Henry Schein 2023 Published Articles

PUBLISHED ARTICLES

2023

CPD

www.the-probe.co.uk

ECPD: SDI

Putting prevention front and centre in your practice Henry Schein Dental is delighted to bring you this article, with the aim of supporting the ongoing Enhanced CPD needs of dental healthcare professionals in improving and maintaining the oral health of their patients

Aims and objectives The aim of this article is to look at the role of dental hygienists and therapists, the importance of oral hygiene treatment, and the products used to deliver the best oral hygiene care.

Learning objectives On completing this Enhanced CPD article, the reader will have an understanding of: • Preventive strategies to improve oral health care and treatment outcomes • The role dental hygienists and therapists play in preventing and treating dental disease • The products available to help patients in all stages of preventive care

Hygienists and therapists are perfectly placed to act as advocates for good oral health and therefore good general health. By increasing public awareness of the connection between oral and systemic health and providing treatments using preventive products they can rely on, they are ready to help patients in all stages of preventive care.

With the services of hygienists and therapists in high demand, a new range of everyday preventive products based on research and feedback from dental professionals has been brought to the market specifically designed to help them save time and to work more efficiently.

Acclean ® , available exclusively in the UK through Henry Schein Dental, introduces a new colourcoded, simplified t h re e - s t a g e system to make it easier for dental professionals to stay organised through each stage of oral care.

• Clean and polish: fundamental prevention products and tools used to clean and polish teeth during hygiene visits and to prevent oral health problems. These include dental floss, prophy cups and brushes and disposable dappen dishes used to hold materials such as prophy paste or resin cement during application.

• Treat and protect: products that

Preventive dentistry is the foundation of oral health care.

Most oral health conditions, including dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal diseases, tooth loss, and oral cancers are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages. i

46

A preventive approach According to the BDA, the lack of resources and the failure to adopt wellevidenced and cost-effective preventive strategies are a key barrier to improving care and health outcomes.

Toothbrushing schemes for young children have been shown to be a beneficial and cost-effective means of reducing dental decay in children, which will have lifelong benefits to the oral health of children and the general population. viii Preventive dentistry needs to be seen as an integral part of the care provided for all patients, rather than being reserved only for specific patients in specific situations.

In essence, prevention is about giving patients control over their oral health.

A key aspect of prevention is patient education, but it also includes helping patients to act on any advice given and provide fundamental prevention products to sustain good oral hygiene, such as fluoride application, dental floss, toothbrushes and interdental tools.

The role of hygienists and therapists Dental hygienists and therapists are at the forefront of providing preventive care to patients. Some work for the NHS, others are employed by private practices and some are selfemployed. No matter where they work, they must always meet the same high standard as set by the General Dental Council (GDC).

The role of a dental hygienist and therapist is hugely varied and their work is fundamental to a successful dental practice. They can help patients to keep their mouths healthy by preventing and treating dental disease such as tooth decay, and preventing periodontal disease by assessment, treatment and monitoring disease levels. They are also on the front line of checking for any signs of abnormalities or conditions, including oral cancer.

As well as providing maintenance treatments such as scale and polish to

To complete the questions and gain one hour of Enhanced CPD, visit https://the-probe.co.uk/courses/course_category/brush-up

is often described as ‘a window to the general health of the patient’.

Dental pain too has a huge impact on people’s lives, both physically and mentally. However, OHF research has shown that awareness of oral health affecting conditions in other parts of the body is as low as 11%. viii Various systemic diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, kidney and diabetes mellitus have been linked to oral microorganisms as a potential focus of infection. ix Oral care should also be an integral part of medical care in medically compromised patients, suffering from chronic conditions such as HIV and cancer. x

Preventive treatment products

Learning Outcomes: C

Prevention has been a focus for UK dentistry in recent years, both in the NHS and the private sector. However, public access to dental services, including oral health services, continues to hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

In 2020, the first COVID-19 lockdown, which shut dental practices for almost two months, resulted in NHS appointment backlogs that in 2022 were estimated at 40 million courses of treatment.ii This backlog in turn has meant patients presenting with more urgent levels of need as a result of lack of access to dental care.iii In 2022, UK dentistry was described by the British Dental Association (BDA) as being in crisis, iv with 90% of NHS practices not accepting any new adult patients. In 2021 - 2022, just 26.4 million courses of NHS dental treatment were delivered - only twothirds (67%) of the average volumes (39.4 million) delivered annually in the five years prior to the pandemic. v To add to these problems, the UK continues to face a cost-of-living crisis that is reducing disposable income and which, according to the Oral Health Foundation (OHF), could lead to a deterioration in the nation’s oral health as people are forced to cut back on regular dental appointments.

Research by the charity showed the increase in living costs was a factor for one-in-three (31%) adults not visiting a dentist in over two years, while 25% of parents have had to spend less on their own oral health to look after their children’s teeth. vi This means people are cutting back on oral health essentials such as toothpaste, mouthwash and interdental brushes, and as a result 28% of UK adults now regularly feel self-conscious or anxious because of the poor condition of their smile.

www.the-probe.co.uk

help remove build-up of hard deposits (calculus) and staining, they can take and interpret X-ray images and apply topical fluoride varnishes and fissure sealants in order to reduce dental caries.

Dental therapists are permitted to carry out further treatments such as routine fillings, nerve treatments, and the removal of milk teeth. They are also typically responsible for the care of patients with additional needs such as those with dental anxiety, learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

Linking oral health and overall health The health of the mouth is linked to a number of other conditions around the whole body, and the oral cavity

CPD Questions 1. The recent increase in living costs was a factor for 31% of adults not visiting a dentist for over: a. One year b. Two years c. Three years d. Four years

4. Dappen dishes are used for:

2. In 2022, NHS appointment backlogs were estimated at: a. 40 million courses of treatment b. 20 million courses of treatment c. 10 million courses of treatment d. 30 million courses of treatment

patients to keep their mouths healthy and

3. Which systemic diseases are linked to oral microorganisms as a potential focus of infection? a. Cardiovascular disease b. Respiratory disease c. Diabetes mellitus d. All of the above promote and sustain oral hygiene after a hygiene visit, including Acclean® fluoride varnish for the treatment of hypersensitivity and cervical areas after professional cleaning and calculus removal.

• Home care: all the necessary products to support adults and children in their daily oral hygiene routine at home, including toothbrushes, denture brushes, dental flossers and dental floss.

With patients having increasingly complex needs and demands, hygienists and therapists can take some of the pressure off dentists and build trusting and long-lasting relationships with patients, that help build a practice’s reputation.

Whether working independently, under

a. Dispensing toothpaste b. Calculus removal c. Holding prophy paste during application d. Holding X-ray images during treatment

5. How can a hygienist and therapist help reduce the risk of developing dental disease? a. By preventing periodontal disease by assessment, treatment and monitoring disease levels b. By checking for any signs of abnormalities or conditions, including mouth cancer c. By providing maintenance treatments such as scale and polish to help remove calculus and staining d. By applying topical fluoride varnishes and fissure sealants e. All of the above

a Direct Access arrangement, or under prescription of a dentist, they can bring the whole dental team together along with the best products to ensure every patient receives the best preventive oral health care.

For more information on the Acclean® product range available exclusively in the UK from Henry Schein Dental, please visit https://hsdental.co/acclean

References i.

https://www.who.int/news-room/ fact-sheets/detail/oral-health 14 March 2023. ii. https://bda.org/news-centre/pressreleases/Pages/Urgent-actionneeded-as-millions-miss-out-onNHS-dentistry.aspx iii. https://bda.org/news-centre/pressreleases/Pages/NHS-Dentistry-newfigures-show-service-on-its-lastlegs.aspx iv. https://bda.org/news-centre/pressreleases/Pages/nhs-dentistry-at-atipping-point.aspx v. https://bda.org/news-centre/pressreleases/Pages/NHS-Dentistry-newfigures-show-service-on-its-lastlegs.aspx vi. h t t p s : / / w w w. d e n t a l - n u r s i n g . co.uk/news/cost-of-living-crisiscontributing-to-deterioration-of-oralhealth-claims-charity-bills-energyprices-health-products-toothpaste vii. https://bda.org/news-centre/blog/ improving-nhs-dentistry-givingdental-patients-better-access-andoutcomes viii. h t t p s : / / w w w. d e n t a l h e a l t h . o r g / news/five-conditions-that-can-beaffected-by-poor-oral-health ix. Contemp Clin Dent. 2021 Jul-Sep; 12(3): 211–212. x. Oberti L, Gabrione F, Nardone M, Di Girolamo M. Two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease: A reality or a paradigm?

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents.

2019;33:153–159. n

About the author Dawn Denham, Product Marketing Manager at Henry Schein Dental

Brought to you by

The Probe | July 23

ECPD: SDI

The Probe | July 23

To complete the questions and gain one hour of Enhanced CPD, visit https://the-probe.co.uk/courses/course_category/brush-up

47

CSR

Business

Business

Go green: practical ways to make a business more sustainable

No measure too small Everyone has a part to play when it comes to finding practical ways to become more sustainable, and businesses, both large and small, are no exception. However, the good news is that becoming a sustainable business might not be as difficult or far-fetched as it may first appear.

Some initial and practical steps to take can include:  Explore the use of recycled, biodegradable, or compostable materials in products and packaging  Install low energy LED lighting  Go ‘paperless’. Share documents digitally as a preference and only print if absolutely necessary

Nadene Harman-Smith discusses ways businesses can deal with the issues of sustainable development.

The environmental crisis facing our planet is drawing increased attention from people around the world. It is clear that action must be taken today to mitigate the negative impact humans are having on the environment, to find better ways to achieve sustainability, and to do everything possible to tackle climate change – both in daily life and while at work.

The climate crisis is something that can no longer be ignored, and governments, along with every type of business have little choice but to take action to ease the effects of global warming and pollution to protect biodiversity and help the world economy.

For example, plastic pollution takes hundreds of years to break down and inflicts serious damage on our oceans, rivers and land. It is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, from the production and manufacture of plastic itself to the way it is disposed of.

Widespread use of single-use instruments and materials means that health care services like dentistry contribute significantly to plastic pollution. It is estimated that in the UK alone, total plastic waste generation Nadene Harman-Smith is senior customer experience manager at Henry Schein Dental and environment co-project lead of the Environmental Sustainability Project.

22 Issue 1 2023

 Provide accessible, clearly labelled recycling bins for employees and customers

will increase to around 6.3m tonnes by 2030; the largest contributor being the healthcare service sector, accounting for more than half (53 per cent) of all plastic waste.

 Provide staff with reusable drinks bottles to reduce the dependency on single-use plastic bottles

In January this year, the UK government announced that a range of polluting single-use plastics will be banned from October 2023, allowing businesses (predominately retailers, takeaways, food vendors and the hospitality industry) time to prepare. The ban will include single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers.

 Encourage car-share and travel to the office by walking, cycling, or public transport  Continue home or hybrid working policies where possible to reduce employee commuting  Investigate recycling services provided by third parties  Encourage patients to use recyclable oral care products and offer recycling at the practice

A change of attitude In tune with legislative changes to combat climate change, many people are already working to continuously adapt the way they live to reduce their environmental impact.

The increased consumer demand for transparency and communication of companies’ environmental initiatives, as well as growing demand for ‘green’ products ethically sourced through the supply chain – from raw materials to end-of-life product disposal – means businesses have to be more environmentally aware.

The shift in consumer attitude is a trend that is not going away, and companies will have no choice but to change or be overlooked in favour of more sustainable businesses. Many customers now expect sustainability as standard, and businesses that do not adapt and innovate are likely to see an impact on long-term profitability and viability.

Building a sustainable business For businesses committed to evaluating and implementing initiatives to reduce or offset their environmental footprint, ISO 14001:2015 is a globally recognised environmental management system (EMS). It provides a practical method of managing environmental responsibilities, including water and sewage issues, waste management, air pollution and climate change mitigation. ISO 14001 is a voluntary standard, open to all organisations and businesses, be they private, not-for-profit or governmental, and regardless of size, location or industry.

An EMS provides a clear management framework for businesses to follow, encompassing the policies, processes, practices and plans that define the rules governing how a company interacts with the environment.

DentalInsider

The requirements are determined by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) to help organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and to reduce waste.

Implementing an EMS assures customers, employees and suppliers of a business’s commitment to managing its environmental impact and its readiness to set clear objectives to improve environmental performance. It also reflects the commitment within a business to create a greener and more sustainable future for us all.

Wider business ambitions Science-based targets provide a clearly defined pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping to prevent the worst impacts

DentalInsider

of climate change and to future-proof business growth.

Create a sustainable strategy

The Business Ambition for 1.5°C Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to commit to set long-term, sciencebased emissions targets to reach net-zero global emissions by 2050. By guiding companies in science-based target setting, SBTi enables them to tackle climate change while realising the benefits and boosting their competitiveness in the transition to a net-zero economy.

Sustainability is, without question, becoming part of business culture, and the increasing consumer demand for environmentally sustainable goods and services means businesses are in an ideal position to help their supply chains become carbon neutral.

Taking positive action on climate change is also a huge opportunity to engage with suppliers, customers, and staff - many of whom already feel passionately about this issue.

Endorsed by a global coalition of UN agencies, business groups, and industry leaders, companies signing up to the SBTi join corporate leaders worldwide in strengthening their approach to measuring, monitoring, and reporting on carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.

Net zero targets are of global importance, but you do not need to be a global company to make a difference. By simply taking your own small steps and then working together towards a greener future for all – together we can make a difference.

References available on request. Issue 1 2023 23

www.the-probe.co.uk

Henry ScHein

Developing a more sustainable practice

How businesses can help to build a greener future for all

Suken Shah talks about practising in a way that is green.

What has made you both so passionate about ensuring Henry Schein UK and ireland achieved iSO 14001 certification and how this can help the environment?

