Bactericidal, with yeasticidal activity against enveloped viruses (enveloped viruses incl. HBV, HCV, HIV, and coronaviruses), non-enveloped adenoviruses and noroviruses.
Orotol Plus disinfects, deodorises and cleans all suction and amalgam separating systems and spittoon bowls. Use alongside MD555 to descale and physically clean all components of the suction unit and drain lines.
Orotol Plus is non-foaming, designed to protect and care for your suction unit. It’s high-standard material compatibility ensures performance and longevity.
For more information visit www.duerrdental.com/en/products/hygiene
New Panel of Representatives Members
Courtney Garrity, North West
Courtney started dental nursing in September 2019 as an apprentice in a local practice. After qualifying in a busy private and NHS specialist practice she then moved onto a role as a head nurse in an 8 surgery NHS and private orthodontic and cosmetic practice in 2021. During her time there she has completed various post registration qualifications including NEBDN radiography, fluoride varnish application, certificate in intra-oral scanning and Impressions, Level 3 in dental practice management and most recently NEBDN Oral Health Education.
She is currently working as a treatment co-ordinator and specialist dental nurse helping clinicians in evolving their patient processes to ensure the delivery of the best possible care. More recently she has published her first article in the dental nurses journal called @ Bridging the gap which focused on how dental nurses can make that next step from being newly qualified to becoming one of the most important members on the dental team.
Courtney is currently working towards an access course to study dentistry and hopes to be able to promote just how important a dental nurse is to a dentist and the endless career opportunities that dental nurses can have once qualifying.
Rebekah Martin, OHE
Rebekah has been a dedicated dental nurse since October 2020 and was honoured with the title of Area and Regional Nurse (Central) of the Year 2024. She became a fully qualified dental nurse in October 2023, and in October 2024, she further advanced her skills by becoming radiography qualified.
Passionate about oral health education, Rebekah has volunteered with the Dentaid Bright Bites program, offering oral health education to communities. She also regularly participates in school and nursery oral health education sessions, reinforcing her commitment to spreading knowledge about the importance of good oral health.
Before pursuing a career in dental nursing, Rebekah had roles in project management and as a baker.
Rebekah currently works at a mixed corporate practice in the East Midlands, specializing in general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, and implants. Her enthusiasm for oral health education continues to drive her, and she is hoping to begin an apprenticeship in this area in July 2025.
Outside of her clinical role, Rebekah enjoys attending dental shows and events, always eager to discover new ideas and insights to integrate into her practice. Balancing her thriving career with family life, Rebekah has two children and is passionate about maintaining a good work life balance.
Eszter Janusek, Perio & Prosthodontics
Eszter Janusek began her dental career in 2017 with a strong sense of determination and a deep passion for patient care. While volunteering in the mornings at Bayswater Dental Clinic, she supported herself by working evenings as a bartender at the prestigious London Capital Club—demonstrating an exceptional work ethic and resilience from the very start of her journey.
She went on to study at the Dental Nursing Academy, earning her NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing in 2019 and becoming a GDC-registered dental nurse shortly thereafter. Eszter also completed a Post-Qualification Implant Dental Nursing course at Smiles Dental Training (6 months), expanding her expertise in this specialized area of dentistry.
Eszter’s career has been built on strong foundations in implant dentistry and periodontics. She gained significant experience in implant dentistry at Platinum Dental Care, where she honed her skills in advanced implant procedures. She further developed her expertise in periodontics at London Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, working closely with specialists to provide high-quality care to patients.
She is currently the Senior Dental Nurse at Basil Mizrahi Prosthodontics, where she plays a key role in advanced clinical procedures, with a strong focus on implant dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Her passion for clinical photography enhances both clinical documentation and patient communication.
Eszter is also an active member of the ITI Dental Nurses Community, where she shares knowledge and supports other professionals in the field of implant dentistry.
A multi-award-winning dental nurse, Eszter has been recognised for her excellence in practice and commitment to the profession—winning at the 2024 Dentistry Awards and the 2023 Private Dentistry Awards, following a runner-up placement in 2022.
