References: 1. Vs baseline, Nathoo et al. J Clin Dent. 2009;20 (Spec Iss):123 –130 (when toothpaste is applied directly with a finger tip to each sensitive tooth for one minute.) 2. With continued use, Docimo et al. J Clin Dent. 2009;20 (Spec Iss):17–22. 3. Vs previous formula, in vitro acid resistance after 5 brushings, report by Hines 2021, Data on File, Colgate-Palmolive Technology Center (2021).
Over
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91% said they are likely to recommend Colgate® SENSITIVE INSTANT Relief to their own friends & family1
The General Dental Council (GDC) has revised its fitness to practise processes to improve proportionality and timeliness in investigating clinical practice concerns. The news comes following the report released by the GDC in early November, exploring the causes of death during fitness to practise investigations.
The report, the first of its kind for the GDC, covers the period 2019 to 2022. During this time, 20 dental professionals died while their cases were active, with causes of death categorised as natural, external, or unspecified, and one subcategory of suicide. The GDC has taken steps to ensure that individuals cannot be identified.
The report has included deaths in the subcategory of suicide when “suicide” was listed on the death certificate or notification. By convention, death certificates in Scotland and Northern Ireland do not use the word “suicide” or any synonym of it. Deaths that occurred overseas have been categorised as unspecified.
Lord Toby Harris, GDC Chair, said: “The report serves as a call for everyone in the dental sector to reflect on the environment, systems and processes involved in being a dental professional. It took longer than we expected to complete the work and some of the issues have been complex, but we have delivered process improvements in parallel and taken care to ensure we can be confident in the data reported.
“Every death is a tragedy, and when the data and what we are doing to improve FtP are put aside, what is left is the death of people, some in tragic circumstances, and we must consider the families, loved ones and colleagues for whom the pain and hurt are still very raw, and we offer them our condolences.”
The GDC has reportedly prioritised improvements to its FtP process to minimise the significant negative
health and wellbeing impacts of investigations on dental professionals. Recent improvements include revised communications and staff training, and the regulator is currently piloting the use of initial inquiries to enable the assessment of clinical practice concerns earlier in the process and improve timeliness.
The GDC engaged with relevant stakeholders and Sir Louis Appleby, Chair of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group, in the production and reporting of the data.
The latest move to refine FtP investigations follows the successful pilot of a revised process for handling fitness to practise concerns raised about dental professionals with no previous allegations of fitness to practise impairments in the previous 12 months.
Launched in September 2023, the main aim of the pilot was to reduce the time taken to investigate single patient concerns about clinical practice. These were cases where the likelihood of closure at the assessment stage was high – the process change was designed to help ensure investigations were proportionate to the potential risks involved.
The regulator limited the information requested at the initial stages of an investigation to relevant clinical records only during the pilot. The
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pilot has demonstrated that this more proportionate approach can significantly reduce the average time it takes to conclude an investigation.
Feedback from caseworkers highlighted quicker responses from registrants to requests for information.
Concluding cases took an average of 13 weeks during the pilot, more than half the 30-week key performance indicator for single clinical incident cases to reach the end of the assessment stage.
Theresa Thorp, Executive Director of Regulation at the GDC, said: “The success of the pilot has depended on the cooperation of dental professionals in promptly providing their relevant records, and we are grateful for the positive response from them and their representatives.
“While investigations into fitness to practise concerns are an important part of the regulatory system that maintains public safety and confidence, reducing the negative impacts of investigations is a priority for us. The pilot has shown the potential to streamline investigations for certain types of concerns while upholding the GDC’s commitment to public protection.”
The pilot, which initially covered approximately 250 clinical concerns, has achieved promising results. Of the cases completed, 84% were closed at the assessment stage with no further action. Allegations were raised in only 16% of cases and referred to case examiners for consideration.
“By taking a different approach with certain types of cases, we are working to reduce the negative health and wellbeing impacts of our investigations for all participants in regulatory proceedings. Ongoing research is helping us understand the difference these changes make, and we are committed to further improvements based on the insights gathered,” Thorp added.
Crunch time for NHS dentistry, page 8
Sporting considerations, page 44
Managing dental emergencies, page 48
Telehealth in dentistry, page 46
And so ends another year. Well, almost! Before resolutions are made and broken, we enter the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. Whether you get into the Christmas spirit, or prefer to take it easy on the mince pies, we
fantastic end to 2024.
There’s still a little left to give in 2024, as you’ll find in the pages that follow. In fact, we have a few festive treats in store, including Steve Wright’s exploration of what makes a good present for patients on page 39, and Lianne Scott-Munden’s guide to managing dental emergencies over the festive period on page 48.
I’d also like to remind you all that the Dental Awards 2025 is now open for entries. If you complete the initial registration by 12th January 2025, you qualify for an early bird discount. Once registered, you have until 24th February to complete your application. Best of luck!
See you in the New Year!
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Did you know that the top Google search on November 5th in states won by Donald Trump in the US election, was ‘How To Change My Vote?’ The irreversible guilt experienced by voters in those American states must have reached epic levels.
The only thing that could possibly surpass that level of breakneck back-pedalling was demonstrated by the General Dental Council when it released the news, a day later, that the regulator had revised its ‘fitness to practise processes to improve timeliness when investigating clinical practice concerns.’ If the release of this news is meant to reassure the profession that the GDC cares about dental professionals’ mental health, this former registrant isn’t buying it.
That particular news about reducing timelines should have been accompanied by the loud sound of a motor vehicle back-up beeper, coming just two days after the GDC finally released the results of its report into the deaths of registrants undergoing Fitness to Practise investigations some 18 months later than the dental regulator initially projected.
“REGULATOR REVERSING...
REGULATOR REVERSING.”
The regulator’s report into FtP deaths revealed, tragically, that 20 registrants died while under investigation, between 2019 to 2022.
Between 1-3 of those deaths were confirmed as being due to suicide.
I find those confirmed suicide numbers, frankly, horrifying, particularly since the GDC said in its report that ‘There is further potential for underreporting of suicides where the coroner or procurator fiscal service inquiry has resulted in a narrative conclusion or open verdict, although there were no such determinations during this (three-year) reporting period.’
To my mind, the reporting period chosen by the GDC was too small, despite having broadened the reporting period by one year after its initial decision to commence a two-year study, in November 2022.
In my opinion, a study of a five-year period (from 2017-2022) would have given a truer picture of the actual level of suicides. I have written previously in The Probe about one dentist in my area who took his own life in the 1990s whilst under investigation by the GDC, while I subsequently recalled another in the early 2000s in a neighbouring county, who also committed suicide whilst undergoing a long-winded investigation. I will freely accept that there would be difficulties in extending the study period by another two years, but an extra two-year period beginning in 2017 would perhaps have given a truer picture of numbers since 2017-18 were years unaffected by the enforced reduced registrant activity experienced during the pandemic. So, two days after announcing the results of its investigation into the deaths of registrants whilst undergoing FtP proceedings, the GDC revealed that it had adopted revisions in its fitness to practise processes to ‘speed up investigations,’ following the completion of a 12-month-long pilot. According to the GDC, the pilot study showed that by
limiting the information requested at the initial stages of these investigations to relevant clinical records only, the average time taken to conclude an investigation was significantly reduced.
But when did the GDC begin its pilot study? In September 2023 – 15 months after it received initial and persistent criticisms for not revealing suicide numbers following a Freedom of Information request for the information, and 10 months after announcing that it was launching a ‘research project’ into suicides and FtP.
The cynic in me asks, “What prompted the initiation of the pilot study?” Could it be that the GDC decided off its own bat that investigations were overlong and causing registrants stress? Or could it be that, after 10 months of research, the GDC was alarmed by the results that the suicides investigation had produced thus far and decided that it had better look like it was doing something about reducing the extreme mental anguish registrants were clearly experiencing as a result of inordinately protracted investigations. And was this the real reason for the delay in producing the suicides report?
And the Deep Cynic in me (a bit like Trump’s nemesis – the Deep State) questions the timing of the GDC’s release of the news that it would be initiating steps to speed up FtP investigations, just TWO DAYS after announcing the results of the regulator’s suicides report. Yes, the move to speed up investigations is laudable, but it’s long overdue and isn’t the only cause of extreme stress induced in registrants unfortunate enough to have to endure GDC investigations.
I have written previously about the tendency of GDC caseworkers to throw in a charge of ‘dishonesty’ on top of the main charge(s) levelled against registrants. The GDC has also been criticised vociferously by the dental profession regarding its predilection for
ripping a clinician’s whole professional life apart, by investigating areas of practise not directly related to the initial complaint raised with the regulator. And, not for the first time, I have recently heard directly from yet another indemnity organisation legal representative, who told me of the risible incompetence of the GDC’s clinical advisors.