VS: I am dedicated to the natural environment and firmly believe the current environmental crisis is the biggest challenge facing our planet. It is clear that we must act together NOW to make essential changes to stop the negative impact humankind is having on the planet and to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. nH-S: My awareness of plastic pollution, landfill and emissions has grown, and I have realised we need to do something that helps to achieve a zero-carbon economy and a sustainable and healthy future for people and our planet. The ISO 14001 certification was one important step for us.

Momentum is building and it is evident that governments and businesses of all sizes are finally starting to take action to ease the effects of global warming and pollution to protect biodiversity and help the world economy.

What is iSO 14001? nH-S: ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS), providing a clear management framework for organisations to follow.

It is a voluntary standard, open to all organisations and businesses, regardless of size, location, sector, or industry.

An EMS encompasses the policies, processes, plans, and practices that define the rules gover ning how a company interacts with the environment. Implementing an EMS assures customers and employees of a business’s commitment to demonstrable management of their environmental impact and its readiness to implement necessary controls, and sets clear objectives to improve their environmental performance.

can you tell us more about how Henry Schein UK and ireland achieved iSO 14001 certification?

VS: At Henry Schein UK and Ireland, we are committed to assessing o u r e n v i ro n m e n t a l i m p a c t w h e n carrying out our business activities and implementing initiatives and strategies to reduce or offset our overall carbon footprint.

We understood that by implementing ISO 14001 into our existing quality management system, it would provide an even more efficient way of managing our legal and regulatory obligations as well as helping us to improve

16

Practice Management

The Probe talks to nadene Harman-Smith and Vicki Snow from Henry Schein Dental to find out more about how businesses can deal with the issues of sustainable development with ISO 14001 certification our energy and waste reduction. This in turn would also bring a shared ownership and stewardship of our environmental objectives. nH-S: Thanks to the support of many of our employees – referred to as Team Schein Members (TSMs) – and management across the business, we were delighted in 2022 to receive official notification that Henry Schein UK and Ireland had been successful in achieving ISO 14001 certification.

This not only helps us to evaluate the environmental impact of our business activities but also reflects the commitment within the business to create a greener and more sustainable future for us all.

What practical measures have you taken within the business to become more sustainable? nH-S: Together with our TSMs, we have been outlining new environmentally focused objectives and KPIs to ensure that we fully understand our e n v i ro n m e n t a l impact and continuously improve our environmental performance.

For example, new motion-detecting LED lighting has been fitted in all areas of our Medcare South warehouse as part of a wider lighting project ongoing at our UK head office in Gillingham.

New signs and stickers have also been put in place across our offices and warehouses to make it easier for our TSMs to know where to dispose of a particular item of waste using clear colour coding and simple guides.

Separating waste effectively means less waste goes to landfill, reducing greenhouse gases and pollution.

What about longer term business ambitions?

VS: With climate change being one of the most critical sustainability issues of our time, Henry Schein has signed the Business Ambition for 1.5°C Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a commitment to set a long-term, sciencebased emissions target to reach net-zero global emissions by 2050.

Endorsed by a global coalition of UN agencies, business groups, and industry leaders, by signing the SBTi, Henry Schein has been joining corporate leaders worldwide in strengthening our approach to measuring, monitoring, and reporting on carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.

How can businesses lead the way in sustainability?

VS: Without question, sustainability is becoming part of business culture, and thanks to increasing consumer demand

for environmentally sustainable goods and services, businesses are in an ideal position to help their supply chains become carbon neutral. Taking positive action on climate change is also a huge opportunity to engage with suppliers, customers, and staff – many of whom already feel passionately about this issue. nH-S: In a changing world, businesses, both big and small, are finding themselves leading the way through refined processes, logistics and products in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. Net zero targets are of global importance, but you do not need to be a global company to make a difference. By simply making your own small steps and then working together towards a greener future for all - together we can make a difference.

What can consumers do to reduce their impact on the environment?

VS: Many people are already doing their utmost to take whatever action they can to reduce their environmental impact in daily life.

However, sustainability is also one of the most important challenges facing every type and size of business.

As consumers become m o re environmentally aware, sustainability is something that should now be at the centre of all business operations.

It is evident that consumers are increasingly scrutinising companies’ environmental credentials to ensure they are minimising their environmental, social, and ethical impact on business supply chains 1 .

There is also increasing consumer demand for ‘green’ products and services that are ethically sourced through the supply chain, from raw material to the end-product and eventual disposal. And this also does not exclude the dental practice.

To address this need, in addition to our ISO 14001 certification activities,

we have launched an initiative to support our customers and their efforts to achieve their own environmental goals through the expansion of our ‘green’ products and service offerings.

We are in the process of implementing Practice Green across EMEA since the beginning of January this year.

Practice Green aims to encourage the health care community to become more eco-friendly by providing solutions to support, educate, and enhance the environmental sustainability efforts of our customers so that they can run a more eco-friendly practice while continuously providing high-quality patient care. Together, we can build a healthier world for all.

To learn more about Henry Schein’s eSG efforts and to view the company’s 2021 Sustainability and cSr report, please visit hsdental.co/csr henryschein.co.uk Twitter: @HenryScheinUK Facebook: HenryScheinUK instagram: @henryscheinuk Linkedin: Henry Schein Dental UK n

reference: 1. https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/ pages/consumer-business/articles/ sustainable-consumer.html

nadene HarmanSmith Senior customer experience Manager at Henry Schein Dental

Vicki Snow Director of Quality & regulatory in UK, ireland, The nordics, and South Africa at Henry Schein Dental They are environment co-Project Leads of the environmental Sustainability Project which is part of the environmental, Social and Governance (eSG) activities for Henry Schein UK and ireland.

The Probe | February 23

S

mart Dental Care opened its first practice in 2007, and today, the group has 45 practices located in North West England and Ireland. We provide a broad range of private and NHS treatments from general dentistry through to smile makeovers, implants and cosmetic treatments. We also deliver specialist contracts on behalf of the NHS, including minor oral surgery, orthodontics, emergency dental care and treating people in secure settings across the northwest.

We are a growing organisation employing around 170 dentists and 350 clinical and non-clinical staff across the group. Our aim is to continue to Suken Shah is the MD of Smart Dental Care.

36 The Dentist June 2023

grow and to continue to offer NHS dentistry as part of our mix. Recently, we have started to move towards a cooperative model that allows our dentists to become stakeholders in their own practice, so they can run it as if it is their own. Our head office supports their operation in terms of funding and organisational support, but principals are left to serve their local community in ways, they know are best for their patients and the services they require.

Environmental impact As a group, we are very mindful of our impact on the environment and have been looking to implement practical ways to adopt a greener business approach and to reduce our carbon footprint. This is not an easy task, because we have thousands of patients

coming in to see us every week, so it’s a delicate balance to implement greener practices in a way that will help us practise in more sustainable ways.

The digital route We are in the process of introducing digital dentistry across our practices including intraoral scanners, CBCT and digital X-rays to offer a wider range of services that patients are now looking for while future-proofing our business. Intraoral scanning allows the digital results to be sent directly to the lab without having to make and send casts and moulds using alginates, that also have to be disposed of eventually.

The use of digital X-rays means, we can dispense with toxic chemicals and solvents used in traditional X-rays and the images can be immediately

uploaded and stored electronically in patients’ notes.

A paper-reduced approach Practice management software is a great tool to reduce the amount of paper used in practice by digitising documents and patient records. We use the software to send text messages and email appointment reminders to patients rather than sending letters.

We are increasing the use of tablets in our practices so instead of using printed forms, patients use tablets to complete their documentation. We are launching initiatives for online booking, remote form filling and contactless payments meaning patients also spend less time at the reception desk completing administrative functions.

Additional measures In a further effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we are installing LED lighting across the group as well as energy-saving light motion sensors

that automatically turn lights on and off. Where possible, we buy our electricity from energy providers that use renewable sources.

We strive to cut down on unnecessary travel by our staff to save on fuel, time and travel costs while helping to reduce the carbon emissions and pollution associated with vehicle use. We do not supply company cars to our staff but we want to encourage the use of electric vehicles by way of free electric car charge points installed outside the group’s head office in Manchester.

Green initiatives Embedding sustainability into our practices is an ongoing process and is extremely important to us. In this respect, we welcome any support to move our green initiatives forward and find ways to measure our carbon footprint and assess the significance of actions we are taking.

As a long-time customer of Henry Schein Dental, we are interested

99

to learn more about the company’s new environmental sustainability programme, Practice Green. This new initiative is designed to encourage practitioners and practice teams to adopt a greener business approach and a shared commitment to environmental sustainability while continuing to provide high-quality patient care.

We are always looking for companies and manufacturers who share a mutual commitment to reduce the impact the dental industry has on the environment, and we are looking forward to working with Henry Schein and its Practice Green initiative in the coming months.

We hope to be able to understand more about the steps we can take to become more sustainable and to publicise what we are doing from a green framework perspective.

Working on initiatives such as this is an important step towards a greener future for all.

November 2023

Industry innovations

Together we can make a difference Jackie Cooper outlines practical ways for dental teams to improve their sustainability Jackie Cooper EMEA sustainability programme manager, Henry Schein

Practice Management

The effects of climate change have been dominating the news agenda for several years, with intense heatwaves, devastating floods and forest fires indicating a planet under real pressure.

The repercussions are not just limited to increased global temperatures; they also have a resultant detrimental impact on health and disease (BDA, 2019). The healthcare sector is responsible for 4.4% of global carbon emissions (Tennison et al, 2021) and as a result has a vital role to play in climate change mitigation efforts.

The Climate Change Act 2008 is the basis for the UK’s approach to responding to climate change. This means the UK, including the NHS, is legally obliged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 (The King’s Fund, 2023).

For the NHS, identifying a route to zero emissions for such a complex organisation is particularly challenging. The aim of the NHS is to be the world’s first net zero national health service with two fundamental targets to be met: • For the emissions the NHS controls directly (the NHS carbon footprint), net zero by 2040, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by 2028 to 2032 • For the emissions the NHS can influence (NHS carbon footprint plus), net zero by 2045, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by 2036 to 2039.

can take. No matter how small those actions are, if enough of us commit to them, they can make a difference.

Henry Schein is continuously exploring the areas in which the company has an impact on the environment, such as the number of deliveries made, the packaging used and the sustainable products and services chosen.

Embarking on a sustainability journey is a crucial step for companies looking to align their operations to environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Here are a few key steps and strategies to consider: • Switch to low energy LED lighting • Shut down or put computers not in use into sleep mode to save on electricity

The widespread use of single-use instruments and materials means that healthcare services such as dentistry contribute significantly to plastic pollution.

It is estimated that in the UK alone, total plastic waste generation will increase to around 6.3 million tonnes by 2030. The largest contributor is the healthcare service sector, accounting for more than half (53%) of all plastic waste (Defra, 2019).

Tax and tax incentives can play a part in reducing plastic consumption. The UK introduced its plastic packaging tax (PPT) with effect from 1 April 2022, with the aim to encourage the use of recycled plastic instead of new plastic packaging.

It applies to plastic packaging manufactured in (or imported into) the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic by weight.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a new UK legislation coming into force in 2024. It encourages producers of packaging to take responsibility for their environmental impact by requiring them to pay for the collection and disposal costs of the packaging when it becomes waste.

Looking at the impact of climate change on a global scale can be overwhelming. However, there are actions that we as both individuals and businesses

and lead waste in the development process that would otherwise be discarded in the water supply (Lakshmi et al, 2013) • Take digital impressions rather than PVS impressions to eliminate the use of impression materials and reduce the use of couriers • Install an amalgam separator to prevent harmful mercury filling material from entering the water supply.

Industry help

This year, Henry Schein launched the Practice Green programme to help empower the healthcare community to establish sustainable practices for a healthier planet.

This initiative encourages healthcare professionals around the world, in partnership with suppliers, to adopt a greener business approach and a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

Practice Green aims to offer practical ways for Henry Schein customers and suppliers, on a local and national level, to become more sustainable, while following the current health and safety legislation and continuing to provide high quality patient care.

This programme reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to reduce landfill waste, reuse and recycle materials, introduce more efficient use of energy and water resources, as well as introducing a wide range of environmentally friendly products.

Sustainable toolkits

Practice Green by Henry Schein also encourages practices to explore sustainability toolkits, designed to support dental professionals in their journey towards greener dentistry.

Interactive toolkits, such as Greener Dentistry, the FDI Sustainability in Dentistry Toolkit, and the BDA Toolkit, aim to empower practice teams to positively impact the environment without adding to their already demanding workload.

Each toolkit shares sustainable practices, such as reducing energy and water consumption, minimising waste generation and adopting environmentally friendly products.

The problem of plastic

Practical tips 37 The Dentist June 2023

Dentistry.co.uk

Make a difference

• Minimise paper usage by sending team and

patient communication digitally and only printing when absolutely necessary • Provide accessible, clearly labelled recycling bins • Provide staff with reusable drinks bottles to reduce the dependency on single-use plastic bottles • Encourage car-shares and travelling to work by walking, cycling or public transport.

Dental practices can take the following measures to increase sustainability: • Use digital X-rays rather than conventional X-rays, as this reduces the amount of radiation patients are exposed to and eliminates the paper, plastic

Dentistry is about caring for people. Taking steps to protect the environment could be viewed as a natural extension of this.

Many of us have already adopted measures to reduce our environmental impact at home, by recycling and saving energy – from switching the lights off to installing solar panels.

What if we took the same approach to the business side of life? By simply taking our own small steps at home and at work and getting involved with initiatives such as Practice Green, we can collaboratively work towards a greener future for all.

For references, email newsdesk@fmc.co.uk.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Practice Green, visit www.henryschein.co.uk/medical-gb/practice-green.

Business

Forging a different path to employment Tina Pincott explains how helping neurodivergent young people access employment is rewarding for everyone involved.