Outside of her clinical work, Eszter volunteers for Gold for Kids, a charity dedicated to supporting children living in poverty. Her compassion and drive to make a positive impact extend well beyond the dental clinic.
Eszter’s commitment to excellence in dental nursing, her continuous professional development, and her dedication to giving back to the community make her a standout professional in the field. With a passion for learning and an unwavering focus on patient care, she is committed to further advancing her career and making a lasting impact in the dental industry. Eszter is excited to continue her journey, not only in clinical excellence but also as an advocate for the dental nursing profession, always striving to elevate standards and support the growth of others in the field.
Angela Streeting, Overseas/Armed Forces
Angela has been working as a dental nurse part time in 1994 during the school holidays and weekends. She went on to study Equine Science and worked in Stable yards all over the UK and Ireland but always keeping her hand in as a dental nurse. Angela then returned to Ireland and took a full-time dental nursing position in a local dental practice and gained her dental nurse qualification in 2003.Angela has worked in all areas of dentistry from community, private, and hospital settings. She has gained many post registration qualifications including, Implant nursing, radiography, and oral health. She has recently completed the level 3 in teaching award and is currently working towards her assessing award.
Currently Angela works overseas in Gibraltar for the MOD, she supports the dental team by running her own weekly clinics where she provides oral health instruction, taking impressions and smoking cessation. Angela has piloted the smoking cessation programme in the MOD for the dental branch and has successfully introduced the no smoking ban to the MOD Estates in Gibraltar for which she was awarded a CBF Commendation. Besides her clinical role Angela is also the practice manager and patient care coordinator dealing with everything from health care governance to the finances.
Angela is passionate about Oral Health having won two awards from the Oral Health Foundation for her work and dental nurse education; she is the MOD overseas CPD Champion and regular hosts training webinars on topics such as dental sustainably, oral health and training opportunities. She hopes to further support dental nurses both within the MOD and in civilian life, especially those working abroad with all the hurdles being a Registered Dental Nurse overseas can bring.
Carolyn Roberts, Wales
Carolyn began dental nursing in 1989, as a Saturday girl at a local practice. She has worked in two GDS Practices between 1989 and 1998 and then in North Wales Community Dental Service since 1999; and is currently the Senior Dental Nurse for Anglesey and Gwynedd CDS clinics within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, covering 21 Community Dental Service clinic across the whole of North Wales and remaining clinical as well as moving up the management pathways. Her specialties are Sedation, General Anaesthetics, Special Care and also patient and staff wellbeing.
She is currently part of the Senior Management and Improvement Team for NWCDS and has developed a local CDS Dental Nurse Peer Review Group. She has also been a member of the College of General Dentistry Dental Nurse/ Ortho Therapy Faculty Board since September 2024. A first language Welsh speaker, one of Carolyn’s goals is to help increase membership of Welsh speakers and possibly look at developing resources in Welsh.
Carolyn is currently studying for a BSc (Hons) in Public Health and Wellbeing. Her aspirations are to raise the profile of Dental Nursing in North Wales in both professional and academic aspects both locally and nationally. She is passionate about career development and committed to being an advocate for this.
Lauren Walker, East Midlands
Lauren is a registered dental nurse with 15 years of experience and currently serves as the Director and Head of Education at Developmental Dental Training Ltd. With a strong background in tutoring Dental Radiography, Orthodontic Nursing, and the National Diploma/Dental Nursing Apprenticeship, Lauren is passionate about advancing dental education.
Lauren has additional experience in developing dental curricula and supporting learner engagement. Dedicated to fostering the next generation of dental professionals, Lauren is committed to delivering high-quality training and support throughout the learning journey.
Introducing the new Super Smellie pens; A safe way to add a great scent to your unscented nasal masks.
Bupa Learning Lounge –Free Online CPD Event
Saturday 10th May 2025 | 9:00am – 12:30pm (UK time)
Afree online CPD opportunity is available to all members of the dental team – no need to work at Bupa to take part.
