Cwrt-y-Vil Road, Penarth, Cardiff CF64 3HN Tel/Fax: 07824 55592 Email: editor@bsdht.org.uk

The new policy clearly identifies that we are consuming too much added sugar in the nation’s diet, especially in those aged between four and 18 years of age, and calls for:

BSDHT OFFICE

The principle of a tax on sugary drinks as part of a range of measures that will be essential to reduce obesity and improve diet.

Tel: 01788 575050 Email: enquiries@bsdht.org.uk © DH Contact – The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of DH Contact.

A range of public policies to reduce the frequency and amount of sugary drinks consumed by children and adolescents.

School based education programmes as an example of interventions which may offer health professionals the best opportunities for implementing cost effective and sustainable interventions which are effective in children and adolescents.

Below is a summary of the BDA’s Interventions Which Reduce the Consumption of Energy from Sugar Drinks in Children policy.

We are eating too much sugar1 Reports published by The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and Public Health England in 2014 2-3, 7 make a consistent and compelling case for a reduction in the nation’s sugar intake.

Views and opinions expressed in DH Contact are not necessarily those of the Editor or The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy.

The 2014 World Health Organisation (WHO) draft guideline1 on sugars intake proposed that sugars should be less than 10% of total energy intake per day. Such action is likely to bring about a reduction in the risk of calorie imbalance, weight gain and obesity and the associated health, well-being and dental health problems. NICE (2014)4 recommends that the frequency and amount of sugary food and drinks should be reduced to promote and protect the oral health of children and adults.

Design by Crossprint Ltd, Newport Business Park, Barry Way, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5GY. Tel: 01983 524885 Email: info@crossprint.co.uk Web: www.crossprint.co.uk

Sugary sweetened beverages (SSBs) contain added sugar and include energy drinks, squash, fizzy and carbonated ‘non-diet’ soft drinks. ‘Diet’ soft drinks are not termed SSB’s as they contain little or no added sugar; however, most are still acidic enough to harm the teeth if consumed too often.

Pure fruit juices contain natural sugar, together with some vitamins and minerals, and it is recommended that consumption is limited to one small 150ml glass daily at mealtime.5

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Volume 57 No 1 of 6 February 2015

Children and young people aged between four and 18 years eat the most sugar which accounts for around 14-15% of their daily energy intake.

There has been a growing trend globally in the consumption of SSBs amongst children which provide a major source of sugar in their diet.6 Public policy initiatives to reduce sugar consumption are the subject of current debate. These include the role of the food and drinks industries in reducing the sugar content of their products, particularly those marketed at children and the suggestion of a Government ‘sugar tax’.

Public Health England are currently carrying out further reviews and will be advising the Department of Health on a number of strategic options in 2015.3 A broader multi factorial approach is needed to translate the evidence base into action to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks. This will include product reformulation, individual interventions, food supply chains, marketing and taxation, all within the broader context of improving overall diet quality.8-9

References: 1.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Draft sugars consultation children and adults 2014 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2014/ consultation-sugar-guideline/en/ (accessed 26/11/2014).

2.

Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). Consultation on draft SACN Carbohydrates and Health report (June-September 2014) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/33977

1/Draft_SACN_Carbohydrates_and_Health_report_

consultation.pdf (accessed 26/11/2014) 3.

Public Health England. Sugar reduction: Responding to the challenge.

2014.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/

attachment_data/file/324043/Sugar_Reduction_Responding_to_the_ Challenge_26_June.pdf (accessed 26/11/2014).

4.

National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Public Health

Effectiveness of Interventions

Guidance 2014. Oral health: approaches for local authorities and their

A systematic review looking at interventions to reduce consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) in children by Avery et al5 suggests that school based education programmes may offer health professionals the best opportunities for implementing cost effective and sustainable interventions which are effective in children and adolescents.

org.uk/guidance/ph55 (accessed 26/11/2014).

partners to improve the oral health of their communities https://www.nice.

5.

interventions that can help reduce consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in children leading to change in body fatness. 19th Sept 2014.

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/

Changing the school environment to support such programmes could improve the effectiveness of these interventions.

Interventions that concentrate on reducing energy consumption by focusing on decreasing consumption of SSBs in both primary and secondary school aged children are largely effective in reducing consumption of SSBs upon completion of the intervention.

A.Avery, L.Bostock and F.McCullough. A systematic review investigating

doi/10.1111/jhn.12267/full (accessed 26/11/2014).

6.

NHS Choices. Behind the Headlines. Give kids water not sugary fruit juice, parents

advised.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2014/06June/Pages/Give-

kids-water-not-sugary-fruit-juice-parents-told.aspx (accessed 26/11/2014).

7.

Editorial: Sugar moving from evidence to action. Public Health Nutrition / Volume 17 / Issue 10 / October 2014, pp 2147-2147 http://journals.

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Educational programmes delivered via the school curriculum focusing solely on consumption of drinks can be effective in reducing the intake of SSBs and can have an impact on the percentage of overweight or obese children and reduction in BMI amongst those who are overweight.