Business Á(EHCP), which is considered by the local authority, and if they think the individual might be a suitable candidate for our programme, they will organise a meeting.

We are not a traditional educational route; we are a provision for young people who have struggled at school or have been to college, but don’t know where to go next. Many have practical skills, but do not possess the confidence to go to an interview. Or we may have someone referred to us from a grammar school who has passed their English and maths qualifications, but they need to work on their soft skills and employability. Once we have received our referrals for the year, we will carry out vocational profiling and a skills assessment to help us identify the most suitable employer.

Each group of two to four interns is assigned a job coach. The job coach’s role is to bridge the gap into employment for the interns, providing them with the support they need until they are independent enough to do the job on their own. The internship lasts for a year and is funded by the local authority. It is like a long working interview.

The interns attend their work placement for four days each week and spend the fifth day in education, studying for a B-Tech work skills qualification. They also have a chance to achieve a maths and English qualification if required.

A boost to morale A practical approach

Forward2Employment is a post-16 provision that provides supported internships across a wide range of sectors in Medway, Kent and the South East. It helps young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) find permanent and purposeful employment.

The idea behind Forward2Employment was formed when I was working at Bradfields Academy in Chatham Kent, a specialist SEND education provision.

A team of us from the Fortis Trust found ourselves discussing what the

Tina Pincott is a senior job coach at Forward2Employment.

DentalInsider pg31-32 Forging a different path to employment (TP).indd 31

academy’s sixth formers were going to do after leaving school. We had heard that supported internships were extremely popular in the Midlands and the North, but there were very few in the South at that time.

We had the idea to set up our own supported internship programme, and in 2018, we started our journey with just myself as job coach and three interns with placements at the Henry Schein Dental Distribution Warehouse in Gillingham.

interest in understanding more about autism and the incredible attention to detail that people with autism often have. Angela reported this back to Elizabeth Halton, now our head of provision, and the idea of working together on supported internships blossomed from there.

We placed our first three interns with Henry Schein Dental in 2018 and they were all subsequently successful in gaining employment there. Since then, more employers have come on board.

From small beginnings

How it works

Our partnership with Henry Schein Dental resulted from a chance meeting at a local networking event. Angela Gillett, then employment engagement officer at Fortis Trust, had been introduced to Steve Tredwell, director of business systems, UK and Ireland, at Henry Schein Dental, who expressed an

Young people are usually referred to the scheme by the local authority in Medway who fund the programme.

We’ve also started to receive some referrals from Kent, as people are starting to hear about us further afield.

The young people we work with often have an educational health care plan Issue 3 2023 31

14/12/2023 12:54

We’ve found that for many young people who might have struggled in school, the educational side is made much easier by putting what they learn into practice in the workplace.

For instance, one of our young people struggled with maths and didn’t know her odd and even numbers. We used a simple visual at work and within two weeks she had mastered it, simply because she was applying the rules in practice.

What sets us apart from other supported internship programmes is that the job coach is highly involved throughout the week, including the education day. Many of our young people have anxiety or autism which can make adjusting to change daunting.

The job coaches are on hand to address any problems or triggers and help them cope. They also train the employees and team leaders at the work placement to ensure they know how to accommodate the young person’s specific needs.

32 Issue 3 2023 pg31-32 Forging a different path to employment (TP).indd 32

We offer something really rewarding and valuable to our partner companies and we see evidence of this in the feedback we receive and our daily experiences as job coaches.

At Henry Schein Dental, I could see that the internships had a positive impact on staff morale. A team meets a young person who lacks confidence or skills for the workplace, and by the end, they see a completely new person, who may even become a permanent employee. It gives the team a real sense of achievement to be responsible for our young people and to help them grow. The training we provide also adds real value and we’ve seen those who take part gain a whole new sense of awareness of neurodivergent people and an appreciation of how valuable they can be to a company.

Onwards and upwards Despite the negative impact of the

Covid-19 pandemic, we have expanded our provision and currently support 40 interns with a team of eight job coaches. We have placed interns with a wide variety of companies, including Sainsbury’s and DHL. We’re always looking for more opportunities and businesses to work with because we provide such highly individualised internships.

And it’s not just about bagging that first job for our interns; it’s about keeping it, too. Many of the Forward2Employment interns we have placed stay on successfully as employees. I remember one intern at Henry Schein Dental’s Distribution Warehouse who, thanks partly to her autism, never deviated or cut corners once she had been shown a way to do something. This meant her accuracy rate was exceptionally high!

To find out more about the Forward2Employment scheme, visit the website at www.forward2employment.co.uk

DentalInsider 14/12/2023 12:54

Business

Why corporate social responsibility matters

Business Áunavoidable cost of doing business, environmental CSR is now focused on cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and waste.

Climate concerns play an important role especially in younger people’s career decisions. The Deloitte Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey reported that more than half of respondents said they researched a brand’s environmental impact and policies before accepting a job. One in six said they had already changed jobs or sectors due to climate concerns, and around a quarter of respondents said they planned to do so in the future.

Mark Topley discusses the reasons why CSR should be front and centre of a business.

For those intent on running a successful, healthy, and rewarding business, and wanting to attract and retain staff that share their values, CSR must be front and centre.

If a company treats its staff well, makes them feel valued, and allows them to develop in their career, staff turnover will be lower and the team will be more likely to remain loyal.

Corporate social responsibility is a method in which a practice can do business in a way that positively impacts society, reflecting a consideration of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of its actions.

While it can seem that CSR is something that only big businesses have the time and resources to do properly, by following a simple process, those of any size can also establish a CSR policy and benefit from the rewards it can bring.

Getting started Consumers increasingly expect the brands they support to be socially responsible; they want to know – and to be shown – what companies are doing to address social and environmental issues in the context of their business policies and procedures. It is important for a number of reasons and there are notable trends that businesses, including dental companies and dental practices, need to be aware of.

Mark Topley is the director of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Professionals.

DentalInsider pg29-30 Why corporate social responsibility matters (MT).indd 29

What matters Two important trends are employment and changing employee expectations.

It matters more than ever before what prospective employees think about a company and what their priorities are when seeking a job.

A key factor in attracting good employees is a credible CSR strategy.

This shows that a company is compassionate and treats all people – including their employees – well, while also seeking ways to improve society and contribute towards sustainable development.

According to Deloitte’s 2021 Millennial and Gen Z survey, the modern workforce prioritises culture, diversity, and high impact over financial benefits, relying on their personal ethics in

determining the type of work and companies they would join.

People are also looking to businesses that play an active role in local communities while working to drive positive change on social and ethical issues. Companies that show a dedication to social responsibility are more likely to attract valuable and engaged employees. What’s more, employees that share a company’s values are much more likely to stay.

The environment One of the most crucial and high-profile trends that companies are directing their CSR efforts towards is reducing environmental impact. Where harmful effects on the environment were once considered a necessary and Issue 3 2023 29

14/12/2023 12:49

There are a number of ways that dental companies and suppliers can help practices to establish a CSR policy, with new initiatives to encourage dental professionals to adopt a greener business approach and a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

The first one is products. Many dentists are concerned that they cannot ‘go green’ because so many of the products they use are single-use and subsequently are not environmentally friendly. Suppliers are increasingly considering ways to make their products more sustainable.

Initiatives, such as Practice Green by Henry Schein, aim to offer customers a selection of environmentally friendly products as well as services and support to help create greener practices and

30 Issue 3 2023 pg29-30 Why corporate social responsibility matters (MT).indd 30

enhance environmental sustainability efforts.

Dental companies should consider pursuing sustainability initiatives such as ISO14001 certification, an internationally agreed and recognised standard for environmental management, and also joining the Global Business Initiative for 1.5°C, which aims to reduce global emissions to net zero by 2050. By doing so, dental manufacturers and distributors can help their customers access greener products and equipment and adopt more sustainable processes.

Coaching and training are also ways to take practice owners and their teams through a process to embed sustainability and responsibility into

the way they run their business. This is about behavioural change which requires a long-term approach, assessing and adapting in every area of the business.

Leading the way Corporate social responsibility is only likely to feature more prominently in the future, along with environmental management policies and procedures and an eco-friendly approach that shows a strong corporate social responsibility commitment.

By changing practices and implementing effective CSR policies, businesses can lead the way in protecting all of us, and the planet, for future generations.

DentalInsider 14/12/2023 12:50

DIGITAL

www.the-probe.co.uk

Henry ScHein

The future of 3D printing, now: Why I use the SprintRay Pro S ian Buckle, practice principal of Buckle Advanced Dental Care, discusses the many benefits of 3D printing and in particular, the SprintRay Pro S

A

s I focus on complete dentistry, I look at both functional and aesthetic aspects to keep my patients healthy and looking great.

I’ve also been involved in teaching for a long time, including running courses from my clinic at Buckle Advanced Dental Care.

I’ve been acquainted with digital dentistry my entire career, starting with the original CEREC scanner as a student in the 1980s. Ultimately, I enjoy technology, we’re a completely digital practice and the courses we teach are all digitally based.

A smart approach Digital dentistry makes our work more predictable, fun, efficient, and productive. This is important for complete dentistry where we need to do great work quickly. Digital solutions like 3D printers enable this, and that is why I was intrigued to try the SprintRay Pro S. We already had a 3D printer in the practice, and I’ve used a variety of them over the years, so I know what a difference they can make.

For years, we’ve engaged with printed models, printed splints, and printed surgical guides. Now we’re printing crowns and temporary crowns as well. It aids what we do, particularly when working with labs around the world because we can communicate digitally. A 3D printer like the SprintRay Pro S allows us to look at the work produced by a lab via an STL file, rather than waiting for a mock-up to arrive in the post. This has changed the whole game.

16

I was first introduced to the SprintRay Pro S during a course. Most people don’t realise that with most 3D printers you need a separate system to wash and cure the printed objects after production.

The SprintRay Pro S is an integrated system, making a smooth workflow from the printer to the SprintRay Pro Wash/Dry to the SprintRay ProCure.

It’s all well-coordinated and supported with results that take you right to the finish, and it’s at a good price, too. For these reasons, we use it all day every day in our practice and on our courses.

and

Experts from Henry Schein Dental will be on hand to speak with visitors and demonstrate digital equipment including the SprintRay Pro 95 S 3D printer with cure and wash units, and the TRIOS 5 intraoral scanner.

cost-

Efficiency is tremendous with the SprintRay Pro S, as it enables us to print multiple models for bleaching trays, wax-ups, aligners, splints, and surgical guides; we also produce temporary and final crowns, which is phenomenal. You can design and print in-clinic or have them designed at a lab and transferred digitally to then print yourself.

3D printing offers costeffective opportunities for mass production. When you can print around 84 crowns an hour, even on a small platform like ours, it introduces impressive cost-efficiencies.

We’ve been printing and milling for years, but the way 3D printers build up in layers allows us to print multiple crowns very quickly, even within half an hour.

Splints are another example; they can be a real challenge, because they require a good foundation. I can honestly say that after three decades of working with digital technology, the Sprintray Pro S offers the best method we’ve ever had of producing these, with outstanding accuracy. It’s amazing to compare it to the oldfashioned, messy way of producing splints with acrylic.

Digital connectivity enables us to send accurate information off to the lab straight away with clear instructions. Once the lab shares their work, we can look at it together in a virtual meeting to make sure it’s in good order. Once approved, we print it locally, reducing the entire process to within a day, whereas before it could take two weeks.

Accurate and patient-centred The SprintRay Pro S has all the accuracy we need in clinic. We have

See Henry Schein’s key digital offerings at FMC’s Digital and Implant Dentistry Show On 25th February 2023 Henry Schein Dental will be showcasing key digital equipment during the Digital and Implant Dentistry Show, held at the Novotel London West between 09:00-16:00.

A simplified workflow

efficient effective

Client: Henry Schein Platform: FMC Month: January 2023 Feature: Digital Dentistry Show PR - 25th February 2023

the capability to do cases like full mouth rehabilitations, which require a high level of accuracy whilst also having the option to cut the accuracy back to save time and increase costeffectiveness when pinpoint accuracy is not required.

It’s important to note that accuracy is also optimised in a full digital workflow. The more often you introduce analogue processes, the higher the risk of inaccuracies. This is one of the reasons why we’re a completely digital practice.

Everything we do should be patientcentred, and 3D printing allows us to provide a better service to our patients through our increased efficiency and accuracy. Digital processes provide a better experience, from not having to endure conventional impressions to reduced treatment times.

We deal with a lot of wear cases.

Now we can simply print beautifully fitting onlays in resin and glue them in place.

Unrivalled support As it’s a digital system, an engineer can log in remotely to fix the SprintRay Pro S if needed, reducing the risk of downtime. The SprintRay team have been a huge support throughout, as have the team at Henry Schein. I always feel well looked after, and any problems are resolved quickly.

This, along with its price point and the integration of the system are the key selling points of SprintRay Pro S for me.

The future of 3D printing Look at the world, never mind dentistry, and we see 3D printing everywhere.

The technology is advancing quickly, and the materials are getting better all the time. It won’t be long before we can print almost anything, and then it’s really going take over and become part of our daily routine.

If you’re going to provide the best care for your patients, it’s essential to look forward because technology is always moving on; this is vital in health care professions. By staying curious and getting involved, we stimulate the everyday and make dentistry better by offering an enhanced service. 3D printing isn’t the future; it’s now.

For more information about the SprintRay P ro S visit: hsdequipment.co.uk or explore the Henry Schein 3D Printing Guide at: www.hsd-ebooks.co.uk/3dprinting/ n henryschein.co.uk Twitter: @HenryScheinUK Facebook: HenryScheinUK instagram: @henryscheinuk Linkedin: Henry Schein Dental UK

About the author ian Buckle, practice principal of Buckle Advanced Dental care

The Probe | January 23

At the stand, visitors can familiarise themselves with the benefits of the SprintRay Pro 95 S’s powerful and efficient 3D printing capabilities. It will be joined by the SprintRay Pro Cure and the SprintRay Pro Wash/Dry which all together create a fast, accurate and hygienic full 3D printing workflow.