The Bupa Learning Lounge is returning on Saturday 10th May, offering a flexible schedule of CPD sessions covering a range of topics, including CORE subjects recommended by the GDC Event Highlights:
• Attend 3 sessions of your choice
• Earn 3 hours of verifiable CPD
• Open to dentists, hygienists, therapists, dental nurses, practice, managers, receptionist and llabs.
• Free, quick, and confidential registration
• Full instructions and user guide sent after sign-up.
https://learninglounge.bupadentalcare.co.uk/
GDC Statement: reassessment of student nurses in maxillofacial settings
We would like to bring to your attention an issue recently raised with us by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regarding the assessment of student nurses on placement in maxillofacial settings.
The NMC has identified instances where student nurses have been assessed and signed off by GDC registered dental nurses. The NMC’s Standards for Supervision and Assessment specify that only NMC registered professionals can assess student nurses, though supervision may be carried out by other healthcare professionals. While this matter falls under the NMC’s remit, we recognise the importance of reinforcing correct practice in multidisciplinary teams. As such, we encourage those working in maxillofacial settings to ensure those working towards registration with the NMC are appropriately assessed and their work is signed off by NMC registrants.
If you have any questions regarding assessment requirements for student nurses working towards NMC registration, we advise contacting the NMC for further clarification.
Helping Kids Smile Brighter –One Brush at a Time!
The Dentaid BrightBites programme, supported by Denplan, has provided oral health education to 60,000 children! Thanks to 360+ dedicated volunteers, fun, interactive sessions on toothbrushing, sugar awareness, and healthy habits have been delivered. Each child also received a toothbrush and toothpaste to continue their oral health journey at home.
With tooth decay still the top reason for hospital admissions in children aged 6-10, more volunteers and schools are needed to host BrightBites sessions to reach the goal of 90,000 children!
Sign up today—no dental experience needed!
Supervised toothbrushing for 3-5 year olds
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recently announced that a record £11 million will be spent to improve children’s oral health in England, funding a targeted supervised toothbrushing scheme for three, four and five year olds in England.
This Government funding, together with corporate commitment from Colgate-Palmolive, will ensure the significant improvement of children’s oral health in the next two to five years, as schoolchildren and those in early years settings will receive supervised toothbrushing and a supply of toothbrushes and toothpaste to take home.
BADN President Preetee Hylton RDN said “As both a dental nurse and oral health educator, I am excited to support this vital initiative to introduce supervised toothbrushing in early years settings. Tooth decay is one of the most preventable health issues affecting children today, and this programme provides a proactive solution to address it. Through strong collaboration between dental professionals, educators, parents, and local authorities, we can develop clear solutions, provide the necessary training, and create a united front to overcome these barriers.
As President of the British Association of Dental Nurses, I also strongly support the expansion of community water fluoridation as a proven, effective, and safe measure to combat tooth decay. Alongside supervised toothbrushing, this is a powerful step towards reducing the shocking number of children suffering from this preventable oral health disease. No child should have to endure pain or hospital treatment for tooth decay when we have the tools to stop it. By reaching an additional 1.6 million people, this initiative will help close the gap in oral health inequalities, ensuring brighter, healthier futures for children across the North-East and beyond.
We have the opportunity to guide and support these initiatives, ensuring that every family has the tools and knowledge to build a lifetime of good oral health.”
Wipe material made of plastic-free and climate - neutral fibers
Increased coverage and more yield per wipe
Natural fibers from certified forestry
E fficient and environmentally friendly production process
The new disinfection wipes
Itʼs now easier to bring sustainability into your practice disinfection protocols, with the new FD350 Green wipes from Dürr Dental. Each are made from plastic-free natural fibres and are manufactured in an environmentally friendly way. As well as being good for the planet, theyʼre also good for your pocket, as they provide greater coverage, without compromising efficacy. Dürr Dental – environmentally conscious for a better future. More at www.duerrdental.com
Innovative new Dental Social Enterprise collaboration to increase NHS dental services in Suffolk
The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company is an award-winning new and exciting Dental Social Enterprise. An innovative collaboration between the University of Suffolk and the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board. The partnership seeks to provide high quality NHS dental services and experiences to the population of Suffolk and North East Essex and supporting dental workforce training and education.