Use of computer or web-based nutrition education delivered via school and home may also offer an effective contemporary educational route and these interventions could be an effective tool in helping to reduce SSB consumption.

cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9344510 &utm_source=Issue_Alert&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=PHN (accessed 26/11/2014).

8.

A. Anderson Sugars and health. Invited commentary risk assessment to risk management. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract ?fromPage=online&aid=9344536&fileId=S1368980014001839 (accessed 26/11/2014).

9.

Sustain: A Children’s Future Fund - How food duties could provide the money to protect children’s health and the world they grow up in http:// sustainweb.org/publications/?id=263 (accessed 26/11/2014).

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Interventions which encourage possible alternative drinks to SSBs for children (water and diet drinks) are largely effective in reducing consumption of SSBs upon completion of the intervention and can offer some effective and practical ideas for future practice.

A consistent strand running through the available evidence is the suggestion that maintenance sessions are necessary to remind children to maintain any change in SSB consumption over time.

10. BDA Food Fact Sheet: Sugar (2014). https://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/ Sugar (accessed 15/12/2014)

The British Dietetic Association, founded in 1936, is the professional association for dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with 8,000 members. The BDA is also an active trade union.

Visit the BDA website at www.bda.uk.com

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SUGARY DRINKS DUTY WILL SAVE COUNTLESS TEETH! A 20p per litre duty on sugary drinks would help to eradicate tooth decay and save the NHS millions of pounds in wasted resources.

The Children’s Food Campaign recently published figures showing that the introduction of a 20 pence per litre duty on sugary drinks would benefit Londoners’ health, as well as save the NHS and public health budgets in London £39 million over twenty years.

The British Dental Health Foundation also believe the duty would help to reduce levels of tooth decay seen in children age 3-12, particularly as soft drinks are the largest single source of sugar for children aged 4-10 years and teenagers.

The research, published in association with University of Liverpool academic Brendan Collins and FoodActive, shows that if the UK government introduced a 20 pence per litre sugary drinks duty, then the impact in London over twenty years would be to: •

reduce the cases of diabetes by over 6,300

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prevent over 1,100 cases of cancer

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reduce strokes and cases of coronary heart disease by over 4,300

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improve the quality of life for thousands of residents

The Children’s Food Campaign is calling for the government to introduce a 20p per litre sugary drinks duty to reduce sugar consumption. The Campaign proposes that any revenue generated would be used to set-up a Children’s Health Fund, paying for programmes to improve children’s health and protect the environment they grow up in.

Chief Executive of the BDHF, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, said: “Drinks packed with sugar have long been problematic to oral health. As a charity dedicated to improving oral health we have supported a number of policies designed to curb sugary drinks consumption, and the figures released by the Children’s Food Campaign highlights the need for such a tax.

“The fact that London alone could save £39 million is staggering. If this could be replicated across the country, the savings could be substantial. The money wasted on treating children with tooth decay could be reinvested into preventive educational materials to reduce on of the biggest problems sugary drinks cause – tooth decay.

“One in four children starting school have tooth decay, and around one in three 12 year-olds have visible dental decay. These figures support the need for health bodies and professionals across the country to work together in safeguarding the general and oral health of children and promoting the value of prevention.

“The increase in consumption of sugary drinks is one of the key reasons for dental decay, particularly in children. By proposing the introduction of a duty on sugary drinks, there are numerous benefits. There will be an inevitable reduction in consumption and benefits for both general and dental health, and the financial aspect will appeal to many decision-makers in the health industry.”

Malcolm Clark, co-ordinator of the Children’s Food Campaign, said: “A duty on sugary drinks of 20 pence per litre would be the most practical and effective way of tackling a significant source of unnecessary calories and sugar in children and young people’s diets. Mexico, France and Hungary have already introduced a sugary drinks duty, and their citizens are reaping the benefits. In this country, CitizensUK, trade unions and dozens of other organisations all support a duty. Our politicians can no longer hide behind the idea that it wouldn’t be popular, or is an untried policy.

“We urge London’s mayor and council leaders to include a sugary drinks duty in their review of how London might manage devolved taxation powers, and to make the case to Westminster for the introduction of such a duty nationally.”

Residents can view the impact a sugar drinks duty would have on their own borough, by using the interactive tool on the campaign’s website www.childrenshealthfund.org.uk

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Volume 57 No 1 of 6 February 2015

THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE A new report launched by Public Health England (PHE) warns that healthcare workers continue to be at risk of exposure to bloodborne viruses through occupational sharps injuries, despite the fact that safety-engineered devices to prevent these injuries are now available.

Occupational exposures to a bloodborne virus (BBV) that were reported to Public Health England increased among healthcare workers from 373 in 2004 to 496 in 2013. Over this ten year period, approximately 30% of exposures involved a source patient infected with HIV; 54% involved hepatitis C (HCV), and 9%, hepatitis B (HBV). Of these exposures 81% were sustained by doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants and 65% occurred during clinical procedures. 71% of exposures involved a percutaneous needlestick injury, the majority of which were sharps injuries involving a hollow-bore needle.