As the popularity of intraoral scanners continues to rise, Henry Schein Dental will also showcase the new TRIOS 5 wireless intraoral scanner. Its lightweight, compact design and wire-free camera makes digital impression taking even more effortless and efficient than before.

Whilst there, visitors will also be able to access the knowledgeable BioHorizons Camlog team, who are implantology specialists known for digital innovation in implant systems, digital workflows, and innovative regenerative solutions.

Find Henry Schein at Stand C4 at the Digital and Implant Dentistry Show at Novotel London West, Chablis Suite. For more information and to register visit https://dentistry.co.uk/shows/digital-implant-dentistry-show/

Client: Henry Schein Platform: Online Month: January 2023 Feature: Digital Dentistry Show PR - 25th February 2023

Discover Henry Schein Dental’s digital showstoppers at the Digital and Implant Dentistry Show this February!

Henry Schein Dental looks forward to demonstrating key pieces from their digital equipment portfolio at the Digital and Implant Dentistry Show, held at the Novotel London West between 09:00-16:00 on Saturday, 25th February 2023.

Visitors will be able to speak with Henry Schein Dental’s knowledgeable team and see key digital equipment in action, including the SprintRay Pro 95 S 3D Printer, and the 3Shape TRIOS 5 intraoral scanner.

SprintRay products are built to work together. From design to print to post-processing, SprintRay helps to improve 3D printing quality and efficiency. The SprintRay Pro 95 S 3D Printer, the SprintRay Pro Cure and the SprintRay Pro Wash/Dry will all be on the stand for visitors to explore.

3Shape’s popular TRIOS intraoral scanners will also be on display, most notably the NEW TRIOS 5 smaller and lighter wireless intraoral scanner, which offers greater hygiene, versatility and freedom of movement to digital impression taking.

The Henry Schein Dental team will be joined by a representative from BioHorizons Camlog, the implantology specialists who deliver implant systems, digital workflows, and innovative regenerative solutions.

Visitors will find Henry Schein Dental’s Stand C4 well worth a visit!

Find Henry Schein at Stand C4 at the Digital and Implant Dentistry Show at Novotel London West, Chablis Suite. For more information and to register visit https://dentistry.co.uk/shows/digital-implant-dentistry-show/

EQUIPMENT

92

Industry innovations

Dentistry.co.uk

July 2023

Minimising the loss of revenue from equipment breakdown Nicola Bound explains why regular equipment servicing minimises inconvenient and costly breakdowns

Nicola Bound Senior operations and service manager, Henry Schein Dental Dental equipment is a vital component to any dental practice, as well as an important investment for dentists and practice owners. Well-maintained equipment is central to the smooth running of a practice and helps to ensure patients always receive excellent, safe and comfortable care.

Regular servicing and maintenance of equipment is essential to keep it working correctly and reliably at all times. This also helps to prevent expensive breakdowns that cause a loss of revenue and disrupt patient treatment.

Why servicing matters

Equipment can fail unexpectedly – and often at the worst possible times – and there is always an underlying cause. The main reasons for machine breakdowns include irregular servicing, lack of preventative maintenance and failure to follow manufacturer guidelines.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998) requires that manufacturers’ recommendations are followed regarding servicing schedules to ensure all equipment complies with current standards and is safe for use.

Best practice dictates that equipment should be serviced according to manufacturer recommendations, or at least once a year. The more the equipment is used, the more frequently servicing will be required.

Of course, well-maintained equipment is also more likely to last longer, which can mean a more sustainable use and a better return on investment.

Costly breakdowns

Unexpected downtime caused by equipment breakdowns can be very costly for a practice. For a broken piece of key equipment, such as a dental chair, it can take several days for an engineer to fix the problem.

For example, according to an analysis conducted

by Software of Excellence (2013), a surgery generating £180/hour would lose £1,440 in just

one day of downtime. That is valuable time and money lost for treating patients, not to mention the additional costs of rescheduling cancelled appointments with dissatisfied patients.

Taking into account appointment slots that rescheduled patients then occupy, this loss of revenue can potentially double, along with the additional cost of administrative time.

Last-minute cancellations cause stress and disruption for patients, especially when they have arranged their busy schedules around their appointment. This can result in unhappy patients leaving the practice, as well as negative feedback online that can damage a practice’s hard-earned reputation.

According to www.nationalstrategic.com, people with heightened customer experiences, whether positive or negative, are more likely to leave a review online. And according to loop-digital.co.uk, a significant 78% of consumers use the internet to find out information on businesses, including dental practices.

Dedicated service plans

Routine service visits can prolong the life of valuable equipment and minimise inconvenient and costly breakdowns.

Regular equipment servicing can help to: • Ensure compliance • Reduce practice downtime • Enhance efficiency • Save on overall costs • Increase equipment lifespans • Practise more sustainably.

Henry Schein service contracts can help to prolong the use of all types of equipment and maintain the value of investment to deliver a superior patient experience.

Madalina Ignat, principal dentist at Emicare Dental and Spa Centre, values the service she receives from Henry Schein: ‘If we have any issues or anything we need support with, the Henry

Well-maintained equipment is also more likely to last longer, which can mean a more sustainable use and a better return on investment Schein support team is very responsive, sending an engineer promptly to check on any problems.

‘This is very reassuring as no practice wants to spend a day unable to treat patients.’

Henry Schein accredited engineers are trained by partner manufacturers and always use manufacturer-recommended service kits and parts for all equipment supported by Henry Schein to ensure an optimum level of service.

In addition, while carrying out the service, they will advise on any other parts or remedial action required, helping to improve overall equipment performance.

As dental practices continue to adopt more digital technology and equipment, service visits will become even more indispensable, as a broader range of servicing expertise will be required.

Henry Schein service contracts will be there to support customers as their equipment needs evolve.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For details on Henry Schein service contracts, visit info.henryschein.co.uk/reduce-downtime-in-your-practice.

TWITTER: @HenryScheinUK FACEBOOK: HenryScheinUK INSTAGRAM: @HenryScheinUK LINKEDIN: Henry Schein Dental UK

LAB

ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

All that glitters is not gold Paul Hayfield from Henry Schein Dental explains why the Zirlux® range of Zirconia surpasses gold to meet the demands of modern dentistry.

I

n modern dentistry, patients demand aesthetic, long-lasting restorations. With the advancement of materials and technology, technicians have the tools at their fingertips to deliver on these expectations. Within this market, the Zirlux® Zirconia portfolio stands out for the versatility it offers within a digital workflow.

Paul Hayfield is a Senior Laboratory Account Manager at Henry Schein Dental.

Previously, he worked as a lab technician for 17 years

With an advanced range of digital materials that drives aesthetic, reliable results, 2022 saw an expansion of Zirlux’s already broad range. The extended Zirlux portfolio provides options for almost every case within a digital lab workflow, bringing a great level of flexibility for technicians looking to deliver to the highest standard.

THE BENEFITS OF ZIRLUX The extensive Zirlux digital materials portfolio enables dental technicians to use innovative and quality-controlled materials to deliver consistent and predictable aesthetic restorations.

AN ADVANCED RANGE Its versatility is clear to see when exploring the Zirlux portfolio, which includes 8 different materials for various applications:

KEY BENEFITS OF ZIRLUX INCLUDE: • An extensive range – materials to suit almost any case, along with a variety of characterising liquids and finishing materials, mean Zirlux can be used for a wide range of indications.

Zirlux 16+ Offering pre-shaded and white discs with excellent translucency and exceptional flexural strength.

• Suitability for almost any application – with greater strength than regular lithium disilicate, it provides a reliable option for anterior and posterior restorations as well as crowns.

• Easy colour matching – covering all 16 VITA shades including BL1 and BL2.

• Compatibility – Zirlux can be used with most open 98.5mm CAD/CAM milling machines.

Zirlux also gives technicians the flexibility to choose the materials best suited to the case based on their experience and preference.

This is how Zirlux allows technicians to innovate and work intuitively, leading to a greater sense of control over the process, and creative satisfaction.

Zirlux Anterior Multi An anterior solution with multi-layered and full gradient shading that matches the natural appearance of incisal edges, dentin, and gingiva.

Zirlux Acetal Semi-flexible and tooth coloured, it is ideal for partial denture frameworks and other metal-free removable applications.

Zirlux Complete High strength, highly aesthetic multilayered, perfect for both anterior and posterior restorations.

Zirlux Esthetic TR Strong and highly aesthetic with transitional strength and translucency throughout the entire Zirconia disc.

Zirlux Wax Used to produce wax designs for crown and bridge frameworks with excellent marginal accuracy and fits.

A DIGITAL WORKFLOW Keeping ahead with technological advancements is essential in today’s dental climate, and Zirlux is designed to fit with the times. Highly compatible with open software and a versatile system of choosing the right materials for the case means that workflows can remain fluid, enabling professionals to meet demand.

Furthermore, Zirlux has a competitive price point, something that makes a huge difference, helping to reduce costs without compromising on the quality of aesthetics.

The range of digital technologies Henry Schein Dental opens to both lab and practice can drive efficiencies in both areas, making scanning, milling and 3D printing a streamlined process, powered by digital workflows connecting laboratory and dentist.

Customisable and versatile, these advancements go hand in hand with the rise of new materials like Zirlux, allowing technicians and clinicians to deliver the results patients demand, and doing this more efficiently and quickly than ever before.

Here, we explore the many benefits of Zirlux, and how it can slot into a workflow that benefits the technician and improves the patient experience.

WHY CHOOSE ZIRCONIA? For many reasons, technicians are now turning to the benefits of materials like Zirconia over gold. Modern Zirconia is a flexible, multi-purpose material suitable for a wide range of indications and it is less expensive for the patient than gold.

Zirconia such as Zirlux also provides an aesthetic result, without the need for the extensive post-production work that the earliest dental Zirconia required. It is also a material that is extremely well suited to modern workflows.

The ability to digitally design and mill materials like Zirlux zirconia discs puts the control in the hands of technicians.

Digital lab equipment and workflows can introduce greater efficiency and predictability into a laboratory, whilst also taking care of many of the timeconsuming, mundane tasks. This then frees

14 I www.dentaltechnician.org.uk

up technicians to employ their skills in those aspects of the workflow where they can really add value, such as finishing.

Zirlux discs provide natural aesthetics as well as high stability and reliability, enabling monolithic production, and efficient veneering techniques, such as micro-layering, to make them a cost-effective material of choice.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR DENTAL LABORATORIES:

Visit: www.hsdequipment.co.uk Email: info@henryschein.co.uk Twitter: @HenryScheinUK Facebook: HenryScheinUK Instagram: @henryscheinuk LinkedIn: Henry Schein Dental UK

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk I 15

may 2023 9

10 may 2023

product news

product news

■ Do more with fewer steps with 3Shape’s latest scanner Paul Hayfield from Henry Schein Dental lifts the lid on the 3Shape F8 lab scanner.

Paul is a Senior Laboratory Account Manager at Henry Schein Dental. Previously, he worked as a lab technician for 17 years.

Heavy workloads and rising costs are the reality that many dental labs face in these challenging times, as the cost of living crisis persists and the number of qualified dental technicians in the UK continues to fall.1 Consequently, lab owners must constantly be on the look-out for potential time-saving and efficiency-driving measures to help them keep pace.

T

echnology is an important part of the solution, as digital equipment, such as lab scanners and powerful CAD/CAM software, can introduce efficiencies and versatility into lab workflows that enable technicians to design and produce more swiftly, and thus increase their output.

3Shape’s new F8 lab scanner delivers speed, efficiency and versatility.

Throughout months of meticulous development, its engineers worked to create a lab scanner that included one specific capability that had frequently been requested by the technicians they talked to across the globe; the ability to simply place and scan.

In response, the 3Shape team have literally lifted the lid off lab scanner design to-date, to create a lidless scanner which enables technicians to simply place a model on the scanner plate and automatically trigger the scanner to start. Even more impressive is that the F8 has not just one, but two scanning plates, which means it can scan two models simultaneously.

This open design and new dual model scanning functionality answers the place-

and-scan challenge laid down by their customers, thus enabling labs to do more, faster.

Fast forward to design The magnetic plates and auto-start feature enable the F8 scanner to get to work as soon as a model is placed on the scanning plates. These features reduce the amount of time that technicians are required to spend operating the scanner, thus driving up efficiency.

The scanning step can be accelerated even further with the F8’s ability to scan both upper and lower arches simultaneously. Its rotating arm moves the camera to cover all angles whilst the rotating plates turn the models to reveal every aspect – all without any human interaction.

Scans are completed and ready for design in minutes; for instance, a full-arch scan with a restorative scan script takes nine seconds. 3Shape also states that the F8 now sports the leanest scan-to-design workflow in their entire range, when trialled and compared to the same workflows performed by the same technician on the 3Shape D2000.2

Designed to meet all challenges These advanced and minimal-intervention workflows allow for complete versatility in the lab. The scanner can work within a complete range of indications. Going far beyond a crown and bridge or implant bar, it can also handle die-in-models, an upright articulator, and vertical impressions, effectively paving the way for labs to bring analogue cases into a digital workflow.

3Shape has always been one of the industry’s leaders in driving innovative solutions through technology, and its latest release has reaped the benefits of their continuous drive to create equipment that really answers their customers’ needs. Their fastest and most versatile lab scanner yet has been created to enable labs to achieve more.

The 3Shape F8 has been engineered with innovative scanning tools, such as a height adapter, articulator plate and new impression fixture, to enable it to rise to a wider range of scanning challenges.

However, 3Shape has ensured that it still supports most older tools as well. The result is one scanning solution that effortlessly provides a full service to any dental practice, regardless of whether they have any digital capabilities.