The regulator’s report into FtP deaths revealed, tragically, that 20 registrants died while under investigation, between 2019 to 2022.
Two days after the suicides report was released, Lord Toby Harris – the GDC’s Lay Council Chair – said, “As I said in the foreword to the report, I am committed to learning and doing whatever we, and others in the system, can do to support people. We will have the dental professionals, their families, friends and colleagues at the forefront of our minds while we continue to work with stakeholders to improve our understanding of the situation and the data, and reduce the negative impact of FtP on everyone involved.”
Fair enough. Those sentiments are to be applauded. But express those sentiments now? Why not DECADES AGO, GDC?
Here’s a thought: Why not provide proper support to registrants undergoing these investigations instead of showing it ‘cares’ for registrant mental health by glibly writing, “If you are struggling, please reach out for help,” at the end of a blog by some Executive Director of Strategy, and then helpfully giving The Samaritans telephone number or website URL? I mean, if you get to the point when you need a suicide helpline, isn’t it all a bit late? Does giving The Samaritans telephone number really mean that the GDC cares for registrant’s mental health?
And it’s worth asking whether the GDC has really thought its past processes through in the light of its duty to protect patient safety? How can a practitioner work effectively and clearly whilst going through such a draconian disciplinary process. Surely this potentially puts patient safety at risk.
At the start of 2024, Dental Protection illuminated the effect that the GDC’s approach to their investigations had on the mental wellbeing of registrants. In a survey of 125 dental professionals who had been investigated over the previous five years, 74% of respondents said the tone of communications from the GDC affected them most. One respondent described it as ‘cold and harsh’.
In addition, “82% said the investigation had a detrimental impact on their mental health and 96% said it caused stress and anxiety.” A staggering 14% gave up dentistry due to the investigation, and Dental Protection said a further 38% considered leaving.
Alarmingly, “Over a quarter (28%) said they experienced suicidal thoughts during the investigation.”
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I don’t trust the GDC. I think, as a regulator, it is a disgrace. Its management is incompetent.
No amount of GDC back-pedalling is going to convince me that its sudden publicly expressed concern for the mental health of dental professionals is genuine. The regulator is currently driven by saving face.
Merry Christmas x n
About the author ollie Jupes is the pseudonym of a former nHs dentist. He monitors dentistry on twitter X as @DentistGoneBadd
Ergonomic
Three
Will it sink or swim?
The National Audit Office (NAO) has released its longawaited report on the NHS dental recovery plan. Setting out to provide clarity on the current state of NHS dentistry, the report examined how the recovery plan was developed and whether it will meet its objectives. The findings showcase a myriad of problems with the foundations and future direction of NHS dentistry.
As part of the NAO’s investigation, we participated in their roundtable discussion in August, alongside other key stakeholders. The session focused on the issues outlined in the report, with attendees asked to provide evidence and share their views on NHS dental access, the recovery plan, and its achievements to date. What became clear from this session is that, as a profession, we are broadly aligned. We share a common understanding of the challenges at hand, the shortcomings that have led to our current situation, and the opportunities available not only to restore NHS dentistry but to help it thrive. Frustratingly, the outcomes largely remain out of our hands.
Here’s a brief outline of the NAO’s report, what its findings are, and what it may mean for the future.
what’s in the report?
The NAO report lays bare the stark failings of NHS dentistry – failings that have denied millions of people their right to NHS dentistry that they need to maintain good oral health and be pain-free. Access to NHS dental services has plummeted, with rural and underserved communities hit hardest, leaving patients to suffer from preventable oral health issues and diseases.
It is not only a crisis for patients in the UK but also for dental professionals, who are overworked, undervalued, and facing unprecedented pressure. Many are leaving the NHS for better opportunities in the private sector. In the past, serving your local community as an NHS dentist was a source of pride. Now, it is seldom a viable career path.
It delivers the verdict that the recovery plan’s headline ambition, to deliver more than 1.5 million additional courses of treatment, is not achievable. And even if it was, it would still mean 2.6 million fewer courses of treatment than in 2018-19. It shows dental deserts and long waiting times are merely symptoms of widespread issues in our healthcare system. Overall spending on primary care NHS dentistry has fallen in real terms, dropping from £3.66 billion in 2019-20 to £3.11 billion in 2023-24, a drop from £65.15 to £53.88 per person in England.
None of the information in this report is surprising to those in dentistry. We
know we have problems; we have had problems for years and, to those who think it was brought on suddenly by the pandemic… no.
The issues of today have been in the pipeline for years. If anything, the pandemic merely sped up what we were going to experience anyway. NHS dentistry has been underfunded, understaffed and unappreciated for years.
When the NAO completes an audit or investigation, the government is required to respond to the findings and recommendations. This response typically includes plans for addressing identified issues or areas of improvement. So, what does this mean and what do we want to see? First and foremost, the Department of Health and Social Care, along with NHS England, must be completely transparent about their realistic future plans for NHS dentistry and the funding required to implement them. The public and dental professionals have a right to know what the government’s strategy is and how much money they are willing to invest in NHS dentistry.
While there are potential solutions –including a new NHS Dental Contract focusing on prevention and capitation – no measures can hope to be effective without real, meaningful investment and clear, achievable targets. It is not just reform that is needed, but a completely new system that works for both patients and professional staff. For NHS dentistry to thrive and be available to all who need it, it needs to be unrecognisable in its rebirth. The amount of money and time we will need to truly fix NHS dentistry will be staggering. It’s clear the profession has the appetite to forge a better service – we now must be supported by an ambitious and visionary government.
The time for complacency has passed. The government must act urgently to ensure that everyone who needs dental care can access it promptly, and that dental professionals are supported and valued. The current plan is insufficient, and the government must provide clarity and urgency in their approach. Without decisive action, the gap between what is promised and what
is delivered will continue to grow, and the public, NHS workers, and the system as a whole will bear the consequences. The question is no longer whether NHS dentistry can be saved, but whether the government has the will to make it a true priority before it’s too late. I hope this will be the rescue raft that dentistry needs and not a leaky bucket that causes NHS dentistry to sink.
The NAO’s new report underscores the gravity of the situation. It highlights the stark realities facing NHS dentistry, providing hard evidence of the systemic challenges that must be addressed. This report is a call to action – a vital tool in holding the government accountable. It must not fall on deaf ears. Instead, it should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, inspiring the urgent reforms needed to secure a sustainable, accessible future for NHS dentistry. n
About the author
Dr nigel Carter oBe is the Chief executive of the oral Health Foundation.
The practice party is in full swing but can you spot the potential pitfalls as the evening wears on? Leo Briggs, deputy head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU), provides the answers below
Dr Noël, the practice owner, thought it would be a good idea to have a festive celebration in the waiting room at the end of surgery. The party was in full swing and, as well as practice staff, the local pharmacist team, a couple of local community police officers and the practice cleaning staff were attending.
As the night wore on, and the volume was turned up on the festive hits, things started to go wrong. When a drink was spilt at reception, the pharmacy assistant went to wipe it up and noticed the reception computer screen was still on, displaying the last patient’s details, who happened to be a friend of theirs. They were astonished to see their friend had signed up for extensive orthodontic treatment and made a mental note to ask them about it next time they saw them.
Meanwhile, one of the dental hygienists chatted loudly to a colleague about a patient he had seen that day, who had been very challenging and ‘didn’t have the brains they were born with’. The reason being the patient absolutely refused to give up smoking despite repeated advice on the impact it was having on their health. One of the cleaning staff overheard and felt upset by the way the patient was being spoken about.
Across the room, sitting on the comfy chairs, another member of the cleaning team showed a dental associate a nasty ulcer in her mouth, and asked if it was anything to worry about. The associate gave it a cursory glance and recommended an overthe-counter mouth ulcer treatment to clear it up.
With the evening drawing to a close, one of the community cops spotted a yellow plastic bag that was only half full of waste, and helpfully started shoving in handfuls of crisp wrappers, cocktail sticks and drinks containers to tidy up.
So, did you spot the problems? OK, so these scenarios may seem unlikely, and you’d be extremely unlucky to have this many risky incidents happen in one night. No doubt you spotted the trouble spots:
• It’s asking for trouble to leave confidential information on display for the party revellers to see. Make sure anything confidential, including digital records, are stored out of sight to avoid potential problems. This applies during the working day as much as it does to this scenario.
• By describing their difficult patient encounter, the hygienist breached patient confidentiality. Not only that, but the way they criticised a patient could lead to a complaint for unprofessional behaviour.
• The associate had unwisely offered clinical advice to the cleaning team member. Even if the intention was to allay concerns and the associate had been sure of a diagnosis, the
safest thing would be to advise the person to have a proper examination so they could be provided with accurate advice.
• What about the helpful police officer, clearing party leftovers into bags clearly marked ‘clinical waste
only’? Ensuring that clinical waste bags are disposed of correctly, and black bags are used for domestic rubbish, will avoid the risk of inadvertent misuse.