The report, presented at the 5th Prevention of Occupational Infections, Treatment and Reporting Strategies (POINTERS) Conference in Cardiff City Hall, comes after the EU Sharps Directive in 2010 and the UK Sharps Regulations in 2013, which state that safe working conditions must be created for healthcare workers to help reduce the risk of sharps injury. ‘Safe working conditions’ can range from working hours that reduce tiredness among healthcare workers, to the provision of safety devices to

V I S I T THE B S D HT O N L I NE See right for details of how to log on to the members’ area

reduce the risk of a needlestick injury before, during or after use, and appropriate training to staff performing clinical procedures.

Between 2004 and 2013, 9 healthcare workers were infected with HCV following occupational exposure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 8 of the 9 healthcare workers received antiviral therapy, of whom 7 are known to have achieved viral clearance.

The report also finds that HBV immunisation programmes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are effectively protecting healthcare workers from HBV infection, with no new cases reported. Furthermore, 97% of healthcare workers exposed to HIV who commenced post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) did so within 72 hours of exposure, and no HIV infections to healthcare workers have been reported.

It is essential for all staff to remember the importance of basic sharps safety, such as never, ever re-sheathing a used needle, always taking the sharps bin to the point of use, and never filling above the fill line. Safe use and handling of sharps must be embedded into everyday practice.

The eye of the needle is a report on healthcare workers’ exposures to bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV while at work. The full 2014 report is available here.

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Logging on to the members’ area, you will see the box below on the screen

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Complete the boxes using the following information:

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User name: your full name, no abbreviations, no spaces, all in lower case eg. dianamarysmith. Password: your BSDHT membership number.

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If you need clarification of the details we have on file – first name, middle name (if provided) and membership number – please contact BSDHT on 01788 575 050.

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Let us know what you think about the new site by clicking the ‘contact us’ button in the top right hand corner.

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FDI CALLS FOR A TOBACCO-FREE NEW YEAR AND A LONG-LASTING ‘SMILE FOR LIFE’ As World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2015 approaches, FDI World Dental Federation wants people to make a healthy New Year’s resolution and reduce their use of tobacco – or give it up completely - as part of the 2015 World Oral Health Day ‘Smile for life’ campaign.

There are many types of tobacco available worldwide, including manufactured cigarettes, roll-your own cigarettes, snuff and chewing tobacco, and all are addictive and detrimental to health. The use of tobacco can significantly increase the risk of many serious oral health problems, including:

women.1 The use of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol, are the key risk factors in oral cancer and together are estimated to account for 90% of oral cancers worldwide. This percentage could be significantly lowered through a reduction in the use of tobacco and alcohol intake.2

• Oral cancer

The FDI would like to encourage health professionals to participate in tobacco prevention activities. Dental teams can help communicate important messages to patients about the threats posed by tobacco use and help them to identify the key risk factors and the early signs of oral cancer, as well as gum disease and other oral health problems, in their early stages.

• Gum disease

For more information, visit: www.fdiworldental.org

• Premature tooth loss

and www.worldoralhealthday.org

• Tooth discolouration

References:

• Bad breath

1.

http://www.who.int/oral_health/publications/cancer_maps/en/

• Reduced ability to taste and smell

2.

http://www.who.int/oral_health/publications/CDOE05_ vol33_397_9/en/

Oral cancer is amongst the most prevalent cancers worldwide and incidence rates are higher in men than

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Volume 57 No 1 of 6 February 2015

GIDHT - 10 years on Gloucestershire has several claims to fame – Cheltenham Races, Gloucester Old Spot Pigs, madcap fools throwing themselves down insanely steep hills to chase cheese... But, more relevant to those of you reading this, it also has Gloucestershire Independent Dental Hygienists & Therapists (GIDHT).

Steve Brown from Dental Directory

The group has now been in existence for 10 years, and was set up following the success of Gloucestershire Independent Dentists (GID).

In 2004, the founding committee members Lynne Cooper, Anne Marie Williams, Jo Martin, Jane Bailey, Jackie Gaze and Karen Leighton, worked on a voluntary basis to set up a Dental Hygienist branch of this group. They achieved a reputation for excellence with the standard of speakers and sponsors in a very short space of time and ‘Gloucestershire Independent Dental Hygienists was born.

a long thread has appeared on Facebook, covering all sorts of subjects.

This networking works incredibly well for those members who are job hunting. We also advertise jobs in an official capacity on our website.

In 2012 it was felt that it was only appropriate to change the name of our group to acknowledge the increasing number of Dental Therapists that were joining us - so we were rechristened as ‘Gloucestershire Independent Dental Hygienists & Therapists (GIDHT).

Several times a year we have joint meetings with one or more of the other GID groups. These are generally a core subject that is relevant to all members of the dental team. Our most recent joint meeting was 10th October 2014, and we were lucky enough to have oral cancer survivor Eva Grayzel come over from the USA to speak to 300 of us about oral cancer awareness. This coincided nicely with the start of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so, to add our support, members of the GID groups took part in an early morning walk around Cheltenham racecourse and raised approximately £3,500. We were lucky enough to have local actress Fiona Fullerton come along to open the event and help publicise it in the local press to help raise awareness locally.