Simply place and scan Taking care of the first step in every digital case, the lab scanner can set the pace for the entire digital lab workflow. The ideal lab scanner is fast and efficient so that the technical team can move on to the design stage with minimal delay. the

technologist

the

technologist

More efficiency Efficiency is the key to productivity in a busy lab environment. Finding ways of working quickly whilst still achieving excellent results is the obvious goal, and this is why the 3Shape F8 lab scanner was created - to deliver speed with automated scan-to-design workflows. The effect is a lean, hardworking, and minimally interactive process that reduces workloads.

The scanner can also be shared between multiple workstations with its ethernet connectivity, which allows several workstations at once to access it, maximising its use and usefulness to the lab.

The 3Shape F8 lab scanner was designed to answer challenges within the dental lab landscape. Offering more speed, more versatility, and more efficiency, it harnesses the latest technology to liberate technicians from manual tasks and restrictive workflows.

Driving innovation in the lab scanner market, it’s a problem-solving scanner that offers something different, and this is what new technology should always strive to do.

● To find out more about the new 3Shape F8 lab scanner, visit: https://hsdental.co/3mFIpkW ● Twitter: @HenryScheinUK ● Facebook: HenryScheinUK ● Instagram: @henryscheinuk ● LinkedIn: Henry Schein Dental UK References: 1 https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/annualreports/gdc_registration-statistical-report-2021-22final-accessible.pdf?sfvrsn=78d3f4e_3 2 https://www.3shape.com/en/scanners/f8

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

FAST SCAN-TO-DESIGN WORKFLOWS WITH 3SHAPE’S LATEST SCANNER

I

t is expected that the European digital dentistry market and dental prosthetics market will continue to grow considerably over the foreseeable futurei, bringing distinct advantages for today’s dental labs. As digital technology and material science advance, technicians have access to validated, digital workflows from scan to manufacture, making work more predictable, efficient and productive.

Ellis West, Laboratory Telesales Supervisor at Henry Schein Dental talks about 3Shape’s latest F8 lab scanner engineered for fast and efficient dual model scanning.

A dental lab that employs a digital workflow relies on a digital impression of the patient’s mouth. This either comes directly from a clinician using an intraoral scanner to capture precise digital images of a patient’s dentition and gingival tissue, or from a conventional impression and physical model sent to the lab.

In the latter case, the lab needs a dental model scanner to digitise the impression and to start the digital design process.

THE MOVE TO LAB SCANNERS Digital equipment, and lab scanners in particular, can bring efficiency and versatility into lab workflows, enabling faster in-house provision of treatment solutions to the clinician and patient. As the first stage in

every digital case, the latest lab scanners can accommodate scans for all indications with design software that offers outstanding accuracy and intuitive design capabilities.

3Shape has long been one of the industry’s leaders in scanning technology, introducing entry-level scanners for labs working in crown and bridge through to high-performance scanners to meet the most demanding requirements of fullservice digital labs.

In its continuous drive to create equipment to answer the needs of labs of every size, the all-new F8 lab scanner is 3Shape’s most versatile and intuitive scanner to date. Launched at this year’s International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, it enables optimal productivity with fast scan-to-design workflow speeds and requires minimal scanner interactions from technicians.

With a complete range of indication workflows, including upper and lower scanning, die-in model, articulator and impressions, the outcomes that can be achieved with the F8 are almost limitless.

Auto-start, in-software and visual light guidance ensures scanning begins as soon as a model is in place. New scanner tools such as a height adapter, an articulator plate and a new impression fixture, along with improved ethernet connection between multiple workstations, opens up a range of new workflow possibilities, plus there is the benefit of support for older tools as well. The new articulator scanning tool minimises the number of interactions and holds the articulator upright, with no tilting and no fixation required.

LIGHTNING-FAST SCANS Scans are completed and ready for design in a matter of minutes; for example, a full-arch scan with restorative scan script takes just nine seconds. 3Shape also state the F8 has one of its leanest scan-to-design workflows yet, faster when compared to the 3Shape D2000 on the same workflows, performed by the same technicianii.

The scanning process can be accelerated further thanks to the F8’s ability to scan both upper and lower arches simultaneously.

Its rotating arm automatically moves the camera to cover all angles while the rotating

20 I www.dentaltechnician.org.uk

3Shape interviewed hundreds of lab employees around the world to find out exactly what challenges they face, and what solutions would best remedy them.”iii

JUST PLACE AND SCAN The F8 features a sophisticated open design with no lid that sits easily on any benchtop for faster, easier loading and removal of models.

Always open and ready for interaction, technicians simply place a model on the magnetic scanner plate and automatically trigger the scanner to start. Despite its compact size it has not just one, but two scanning plates, which means two models can be scanned simultaneously for even faster production.

The result is one scanning solution designed to answer challenges within the dental lab landscape while effortlessly providing a full service to any dental practice, regardless of whether they have any digital capabilities. With greater speed, versatility and efficiency, it harnesses the latest technology that technicians demand while doing away with manual tasks and restrictive workflows. plates turn the models through every aspect all without any need for operator interaction.

Going far beyond a crown and bridge or implant bar, the F8 can also handle die-in models, an upright articulator, and vertical impressions, opening new ways for labs to bring analogue cases into a digital workflow.

CO-OPERATIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS All 3Shape’s products feature advanced technology that allows users to better utilise their skills, knowledge, experience and creativity. They seamlessly connect practices with labs allowing dental professionals to work smarter through efficient, enhanced and integrated workflows.

Speaking at IDS 2023, Dr Rune Fisker, 3Shape’s Vice President of Product Strategy said: “The 3Shape F8 scanner was six years in the making. It came not only from our designers and engineers, but also from lab technicians themselves.

With automated scan-to-design workflows, the F8 is a problem-solving scanner that combines speed, accuracy, predictable treatment outcomes and efficiency to bring something different to the lab scanner market.

To find out more about the new 3Shape F8 lab scanner, visit https://www.hsdequipment. co.uk/product/3shape-f8 Twitter: @HenryScheinUK Facebook: HenryScheinUK Instagram: @henryscheinuk LinkedIn: Henry Schein Dental UK REFERENCES [i] https://www.dental-tribune.com/news/digitaldentistry-market-3d-printers-and-intra-oral-scannersdrive-market-growth-in-europe/ https://www.3shape.com/en/scanners/f8 [iii] https://international-dental-show.dental-tribune. com/c/3shape/news/complete-solutions-from3shape-solutions-allow-for-smarter-work-throughintegrated-workflows/ [ii]

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk I 21

6 august 2023

august 2023 7

product news

product news

■The business case for a digital lab workflow Ellis West from the Henry Schein Laboratory team looks at the business benefits of digital workflows and what this can bring to dental lab owners.

Digital technology has ushered in some of the biggest changes to both dental labs and practices over recent years, improving the delivery of treatments to patients with greater accuracy and consistency, and driving up efficiency with the standardisation of procedures.

A

t the same time, running a modern dental lab has become more challenging; there is a serious shortage of qualified dental technicians,1 and material and energy costs are rising. Lab owners find they need to be flexible and forward-thinking in order to remain competitive. In a climate where a strong demand for lab services continues, there is a tremendous opportunity to harness the power of digital processes and technologies, so dental labs can emerge stronger and fitter to meet the challenges ahead.

The case for technology For lab owners, there is a lot to consider in order to move ahead during uncertain times. Lab scanners, milling machines, and 3D printers now offer labs the ability to merge old-school techniques with new technology, adapting working practices and the products manufactured in order to meet the demands of a new generation of customers and patients.

From fabrication of dentures to crowns, bridges and implant prosthetics, the

technologist

technicians who work in dental labs are important members of the wider dental team. As digital technologies in labs become more commonplace, it offers technicians new and more efficient ways of working to deliver more precision restorative solutions than analogue techniques could ever provide.

Far from replacing team members, digital processes can cover the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving the skilled technical team more time to tackle creative tasks, such as ceramics and finishing, and increasing overall productivity.

Just as in every aspect of daily life, digital technology is driving change and propelling all types of businesses forward.

By embracing and using technology, and adapting it to allow for flexible working schedules, lab owners can gain a distinct competitive advantage over those choosing to make few or no changes at all.

The considerations Digital lab systems speed up the design and production of predictable aesthetic restorations by combining 3D scanning, CAD design software, CAM-powered milling, and 3D printing with an advanced range of digital materials designed for labs of all sizes.

The range of processes and design options available through a digital workflow is expanding rapidly. Therefore, it is important to select the best options and consider which tasks would benefit from automation,

and then look for a reputable supplier who also offers training and support.

Increased productivity A digital lab workflow increases productivity while reducing manual work and the risk of human error, resulting in improved accuracy, fewer remakes, faster turnaround times and far greater efficiency for labs, clinicians and patients.

The latest milling machines and high-speed 3D printers can operate unattended by day or overnight to speed up production while reducing costs and providing a realistic alternative to centralised outsourcing.

Smooth collaboration A digital workflow transforms the communication between the lab and the practice. A digital scan can be sent to a lab technician for review within minutes - and it makes no difference where the lab or practice is located.

Working with digital files allows for predictable and precise results as there are fewer steps involved. Scans can be reviewed and any issues identified so design of the restoration can begin straight away. No more casting of time-consuming analogue models that need to be trimmed, scanned and digitised.

Go digital by starting small Transitioning to a digital lab workflow can seem a daunting proposition, but the good news is that the move to digital does not

need to happen all at once. By starting small and building the team’s expertise gradually, new applications can be added incrementally to avoid any unnecessary risks or costs.

As a first step, a digital lab scanner can set the pace for an entire digital workflow, bringing a new freedom from manual tasks and restrictive workflows. The latest scanners have the ability to take scans for all common indications and help to ensure greater accuracy, by combining easy operation with specific scanning strategies, intuitive software, and adaptable design capabilities.

3D lab printers also facilitate a variety of digital workflows, using advanced technology that was only affordable to the largest labs and milling centres just a few years ago.

The latest 3D printers offer exceptional versatility and efficiency in the manufacture of orthodontic appliances, crown and bridge, surgical guides, splints, models, custom trays, and partial dentures in a wide range of materials.

Now is the time With so many labs already adopting digital workflows, there has never been a better time to consider the move from analogue processes and take advantage of the new technology that can transform a business.

From entry level to professional mass continuous operation, Henry Schein’s Laboratory team can help lab owners understand the suitability of digital systems that can transform a business, while bringing expertise, service, training, and support to help labs get ahead in the fastchanging world of digital dentistry.

● To see the full range of Henry Schein digital solutions or to book a FREE oneto-one consultation with a member of our specialist team, visit hsdequipment .co.uk/lab-equipment, call 0800 028 4870 or email info@henryschein.co.uk ● www.henryschein.co.uk ● Twitter: @HenryScheinUK ● Facebook: HenryScheinUK ● Instagram: @henryscheinuk ● LinkedIn: Henry Schein Dental UK References: 1 https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/annualreports/gdc_registration-statistical-report-2021-22final-accessible.pdf?sfvrsn=78d3f4e_3

With finance options, service and maintenance contracts, and emergency call-out service also available, partnering with Henry Schein Laboratory means complete peace of mind, allowing dental labs to get on with what they do best delivering outstanding aesthetic and functional work to their customers and patients.

the

technologist

INSIGHT

INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS

Why a digital lab workflow is the way forward Ellis West from the Henry Schein laboratory team looks at the benefits of digital workflows and what this can bring to the dental lab ELLIS WEST Laboratory telesales supervisor

T

o say the last few years have been tough for the dental lab industry would be an understatement. Rising costs and strong demand for lab services set against a falling number of qualified dental technicians have added to ongoing pressures.

Technology is an important part of the solution. Digital dentistry has already changed the way treatment is delivered to patients, enabling greater accuracy, consistency, and standardisation of procedures.

By adopting digital equipment and workflows, technicans and lab owners can make changes to the way they work and the products they manufacture to increase output and help them keep pace.

FLEXIBLE WORKFLOWS

Digital equipment such as lab scanners, 3D printers and CAD/CAM software can bring far greater levels of flexibility for technicians looking to deliver consistent and predictable aesthetic restorations.

This technology offers ways to speed up production and helps reduce costs by providing fast, precise fabrication.

VERSATILE LAB SCANNERS

As a first step, the digital lab scanner sets the tone for the entire digital workflow. The latest scanners have the ability to take scans for all common indications and help to ensure great accuracy.

3shape has been leading the way in this field with the new F8 scanner delivering speed, efficiency, and versatility. The open design and new dual model scanning functionality of the F8 enables technicians to simply place one or two models simultaneously on the scanner plate and automatically trigger the scanner to start.

Scans are completed and ready for design in minutes. A full arch scan with a restorative scan script, for example, takes just nine seconds. The F8’s ability to scan both upper and lower arches simultaneously reduces the need for operator interaction to a minimum. It is able to handle an impressively wide range of scanning needs.

THE RISE OF 3D PRINTING

3D printing is another rapidly developing technology that has become an integral part of dentistry across all specialities.

Thanks to the increasing affordability and ease of use of the latest generation of printers, 3D printing has become a central method of speeding up production while reducing costs and providing a realistic alternative to centralised outsourcing.

Henry Schein offers a wide range of desktop, full-production and high-speed 3D printers for every size and type of dental lab with comprehensive training and support to get the very best out of this amazing technology.

TAKE YOUR CHOICE

The next-generation of Sprintray 3D lab printers includes the Sprintray Pro 95, one of the most user-friendly, powerful, and reliable desktop printers, capable of printing up to 30 full-arch models in a single batch .

The compact Asiga Max printer offers exceptional productivity and efficiency for the manufacture of orthodontic appliances, crown and bridge, surgical guides, models, custom trays and partial dentures in any suitable material of choice.

The new robust and reliable Asiga Pro4K XL gives unlimited access to over 500 industryleading materials, optimised and validated for seamless integration into a digital workflow.