Tis the season to be jolly, but also to be jolly careful. At the
DDU we wish you a stress-free holiday period and a smooth start to 2025. DDU members can always call on our dento-legal experts for advice if they face a dento-legal dilemma. Details at: www.theddu.com
Author: Dr Patrick Palacci, Marseille, France
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w hy were the guides GBT IS A PRACTICE BUILDER and EMS Financial Guide UK created, and how do they complement each other?
Celso: The GBT IS A PRACTICE BUILDER guide helps dental practices improve clinical efficiency, patient satisfaction and profitability by integrating the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol. Alongside the EMS Financial Guide UK , it provides a comprehensive strategy for clinical excellence and financial success, equipping practices with the tools to optimise patient care and streamline operations.
t here is an emphasis on the importance of assessing every clinical case and implementing hygiene measures as the first step. How does this assessment phase impact treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction?
The assessment phase is crucial for understanding a patient’s oral health and setting a foundation for effective, personalised treatment. Conducting thorough evaluations helps identify and address issues early on, reducing infection risks and leading to improved outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
t he importance of disclosing biofilm to patients is also stressed. How does this step enhance patient understanding and treatment effectiveness?
Disclosing biofilm is a key element because it makes the invisible visible, allowing patients to see where biofilm has accumulated. This not only educates them about their oral health but also actively involves them in their treatment journey. When patients visually understand the need for biofilm removal, their cooperation increases, enhancing
the effectiveness of treatments. It also enables clinicians to target biofilm more precisely, leading to more successful outcomes.
Motivating patients to maintain good oral hygiene is highlighted in the guide. w hat strategies do you recommend for dental professionals to engage patients effectively?
To engage patients effectively, dental professionals should emphasise prevention and provide personalised oral hygiene education. Reinforcing the benefits of regular GBT sessions and explaining how they support longterm oral health can motivate patients to maintain good practices at home and attend regular check-ups.
How does the GB t protocol’s focus on patient comfort and satisfaction translate into long-term practice growth and patient retention?
The GBT protocol’s focus on comfort and satisfaction directly supports practice growth by fostering a positive patient experience. Patients appreciate the gentle, pain-free nature of GBT, making them more likely to return for regular cleanings and recommend the practice to others. Many practices have reported significant increases in appointments after implementing GBT, demonstrating the protocol’s impact on business growth through enhanced patient satisfaction and loyalty. For example, in Dr Gianandre A Poggi’s practice, the number of appointments tripled within a year of adopting GBT, showcasing the protocol’s impact on business growth.
How do the recommended recall appointments tailored to individual risk assessments help to
improve patient outcomes and practice efficiency?
Personalised recall appointments based on individual risk assessments ensure that patients receive care tailored to their specific needs, preventing the progression of dental issues. This approach improves practice efficiency by optimising resource use and scheduling appointments based on necessity rather than a one-sizefits-all model. It also enhances patient outcomes by providing timely interventions and reducing the likelihood of severe problems.
e mployee satisfaction and continuous education are mentioned as benefits of adopting the GB t protocol.
How does the Swiss Dental Academy support practices in maintaining high standards and motivating staff?
The Swiss Dental Academy (SDA) supports practices by offering continuous education tailored to their needs, keeping dental teams trained in the latest techniques and technologies. This ongoing training
boosts the quality of care and helps staff feel competent and confident, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention. Additionally, working in practices that adopt advanced methods like GBT attracts skilled professionals eager to be part of a modern, innovative environment.
t he guides mention the financial benefits of implementing GB t, including oral health optimisation for business growth. How does GB t contribute to a more profitable practice?
GBT contributes to profitability by creating recurring revenue streams through regular recall appointments, reducing treatment times, and enabling the bundling of multiple treatments in one visit. The guide highlights that a significant proportion of dental work is referred after GBT, demonstrating its role in identifying additional treatment opportunities. Practices that have implemented GBT report significant turnover increases without raising prices, proving that GBT not only enhances patient care but also drives financial growth. n
Dental Protection has dealt with several cases recently, where the patient’s medical history has been at the heart of negligence claims brought against dentists and other dental team members. These have manifested through, for example, a failure to take certain allergies to drugs (especially penicillin and other antibiotics) into account, or to recognise the significance of longterm anticoagulants predisposing to postoperative bleedings, or the potential for drug interactions. Medications can also have side effects that cause visible changes in the soft tissue (phenytoin, calcium channel blockers and antiretroviral, for example).
The need to carefully take down a detailed medical history before treating any patient is one of the first principles we learn at dental school. Most dental schools have their own designed medical history questionnaire, and this shapes the format, style and extent of any further questioning of the patient on particular points arising from their medical history.
Many practices, in similar fashion, use their own medical history questionnaires that patients are asked to complete when attending the practice for the first time. In most cases the design provides a set of predetermined questions for the patient to answer “yes” or “no” to, and then to sign and date the completed questionnaire. The dental practitioner then ensures that the patient has properly understood all the questions (for example, where patients leave one or more answers blank) and, where “yes” answers have been given, further questioning of the patient will allow the details of any response to be clarified and expanded upon. Sometimes this highlights areas where further information needs to be gathered – perhaps contacting the patient’s medical practitioner (with the patient’s consent), or by asking the patient to bring a list of any medication they are taking along to their visit, so that the precise drugs and dosages can be identified with certainty.
Where negligence claims are linked to a patient’s medical history, it has often been revealed that, although a practitioner might have taken a comprehensive medical history when the patient first attended as a new patient, this process has either not been repeated or has been much more superficial when the patient has returned for successive courses of treatment. In the majority of cases, no further written medical history questionnaire is ever undertaken
and, indeed, there is rarely any note on the record card to confirm what (if any) further questioning has taken place to update the patient’s medical history.
This can be a considerable embarrassment when the patient has attended the same practice over a large number of years, and the practitioner is apparently still relying on the patient’s original medical history details.
Medical histories change
It is self-evident that a patient’s medical history status is not static and, indeed, a patient’s medication prescribed by others may change from visit to visit. It is prudent, therefore, to ensure not only those changes in medical history (including medication) are regularly checked and updated, but also that this fact is clearly recorded as a dated entry in the patient’s clinical notes.
Guidance from the General Dental Council, Principle 4, states: “4.1.1 You must make and keep complete and accurate patient records, including an up-to-date medical history, each time that you treat patients.” 1 Many dental practitioners take medical health histories verbally and, if no positive or significant responses are elicited, an entry such as “MH – nil” is made in the records. While better than no entry, this approach carries the disadvantage that it can be difficult or impossible to establish precisely what questions were asked of the patient, in what terms, and what answers were given.
A well-structured health record questionnaire form, which is completed, signed and dated by the patient, and subsequently updated on a regular basis (ideally, during each successive course of treatment), is not only in the patient’s best interest, but is also the best platform for the
successful defence of cases where failure to elicit or act upon a relevant aspect of medical history leads to avoidable harm to the patient. If there is doubt regarding a patient’s medical history, it may be sensible to defer treatment pending clarification of any areas of uncertainty. In all cases, the taking and confirmation of a medical history is the role of the dental practitioner and is certainly a key part of a dentist’s duty of care.
A patient visited a dental practice complaining of a sore gum. His regular dentist was off work sick on that day and the receptionist informed the associate of the problem.
The associate, who was under pressure as he was seeing a number of his colleague’s patients, saw from the record card that the patient had suffered from recurrent pericoronitis for a long time, and took the view that an examination was not required. He passed a message via the receptionist that this was likely to be a recurrence of the same problem and provided a prescription for metronidazole.
Unfortunately, the patient’s medical history was not checked and, in fact, he was on long-term warfarin therapy. The antibiotic potentiated the action of the warfarin and caused profuse bleeding when the patient accidentally cut himself while using a saw at home. This led to the patient being hospitalised and needing an emergency transfusion.
The associate sought advice, and it was agreed that he would arrange to see the patient for review and explain the problems that could result from a prescription of this type of antibiotic, despite it being a drug commonly used to treat pericoronitis. This was an embarrassing discussion for the associate, who apologised and assured the patient that he had learnt from this incident. The patient took no further action.
From this case, we learn the importance of a clinical examination to confirm that the prescription was a justified treatment, as well as the need for careful consideration of the patient’s medical history for possible drug interactions. We also learn the value of an apology where a patient’s medical history has not been carefully considered. n
Reference 1. Standards for the dental team (gdc-uk.org)
About the author Amanda Waite, Dental Case Manager at Dental protection.
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An intuitive interface that is easy to use. Convenient access via internet browser - no software installation required. Back-up and security by Straumann. Overview of the patients with overdue follow-ups.