Who are we?

Well, the clue is in the name - we are a group of approximately 70 Dental Hygienists and Therapists based in Gloucestershire, who meet four times a year. Minutes recently found, dated from 2004 during the ‘set up’ period of the group, suggested a goal of two meetings a year, so we are pleased to be able to provide four, and next year, possibly five meetings.

The committee has changed over the years, but the reputation is still there. We receive marvellous support from our sponsors: Dental Directory is our main and most generous sponsor, closely followed by both Optident and Tepe. We have also been lucky enough to be joined

by Oral-B, GC UK and Dexcel Pharma, to name but a few.

Of course, we would be nothing without our seventy plus members who pay £15 a month for 4 -5 meetings a year. These meetings cover all core CPD subjects (other than practical CPR training which is always best carried out in relevant working environments) and GIDHT endeavour to maintain a 5 yearly cycle to comply with GDC regulations.

Our meetings are always held on a Friday and generally coincide with the same days as the rest of the GID Groups – Dentists, Nurses, and Managers. Our venue is Cheltenham racecourse. This is a superb location: very central, easily accessible, and plenty of free parking. It also boasts a stunning view of the Cotswold Hills from the Panoramic Restaurant where lunch is usually held.

The beauty of having a local independent group is that no one in Gloucestershire has to travel too far or pay a large amount to achieve their CPD. As a result of this, we see the same familiar faces at our meetings, and they have become a very friendly and, dare I say it, social gathering for the Dental Hygienists & Therapists of Gloucestershire.

Having said that our members are all local, we also open up our days to non members who are always more than welcome to join us at a delegate rate if there was ever a meeting or a speaker that was of particular interest.

Some of our other highly acclaimed speakers that have joined us over the years include Ron Jackson, Ray Bertolucci, Stephen Hancocks, Anthony Novy, Stanley Malamed, Kevin Lewis, Phil Ower and Elaine Tilling - the list goes on, and is ever increasing as we plan 18 months to 2 years ahead.

Team work A high proportion of our members also belong to BSDHT, BDA and BSP, so the combination of local and national CPD serves to provide a marvellous variety and high standard of professional training, and also brings in suggestions for future speakers for our group. It is definitely team work between members and committee that keeps us going.

Due to the success, of this group, and to thank those members and sponsors who are our stalwarts and staunch supporters, we felt that the 10th anniversary of the GIDH/GIDHT should not slip by unnoticed.

So, at our meeting on 12th September 2014, we celebrated at ‘The Hall of Fame, Cheltenham Racecourse’ with the obligatory ‘cake and fizz’, memorabilia, and official photographs of our members and committee (past and present).

Peer review

It is safe to say that we fully intend to be around for a similar celebration in another ten years time – though we will be looking for new committee members before then!

Having such a close knit group maintains a great support network for peer review outside of our meetings, especially with social media. Many

Lesley Card email: gidh.sponsorsec@gmail.com

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DID YOU KNOW You can now follow the BSDHT on Facebook and Twitter?

BSDHT APP NOW AVAILABLE ON ANROID TOO!

The BSDHT app is now available to download free from i-tunes.

Visit the app store and click on ‘BSDHT’ to download the app.

There are currently 8 modules available: News; About BSDHT; My CPD; My PDP; Facebook; Twitter ; BSDHT Website; Contact us.

Your Society is one step ahead of the rest!

ROTARIANS URGED TO SUPPORT BRIDGE2AID Dental professionals with links to Rotary International are being urged to encourage their club to support the dental charity Bridge2Aid in its mission to ease dental pain and suffering in East Africa.

commitment to fundraising around £500 in the 2015-2016 Rotary financial year. Our grant is being sponsored by Bakewell Rotary Club and is being supported in Tanzania

by Bahari Rotary Club.

Speakers from Bridge2Aid would welcome the opportunity to talk about the charity’s work of providing emergency dental training for health workers in remote communities.

Dental pain in rural Tanzania doesn’t just hurt – it’s destructive and is a threat to lives and livelihoods.

“We already have a number of Rotary Clubs on board, which is fantastic. The grant will fund the extension of our Emergency Dental Programmes to Lindi, in the south east of Tanzania, one of the poorest areas of the country. In July 2016, we will train six Health Professionals and provide sustainable access to vital emergency dental treatment for more than 60,000 people.”

Bridge2Aid is very excited to be working on a Rotary Global Grant with one of its advisors, Dr Iain Corran, a member of Bakewell Rotary Club in Derbyshire.