MATERIAL CHOICES

Today, patients demand aesthetic, long-lasting dental restorations. Many materials, such as zirconium crowns, can be made to a specific

size and shape, ready for staining if required, with the potential for building onto the base to produce a highly individual, aesthetic match.

The Zirlux zirconia portfolio stands out for the versatility it brings to a digital workflow.

Zirconia is renowned as a flexible, multipurpose material suitable for a wide range of indications. Modern zirconia, such as Zirlux, provides durable, consistent, and predictable aesthetic results, without the need for extensive post-production work that earlier zirconia required.

Zirlux gives technicians the ability to digitally design and mill an expanded range of zirconia restorations. These materials also do away with precious metal costs because the quality of bonding and aesthetics of the latest materials are high.

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

With the rapid advances in digital dentistry, and with such an array of options on the market, how do lab owners and technicians ensure they are investing in the right equipment for their specific needs?

Henry Schein's laboratory team helps customers understand the suitability of digital systems and the latest materials, offering the ideal choices combined with expertise, service, training, and support to help labs to get ahead in the rapidly changing world of digital dentistry.

With finance options, service and maintenance contracts, and an emergency call-out service also available, partnering with Henry Schein means complete peace of mind, allowing technicians to get on with what they do best – delivering outstanding aesthetic and functional work to their customers and patients.

To see the full range of Henry Schein digital solutions or to book a free one-to-one consultation, visit hsdequipment.co.uk/ lab-equipment, call 0800 028 4870 or email info@henryschein.co.uk.

Laboratory / Summer 2023 / 49

THE LAB VISION OF THE FUTURE Ellis West, laboratory telesales supervisor at Henry Schein Dental team, looks at what’s on offer to labs and technicians this autumn and winter.

T

he rapid advances in digital dentistry have already changed the way treatment is delivered to patients, enabling greater accuracy, consistency, and standardisation of procedures. Digital dentistry is increasingly being adopted by dental labs and there has never been a better time to explore how to take advantage of this new technology.

With such an array of options on the market, it can be difficult for lab owners and technicians to ensure they are investing in the right equipment and materials for their specific needs. The Henry Schein Dental Laboratory team is here to help customers make the most of digital opportunities, offering the ideal choices, combined with expertise, service, training, and support to help them get ahead.

LAB VISION

To aid further in choosing the right equipment and materials to fit the lab’s workflow, the new autumn/winter 2023 edition of Henry Schein Dental Laboratory’s Lab Vision brochure is now available, packed full of the latest technology and special offers to help speed up production and reduce costs.

Here is a preview of some of the latest featured products:

VERSATILE 3D PRINTING

Thanks to the increasing affordability and ease of use of the latest generation of printers, 3D printing has become an integral part of dentistry across all specialities while also providing a cost-effective alternative to centralised outsourcing for labs.

The SprintRay Pro 95 S makes learning and delegating 3D printing easy for high-volume dental labs as well as those just starting out.

User-friendly software and self-monitoring hardware combine to give high print speeds and a large print area, with upgraded optics that improve uniformity across the build platform.

The SprintRay Pro Wash/Dry is the first fully automated, two stage wash and dry system in the SprintRay portfolio. It is designed for use with the SprintRay Pro for cleaner parts, less waste and faster workflows.

The SprintRay ProCure 2 is SprintRay’s most advanced post-curing system. Thanks to its special post-curing mechanism, the ProCure 2 can fully post-cure printed parts in just a few minutes, using both light and heat for optimal mechanical properties.

THE MOVE TO LAB SCANNERS

Lab scanners can bring efficiency and versatility into lab workflows, accommodating scans for all indications with design software that offers outstanding accuracy and intuitive design capabilities.

The all-new F8 lab scanner is 3Shape’s most versatile and intuitive scanner to date.

The F8’s sophisticated open design with no lid sits easily on any benchtop for faster, easier loading and removal of models, plus two scanning plates means two models can be scanned simultaneously for even faster production. The F8 can also handle die-in models, an upright articulator and vertical impressions, offering new ways for labs to bring analogue cases into a digital workflow.

COMPACT SINTERING FURNACE

The Ivoclar Programat S2 is a compact furnace designed for sintering copings, frameworks and full-contour restorations made of IPS e.max ZirCAD or other zirconium oxide materials. The unit can sinter at temperatures up to 1600°C, offering the ability to process crowns fabricated with IPS e.max ZirCAD in as little as 75 minutes.

Featuring a large colour touchscreen, enhanced user interface, and large cooling tray, the Programat S2 is equipped with the latest software to control the sintering process and provide highly accurate results. Progress can also be monitored via mobile devices using the Programat app.

OUTSTANDING AESTHETICS

The Zirlux zirconia portfolio stands out for the versatility it brings to a digital workflow. Zirlux digital materials provide predictable aesthetic results, without the need for extensive postproduction work, and gives technicians the ability to digitally design and mill an expanded range of zirconia restorations.

The Zirlux portfolio includes: • Zirlux Complete: high strength, highly aesthetic multi-layered, perfect for both anterior and posterior restorations • Zirlux Esthetic TR: Strong and highly aesthetic with transitional strength and translucency throughout the entire Zirconia disc.

PRESSABLE CERAMICS

Initial LiSi™ Press is the revolutionary pressable ceramic from GC that combines high strength, long-lasting aesthetics and ease of use. Initial LiSi Press is the first lithium disilicate ceramic with High Density Micronisation (HDM), GC’s proprietary technology that provides outstanding physical properties and natural, lifelike aesthetics.

GC Initial LiSi™ Block fully crystallised lithium disilicate block features HDM technology for CAD/CAM dentistry for easy milling, smooth margins, high wearresistance and aesthetic outcomes without firing. The ultrafine crystal makes it easy to grind and mill, and high gloss and natural opalescence can be obtained in minutes, just by polishing with the restoration then ready for luting.

To individualise milled restorations and dental frameworks made of zirconium dioxide or lithium disilicate, the paintable colour-and-form ceramic system GC Initial IQ ONE SQIN can be used to complete the final contour of restorations with vitality, texture and natural gloss.

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

The range of digital technologies Henry Schein Dental brings to both lab and practice can make scanning, milling and 3D printing a streamlined and efficient process, powered by digital workflows connecting laboratory and clinician.

With finance options, service and maintenance contracts, and an emergency call-out service also available, Henry Schein can provide an all-round package, allowing technicians to get the job done.

Scan the QR code to view the new autumn/winter 2023 Lab Vision brochure online now or visit: https://hsdental.co/LabVision3 To see the full range of Henry Schein digital solutions or to book a free one-to-one consultation, visit: hsdequipment.co.uk/lab-equipment, call 0800 028 4870 or email info@henryschein.co.uk.

Twitter: @HenryScheinUK Facebook: HenryScheinUK Instagram: @henryscheinuk LinkedIn: Henry Schein Dental UK

16 I www.dentaltechnician.org.uk

ONE SCHEIN

www.the-probe.co.uk

henry schein

Putting my vision into practice

The Power of One: Partnering with Henry Schein for business success

Dr Madalina ignat, owner of Emicare Dental & Spa Centre, on fulfilling her dream of opening her own squat practice

The founders of the smile clinic Group talk to The Probe about the pivotal role Henry Schein has played in the transformation of their business

J

in Vaghela, Jit Vaghela and Kish Patel are the founders of the Smile Clinic Group, a family of 15 practices across the southeast and beyond - with more on the way - that has seen its business go from strength to strength.

Jin, Jit and Kish have been very open about the way that Henry Schein has proved essential to the realisation of their ambitious plans. Here they talk about the key ways Henry Schein has helped the business achieve their rapid success.

how has henry schein supported you on the investment side of your business?

Kish: Henry Schein has been instrumental in helping us grow the business on the stock and ordering side, and also in helping us invest in our practice sites. We have bought four CBCT scanners and several dental chairs through the Company and it has been a seamless transition, from ordering right through to installation.

From the financial side, as you can imagine, it has been a huge investment but it was quick and easy with Henry Schein’s help.

Another great advantage of working with Henry Schein is the third-party benefits that are available. For example, Lloyds Bank Cardnet has been incredible in terms of our payment systems and card merchant services. Henry Schein can secure discounted rates with its business partners, and this has saved Smile Clinic Group thousands of pounds annually.

Kate Battrick, Field Sales Consultant at Henry Schein who looks after the entire Smile Clinic Group, is our main contact and has been instrumental in helping us access the help we needed.

how have the specialists within henry schein helped your recruitment and future plans for the business?

Jin: So far, we have expanded to 15 sites, and our vision is to grow even further. To do that we need to acquire practices and we have been working closely with

18

I

am originally from Romania, where I qualified from the University of Medicine in 2014, before completing my postgraduate training diploma in advanced dental implant dentistry at the Tipton Training Academy UK. It has always been my dream to have my own practice in the UK. I had a small practice in Romania which gave me a taste of what it means as a practitioner to work in the way you think is best and with the materials and equipment you choose.

When I moved to the UK, my aim was to make my new practice relaxing and welcoming so that patients felt well looked after. I also wanted it to look beautiful and, by paying attention to every detail, offer patients a very different experience.

Jit Vaghela

how it started

Jin Vaghela MediEstates, a Henry Schein Company, who sends us details of practices to consider, organises viewings and can help with the entire purchasing process.

As we are all aware, recruitment is also a challenge in dentistry at the moment.

We work closely with MediCruit which is also part of the Company, to help us find the right staff. In addition, if there are ever any issues with staff shortage, the team at MediCruit are always responsive and efficient.

how has software of excellence helped you grow the business?

Jit: From the outset the collaboration and support Henry Schein has provided for our team, and for us as managers as well, has been fantastic. Bringing on board Software of Excellence (SOE), a Henry Schein One brand whose practice management software is now rolled out throughout the group, has been transformational in how we manage and operate the practices. In particular, we are getting enormous value out of the My Practice Cloud platform which gives us great visibility across the entire group. It is centrally controlled, and it is helping us to grow the group very effectively.

The SOE team attends our monthly management meetings in person, and they organise webinars and training as well. The SOE Academy programme has been fantastic for our staff, from reception to managers to our trainee nurses, in helping us upskill and learn how to get the most out of the software. SOE’s support has just been incredible.

Kish Patel

What about the digital investments you have made?

Jit: Investing in digital equipment and software has always been really important to us. All three of us still practise clinical dentistry, and my particular interest is in implant dentistry. 3D imaging with CBCT is essential to us in providing precise, high-quality treatment.

When it came to looking at digital equipment and investing in CBCT, Henry Schein was my go-to source.

They were instrumental in developing the plans for the practice and were

www.the-probe.co.uk

practice ownership

involved in the whole refit process including the addition of a new surgery. They installed the CBCT scanner and provided staff training thereafter as well, and this has revolutionised how we operate within the practice.

We have gone from having one CBCT scanner to having four across the group with plans for another three to be installed. What this ultimately means is that we can keep our services in house and give an optimal treatment provision to our patients. n

With you every step of the way Henry Schein has a vast array of services and solutions combined with expert sales consultants to help guide you and transform your practice.

From supplies, dental equipment, digital technology and software to recruitment, practice valuations and finance, Henry Schein can introduce you to partners who can offer the relevant expertise on every step of your journey, all through one dealer.

To see how henry schein can help you transform your business, visit info.henryschein.co.uk/one-schein Twitter: @henryscheinUK Facebook: henryscheinUK instagram: @henryscheinuk Linkedin: henry schein Dental UK

The Probe | April 23

Emicare Dental & Spa Centre is a squat practice, so we had to start from scratch.

My husband is a structural engineer, so he did the initial planning and designed the layout of the space. However, we knew we needed professional help for several aspects of the project to bring my dream alive.

Whilst researching dental software to use in my practice, I came across Dentally, a company which is part of Henry Schein One. I had an initial discussion with Blair Bexon about my goals for my new practice and how I wanted to implement a digital workflow so that I could grow the practice from Day One. We discussed the digital patient journey, how patients start their search for a new

practice online and how this process is made easier by offering online booking.

I wanted patients to receive their forms electronically and have access to a patient portal from home to check their medical history, access treatment plans and sign consent forms. Dentally has been able to provide all of this for us.

equipment choices At the time I met Blair, I was also looking at equipment for the practice, in particular at dental chairs. It can be difficult to know how to choose the right chair, but I knew I wanted a knee-break feature and I thought I had found the one.

However, when Blair introduced me to Chris Kriek, Equipment Specialist at Henry Schein, he recommended the Anthos L9 a high-tech dental chair with an articulated knee-joint and retractable footrest with instruments, software and applications covering all essential clinical needs.

The Anthos L9 is exactly what I was looking for; I can use the chair’s programmes to place implants or use it for root canal treatments with the apex locator and endo handpieces integrated within the chair.

Chris and his team became integral in determining the surgery layout and choosing the right equipment along with providing the latest digital technology, including an Acteon X-Mind Prime 3D CBCT scanner and a 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner.

Using my new equipment has confirmed how much easier dentistry is when you embrace digital technology and software.

And nowadays there is a wide range of treatments that can be done digitally.

Of course, it is a big investment for a new squat practice, but I believe that if you invest in your business then the business has more chances to grow. Henry Schein Financial Services offered us an initial finance option to pay for equipment and consumables to prepare the practice ready for opening, which proved to be very helpful.

part of the family

Future plans

As well as providing general dentistry, Emicare Dental & Spa Centre offers a selection of cosmetic treatments, including tooth whitening and facial rejuvenation. We use Henry Schein for all our consumables such as the White Dental Beauty professional whitening system which delivers excellent whitening results.

What I like about the One Schein family is that I have very good support from everyone concerned. Whatever we need, I know they will quickly respond to our questions and offer help as and when we need it. For our consumables, Sharna Gillon from Henry Schein has been amazing, and she was able to arrange a very cost-effective contract which has been extremely helpful as a new business.