There is so much more to designing a dental practice than determining the best position for the dental chair or the reception desk. Not only do you have to think about building regulations, best practice compliance, space optimisation and brand representation, but you also have to consider how your patients – and your team – will interact with the space. Accessibility and inclusivity are essential factors for a successful dental practice design, so it’s crucial that principals understand both what they are and how to incorporate them into their vision.
Inclusive design is defined as the creation of spaces that can be used and/or enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability or impairment, ethnicity or religion. It is essential to ensure that people with different needs are able to access the services, goods or experiences being offered, eliminating the potential for discrimination. This is particularly important in a healthcare setting such as the dental practice, where all sorts of people will need to access care safely and comfortably. The UK government sets out Accessibility Principles for all businesses and service providers to follow. These are:
• Inclusion is better than empathy – avoid unconscious bias towards those with a disability or additional needs
• Accessible design is good design – any design should meet the needs of a wide range of people
• Start with what works – keep it simple and only add complexity as required
• If it’s not accessible, it’s not done –accessibility is law, it’s not a choice
• This is still for everyone – don’t focus on one particular group of people, try to meet everyone’s needs
As eluded to above, accessibility is mandatory as part of several laws and standards governing all sectors, businesses and industries in the UK. These include the Equality Act 2010, which requires that adjustments be made to facilitate access for all people, including those with disabilities. Different sectors also have their own guidelines to ensure accessibility, for example, the Royal Institute of British Architects published the Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work to help related professionals create accessible designs.
Aside from improving the environment for patients, inclusive design is also beneficial for the professional team, offering a more inclusive place to work. Market research suggests that inclusive workplace designs and policies mean the team are 28% more engaged at work, 43% more committed to the company and 51% more likely to recommend the organisation as a great place to work.
application in practice
It’s necessary to understand who you are designing the space for. UK statistics from 2022/23 show that around 24% of the population have a disability. Of these, around 48% report a mobility impairment, 34% a mental health condition, 35% dexterity impairment and 15% a learning disability, while 12% have issues with hearing and 12% with vision.
Some principles of accessible design are easier to implement than others, but there is a lot to consider when envisioning your new dental practice. Physical access is the most obvious requirement, ensuring a wheelchair user or someone with a mobility impairment can easily enter the practice, a surgery and the bathroom is essential. This could mean installing ramps, automatic doors (or button operated doors), lifts, and placing reception desks or ceiling light switches at varying heights.
However, accessible design is so much more than this. Regarding auditory and visual accessibility, dental practices could offer hearing loop systems, train staff to use basic sign language, and ensure high contrast colours for important signs, texts and information leaflets. The option to have forms read aloud or available in different font sizes/braille are further ways of making more people feel as included and comfortable as possible.
Though more difficult to achieve due to the broad scope of people’s needs, dental practice spaces must also be designed for neurodiversity. This encompasses those with a broad range of conditions from autism to ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
An appropriate design should consider the sensory environment created, incorporating everything from lighting and reflective surfaces, to colours, background noise,
fragrances and material choices for hightouch areas or furniture.
Clearly there is a huge amount to think about when designing your dental practice. That’s why it is essential to enlist the technical expertise and support of specialists in the field, such as the team at RPA Dental. They will help you achieve the perfect blend of style, elegance, accessibility and functionality for a practice that will ensure an exceptional patient and professional experience. With state-of-the-art design software, an array of industry-leading equipment and unparalleled knowledge of dentistry, RPA Dental will be by your side throughout the process from start to finish.
Sustainability optimised
It’s important to remember that ensuring accessibility does not hinder creativity or innovation. Instead, it ensures that the largest number of people will be able to utilise the beautiful space you have built. This is crucial for the modern dental practice, which will regularly welcome a variety of patients with a broad spectrum of needs. This approach to design will also future-proof your business, encouraging a sustainable design that will stand the test of time.
For more detail about the solutions and services available from RPA Dental, visit www.dental-equipment.co.uk, call 08000 933 975 or email info@rpadental.net n
about the author adam Shaw, Sales Director at rpa Dental Ltd.
The history of clocking in dates back to the late 19th century, evolving alongside the Industrial Revolution, when tracking employee time became crucial for large factories and businesses. The first mechanical time clock, called the “time recorder,” was invented by Willard Bundy in 1888 in Auburn, New York. Workers would insert a paper card into the machine to record their start and end times. This device was created to ensure accurate payment by tracking working hours. As the Industrial Revolution progressed, time clocks became a standard factory feature.
By the 1970s and 1980s, mechanical time clocks evolved into digital timekeeping systems. These devices made tracking and storing data easier, eliminating the need for paper punch cards. They used magnetic stripe cards or PIN codes. In the 2000s, companies started to adopt biometric systems that recorded employees’ fingerprints or facial features to prevent “buddy punching” (when a worker clocks in for another).
Clocking-in systems are used in dental surgeries primarily to manage employee attendance and ensure accurate payroll processing. Given the importance of adhering to scheduled appointments and patient flow, timekeeping helps dental surgeries maintain efficiency in staff scheduling. Here’s how it is typically used:
Dental surgeries often use clock-in systems to record when staff start and end their shifts. This ensures fair wage calculation based on actual hours worked, which is critical in both small practices and larger chains with multiple employees.
Clocking-in helps dental practices adhere to labour laws, such as the Working Time Regulations in the UK, which require businesses to track working hours to ensure compliance with maximum working hours and adequate break times.
Since dental surgeries often work on tight schedules with patients, clock-in systems ensure that all staff are present on time, allowing for the smooth operation of patient appointments. Late clock-ins or absences can disrupt patient care.
Some dental surgeries currently use or plan to use biometric clocking systems, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, to prevent “buddy punching”. However, using biometric systems can raise privacy concerns. For example, the Information Commissioner’s Office has taken action against companies for improperly using such systems.
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office has taken enforcement action against Serco Leisure and several other organisations for using facial recognition technology and fingerprint scanning to monitor employee attendance without sufficient legal justification. The ICO ruled that these practices were neither necessary nor proportionate, mainly when less intrusive alternatives, such as ID cards or fobs, could be used.
Over 2,000 employees at 38 leisure facilities were affected, with biometric data being processed as a requirement for clocking in and receiving pay.
The ICO stressed that Serco had failed to adequately assess the risks of using biometric data and did not provide employees with an alternative option, creating a power imbalance
that compromised their ability to optout. As a result, the ICO ordered Serco to stop all biometric data processing for attendance purposes and to destroy the collected data within three months unless legally required to retain it.
The ICO has also issued new guidelines for organisations considering the use of biometric data, urging them to weigh privacy risks carefully and ensure proportionality when adopting these technologies in the workplace. So, the take home from this is that practices should not use biometric clocking-in systems, and if they do, they should remove them.
I spoke to the owner of one small corporate who said, “I can see the attraction for an employer, but it says to the staff: ‘I don’t trust you’ – and that is not a message I would want to give to professional team members.” n
about the author
Mark Lamont is the pseudonym of a dental practice owner in east anglia.
An investment in a new dental handpiece isn’t a decision to be made in haste. As well as crucial considerations around safety, practices need to assess what applications they need the tool for, how hard they expect their tools to work, the ease and cost of maintenance and repair, as well as the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the handpiece itself.
First and foremost, it is important to identify what you need from your tools on a daily basis. Are there any areas within your practice where you feel performance could be enhanced by higher spec, specialist tools? Or are you looking for a hard-working staple that can manage a wide variety of general applications? A high-spec, speedy and power-efficient tool, engineered to be more ergonomic with less noise and vibration may cost more in the short-term, but what will the alternative cost your practice and your health long-term?
Features of commonly used handpiece types
Air turbine handpieces use compressed air to enable rotation at high speeds. Air-driven handpieces are widely used for general dental procedures, and benefit from a generally lighter weight than the average electric handpiece. Higher speed dental air turbines can achieve up to 400,000 rotations per minute (rpm), resulting in reduced pain for the patient.
Air turbines benefit from high-speed, but have limited torque, reducing cutting performance in comparison to electric handpieces. In addition, air turbines generally produce more noise and vibration levels than electric handpieces. However, this can be mitigated by the use of ceramic bearings. Electric handpieces generally benefit from a smoother operation due to higher torque, precision gear engineering and greater control over speed, making them more versatile than air turbines. There are a range of handpieces available that, when using an electric motor, can achieve speeds as low as 20 rpm, and as high as 200,000 rpm. More efficient torque to speed ratio enables these handpieces to be used for managing harder materials like dental zirconia, silver amalgam, and high noble alloys.
There can be a higher cost in the initial setup for running electric handpieces, but this should be considered against other factors, such as the income potential in their versatility, and their ability to manage the more challenging ceramic materials now in use in restorative dentistry. They also tend to have a longer lifespan than air turbines.