Facilities
Our Dental Social Enterprise has brand new state-of-the-art clinical facilities situated on the scenic Ipswich Waterfront. Our fully equipped dental surgery units are provided with the latest cutting-edge technology. Our facilities offer a welcoming and professional environment to make the service user experience as pleasant and relaxed as possible.
Ambitions
We are a purpose-led and values driven organisation with a clear mission. This is to deliver ‘ordinary dental care delivered with extraordinary care.’
As a new provider of NHS dental care in the Suffolk region our Dental Social Enterprise is well-placed to:
Improve access to NHS dental care
Our top priority is to improve the oral health of local people and communities. The dental profession is all too aware of the national and local challenges around access to NHS dental care, particularly in some rural and coastal communities.
We will improve access by providing the clinical infrastructure and administration to support NHS dental service delivery. Our Dental Social Enterprise will be implementing national policy and spearheading primary dental care pathways which focus on stabilisation and prevention. Fundamental to this delivery is the full utilisation and skill-mix of the whole dental team.
Innovate and Transform NHS dental care
Maintaining the status quo is not an option.
Our clinical philosophy with flexible and salaried terms & conditions within our truly multi-disciplinary team presents the alternative to an outdated model of siloed working and the drawbacks of self-employed status. In realising the ambition for shared care, with a clarity of offer for local people and the provider.
Together with investment in the team and individual development; our Dental Social Enterprise partnership with the University and Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board is resetting the benchmark for the new ways of working as well as the benchmark for quality care.
Develop a dental care workforce ’fit for the future’
We are a people first culture and aim to create positive experiences for all. Our ambition is to create the next generation of dental leaders and provide opportunities for those starting or continuing a dental career in the East of England. Our partnership with the University offers an excellent opportunity to grow, recruit and retain a multi-skilled dental workforce through cuttingedge education and training, supervision & support and research; in partnership with the wider system and working together with local dental practices.
What we offer
We care about the wellbeing of our people and know you have lives beyond the workplace, we offer a flexible suite of benefits, these include:
• Salaried roles
• Generous Annual Leave entitlement
• Workplace Pension
• 24/7 access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Continuous Professional Development & Training Opportunities
• Family Friendly Policies
• Flu vaccinations for staff
• Uniform
• State-of-the art dental facilities
• DBS check fully funded
Drive Social Impact in the local communities we serve
As a Dental Social Enterprise our ethos is to positively impact the lives of the local people and the communities we serve. Enabling and empowering local people to help themselves and others is at the heart of what we do. We will help remove barriers to the system and reduce health inequalities. Our Dental Social Enterprise will reinvest profits back into the local community, whilst promoting socially and environmentally sustainable oral health care.
For more information, please follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin. com/company/university-of-suffolk-dental-cic/ and or please feel free to get in touch via my EA Katherine Facey - DentalCIC.EA-CEO@uos.ac.uk
All Wales Dental Team Conference: Sugar, Obesity and the role of the dental team
Highlighting the integral link between oral and overall health
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) hosted their annual All Wales Dental Team Conference, in November 2024 drawing attention to the vital relationship between oral health and general wellbeing.
The focus was on the importance of not only preventing disease but optimising oral health in general as part of a broader strategy to enhance patient outcomes and holistic care.
“The conference focused on some of the most pressing issues impacting dental health and public wellbeing in Wales: obesity, sugar consumption, oral health, and the essential role of the dental team in addressing these challenges.
Exposure to the new ideas and success stories we heard in improving oral health, reignited passion and drive within our teams. Spending time with our peers who experience the same challenges will help us to continue to build collaborative solutions to maintain and improve the delivery of patient care.”
The conference convened 125 dental professionals, including dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, dentists, consultants, and representatives of professional bodies. It provided an invaluable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development, offering attendees the opportunity to step back from daily routines and engage with peers on shared challenges.
The speakers were from a range of healthcare professions which included valuable insights into patient care. This emphasises on the importance of oral health in parallel to overall health and that the mouth should not be treated in isolation to the rest of the body.