At the start of the process when I was researching where to buy my equipment from, some companies took weeks to respond to my queries. In contrast, Henry Schein always responded quickly which made a huge difference to me and was a key factor in my decision to work with them.

If we have any issues or anything we need help with, the Henry Schein support team are very responsive, sending an engineer promptly to check on any problems. If it is not the same day it is the following day, which is very reassuring as no practice wants to spend any time unable to treat patients.

The practice has only been open for a short time but we are already fully booked. We have two of the five surgeries up and running and my immediate plan is to equip and open another surgery as well as bringing a new dentist on board to add to our team. In the longer term, I would like to invest in a new practice, and I will be turning to Henry Schein for support in realising those plans.

The One Schein family helped me to obtain all the equipment and consumables we needed, along with on-site training to get the best out of our investments. They were also an integral part of the practice design and build. This has made it so much easier for me to put everything together to open the practice I have always dreamt of - and I am very grateful for that.

To find out how Henry Schein can transform your practice and achieve business success, visit https://info.henryschein.co.uk/one-scheinn

about the author Madalina ignat, owner of emicare Dental & spa centre

Have you been let down by your dental indemnity provider?

L

ooking for a new insurance provider can seem like a minefield – where to start? Has your scope of work changed? Have you become more anxious about patients making a claim against you? Although we are not as litigious in the UK than in other parts of the world, there are law firms that specialise in dental negligence cases, and who encourage people to pursue their matter on a no-win-no-fee basis.

At Howden, we offer indemnity that is fit for the modern world. We know insurance inside and out and have been working with dentists, practices and dental professionals for a long time. We know that the industry has changed, and we believe that discretionary policies, like those offered by Medical Defence Organisations (MDOs) can no longer offer the level of protection that you and your patients need.

what happens if an MDo chooses to exercise its discretion?

This can and does happen. In 2022, 81-yearold Clive Worthington was awarded £116,000 compensation for dental implant work that left him in agony. The case had taken 14

16

years to reach court, with Mr Worthington in constant pain and stress during this time. But he didn’t receive a penny, because the dentist who delivered his treatment was a member of a MDO, who exercised their discretion to not provide indemnity. An attempt to go after the dentist’s personal assets was unsuccessful.

ask yourself, is discretionary indemnity appropriate for modern dentistry?

Cases like this have left many wondering if the lack of regulation can continue for MDOs. At Howden, you will be in safe hands from the very first call you make to us – and so will your patients. All our policies are contract-backed, and we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means that in line with our obligations, we are required to treat all clients fairly, and make a full recommendation as to the most appropriate cover based on the customer’s personal situation. This is a crucial point of difference from discretionary providers, and also means that policy holders are eligible for compensation via the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, should the insurer be unable to cover the cost of a claim.

With Howden policy, our safety net clause also gives an extra layer of certainty so if you were previously with a MDO, Howden can retroactively protect you for that period.

Do the job you love with your mind at ease!

It is a fact of life that there will be patients who are unsatisfied, and who feel that the care they received didn’t meet their expectations. So, choose quality insurance and know you’ll have the right people by your side to support you, during what otherwise could be a stressful time.

the 3 cs Howden won’t let you down, and will offer you more.

Our approach is based on the 3Cs – Confidence of Cover that is Cost competitive.

A policy tailored to your work, with protection in a wide number of scenarios, you will feel reassured and free to enjoy your dentistry.

We believe that quality insurance should be accessible and affordable; in fact, many have saved money on their premiums when they moved to us!* Get added value with exceptional service, and extras like 24/7 access to a mental health helpline and medico-legal helpline. The claims process can be lengthy and stressful

and may take its toll on not just you, but your colleagues as well as a wider network of family and friends.

For a no-obligation free quote from Howden, call our friendly team today.

For more information, please visit www.howdenmedicalindemnity.com or call 020 3918 9127.

Howden Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 725875. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. n

about the author simon Gale, Divisional Director – howden health & care.

the probe | July 23

OPTIDENT

https://dentistry.co.uk/2023/08/01/meet-patient-demand-with-the-confident-smile-makeover/

Meet patient demand with the Confident Smile Makeover Jen Dix introduces the simple solution for giving patients a smile makeover that delivers longterm function as well as aesthetics.

A recent survey found that 43% of people in the UK want to improve their teeth with either whitening, straightening or composite work.i When asked the reasons, the dominant answer was to improve their self-esteem and confidence. That equates to a significant number of potential patients looking to improve their smile.

However, the same survey also revealed that 76% of dentists are not having proactive conversations with their patients about cosmetic dentistry. As a result, many practices risk losing business if their patients are unaware of the cosmetic treatments they offer and are seeking treatment elsewhere.

At the same time, patient demand for a beautiful smile has created a revolution in treatment options and there are many avenues for patients to consider, including direct-topatient offerings. Tempted away by persuasive marketing, patients may opt for treatment that is less clinically sound, potentially causing dental issues later on.

For a dental practice, offering patients a smile makeover is not only a way of retaining patients, it is an opportunity to consider their long-term dental needs in terms of function as well as aesthetics.

As Tif Qureshi, founder and clinical director of the IAS Academy, asserts, dentists require a smile makeover system that delivers the aesthetics and confidence patients seek, as well as providing a method of making any necessary changes to the envelope of function (the position and contact of the teeth), treating wear, maintaining chewing ability and retaining TMJ integrity.

Job No: HESD0342 Confident Smile Makeover Client: Henry Schein Dental Platform: dentistry.co.uk The Confident Smile Makeover is a comprehensive solution for introducing a full smile Month: Julyworkflow 2023 makeover into a dental practice. It combines a clear aligner system, professional Feature: Confidentand Smile Makeover blog with Jen Dix from just one supplier, Henry Schein tooth whitening, cosmetic bonding treatments Keyword Research: Dental.

Keyword Volume Keyword Difficulty smile makeover 720 12

Aesthetic clear aligners

The first step of a smile makeover is teeth alignment. The Confident Smile Makeover approach uses Reveal Clear Aligners, a simple system for clinicians to provide reliable orthodontic treatment to their patients that is both comfortable and aesthetic.

Initial impressions can be taken digitally using an intraoral scanner, or traditionally and sent

orthodontic treatment to their patients that is both comfortable and aesthetic.

Initial impressions can be taken digitally using an intraoral scanner, or traditionally and sent to UK-based labs to be digitised. Treatment plans are then created by the Reveal team and refined at no additional cost.

“What I like about Reveal is that it has a high finish line and very few attachments, which makes it much easier for dentists to use and much more aesthetic.” Tif Qureshi.

Professional whitening White Dental Beauty enables clinicians to offer their patients convenient, cost-effective whitening options. The high quality whitening gels come in a variety of different strengths and shades, all powered by NOVON® - a whitening compound that delivers effective whitening results in a shorter treatment time.

Even patients who have previously struggled with whitening due to sensitivity issues or a bad experience have a whitening option with the White Dental Beauty Mild 5% carbamide peroxide formula.

Another option available for whitening is the White Dental Beauty Professional Dissolving Whitening Strips P3, containing 6% Hydrogen Peroxide, which delivers impressive results with a minimised wear time. The strips are easy to apply, invisible and dissolvable. They are ideal to refresh previously whitened teeth or offered as an entry whitening level.

Composite bonding Moving from whitening to composite bonding can be challenging and is often the most technique-sensitive part of a smile makeover. White Dental Beauty’s CompoSite system delivers minimally invasive, aesthetic results in minimal time, with many procedures achievable in a single appointment.

Job No: HESD0342

Client: Henry Schein Dental CompoSite uses a simplified shade system with a composite designed for patients with Platform: dentistry.co.uk Month: July 2023or whitened teeth that surpass the traditional lightest shade of B1. It is natural whiter Feature: Confident Smile Makeover blog with Jen Dix bonding, edge contouring and as the designed for whole tooth restorations, composite Keyword Research: composite for attachments for clear aligner treatment as well.

Keyword Volume Keyword Difficulty smile makeover 720 12

Getting started

The Confident Smile Makeover is designed to be a one-stop shop for clinicians wanting to deliver the best clinical outcomes for their patients. However, it also offers education and hands-on training for clinicians at every level of experience.

Henry Schein Dental works with the IAS to provide hands-on courses to teach clinicians everything they need to know about getting started on clear aligner treatment, as well as a specific course on the Confident Smile Makeover.

deliver the best clinical outcomes for their patients. However, it also offers education and hands-on training for clinicians at every level of experience.

Henry Schein Dental works with the IAS to provide hands-on courses to teach clinicians everything they need to know about getting started on clear aligner treatment, as well as a specific course on the Confident Smile Makeover.

Tif Qureshi takes clinicians through an orthodontic assessment, interproximal reduction (IPR) and attachments, fixed retainers and edge bonding as well as the Dahl technique - a method for treating localised anterior tooth wear, before posterior wear begins (Poyster et al, 2005)ii.

With a strong ortho-restorative focus, the Confident Smile Makeover course also covers whitening and maintenance, as well as composite bonding systems to help the clinician perfect the final outline of the teeth.

Clinicians will leave the course equipped with all the tools and knowledge required to get started on the Confident Smile Makeover, as well as a fresh perspective on their existing patient base, and the potential to give them the smile they’ve always craved and the longterm function they will need.

Find out more about the Confident Smile Makeover here. To get started with Reveal Clear Aligners in your practice and to schedule your FREE training visit https://revealproviders.co.uk/become-a-provider/ Jen Dix is a Reveal Aligner Specialist at Optident

Dentistry’s guide to whitening – company promotion

Simple and effective whitening Jane MacRae celebrates the longstanding effectiveness and convenience of Ultradent Opalescence whitening treatments Jane MacRae Marketing manager, Henry Schein Dental Ultradent Products Inc evolved from a dentist’s quest to create more effective dental products.

Founded in 1978 by Dr Dan E. Fischer, Ultradent began as a family-run, grassroots small business that has now become a global leader in the dental industry for the manufacture of restorative, endodontic and tooth whitening products.

Over four decades later, Ultradent continued to revolutionise the dental industry with the development of Opalescence Go, a breakthrough tooth whitening product that eliminated the need for custom trays. Today, it remains one of the easiest ways to whiten; a convenient and affordable product for patients looking for professional at-home whitening, and a fuss-free option for dentists.

Opalescence Go features a patented Ultrafit tray material that provides a remarkably comfortable fit, taking only 10 minutes in the mouth to fully mould to the teeth. With no impressions needed, the trays can be provided in just one visit. This meets the demands of today’s patients looking for fast results and a convenient whitening solution that fits easily into their daily routine.

FAST-ACTING WHITENING

The Ultrafit trays are pre-filled with 6% hydrogen peroxide whitening gel (available in cool mint and melon flavours), so they are ready to use i https://dentistry.co.uk/2019/01/04/uk-survey-says-43-respondents-want-whitening-veneers-straighter-teeth/

ii Poyser NJ, Porter RWJ, Briggs PFA, Chana HS, Kelleher MGD (2005) The Dahl Concept: past, present and future. British

Dental Journal 198:669-676

straight from the box. The molar-to-molar coverage ensures the gel comes into snug contact with posterior teeth and moulds to the occlusal surface.

Patients wear the gel-filled trays for 60 – 90 minutes per day, for an average of 10 days, with visible results within just a few days, which encourages treatment uptake and increases motivation. The precise measure of pre-filled gel means there is no leakage from the trays and very little excess to clean up after application.

Opalescence Go is also ideal for patients with fixed orthodontic appliances who wish to straighten and whiten at the same time. The pre-filled whitening trays gently conform to fit over wires and brackets, and as the peroxide penetrates the tooth and spreads throughout, even the part of the tooth covered by the bracket will whiten.

To help reduce sensitivity, the whitening gel contains both potassium nitrate and fluoride, adding to the patient’s comfort both during and after treatments.

LONG-LASTING RESULTS

As with any whitening treatment, top-ups are required, but Opalescence Go lasts longer than most. This is mainly due to the formulation, which contains approximately 20% water, making the shade rebound far lower as the teeth remain well hydrated (Grobler at al, 2011).

Typically, the whitening results last for three to five years. Lifestyle choices and diet will always have a bearing on the longevity of results, and some patients may need top-ups less frequently, while others may need them more often. When top-ups are required, just three to four trays on average are enough to restore the shade.

CUSTOMISATION

Also within the Opalescence range is Opalescence PF whitening gel, designed for use with customised whitening trays with the convenience of a take-home solution.

Opalescence PF gel also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride and, with its simple syringe delivery, is easily tailored to each patient’s individual situation.

The whitening gel contains 20% water to prevent dehydration and shade relapse, and the patented sticky, viscous formula helps to keep the gel and tray securely in place. Available in 10% or 16% carbamide peroxide in a choice of three flavours (regular, mint and melon), it is suitable for day or night wear while helping to maintain the health of the enamel throughout the whitening process.

For today’s more health-conscious patients it is worth noting that no animal products are used in Opalescence Go or Opalescence PF whitening products, making them suitable for vegans, and both products are certified gluten free and kosher.

CHAIRSIDE WHITENING

Opalescence Office is a professional chairside whitening system containing 6% hydrogen peroxide that is ideal for treating first-time whitening patients. It is chemically activated, so no light or additional equipment is needed, with a PF formula that strengthens enamel, decreases sensitivity and helps reduce the risk of caries.

After starting their whitening treatment with Opalescence Office, patients can continue the procedure at home, either with Opalescence PF or Opalescence Go pre-filled, ready-to-use whitening trays, until the desired whitening is achieved. Alternatively, Opalescence Office can be used as the sole whitening option from start to finish.

FLEXIBLE PURCHASING

Flexibility is key with modern lifestyles, and Opalescence Go packs can be split to suit any specific case. Packs are available as a Bulk Patient Kit containing six packs of 10 boxes (10 uppers and 10 lowers) and also as a Patient Kit containing one box of 10 uppers and 10 lowers.