Although many dental professionals have embraced the advent of AI, there are others who have deeprooted concerns. Many worry about AI encroaching on the viability of some jobs, and others worry about the impact of AI on their personal interaction with patients.
The increased weight of electric handpieces could contribute to discomfort when working for long periods. However, their higher torque results in less vibration and lessens the need to apply pressure, reducing strain. Manual instruments are implicated in repetitive strain injuries among dental professionals more than both electric and air-powered handpieces.
To further safeguard muscular-skeletal health, it is recommended that clinicians choose a handpiece with a shorter, pliable hose featuring a swivel mechanism in the barrel of the handpiece to avoid strain when rotating the instrument.
Friction between the bur and dental tissue produces high heat, which can cause thermal irritation to the patient and risks thermal damage during tooth preparations. This can be mitigated with a consistent flow of water. Several studies have recommended the use of room temperature water at between 25 and 50 mL/min rates to effectively prevent pulp injury during the process.
the heaviest applications
W&H offers a comprehensive range of dental handpieces for every application. For example, the robust and ergonomic Synea Power Edition combines high-speed with exceptional torque control to manage the most challenging heavyweight applications, such as the removal of decayed materials, cavities, fillings, crowns, and bridges, and manages dental materials like zirconia. The Power Edition additionally keeps clinicians and patients safe from thermal damage with >50 ml/min coolant spray.
There are many variables around which handpiece to choose. Safety, comfort, efficiency, durability and cost effectiveness are all factors to consider carefully. Once you’ve done your research on the right handpiece for a task, it is advisable to make use of any opportunity to try it out for yourself. Once the choice is made, every handpiece should be carefully maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you get the most out of your purchase.
To find out more about the full range from W&H, visit www.wh.com/en_uk, call 01727 874990 or email office.uk@wh.com n
about the author
Jon Bryant, National Sales & Marketing Manager UK & ireland,
W&H UK.
Although fear in the face of change is natural, there are many advantages with AI, which are becoming more and more widely valued within dentistry. Some applications that are already in use have variously demonstrated their ability to streamline services, safeguard clinicians by auditing and recording processes, improve treatment, assist with diagnosis and even help develop a better relationship with patients.
AI is reshaping the landscape of dentistry by complementing, rather than replacing, the care and expertise that only dentists can provide. Its ability to enhance accuracy, improve efficiency, and personalise treatments offers exciting possibilities for both dentists and patients.
elevating clinical efficiency
AI algorithms can analyse images to assist in detecting dental conditions, such as caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancers. Although they can’t replace the discernment of a trained professional, radiographic diagnostics can benefit from AI that serves as a second set of eyes. This technology can act as a safety net to help ensure the treatment plan is appropriate and that nothing has been missed.
3D digital stents have improved the accuracy and success rate of precise implant placement. AI can be combined with intraoral and CBCT scans in minutes to develop a precise digital implant stent. Guided dental implant placement has significantly reduced the failure rate, which is 2.25% compared to 6.42% when performed freehand.
AI can support the advancement of minimally invasive techniques through automating or informing some procedures using robotics. The microprecision facilitated by some of these technologies shows great promise in mitigating against complications in clinical practice.
AI also shows enormous potential in enhancing dental training. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can enable professionals to practice and hone skills, learning procedures in a safe, but realistic and interactive setting. Algorithms can rate their responses, providing feedback and guidance, and alerting teaching staff to any issues requiring intervention.
ai enhancing patient interaction
Building trust with patients is enormously important, and an excellent way to develop this rapport is to ensure they are educated and informed on their conditions, as well as treatment options,
and the need for self-care. AI can enhance this process in numerous ways. AI-powered smile design tools can demonstrate quick before and after simulations to patients with 80% accuracy. Human intervention is needed to evaluate these results, as currently these tools do not account for biotype, gingival health, smile line or the nasolabial angle, but the speed of the results provide an excellent visual prompt from which to work, helping patients picture how the treatment will benefit them.
AI tools that automate some clinical processes can also save time, while enabling busy practitioners to operate a patient-centred practice. Virtual care and dental monitoring systems accompanying some aligner therapies enable clinicians to conduct virtual checks of the teeth movement, for example.
Patient relationships can also benefit from tools that provide tailored, personalised attention without any additional consultation time. Precise algorithms analyse images and carry out automated checks. If the images meet pre-set criteria, patients are prompted to move on to the next stage of treatment. If not, it will prompt them to wait and continue with current aligners. If teeth have strayed out of the range, the system prompts the patient to call the practice.
enhancing patient care through instant and accurate notes
AI that provides time-saving documentation, voice-transcription, note-taking, consultation and communication tools automatically free clinicians up to develop stronger bonds with their patients.
Designed by dentists, Kiroku has a suite of these AI-assisted tools to help clinicians save hours of admin time. Not only does the software free up time for clinicians to attend to patients, it can reduce medico-legal stress by providing accurate, automatically audited contemporaneous notes, using any browser. Once information is input using the easy and intuitive interface, it can be repurposed into any other format according to the professional’s own templates, including patient friendly information and advice.
By thoughtfully integrating AI into dental practices, dental care can be more effective, accessible, and tailored to each individual’s needs. The future of dentistry looks brighter than ever, with AI serving as a valuable tool. It is possible to combine the best of technology with the irreplaceable human touch to foster healthier smiles for generations to come.
To find out how to apply go to trykiroku.com/dental-foundation-training n
about the author
Hannah Burrow, ceO of Kiroku.
When it comes to maintaining exceptional standards of infection control, dental practices only want to work with experts in the field. That’s why Eschmann remains a leading provider of decontamination equipment and services across dental and various other sectors.
What sets Eschmann apart?
There are many factors that set Eschmann apart from other organisations in the market. Among these is its long heritage of almost 200 years in the medical supplies sector, which includes over 60 years of designing and manufacturing autoclaves. A British company to its core, Eschmann also works closely with a number of other British organisations, as well as some of the finest European manufacturers, to ensure the highest quality standards are maintained in all its products. Underscoring the team’s long-standing commitment to patient safety, product excellence and innovation, Eschmann is delighted to have achieved the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certification for the full range of autoclaves. This is just the latest demonstration of the quality of solutions that Eschmann brings to the dental market.
Industry-leading products
Eschmann’s unparalleled dedication to providing high-quality, reliable and durable products to its customers means that it has created a comprehensive product portfolio.
Renowned across the profession is the Little Sister range of autoclaves, incorporating different capacity machines as well as both ‘B’ and ‘N’ type cycle options. Designed to last, the autoclaves are available with a USB cycle data recorder with the option to connect a wireless AutoLog cycle data manager and e-Logbook for seamless data recording and easy compliance.
Also available are two washer disinfectors, including a benchtop and under bench option. These both offer fast and efficient heavy-duty cleaning, disinfection and drying in less than an hour, streamlining the professional workflow. Other popular products from Eschmann include the Reverse Osmosis (RO) water system, ultrasonic cleaners, and even laundry solutions, further elevating standards of infection control in the dental practice.
Unrivalled service and support
To support all its decontamination equipment in practices across the UK, Eschmann is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to all of their customers. The Care & Cover servicing and maintenance package affords total peace of mind, giving practices all the information, testing and care needed to keep their equipment running efficiently for as long as possible. With no hidden fees, the comprehensive package includes:
• Unlimited breakdown cover
• Annual Validation and Pressure Vessel Certification
• Annual service and software upgrades
• Unlimited Eschmann parts and labour
• Support from 50 Eschmann-trained engineers nationwide
• Enhanced CPD user training
• Technical telephone support
With access to all this, the entire practice team will be able to look after their decontamination equipment on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, with expert testing and repair available from the experts as part of annual servicing and maintenance. This allows them to minimise the risk of equipment malfunctions, optimise efficiency, maximise equipment longevity and protect your investment.
Don’t just take our word for it
Of course, we don’t expect you to just take our word for it. We are proud to have thousands of happy customers around the UK, many of whom are happy to share their positive experiences with others. Here’s what some of them had to say:
Tracey Cage, Practice Manager at Kelvin House Dental Practice in Kent, commented: “We would absolutely recommend
Eschmann equipment and the Care & Cover maintenance programme. The entire team have done a fantastic job and we have no complaints at all. The fact that one model lasted 16 years and we have another that is already 12 years old speaks volumes for the quality of the product and service. We will miss our old unit but we look forward to using the new Little Sister SES 3000B for the next decade!”
Hayley Wright, Head Receptionist at Goldsworth Road Dental Centre in Surrey:
“We have been working with Eschmann for about nine years now. The service has always been really good. Our calls and texts are always answered promptly and someone is constantly on hand to help if we need it. The service is brilliant, they always go above and beyond. We have five pieces of equipment from Eschmann, including two autoclaves and two washer disinfectors , and have found them to be of great quality. They are all supported by the Care & Cover service package to keep up with regular servicing. I would rate Eschmann 10 out of 10, I can’t think of any way they could improve!”