Speakers included:
• Dr James Goolnik BDS MSc,
• Dr Ruth Fairchild, Oral and Public Health Nutritionist, Cardiff
• Laura Sherman Early Years Team Lead Dietitian, Cardiff Flying Start
• Professor Ilona Johnson, Consultant Public Health Wales
• Tom Whiting, Chief Executive, General Dental Council
• Kirstie Moons Dental Postgraduate Dean (Wales)
The event highlighted innovative approaches to oral health, inspiring participants to adopt strategies that integrate dental care into a holistic view of patient health. This conference served as a powerful reminder of the shared mission among dental professionals: to enhance public health by bridging the gap between oral health and overall wellbeing.
Looking ahead, don’t miss our 2025 Annual All Wales Dental Team Conference, which will be held on Friday, 24th October 2025, at the Marriott Hotel Cardiff. This year’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Dentistry: Innovation, Prevention, and Intervention”, will dive into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), providing valuable insights for dental care professionals ready to embrace this technological shift. In addition, we will explore 3D printing, CAD/CAM technologies, and digital workflows. With 5 hours of CPD, the conference will also focus on prevention and intervention strategies to help your patients reduce risk behaviours and improve their oral health outcomes. For more information, please contact Lynne.Osullivan@wales.nhs.uk
About the author
Lynne O’Sullivan, MCMI, Dip.ILM, RDN. Dental Educator, Workforce Development HEIW
BAOS Conference – Celtic Manor
by Carolyn Prytherch-Roberts
Iwas truly honoured to be able to hit the ground running and my inaugural duty as BADN Rep for Wales was to attend the BAOS conference beginning of April, held at the amazing Celtic Manor near Newport, South Wales.
The conference was held over three days (2-4 April 2025) with a dedicated day for Dental Nurses on the Thursday 3 April.
My adventure began on the Wednesday with a train Journey from home to Newport and a short stay ready for the next day. It was an early start and I was there setting up the stand at 7.30am for the beginning of registration.
Delegates started to arrive and soon the venue was bustling with networking colleagues ready for the full schedule of the day ahead. There were plenty of networking opportunities throughout the day’s schedule. There were around 50 Dental Nurses delegates in attendance and I had the opportunity to meet quite a few.
The day was packed with lectures tailored for the whole team and a dedicated breakout session specifically for Dental Nurses. This was
led by Daniel Thompson, RDN, BAOS Council member and Dental Matron at Birmingham Dental Hospital. It was great to meet and speak with such an inspiring role model for Dental Nursing.
I also had the opportunity to meet another fellow Dental Nurse who is equally inspiring and is now the Post Graduate Dental Dean for HEIW.
I managed to grab a quick photograph with Daniel and Andrew Dickinson, Chief Dental Officer for Wales.
The day was truly amazing and I was made to feel that Dental Nursing as a profession is making great strides in term of career pathways and opportunities, especially in the company of such trailblazing Dental Nurses who were at the conference.
Lynne O’Sullivan, Dental Educator, workforce development in HEIW, event organiser commented:
Confidential Mental Health Support
Life in itself is a bubbling cauldron of stress and anxiety. There can be financial stresses, personal or relationship issues, loneliness or isolation, illness or mental health problems, the death of a loved one or even moving house (the list is endless).
How we all manage our own personal lives outside work is an achievement in itself. And then on top of this we add Dentistry which is considered to be one of the most stressful jobs. The stresses in dentistry are not overly different than those within our own lives. These can include conflict within the practice, being unable to work due to illness or burnout, fear of litigation (either from patient complaints or by the regulators) and fear of job stability.
Within dentistry we are in a patient facing role where we greet our patients with a friendly welcome and a smile.
Patients often confide in us about their medical and personal problems. We listen and offer support where we can.
Over the past few years, mental health problems within the dental profession has risen. First of all we had Covid, where everyone felt the pressure. We had to keep up with ever changing guidance and our restrictions to what we could do. Many dental staff either left the profession or were forced to seek other employment if their salaries were not subsidised during the pandemic. Tough times were felt by all.
The cost of living has increased causing prices to inflate rapidly. This has an impact on the profession as many patients cannot afford treatment resulting in reduced patient numbers. Many DCPs have opted to take other employment so they can manage financially.