Because each Opalescence whitening product works in combination with the others, it is easy to create a customised, cost-effective tooth whitening kit for any patient to take home, following their dentist’s instructions. And at a time when patients’ disposable income is stretched, it’s the affordable way for dentists to meet this challenge.

For a full list of references, email newsdesk@fmc.co.uk.

To learn more about Ultradent’s Opalescence range, please visit hsdental.co/opalescence or @optidentltd and @henryscheinuk on Instagram.

46 | October 2023

REFURB - INSTALL

PRACTICE DESIGN

HOW I DID IT Azad Eyrumlu, co-founder and CEO, shares the journey of Banning Dental and Skin Clinique, Blackfriars

B

anning Dental Group was established to provide something we believed was missing in the UK dental market, to become a bridge between NHS and private dental treatment.

Having realised there was a chronic shortage of accessible, quality dental care to meet today’s patients’ needs, we wanted to offer a range of high-end treatments in an environment patients would expect to find in a private practice, but at an affordable cost.

The group was set up to provide all major dental specialist treatments in-house, inspired by the values of Scandinavian healthcare.

We opened our first practice in Brentford, west London, which was a completely new project for us as well as for the builders and designers involved, and there was a lot to learn.

Since then, and as we open our seventh practice with more to come, we are at the stage where we have the perfect practice blueprint in which to replicate our winning formula.

THE PRACTICE

Our new dental centre in London’s Blackfriars is the latest step in Banning Dental Group’s ambitious growth strategy and is designed to be the company’s flagship practice.

It was originally an empty commercial shell with just under 3,000 square feet of space.

Although this was a suitable size for a practice, we decided to add a mezzanine floor, taking it closer to 5,000 square feet.

This gives us nine treatment rooms, including one for our Skin Clinique centre for face and body aesthetics, as well as a state-of-the-art

in-house dental laboratory in association with Zirkonzahn – the first dental laboratory using Zirkonzahn products in a dental practice setting in the UK. Our enduring aim is to create a very different type of dental practice and move away from small rooms, lack of natural light and closed off spaces. For Blackfriars, instead of using a traditional dental design company, we approached Remarcable Design – interior designers specialising in office and retail space – and asked them how they would envision a dental practice to look.

The team asked us: ‘Why do dental practices have to be scary places? Why do they have so much closed space? Why have the reception desk hidden away?’

To which our reply was: ‘Okay, let’s change all that!’

We knew this approach would cost several times more than what other new clinic owners would spend. But changing perceptions of UK dentistry, which is our mission, starts with dental professionals changing their views of contemporary dentistry. u

THE PRACTICE

ADDRESS: Banning Dental and Skin Clinique Blackfriars, 9 St George’s Circus, London SE1 8EH PHONE: 020 3325 3250 EMAIL: blackfriars@banningdental.co.uk WEBSITE: www.banningdental.co.uk

u

PRIVATE DENTISTRY JUNE 2023

40

41

PRIVATE DENTISTRY JUNE 2023

PRACTICE DESIGN

PRACTICE DESIGN

THE RESULT

THE BUILD

We began negotiations to buy the freehold of the property in autumn 2019, but we first needed to obtain planning permission to install the mezzanine floor. This was a lengthy process, but we finally took ownership in December 2021.

Building the mezzanine floor and staircase was a big project and a big investment for us. We used Landmark Building and Property Services for the build that ran from January to November 2022.

Installing an extra floor allowed us to have our dental laboratory and offices upstairs, leaving the clinical services including surgeries, CBCT, decon and treatment coordinator rooms fully accessible to patients on the ground floor.

We appointed Stephen Green & Associates as radiation protection advisers to carry out a full assessment of our planned X-ray units and surgery/imaging rooms, and to advise on which walls needed to be lead-protected or otherwise.

Our bespoke dental cabinetry came from Modwood. Dentsply Sirona supplied and fitted nine Intego and Sinius dental chairs,

customised to our exact specifications including intraoral cameras and Banning’s trademark black upholstery and red stitching.

The team from Henry Schein Dental, and our main contact, Christopher Kriek, were an integral part of the project from start to finish.

Henry Schein supplied all the equipment and provided on-site training. They also helped to project manage the design and build to ensure everything was fitted and installed correctly.

Chris and his team had previously worked with us on our Leighton Buzzard practice, and understood our ambitions, objectives and ethos. They worked hard to find solutions to fulfil our mission. They always put the right people on the job in hand, and helped other companies involved who had not worked in dental before to gain more experience and understand what needed to be done.

We installed Exact, the practice management software we use, from Software of Excellence, a Henry Schein company, with Microminder providing IT support.

A key strand in the Banning Group growth model has always been to invest in marketing our practices using our own in-house marketing team.

With Blackfriars being our flagship practice, our strategy is to focus on its central London location, being conveniently situated within walking distance of Waterloo, Elephant and Castle and Blackfriars mainline stations and several tube stations.

The finished result is a practice with a calm, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with spacious surgeries and waiting rooms with plenty of natural light.

It is a part of our ambitious plans to keep all major dental and specialist services under one roof while ensuring we provide the highest quality treatment to our patients, but at a cost that is affordable to them.

The corner location of the practice gives us additional frontage and ways to attract new patients. At night, we open the blinds on the ground floor with a spotlight on the dental chairs so passersby can have full view of the state-of-the-art treatment rooms.

We believe this also helps to reduce the anxiety that many patients feel about visiting the dentist.

Our practice is open seven days a week from early morning to late evening, offering flexible and accessible care to our clients in a welcoming environment where patients can relax and receive an exceptional service from our highly trained, friendly team.

This is why Banning Group’s practices have close to 2,000 five-star reviews, showing that patients simply love the Banning experience and everything that comes with it.

THE ETHOS

The pioneering new practice in Blackfriars is Banning Dental Group’s most ambitious project yet. Banning Dental Group aims to change the private dentistry landscape by providing quality treatments to all that need it, not just the privileged few.

Banning Dental Group’s intention is to provide all major dental specialist treatments in-house and under one roof by GDC-registered professionals. The team strongly believes in a multidisciplinary approach, so patients experience complete care from start to finish without outside referral.

By offering a salon-style atmosphere, Banning allows patients to feel calm and relaxed, rather than overwhelmed with trepidation. Banning Dental Group has invested heavily in cutting-edge digital dental technology, allowing for an entirely digital workflow for many treatments. By being well equipped, the team is more streamlined, efficient, and capable of offering outstanding patient care.

COMPANIES AND EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT

Dental construction and build

Landmark Building and Property Services lbpservices.co.uk

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS OF UK DENTISTRY, WHICH IS OUR MISSION, STARTS WITH DENTAL PROFESSIONALS CHANGING THEIR VIEWS OF CONTEMPORARY DENTISTRY PRIVATE DENTISTRY JUNE 2023

Dental equipment Henry Schein Dental hsdequipment.co.uk

Dental chairs

Dentsply Sirona dentsplysirona.com/en-gb

Practice management system Software of Excellence softwareofexcellence.com/uk

Website developer R Media r-media.co.uk

42

43

PRIVATE DENTISTRY JUNE 2023

Step inside...

THE PRACTICE

ADDRESS: Lodge Dental, 12 Monmouth Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5HH PHONE: 01873 854711 EMAIL: info@lodgedental.co.uk WEBSITE: lodgedental.co.uk

THE ETHOS

I DID IT Chris Lodge talks us through the journey of Lodge Dental in Abergavenny

Lodge Dental has been providing dentistry in south Wales since 2007 with a focus on affordable dental treatments, performed by outstanding dentists and hygienists.

After establishing two successful practices in Abergavenny and New Inn, we set out to try something different: to create a centre of excellence for dentistry in Wales.

With this end goal in mind, we drew up a five-year strategy that we broke down into manageable steps, along with the tactics necessary to achieve each one.

The project got underway when we purchased a three-storey Edwardian building adjacent to our existing Abergavenny practice.

We planned to gut the inside and build from scratch a state-of-the-art referral practice and training centre.

With the support of Gary Mountjoy, Robert Maxwell (Max) and Arwel Thomas from Henry Schein Dental, who had helped us equip our other practices, we planned to create a specialist referral practice and training facility that employed the latest digital dental technology.

Our aim was to encourage experienced dentists and specialists to apply to work at the practice and use the training space to showcase their skills and train others. It would also support one of our core aims of encouraging networking and building meaningful relationships in the industry.

PRIVATE DENTISTRY OCTOBER 2023

36

THE BUILD

My experience in property development convinced me that the only way to achieve a high-end result was to gut and rebuild. The COVID-19 pandemic provided the opportunity to do just that – to create an entirely different layout and achieve something special.

After obtaining planning permission and changing the registered use of the building, we used the pandemic months to carry out the majority of the work. We employed an architect and interior designer to create the new layout of the building and inspire the right look and feel for the interior, while Max from Henry Schein Dental, worked closely with us to design the new surgery layout.

We had already decided upon an L-shaped surgery design, and the team was able to incorporate this idea into some excellent designs for us.

Henry Schein Dental has an extensive range of products and the team has always offered us the best possible solutions for our practices, so it made sense for us to buy our equipment through them to create a state-of-the-art facility. This included a CBCT scanner, dental chairs and surgery equipment in addition to consumables. They also advised us on the placement of equipment, carried out the installation and organised training.

Most people don’t particularly look forward to going to the dentist, so we wanted to create a more appealing, comfortable and 37

At Lodge Dental, our ethos is simple: to provide exceptional dental care with a personal touch.

It is grounded in a deep sense of integrity and professionalism, and we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence.

THE TEAM

Matthew Brennand Roper – consultant and specialist in restorative dentistry and specialist in prosthodontics Cameron Currie – practice limited to endodontics Ceri Owen-Roberts – implant dentist Mike Gray and Richard Field – cosmetic dentists Chloe Harrington-Taylor – dentist with a special interest in orthodontics and implant prosthodontics James Morgan – dentist with a special interest in oral surgery Damian Korzuch – specialist in oral surgery Stephen Lodge, Martin Collis, Tasker Thomas, Rosie Thomas and Daniel Mock – dentists Alyson Veysey, Ffion Hale and Sarah Clayton – dental hygienists

u

PRIVATE DENTISTRY OCTOBER 2023

PRACTICE DESIGN fun experience for our patients. We fitted our rooms with Dentsply Sirona Intego dental chairs, monitors on the wall in front of the patient and also on the ceiling. The wall monitor makes it easy for our dentists to show patients any X-rays, photographs or videos. While the ceiling monitor shows Netflix or moving art to provide the patient with something to look at and take their mind off their treatment.

We fitted our training centre with a powerful AV system that facilitates presentations, recording and filming within the training room. Cameras can be used to livestream from the surgery onto the large 91-inch monitors in the training area, and the presenter is then able to pause the video and draw on the screen to annotate what they are doing, which creates an interactive training experience.

Lastly, it was important to us that we create a site that encourages other dentists to visit, see what we’re doing and meet other dentists. Our drive to build a community for dentists in south Wales is a large part of our wider ethos as a business and what differentiates us from other practices. We installed a coffee and cocktail bar to create a social feel to the training area.

THE CHALLENGES

Although the COVID-19 pandemic provided us with a window of opportunity to transform the building and create a fresh layout, it also brought its challenges.

We had to obtain planning permission, apply to change the use of the building, source all the materials and employ tradespeople throughout the various lockdowns, hampered by the many restrictions caused by the pandemic response.

The biggest challenge was having building work going on at the same time as being a functioning practice and seeing patients.

In the end, we made it possible to continue building work without closing the business by doing a lot of work at weekends and in the evenings, and by meticulous planning.

something different in the world of dentistry.

We held our official grand opening in late spring, making use of our large car park and marquee to welcome long-standing patients and local businesses to take a look at our brand new facilities.

We also got involved in Abergavenny’s famous food festival in September, an event that draws many of the UK’s food celebrities to town.

The ongoing support from Max, Gary and Arwel means that we are able to keep updating our facilities with the latest technology. Our latest trial is the 3shape Trios 5 intraoral scanner, and who knows what will follow!

THE ETHOS

At Lodge Dental, we are committed to delivering excellence in patient care and customer service. From the moment a patient steps through our doors, they are treated as a valued member of our family.

Our ethos is grounded in a deep sense of integrity and professionalism, and we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence.

We understand that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience, and we strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that puts patients at ease. Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to providing personalised care and attention to every patient, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment journey.

At the heart of our practice is a commitment to succeed. We are passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients, and we invest in the latest technology and techniques to ensure that we are at the forefront of our field. Whether a patient requires cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, dental implants, endodontics, oral surgery, or Invisalign expertise, they can trust that they are in the best possible hands at Lodge Dental.

Above all, we are a family-run business, and we bring a sense of warmth and compassion to everything that we do. Our patients are not just numbers to us – they are individuals with their own needs and concerns, and we are honoured to be a part of their journey towards optimal oral health.

COMPANIES AND EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT

Architect/surgery design

Morgan & Horowskyj Architects LLP morganhorowskyj.co.uk

Dental construction and build Blue Bay Developments Ltd

bluebaydevelopments.co.uk

Dental equipment Henry Schein Dental hsdequipment.co.uk

Dental chairs Dentsply Sirona

dentsplysirona.com

Practice management system Dentally

dentally.com

Website developer Toby Brancher

tobybrancher.net

THE RESULT

After around three years of development, our new state-of-the-art dental referral practice and training centre fully opened in January 2023.

The plan had always been to create the ideal building and install the best equipment to attract specialist dentists to the practice – and that is what happened.

We have already begun hosting study club evenings, formal training and corporate hospitality events. For one of these events, we invited a local Michelin star chef to produce a fine dining menu, offering an interesting and fun occasion that was PRIVATE DENTISTRY OCTOBER 2023

38

39

PRIVATE DENTISTRY OCTOBER 2023