For more information on leading Eschmann decontamination products, please visit www.eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 753322
Whilst the technological proficiency of dental professionals will differ on a case-by-case basis, the one term that everyone will recognise is cybersecurity. Protecting practice and patient information is key, but what does this actually mean and what does it look like?
It’s important that dental professionals understand the steps they need to take to ensure their practice’s cybersecurity is of an optimal standard, and be aware of the risks currently presented to healthcare organisations. Reviewing the actions required of dental professionals gives a fantastic indication of the risks that are presented, and the steps that can be taken to mitigate them, in order to protect confidential patient and clinician information.
rules to work by
The General Dental Council states that patient information must be kept secure at all times, whether on paper or electronically. The guidance laid out in the Standards for the Dental Team notes that clinicians must ensure no one can achieve unauthorised access by storing it securely. Any confidential information that is sent electronically must also be done so safely. For electronic data storage or transfer, all information should be encrypted. In today’s world, electronic data storage and management systems are almost a given. They are able to improve cooperation and treatment outcomes; reduce costs through the minimisation of physical storage space and material; and boost the overall efficiency of a practice. However, connection to the internet presents the opportunity for sensitive information to be compromised if affected by a digital virus or online attack.
Successful breaches of healthcare information are, thankfully, rare. Notably in 2024, NHS Dumfries and Galloway was targeted by cyber criminals, and Synnovis, a pathology laboratory which works with NHS organisations to process blood tests, was a victim of a cyberattack in the early summer.
The Information Commissioner’s Office suggests that the breach of personal data in a hospital would be of significant impact to affected patients due to the sensitivity of the data and the risk of confidential medical details becoming known to others. This would also be the case in dentistry, so practices are obligated to take steps to minimise the risk of such a scenario occurring.
Understand the enemy Cyberattacks can originate from a number of sources. One of the most prevalent risks are phishing attempts–messages that appear to be from a familiar source, and intend to deceive an individual. In fact, 90% of businesses and 94% of charities who experienced at least one type of cybercrime were victim to such a ploy. A phishing message may include a link to an external website or a downloadable attachment that allows malware (such as ransomware) to
be downloaded, sabotaging the practice’s digital systems. Some phishing attempts are more obvious than others, but it is helpful for the dental team to discuss what one may look like, and what to do if they receive one.
Dental professionals have a range of resources that they can access to better understand the risks presented to patient data online. The National Cyber Security Centre dives into a wealth of guidance and best practice for public sector organisations, which is easily applicable to the dental practice.
Know your next steps
62% of businesses in the health, social care and social work sectors treat cyber security as a “very” high priority. In today’s digital world, it is no wonder that this number is so large, and will likely rise in coming years. Health, social care and social work businesses are nearly twice as likely to have a formalised cyber incident response approach than the average business or charity.
Aside from educating the dental team to recognise how a cyberattack can occur, and discussing the actions that should be taken in such a scenario, dental professionals can also take an active step forward by upgrading their
practice management software. Choosing solutions that are backed by high-quality cybersecurity workflows, which are regularly reviewed to mitigate new risks as they arise, is key. You must also ensure that all data storage is GDPR compliant, and can be recovered and secured should a potential cybersecurity threat arise.
Sensei Cloud, from the practice and patient management brand of Carestream Dental, is designed to help clinicians manage practice and patient information securely and on the go, whilst actively fighting risks to cybersecurity. The cloud-based platform allows clinicians to analyse practice performance, reach out to patients and access important information securely without needing to be in the practice. Sensei Cloud is supported by leading experts and state-of-the-art tools in cybersecurity to best protect your practice against potential threats.
Cybersecurity is an aspect of practice management that must be optimised to keep patient information safe and secure. Choosing high-quality practice management systems is essential, alongside educating the dental team, to minimise the risk of negative outcomes. For more information on Sensei Cloud visit https://gosensei.co.uk/ For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk n
about the author Nina Gilbert, carestream Senior Global product Line Manager.
There are several ways in which the modern dentist can advance in their career and fulfil their professional ambitions. If for you this means establishing your own dental practice – or building a mini group ¬– it is important to be prepared for the journey ahead as much as possible. The very first step is to find a suitable property in which to build your future. Here are some of our do’s and don’ts to help you get started.
Do #1 – Determine the right physical location
Where your practice is situated will have a significant impact on the kind of dentistry in demand and the type of business that will succeed. Where you wish to focus on cosmetic dental services, for example, it’s crucial to be located in a more affluent area. If your bread and butter is family dentistry, then finding a property with easy access, maybe near the local schools or nurseries will prove useful. When purchasing a property, instead of leasing, consideration should also be given to the commercial value of the building and any potential changes to its value in the near future.
Do #2 – Know your budget
Before you can start looking at properties, it is necessary to understand your budget
and exactly what you can afford. Speaking to a financial expert to assess your current situation and run feasibility checks is crucial. They will indicate how much you can reasonably allocate for your property purchase or lease fees, affording the confidence you need to search the market for your perfect location.
Do #3 – ensure room for growth
Whether you’re looking to establish a single-surgery practice or build an empire, it is important to ensure that the property you choose has space for growth. This might involve having an extra room you don’t need straight away but that could transform into another surgery in the future. It might just mean having adequate physical space to introduce new technologies or expand your decontamination room/area as regulations or patient requirements evolve over time.
Don’t #1 – rule out a property too quickly
While it is important to have a clear list of criteria in order to efficiently focus your search, it is advantageous to remain openminded. A building that doesn’t meet every single requirement might offer something you hadn’t previously thought of, and eliminating it before visiting could be a mistake. Should
meet most of your criteria, it will likely be worth a visit just in case.
Don’t #2 – rush into anything
It can be easy to get swept up in the excitement and want to progress as quickly as possible when you find something good. It may even be necessary to act quickly in highly sought-after areas to secure a particularly popular property. However, it is vital not to rush into anything if you can help it to avoid missing details or not acquiring the best deal. It can help to be prepared before you start shortlisting properties so that you know what you’re looking for, covering everything from lease contracts to planning permission documents and all the other T&Cs.
Don’t #3 – Go it alone
Finding the perfect property can be a fun but exhausting process when attempting to do it by yourself. This is especially true when conducting your search while also working full time in another practice and balancing this with family or other personal commitments. Working with an expert in the field can streamline your property search, removing much of the hassle while leveraging the experience, connections and market insights of professionals who do this day-in, day-out.
Clover Dental Group, for example, offers a nationwide network of agents that provide a full-service property search from initial consultation through to location visits, price negotiations and access to property lawyers. The team offers competitor analyses, feasibility checks and legal support to keep you ahead of the game and ensure you find the perfect property for your business now and in the future.
When the time is right
For dentists looking to establish their first practice or those developing their existing portfolio, location is everything. The property search is only one step in what can be quite a complex process, but finding the right premises provides a springboard for the success of your business. When the time is right, working with experts in the field will save you time and stress, and help you make the best decisions for you.
For more information on the comprehensive services available from Clover Dental Group, please visit cloverdentalfitout.co.uk or call 07961 669996 n
about the author
Steve Kettle is a Director at clover Dental.
59% more practices brought to market
32% increase in viewings
35% rise in the number of offers received
23% growth in the aggregate value of all offers received
38% increase in the number of deals agreed
*These stats are from the first nine months of 2024, and compared to the immediate nine months prior
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To find out how we can support you and your practice.
Microplastics are all around us. In 2022, researchers found the first evidence of microplastics being in human blood – identified in 77% of study participants.
Dental professionals need to review the impact of microplastics on general and oral health and identify ways in which they can reduce the presence of microplastics in the environment around us. Within all healthcare, the most fundamental principle is: “First, do no harm.” Once dental professionals understand the risks microplastics present, they should take action to minimise their presence at all costs.
Defined as plastic particles that are <5mm in length – though this is not universally agreed upon –microplastics may be produced at this size or could be fragmented debris from larger plastic items. It’s estimated that an individual consumes, on average, 0.1-5g of microplastics every week, through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. Considering the first case of microplastics in the bloodstream was discovered just under three years ago, research into the effect on general and oral health is somewhat limited – with time, this will grow, and current findings are still impactful. It is known that microplastics may cause changes to the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems. In vitro testing has found that microplastics in the human colonic microbiota affected the microbial communities present, reducing the levels of several groups that are essential for compositional stability. An increase of proinflammatory and disease-related bacterial groups was observed, which could alter the intestinal homeostasis, and general health.
Microplastic particles in the cardiac structures have been linked with oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. The current understanding is that microplastics can translocate to other organs and structures, inducing systemic toxicities.