B2A’s operations director, Shaenna Loughnane, said: “We hope to encourage Rotary Clubs to support us with a

To introduce B2A to your local Rotary group or to arrange a talk, please contact Andie Wilson on 07970 633230 or by email at andie@bridge2aid.org

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Volume 57 No 1 of 6 February 2015

Do electronic cigarettes help smokers to quit? Yes, but…

The first Cochrane review on this subject published recently in the Cochrane Library gives some early insights in to electronic cigarettes as an aid to stopping smoking and reducing consumption. The review draws on two randomised trials and found that while nicotine containing electronic cigarettes were more effective than electronic cigarettes without nicotine (placebo) in helping smokers kick the habit, the results need to be confirmed by more studies. Smoking is a major global health problem, is costly and is highly addictive. Despite many smokers wanting to stop, few succeed in the long-term. One of the most widely used strategies to help combat the cravings associated with nicotine addiction is to deliver nicotine by patches and chewing gum.

Electronic cigarettes have been around in some form for a number of years but recently their popularity has increased substantially.

Unlike chewing gum and patches, they mimic the experience of cigarette smoking because they are hand-held and generate a smoke-like vapour when used. They provide smokers with a nicotine ‘hit’ and help to recreate similar sensations of smoking without exposing them or others to the smoke from conventional cigarettes. They are used by many smokers but little has been known about how effective they are at helping people to stop, nor their long term effects.

The team of researchers from the UK and New Zealand found two randomised trials that had analysed data from 662 current smokers. The researchers looked at the effects of electronic cigarettes on quit rates and the number of people who were able to reduce the number of cigarettes they smoked by at least 50%.

They also looked at any adverse effects reported by electronic cigarette users. The team also considered evidence from 11 observational studies.

The results show beneficial effects of electronic cigarettes, but are limited by the small number of trials and limited sample of people who were analysed in the studies. About 9% of smokers who used electronic cigarettes were able to stop smoking at up to one year. This compared with around 4% of smokers who used the nicotine-free electronic cigarettes. When the researchers looked at the data on reducing cigarettes in people who had not

quit, they found that 36% of electronic cigarette users halved the number of conventional cigarettes. This compared with 28% of users who were given the placebos. Only one of the trials looked at the effects of electronic cigarettes compared with patches and this suggests similar efficacy of the two treatments. No serious adverse effects occurred over short to mid-term electronic cigarette use.

Author, and Professor of Clinical Psychology Peter Hajek, commented ‘Although our confidence in the effects of electronic cigarettes as smoking cessation interventions is limited because of the small number of trials, the results are encouraging. Both trials used electronic cigarettes with low nicotine delivery and it is likely that more recent products are more effective as previous research suggests that higher and faster nicotine delivery facilitates treatment effects. Several ongoing studies will help to answer the question more fully.”

Author, Jamie Hartmann-Boyce said, “electronic cigarettes have become popular with smokers who want to reduce the risk of smoking. None of the studies in this review found that smokers who used electronic cigarettes shortterm (2 years or less) had an increased health risk compared to smokers who did not use electronic cigarettes. We did not find any evidence from observational studies that people who used electronic cigarettes at the same time as using regular cigarettes were less likely to quit smoking. Findings suggest electronic cigarettes with nicotine help people stop or reduce smoking when compared to electronic cigarettes without nicotine, but more studies are needed.”

Cochrane’s Editor in Chief, David Tovey said this is an important study. ”This review provides a timely reminder of the challenges faced by smokers who find it hard to stop smoking. The results so far need to be strengthened with further comparisons between electronic cigarettes and other traditional ways of stopping smoking such as chewing gum and patches, and evidence on long term safety.”

Full citation: McRobbie H, Bullen C, Hartmann-Boyce J, Hajek P. Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation and reduction.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD010216. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010216.pub2.

URL Upon publication: com/10.1002/14651858.CD010216.pub2

http://doi.wiley.

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BETTER TOGETHER DENTAL HYGIENIST & THERAPIST SYMPOSIUM AT THE DENTISTRY SHOW 2015

As the focus in modern dentistry shifts further towards prevention, effective teamwork is necessary in order to deliver excellent patient service. Collaboration between the team ensures that a coherent message is conveyed to patients no matter who they speak to, giving credibility to both the clinical advice given and the practice itself.

The same teamwork also enhances clinical outcomes, as practitioners are able to support one another to improve the results achieved.

Ian Dunn is a Specialist Periodontist with a wide variety of experience in practice as well as teaching. He is the Periodontal Teaching Lead at Liverpool Dental Hospital. Ian also works in practice alongside a wide variety of other specialists in the fields of endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics and dental implants. Ian knows the importance of a full team approach in the management of periodontics and will be speaking on the topic in the Dental Hygienist & Therapist Symposium at The Dentistry Show 2015.

“I have attended The Dentistry Show as both a delegate and speaker on four occasions and have had the pleasure of listening to some of the biggest names in dentistry speak on a wide range of topics. The different lecture programmes mean that there is something for the whole dental team. I have always found the Show to be very well organised and it has one of the best trade fairs I have been to.

“In my lecture, entitled ‘I’m a periodontist, How can I help you?’, I will be looking at some of the ways a periodontist can work with other members of the dental team for the benefit of the patient. I will spend a large section of the lecture looking at periodontal diagnosis and common misdiagnosis – something that should be of great interest to dental hygienists and therapists in light of the new rules around direct access and the need for other members of the dental team to be involved in the diagnostic process. I will finish the lecture looking at some of the advanced treatment options such as surgical management of periodontal disease.