I have worked within dentistry for nearly 30 years and have seen the changes in the profession and the added pressures on our roles. Dental Nurses now need to be registered with the GDC and have professional indemnity. The role of the Dental Nurse is so much more than just assisting the dentist as it used to be. Dental Nurses, Dental hygienists, Therapists and Dentists have to ensure they are up to date with their CPD and the current legislation and guidance. The roles and responsibilities for all have increased and with this, so does the pressure.
So how do we look after ourselves and our own mental health?
Sometimes we neglect ourselves. When we are asked numerous times a day by our patients if we are alright? We answer “Yes I am very well, thank
you” along with a smile. We don’t usually discuss our problems, whether they be professional or personal, that we are facing.
It is extremely important to have the work/life balance that works for you as an individual, and everyone’s will be different. Just because you may have seen on the television that doing yoga, visiting the gym or reading a book is good to relax, this may not be for everyone. You may relax by watching the television or meeting up with a friend. It is not a one size fits all situation. Most people who have struggled with mental health issues in the past will know it is very easy to neglect your own wellbeing.
Sometimes it is difficult to speak to a family member or a friend who does not understand dentistry. In addition, it can often be difficult to speak to a work colleague about personal issues due to fear of them not understanding or lumbering someone else with your problems. Please do not read this article and think everything is doom and gloom. Dentistry is a great profession and one which is crucial to society. Dental nurses have always been and will always be a key element to the dental team. Dental nurses account for over 50% of the General Dental Council registrants. Without Dental nurses there would be no dental service. Be proud to be a Dental Nurse. It is a fantastic job and there are many opportunities for progression.
Confidental was launched as a charity in 2019 when the founder, Dr Jeremy Cooper along with the backing of some of his colleagues and the profession, realised that support was needed for dentists struggling with mental health. More recently, we have extended the service to include dental students, dental nurses and dental hygienists and therapists.
Confidental is a free listening service providing a confidential listening ear and signposting helpline, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Our friendly volunteers are experienced dental professionals who will listen and help guide you to the right place. If you are in emotional distress or just need someone who understands to talk to, Confidental is here to help you through those tough times.
Please keep our details and remember we are here, if you need someone to talk to. Tel: 0333 987 5158 confidental-helpline.org
Guests join us from all areas of the industry to provide their own unique perspectives on a wide range of topics, from manufacturers and figureheads of various dental organisations, to those in the trenches working in practice, and more.
For
Nothing is o limits in The Probe Dental Podcast, so be sure to tune in wherever you get your podcasts! The Probe Dental Podcast features discussions that explore all areas of the British dental sector.
Losing a tooth: educating patients
Learning objectives
• To consider the causes of tooth loss among the UK population
• To examine the risks associated with tooth loss
• To explore what advice and guidance the dental team can offer patients
GDC Development Outcome: C
‘Prevention is better than cure’ has become the mainstay of modern dentistry. A heightened focused has been lent to promoting good health and wellbeing among the population, with many incentives created to encourage people to better protect their health. With regards to oral health, maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine at home should be straightforward, however, the dental team are still treating many patients who exhibit the signs of dental disease. According to Public Health
England (PHE), ‘the cost to the NHS of treating oral health conditions is around £3.4 billion per year’.i
Tooth extraction is now a procedure that is largely reserved as a last resort, but in instances where it cannot be avoided, patients must be adequately supported. This not only ensures that they can better protect their oral health going forward, but also helps them to protect the site post-surgery to avoid associated complications. Education, support and relevant guidance are crucial here to help patients during this time.