Dental professionals are no doubt interested in the potential impact of microplastics on the oral cavity. Research is, again, limited, but a 2022 study is noteworthy. It took in vitro gingival fibroblasts and exposed them to sea water specimens which are understood to be heavily polluted by microplastics. These can infect
marine wildlife, and make their way into the food chain, where the oral cavity is in direct contact with any contaminants present. The results found that microplastics affected metabolic activity rate, which is potentially related to an increase in cellular oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species accumulation and mitochondrial depolarisation. In all, this suggests that microplastics interfere with the viability of gingival cells. The study also displayed an increase in inflammatory factors, as reported elsewhere in the literature.
Microplastics have a known detrimental effect on the environment around us. They have an ecotoxicological impact on aquatic organisms and can carry other environmental contaminants into soil, which then affects the viability of plants and animals that eat them.
Knowing the potential threat to human and environmental health, it is the responsibility of dental professionals to minimise microplastics produced within the field. This takes two steps: identifying and minimising the use of materials which create microplastics, and managing waste in an effective manner to reduce the spread of microplastics to the surrounding world.
It’s no surprise that plastics are almost inevitable in the modern dental workflow. They make up key parts of PPE, toothbrushes and disposable aspirator suction tips, just to name a few sources. Clinicians could choose to invest in autoclavable items that replace single-use, disposable plastic equipment, or encourage patients to switch to bamboo toothbrushes to reduce their creation of plastic waste.
Overall this reduces the volume of plastic in circulation, minimising the risk of items reaching water systems and polluting them with microplastic fragments.
Recyclable solutions are also favoured, as laid out in Health Technical Memorandum 07-01, as they minimise the need to create new plastics, in turn reducing the production of microplastics in the future.
Where plastic waste is unavoidable in dentistry, it is essential that clinicians ensure environmentally conscious waste management processes are in place. This can be achieved by working with a specialist waste management service that handles clinical waste safely.
Initial Medical presents a leading specialist team trusted by clinicians to ensure regulatory-complaint and environmentally-friendly disposal of their waste. Clinicians can discover a variety of recyclable waste solutions, including colour-coded clinical waste bags which are made from 30% recycled plastic to actively reduce your potential for plastic pollution. Initial Medical collects your clinical waste and ensures it is treated, incinerated, used in energy-fromwaste processes or recycled in line with HTM 07-01 and its principles for best practice management.
Microplastics are a modern inevitability. The dental team should understand what this means for the health of all patients and recognise that with effective action, the impact of the field can be reduced. This takes time, but effective steps can work towards the principle of “First, do no harm.”
To find out more, get in touch at 0808 304 7411 or visit www.initial. co.uk/medical n
about the author
rebecca Waters has worked in the healthcare sector for the past 20 years and earned a BSc chemistry (Hons) prior to joining rentokil initial in 2003. She works within the research and Development team and keeps up to date on all changes within the clinical waste management industry, as well as the specialist hygiene and infection control industries, and is an active member of the ciWM and HWMa. Following roles as an analytical chemist and Hygiene chemist, she has worked in a variety of leading marketing roles since 2006, making her an expert within the industry. She is a Fellow at the chartered institute of Marketing, an FciM. rebecca loves spending time outdoors and in the water – whether walking, camping, or swimming – and completed a focus on environmental studies during her university degree. She is proud to be pushing a sustainability agenda throughout her work.
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It’s Christmas! And no doubt you are already grimacing at the sound of the Slade classic being played on repeat wherever you go. But whatever your faith and beliefs at this time of year, it would be hard not to be moved by the sound of a Salvation Army brass band playing Christmas carols. However, spare a thought for the band members because, as brass instrument players, their mouths and their lips, in particular, often take a battering. This is because even slight changes to their mouths can impact their ability to play. The way a musician’s teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw interact with the airstream to produce sound is called their ‘embouchure’ and involves shaping their mouth around the mouthpiece of an instrument to produce a clear, full tone without straining the muscles. Thus, a healthy mouth with intact functional tissues is essential. Music and dentistry often fuse together when this integrity is no longer maintained, and there are even dental professionals who specialise in embouchure. One renowned internationally acclaimed authority was a dentist called Maurice Porter, who also authored a book on the subject. A talented clarinet player himself, he was an international speaker and the subject of a BDA exhibition last year. With the exception of guitarists and drummers, most musicians seem at risk of dental problems, even pianists and violinists. Common complaints include:
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain from holding the mouth and jaw in an irregular position for a prolonged period of time. For example, violinists often experience problems as they use their chin to hold the instrument in place.
• Bruxism – many musicians, including pianists, often clench their teeth when concentrating.
Some treatment options for musicians include:
• Orthodontic treatment, including aligners –this can address issues with malalignment and perioral pressures, including tooth movement and increased muscle tone.
• TMJ treatment, including exercises and splints.
• Musical performance dentures designed specifically for playing instruments. But, as mentioned above, musicians playing brass or even wind instruments are at much greater risk of problems. Just how can playing instruments have an impact on their oral health? Well, they are prone to:
• Hypersensitivity – the continual and forceful expulsion of air when playing a wind or brass instrument subjects the teeth to vibrations that can cause increased sensitivity.
• Crooked and chipped teeth – the instrument hitting the teeth often results in them chipping.
• Dry mouth/erosion – wind instrument players will often find they have a dry mouth, but obviously their choice of hydration can hugely impact their dentition. Sipping on anything other than water can expose the teeth to acid erosion, particularly when regularly reaching for fizzy drinks or sugary juices.
• Gingival swelling and ulcers. But perhaps one of the most common causes of complaint are the lips. Indeed, prolonged compression of the lips against the teeth as a result of playing can be painful and even cause ulceration. This is a particularly common complaint if the teeth are misaligned and have sharp edges or a diastema. The combination of holding the embouchure with a constant flow of air can also lead to irritation.
A brass player pushes the mouthpiece against both lips, whilst a clarinettist or saxophonist is pressing the reed onto their bottom lip and
holding the mouthpiece in place with their top lip. So, it is no wonder the lips are irritated and sore after several hours of playing. Also, a dry mouth can result in a burning sensation or lip cracking, chapping and swelling. And let us not forget that lip cancer accounts for around 3% of all mouth cancers, which is especially serious for the wind instrumentalist. All lips vary in length, thickness, muscle tone, and posture, and the upper lip in particular can impact on playing range.
Not to blow his own trumpet, but professional trumpet player Dan Gosling has invented ‘ChopSaver’, an all-natural, herbal lip balm formulated specifically for brass or woodwind musicians to relieve symptoms caused by the wear and tear from mouthpiece pressure on their embouchures. This is important as there is a correlation between accuracy and lip moisture, although acclaimed French horn player Fred Fox felt the advantage went to the dry lip’s player! Nonetheless, it is helpful for us to impart the following advice from Dan to our musical patients who use and abuse their lips on a daily basis. He is confident that anyone who uses their lips to make sound on a musical instrument will benefit from ChopSaver. But also, that they should:
• Avoid direct sunlight and always wear SPF lip balm. Look for lip balms that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
• Use any new lip product with caution. If you suspect a reaction of any kind, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Ideally do not try any new product directly before a performance and avoid ingredients such as camphor, phenol, and menthol.
• Keep hydrated. Drink lots of water to help prevent chapped lips (but avoid sweet, fizzy drinks).
• Applying a Vitamin E gel capsule directly to the lips can help heal any splits or chaps.
When providing complex dental treatments to your patients, complicated workflows can be a hinderance. As such, it’s important to make things as simple as possible for the benefit of yourself, your dental team and, ultimately, your patients. Modern dental solutions, be it digital software or innovative equipment, make ease of use a priority. This enables dental teams to focus on providing excellent care to their patients, whilst enhancing productivity. When implementing new equipment in your dental practice, it’s important to consider the impact it may have on you and your team’s workflows, and ensure that the equipment you choose offers the benefits you need.
A 2009 study explored examination and treatment planning appointments, and the dental teams’ experience of these. It found that communication, collaboration, and workflows at these stages were very complex, and that the new technology at this time disrupted the delicate balance established in the practices studied – noting both the benefits and drawbacks it offered.
A later study from 2016, evaluated the impact of electronic dental records. It highlighted that digital technologies at this time had the potential to enhance patient outcomes, aid diagnosis, reduce errors, and
improve safety. However, the study also noted a number of workflow breakdowns which caused frustrations within the dental team due to tasks taking up valuable time that could have been better spent on patient care. The study noted that these over-complicated workflows could potentially impact practice revenues.
Of course, dentistry has evolved over the years, meaning that the need to upgrade workflows and embrace digital dental solutions is inevitable. Dental innovations have taken a huge leap since these studies were conducted, with a focus on straightforward, streamlined workflows to help save dental teams time without compromising on high-standards of patient care. As such, each dental practice must select upgrades or new solutions based on their unique needs.