“I would hope that delegates attending the lecture will gain a better understanding of the role of the periodontist and how we can help them stabilise their patients’ periodontal health. I would also hope that delegates will leave with improved diagnostic skills and be able to avoid the common misdiagnoses that I see on a regular basis. Finally, they should also be able to discuss the range of options available to patients once they are referred into specialist care.”

Ian Dunn

Within the symposium dedicated solely to dental hygienists and therapists, Ian will join a line-up of leading professionals including Amanda Gallie, Morag Powell, Christine Macleavy and Donna Schembri. The two-day lecture programme will cover a wide variety of topics such as 21st century orthodontics, working with a periodontist, peri-implantitis and nutritional influences on oral health.

The Dentistry Show 2015 is a two-day event tailored to the needs of the entire dental team offering a wide range of products, verifiable CPD lectures, hands-on workshops and opportunities for networking. Register for your free delegate pass today and make the most of everything available to you at The Dentistry Show 2015.

The Dentistry Show and DTS 2015, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April, NEC in Birmingham. To register for your free delegate pass please visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5269 or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com

Volume 57 No 1 of 6 February 2015

OPENNESS AND HONESTY -

THE PROFESSIONAL DUTY OF CANDOUR The GDC welcomes the recently published report by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) on progress made by the GDC and other regulators in developing a consistent approach to candour.

Along with the other healthcare regulators, the GDC has committed to promoting ‘the duty of candour’ to its registrants, students and dental patients.

A joint statement released by the regulators emphasises the importance of candour for all professionals working with patients.

It states that: “Every healthcare professional must be open and honest with patients when something goes wrong with their treatment or care which causes, or has the potential to cause, harm or distress.”

In addition: “Healthcare professionals must also be open and honest with their colleagues, employers and relevant organisations, and take part in reviews and investigations when requested.”

The full statement can be read on the GDC website.

The PSA’s report welcomes the statement and the GDC’s plans for the future in promoting the professional duty of candour, including additional guidance for registrants. The report can be read on the PSA’s website.

The GDC’s own ethical guidance, ‘Standards for the Dental Team’, makes very clear the responsibility registrants have when working and communicating with patients.

Principle Two: Communicate effectively with patients.

Principle Five: Have a clear and effective complaints procedure.

Principle Six: Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients’ best interests.

The GDC will be issuing its own supplementary guidance on “the duty of candour”.

NEWS 11

INVITATION TO BECOME BSDHT COUNCIL OBSERVERS BSDHT Council would like to invite any interested BSDHT members to apply for the role of Council Observer.

Council agreed that it would make the work of the BSDHT Council more transparent to members if Council meetings were to be opened to invited observers.

A number of members of the Society may attend full Council meetings purely as observers, although numbers will be limited due to space.

Applicants will be accepted on a first come basis and no expenses will be paid. Meetings are held twice a year in Birmingham.

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2015.

To register your interest please contact the President, Michaela ONeill on 01788 575050 or email enquiries@bsdht.org.uk

12 NEWS

DH CONTACT

BULIMIA WEARS THIN ON ORAL HEALTH Research from the NHS information centre suggests that up to 6.4% of adults display signs of an eating disorder and, of those, 40% are bulimic.

The extended periods of intentional vomiting instigated by bulimics have considerable impact on a patient’s dentition and can result in substantial oral health complications, including: •

The teeth become rounded, smooth and shiny and lose their surface characteristics

•

Incisal edges appear translucent

•

Cupping forms in the dentine

•

Cervical lesions are shallow and rounded

•

Restorations tend to be unaffected by erosion and will therefore stand proud of the surrounding tooth tissue.

Alongside beat (www.b-eat.co.uk), which helps sufferers in the UK beat their eating disorders and runs Eating Disorders Awareness Week (23 February - 1 March 2015) with the aim of raising awareness of the health implications of these disorders, practices like the London Tooth Wear Centre are working hard to tackle this increasingly prevalent oral health problem.

Advice rather than treatment features heavily during the initial stage of helping a patient suffering with bulimia. Diet analysis and general guidance on how to reduce the effect of acidic foodstuffs should be given and include: •

Drinking water or low fat milk in preference to other liquids

•

Using a straw positioned toward the back of the mouth when drinking acidic beverages

•

Avoiding swishing drinks around the mouth

•

Rinsing the mouth with water or fluoridated mouthwash after consuming acidic foodstuffs.

Oral health advice for a patient whose dentition is compromised by bulimia includes: •

Issuing a fluoride rinse or gel and prescribing a highfluoride toothpaste for daily use

•

Not brushing immediately after vomiting or consuming acidic foodstuffs, but rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash and chewing sugar-free, xylitol-sweetened gum afterwards.

Extra protection can be provided via calcium and phosphate ions, such as those found in GC Tooth Mousse, helping to restore the mineral balance, neutralise acidic challenges and stimulate salivary flow.