Tooth loss in the UK
Tooth loss has long had a reputation for being associated with old age, but as you know, this is not entirely the case. Losing a tooth can occur at any age, the result of a myriad of factors from diet to hygiene practices, health conditions and injury. The overconsumption of sugars and acids in foods and drinks is a large contributor
with fizzy soft drinks that further boost the sugar content. Of course, after a drunken night out, it may be safe to suggest that many students hit the hay without first brushing their teeth. So, the sugars have plenty of time to coat the teeth and gums. As a result, the risks of caries may increase.iv
Energy drinks
When pulling an all-nighter to finish an essay before that looming deadline, or attempting to get up in time for a 9am lecture, it is not uncommon to see university students drinking energy drinks in order to feel more ‘awake’. But the negative impact of energy drinks on the body is well-known, and this not only includes oral health but also general health as well. The news reported that a 21-year-old university student had developed heart failure after drinking four 500ml energy drinks a day: he had to spend 58 days in hospital as a result.v With one of the leading brands containing 55g of sugar in a 500ml can of energy drink and 32mg of caffeine (the equivalent of 4 espressos), it follows that the body will experience potentially adverse side effects. The most commonly reported symptoms are sleep disturbance and increased heart rate and/ or blood pressure.vi Over-consumption of these products may also contribute to erosion and other oral complications: when in conjunction with other habits, like smoking and drinking, this risk may very well be higher. Indeed, studies have correlated the use of energy drinks with alcohol consumption, as well as postulating that those who smoke (cigarettes, e-cigarettes
or cannabis) may be more likely to consume energy drinks.vii
Dietary
behaviours
Alongside many of the other responsibilities that university students must shoulder, ensuring they’re eating well is a vital one. Many students, no doubt, savour the freedom they have to eat the foods they want, with no parental influence. Research suggests that students who don’t live at home may develop unhealthier eating habits compared to their peers who live at home: this includes a decrease in consumption of healthier foods like vegetables, fruits and pulses, and an increase in sugar, fast foods and alcohol.viii Particular dietary habits, like overeating and undereating, can contribute to weight fluctuations: research suggests that the first year of university could potentially be associated with weight gain, while disordered eating habits and body dissatisfaction is high particularly among female students.ix The temptation to purchase less healthy foods is certainly high when at university, and with minimal interference from parents, carers or guardians, it can be far too easy to fall into unhealthy habits surrounding food and dieting. Combined with other lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking, eating poorly further exacerbates and encourages oral complications.
Good oral hygiene is self-care
Those attending university straddle the line between independent adult and student, and as most parents, carers or guardians
will have little chance to encourage better oral hygiene habits, it is vital that the dental team do what they can to promote healthier practices. Not only will good oral health at this stage of life encourage ongoing good habits into later life, but it will also reduce the risk of infection and more invasive treatment. So, how can the dental team help?
Communication is key and if you have young patients who are soon leaving for university, this is a prime opportunity to provide resources and guidance that they can take with them. If they are moving far, suggest that they register with a local dental practice in that area and maintain regular check-ups. The issues surrounding alcohol consumption and dietary habits can be difficult to talk about with patients who attend university: they are unlikely to disclose such habits. But it is vital to stress the importance of moderation, in addition to maintaining the recommended oral hygiene practices: brushing twice-daily with a fluoridated toothpaste for 2 minutes. Daily interdental cleaning is also crucial for good oral health, and if flossing isn’t an option, recommend tools like interdental brushes. Curaprox CPS interdental brushes are easy-to-use and provide a thorough clean for the interdental spaces. Super-fine, extra-long bristles effectively remove plaque and bacteria from around the teeth, even in the narrowest of spaces. Plus, the unique click handle system prevents excessive plastic waste, as patients can simply replace the head without throwing the whole product away.
Looking after oneself at university includes many different forms of self-care, from diet to sleep hygiene, healthy relationships, good time management and, of course, looking after oral health. Toothbrushing may not be glamorous, but the implications it can have for health and confidence cannot be understated.
Help students enjoy their time at university
The points detailed may not reflect every student’s experience of university, but it is still vital to spread awareness of protecting oral health (and all other aspects of health) during this time of life. The dental team are in a unique position to provide relevant advice and share resources to university students, promoting the life-long benefits that good oral health has to offer.
For more information, please visit www. curaprox.co.uk
Smileawi and Bridge2Aid have joined forces to host a fund-raiser for their ongoing oral health improvement projects in Malawi.
Staged in the beautiful, historic Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow, the evening will include a drinks reception and three-course dinner, followed by music and dancing to the beat of those dental masters of music, the Big Smile Big Band.