Compliance may be difficult to achieve and restorative treatment in the presence of ongoing tooth wear is considered unwise but, irrespective of this, the damage caused by erosion means it may be necessary to take action to protect and conserve the remaining tooth structure, for example: •

Direct application of a glass ionomer or composite to sensitive areas may be indicated

•

An occlusal guard can protect the teeth during vomiting

•

An alkali or fluoride gel placed within the fitting surface of the guard to neutralise any acid pooling may be helpful.

If you have any concerns about your patient’s tooth wear, further information is available at www.toothwear.co.uk, email info@toothwear.co.uk or call 020 7486 7180.

NEWS 13

Volume 57 No 1 of 6 February 2015

BRITISH DENTAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2015:

LOTS ON OFFER FOR DENTAL HYGIENISTS AND THERAPISTS Live demonstrations, clinical presentations, a vibrant exhibition and a lively social programme are all part of the 2015 British Dental Conference and Exhibition which returns to the Manchester Central Convention Complex from 7-9 May. Up to 15 hours of verifiable CPD are available, with all Core CPD subjects covered, so put the date in your diary and make sure others know you won’t be in the practice during this time.

For Conference Pass holders, presentations on special care dentistry, periodontal issues in children and teens, managing dental anxiety, prosthodontics for the dental team and dental care in the elderly are worth looking out for. And, of course, on Friday morning the BSDHT is hosting a must-attend session at which Paul Brocklehurst, Senior Clinical Lecturer/Honorary Consultant, Dental Public Health and NIHR Clinician Scientist, University of Manchester will be looking at the evidence supporting the use of dental hygienists and therapists in primary care.

Another highlight for dental hygienists and therapists is the Paediatric Dentistry presentation in the Training Essentials theatre (Saturday, 11am) in which Dental Hygienist and Therapist, Melonie Prebble, will look at systems for developing a child friendly hygiene and therapy practice.

In total the Training Essentials theatre located within the Exhibition Hall offers 19 x 30-minute sessions based on the BDA’s Training Essential portfolio. Other topics include dealing with medical emergencies, radiation doses in dental radiography, child and adult safeguarding, infection control and team working.

Also situated in the Exhibition Hall, the Demonstration theatre is the place to watch live demonstrations of techniques including conscious sedation, clinical photography and how to deal with anaphylaxis and epilepsy. Then move on to the Innovation zone which will showcase the latest in dental technology whilst exhibitors representing major dental product manufacturers and suppliers will be showcasing their products. Plus do come and say hello to the BSDHT team on stand number D33!

By registering for a Conference Pass you will get full access to all the Conference sessions and the Exhibition Hall sessions and costs just £95 for a DCP one day Pass or £155 for a DCP three day pass!

Alternatively register for a free Exhibition Pass to attend the sessions in the Exhibition Hall.

Further programme information and booking details are available at www.bda.org/conference

14 NEWS

DH CONTACT

DIARY DATES BSDHT Regional Group Spring Meeting Dates Date

Venue

Contact the Secretary

Contact Details

Eastern

Saturday 7th March

Menzies Hotel, Cambridge CB23 8EU

Juliette Reeves

gjr50@talktalk.net

Jersey

Tuesday 10th March at 6.30pm

The Savoy Hotel Jersey

Katie Park

katieparky@yahoo.co.uk

London

Saturday 28th March

Holiday Inn, Coram St, Blooms-bury, London

Mala Kanan

londonbsdht@gmail.com

Midlands

Saturday 21st March

The Holiday Inn, Solihull B91 3QD

Joanna Ericson

joanna.ericson@ hotmail.co.uk

North East

Saturday 28th March

The Holiday Inn, Wakefield Road, Garsorth, Leeds LS25 1LH

Tracey Chambers

nergsecretary@gmail.com

North West

Saturday 14th March

Mandec, Manchester

Karen McBarron

karen.nwbsdht@gmail.com

Northern Ireland

Saturday 21st March

Radisson Hotel, Ormeau Road, Belfast

Trudi Fawcett

seceratrybsdhtni @gmail.com

Scottish

Saturday 14th March

Radisson Blu, Argyle Street, Glasgow

Jane MacConnell

bsdhtscottishsecretary@ gmail.com

South East

Saturday 28th March

David Soloman’s Centre Tunbridge Wells

Janet Scott

janet.scott@sky.com

South West & South Wales

 Saturday 14th March

Hilton Hotel, Newport, Wales

Joanne Wilkinson

bsdht.swsw@gmail.com

South West Peninsula

Saturday 21st March

Exeter Golf and Country Club

Sandra Tredwin

s.tredwin@btinternet.com

Southern

Saturday 7th March

Holiday Inn, Winchester

Donna Brien

secsouthern@gmail.ocm

Saturday 28th February

The Oxford Hotel, Godstow Road, Oxfored

Karrie Archer

karrie.archer@ btopenworld.com

Regional Group

Thames Valley

DIARY DATES 15

Volume 57 No 1 of 6 February 2015

BSDHT STUDY DATE: VENUE:

PROGRAMME: 08.45 – 09.30: 09.30 – 10.45:

10.45 – 11.15: 11.15 – 12.30:

12.30 – 1.30: 13.30 – 14.30:

14.30 – 15.15:

GROUP MEETING Saturday 7th March 2015 The Holiday Inn Telegraph Way Morn Hill, Winchester So21 1Hz Trade and Registration Oral cancer and pre-cancer: presentation, diagnosis and management ( part 1 ) Professor Peter Brennan Break & Trade Oral cancer and pre-cancer: presentation, diagnosis and management ( part 2 ) Professor Peter Brennan Presentations will be divided into: Part 1 - Diagnosis of pre-cancer and cancer Part 2 - Management and treatment of oral cancer Lunch & Trade Dentine sensitivity management Prof. Professor Nicola West Council Representative Report Gloria Perrett

The truth about periodontal minimal intervention RichaRd Snoad

4hrs 15 mins Verifiable CPD BSDHT NORTH WEST REGIONAL GROUP SPRING MEETING DATE: Saturday 14th March 2015 VENUE: MANDEC Manchester CONTACT: Secretary Karen McBarrons EMAIL: karen.nwbsdht@gmail.com BSDHT LONDON REGIONAL GROUP SPRING MEETING DATE: Saturday 28th March 2015 VENUE: Holiday Inn, Coram Street WC1N 1HT (Nr Russell Square Tube) PROGRAMME: 08.30: Registration & Trade Exhibition 09.25: Chair’s welcome – Donna Corey 09.30: What Perio? How do we spread the message? - Dr Paul Baker 10.00: Successful non-surgical periodontal therapy - Prof. Ian Needleman 10.40: Trade exhibition & refreshments 11.40: Care pathways, antibiotics and referral - Prof. Ian Needleman 12.10: Reassessment and the non-responding site - Dr Paul Baker and Dr Rajiv Patel 12.50: Lunch 13.50: Council Report – Sarah Murray 14.20: PerioLondon Hygienist Team – Changing Habits 15.20: The Team Approach 16.15: Certificates & feedback forms REGISTRATION: BSDHT Members £55.00 Non Members £77.00 Dental Nurses £55.00 Dentists £77.00

How to make yourself indispensable at work and have fun MhaRi coxon

at The Science Theatre, david Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Tn3 0TG

South East Regional Group Spring Meeting Saturday 28th March 2015 Course Programme: Registration, coffee & trade stands 8:15am - 9:00am Richard Snoad 9.00am - 10.30am Julie Rosse Q/A & Council Rep report 10.30am - 11.15am

Coffee & trade stands 11.15am - 12.00pm Mhari Coxon & close meeting 12:00pm - 1.45pm Lunch 1:45pm - close

Students Hygienists/Therapists.

We are offering 15 free spaces excl. lunch.

Please contact the Treasurer for more details.

Booking is Via the BSDHT website only. http://www.bsdht.org.uk/in_your_region.html Receipts will be handed out at our meeting.

Please note booking closes 1 week before our meeting.

If you have any questions regarding booking please contact Sarah Murray acc.londonbsdht@gmail.com There will be no refunds for cancellation after 20th March 2015 Anyone wishing to cancel should make a request to the treasurer in writing to the above email address.

New Challenges 20th International Symposium on Dental Hygiene Basel Switzerland 23rd to 25th June 2016

16 RECRUITMENT

DH CONTACT

Recruitment SURREY

HERTFORDSHIRE

Richmond. Experienced Dental hygienist required on Fridays in a well-equipped mixed practice. Established list. Starting 16 January 2015. Contact Practice Manager with your CV email: cyrus@tudorlodgedental.com

Hemel Hempstead. Hygienist required for friendly mixed practice in Hemel. Preferably Thursdays. Start mid Feb/March.

Please email Fiona at galleyhilldentalsurgery@hotmail.co.uk COUNTY DURHAM

Weybridge. Experienced Hygienist required for friendly, private practice to replace outgoing colleague at the end of January, 2015. 1/1.5 days/week. Email CV to: info@saltersdental.com

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Darlington. Hygienist wanted one day per week, in friendly NHS town centre practice. Contact 01325462215, or 07950011330 evenings and weekends

ESSEX

High Wycombe. Maternity Cover from Spring 2015: Part-time experienced Dental Hygienist required for modern progressive private dental practice in High Wycombe Town Centre. Please e-mail CV to angela@wycombe-dental.co.uk or telephone 01494 442 922 for further details.

Saffron Walden. Part-time Hygienist required for private Denplan practice. Delightful Essex market town. Own surgery, fully computerised, nursing assistance, decom room.

CV please to: newroad_dental @btconnect.com.

WEST MIDLANDS Solihull. Part time Hygienist required Monday and or Friday for busy Private Solihull practice. Please email your CV to plh@totaldentistry.co.uk

COPY DATES FOR

DH CONTACT 1ST MARCH FOR THE APRIL ISSUE The Editor would appreciate items sent ahead of these dates when possible.

Send your contributions to: The Editor, Heather Lewis, 19 Cwrt-y-Vil Road, Penarth, Cardiff CF64 3HN or Email: editor@bsdht.org.uk