Integration may be the most effective way for many dental practices to enhance the care they offer. By having everything you need conveniently available you are able to streamline your workflows, and offer patients the care they deserve in an effective and predictable way. Incorporate workflows and systems that feature the tools you need for the treatments you provide the most. For example, if you frequently provide endodontic treatment in your practice, utilising a system which enables torque control precision, displays file progress, and features an excellent file library to facilitate this is beneficial.
• Cover the lips with a scarf or mask when going outside in the cold.
• Practice good habits such as mindfulness and do not overdo it. Adopt a good posture and take full, relaxed breaths. Rest equals recovery.
• Use recommended lip care products. Some products, like ChopSaver and Robinson’s Remedies Lip Renew, are designed to help wind musicians care for their lips. It is apparent that the brass or wind instrumentalist’s career is dependent on the maintenance of a healthy mouth. Occasional players are less at risk, but dedicated or professional players are most in danger of damaging their mouth. As dental professionals, we need to be aware of potential problems in all our musical patients (not just wind players), as early detection, preventative measures and education can provide protection and maintenance of the most important asset of their profession: the embouchure! And, finally, however stressed you are, if you are comforted by the dulcet tones of the Sally Ann band, please donate generously. It’s a musical tradition that started in 1878, and they work tirelessly, often abusing their ‘embouchure’ to provide support at Christmas to children who would otherwise go without a gift, to families who are struggling to put food on the table, and to the homeless who are forced to sleep rough on the streets. n
about the author ali Lowe is the founder of Fit Lip UK – a campaign aimed at encouraging people to wear SPF lip balm in order to protect their lips, prevent lip cancer and keep their mouth healthy.
Integrated workflows can also help to reduce the changeover times between patients, with seamless processes facilitating the transition from examination, to patient education, and finally to treatment. In the short-term, this means a straightforward day-to-day system for yourself and your dental team and, of course, an improved experience for your patients. Over time, a smoother workflow will enable you to see more patients than usual during the day, boosting your practice revenue in the long-term.
patients engaged in their care
As mentioned in the above study, communication was a major concern when it came to implementing new technology in the practice, with some identifying this area as a downfall which was detrimental to the dental team. The ability to effectively communicate with patients is also essential, to ensure they understand their situation and are able to provide informed consent for any treatment to take place. Further to this, equipment which enhances communication with patients is essential for boosting their engagement with their oral health. The ability to easily display a patient’s radiograph for them to see is a fantastic way of providing patient education. When a patient can see exactly what their clinician is talking about in a visual way, they are likely to take on more of an active role in both prevention and treatment.
Don’t over-complicate it
Complicated workflows rarely have a positive impact on the dental team or patient care. Userfriendly options, which make straightforward functionality the priority, enable the dental team to boost their productivity, save time, and spend more of their day interacting with and educating patients.
The Axano Pure treatment centre, available from Clark Dental, enables you to simply do more. No complicated learning is required to use the system, and its workflows are able to be easily adapted depending on your needs. It features an easy-to-use user interface, integrated therapy functions, patient communication tools and so much more to empower you to provide the highest standards of care.
For improved experiences for yourself, your dental team, and your patients, simplifying your workflows is key. Consider the unique needs of your practice when upgrading or investing in new equipment to ensure the best possible outcomes for your patients.
For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk n
about the author Stuart Clark, managing Director of Clark Dental.
Use it with reciprocating or rotary movement, with or without the integrated apex locator - you choose.
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Understanding the mechanical properties of natural teeth has been an important pursuit, informing the development of effective restorative materials for use in dental crowns. Ceramics, composites and metals are routinely used in innovative ways to replicate the durability, function, aesthetics and feel of teeth.
A challenge in the field of materials science has been to find permanent restorative materials that replicate the amazing shockabsorbing qualities of natural teeth; ensuring their ability to manage repeated pressure without breaking, or damaging other teeth.
the scaly origins of teeth
Research now supports the theory that the teeth of all vertebrates share their origin in the scales of ancient fish, before they migrated into the mouth about 400 million years ago. When examining the fossilised remains of an extinct sawfish species, scientists found a complex but primitive form of tooth enamel – with a high resistance to mechanical stress.
Modern human teeth have evolved with a highly efficient and unique structure, enabling them to withstand a great deal of bite pressure and wear. Teeth that can properly grind food without fracturing help to ensure that adequate nutrition can be absorbed from food.
Flexural strength measures a material’s ability to withstand pressure from a static load before breaking. Elasticity, one of the most important features of natural teeth, refers to the material’s rigidity under pressure and when the pressure is removed. Many of the shock-absorbing qualities of teeth are provided by the periodontal ligament and root structure. This foundation, combined with the elastic nature of enamel and dentine in the tooth crown is designed to withstand and exert hundreds of kilograms of vertical force.
Surface enamel is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite crystals, arranged in fishscale, or key-hole patterns in configurations that allow stress to be distributed across the material, reducing impact stress. The 65-70% inorganic mineral content in dentine consists mainly of smaller hydroxyapatite crystals than those found in enamel. The remaining content, similar to bone, is comprised mainly of collagen, proteins and water, all of which make it highly effective in managing pressure.
The density of cementum covering the root, as well as the dentine inside is lower than the material in the natural tooth. This provides a soft landing, absorbing impact, and distributing stress across both the tooth material and the periodontal ligament to reduce the risk of damage or pain.
restorative materials – the challenges
Shock-absorbing and impact properties, accounting for flexural strength, elasticity and strain, are extremely important in designing new dental and biomaterials that remain intact under strain or impact.
Metal, porcelain fused to metal, pressed ceramic, all-ceramic or porcelain crowns all have advantages and disadvantages. Despite being strong, porcelain options lack elasticity and can chip, although they can increasingly replicate the shade and translucency of natural teeth. Metal is durable, and less tooth reduction is required, however, the metallic appearance is not for every patient. Pressed ceramics can mimic the translucency of natural enamel, but lack elasticity, and can crack over time.
Zirconia crowns have very high impact resistance, but are very costly, risk wear on opposing teeth and look less natural than ceramics or composites. When zirconia crowns do crack, or when treatment is needed to the tooth under the crown, their hardness can also make their removal very challenging.
Composite materials continue to develop quickly to offer permanent restorations for patients at a lower cost and much reduced chair time than alternatives. Composites have additionally been shown to have the same flexural strength, elasticity, microhardness, microstructure and fractal dimension when used in direct applications as in printable CAD/CAM, offering patients a much quicker and cheaper alternative to precious metals and ceramics.
BRILLIANT Crios from COLTENE is a reinforced CAD/CAM composite benefitting from high flexural strength and low modulus of elasticity. Its similarities with dentine give it excellent shock-absorbing qualities, making BRILLIANT Crios perfect for implant-supported crowns, as well as conventional indications such as inlays, onlays crowns and veneers. Stress peaks are reduced during chewing, resulting in decreased risk of material fatigue.
Restorative options can increasingly recreate not only the function and aesthetics of natural teeth, but the natural feeling of teeth in the mouth. Increasingly available to patients are affordable materials that also emulate the incredible powers of natural teeth to manage stress, wear and impact without cracking under pressure.
For more on COLTENE, visit www.coltene.com/CRIOS, email info.uk@coltene.com or call 0800 254 5115. n
In restorative care, there have long been continuous attempts to improve the marginal qualities of adhesive and composite restorations. In turn, clinicians would be able to reduce the incidence of marginal staining, gap formation, pulpal irritation, and bacterial infiltration that could demineralise surrounding healthy tissues, or even cause tooth cracks or fractures. Despite the progress of modern solutions, perfect margins can be difficult to achieve –and it is not for lack of trying. Clinicians need to understand the function of polymerisation in dental composite restorations, and what it means for the results they seek to attain. With an improved knowledge of the chemical reactions that take place at the treatment site, dental professionals can choose composite solutions whose unique properties make their care more predictable.
Polymerisation problems
The chemical process of polymerisation involves the connection between molecular monomers, creating polymer chains. Many modern dental restorative composites feature a photo-activated system for polymerisation, which means this process is induced when exposed to light at a particular wave length or blue-coloured light. The depth of cure will vary between materials.
The polymerisation process sees double carbon links in monomers convert to single links in polymers, and the amount of change that occurs is called the degree of conversion (DOC). With a higher conversion, clinicians can observe an increase in the longevity, mechanical and physical properties of the restoration.
Polymers occupy less volume than monomers so, as this process occurs, a dental restoration undergoes polymerisation shrinkage. The distance between monomer chains is reduced, as weak van der Waals forces are converted into covalent bonds. With the shrinkage, the restoration seeks to minimise the space it takes up, which can create stresses on the existing adhesion to surrounding tooth structures, as well as the restoration and teeth themselves.
Herein lies the problem, as this occurs, the success of the treatment may be compromised. If the shrinkage stress is greater than the adhesive capabilities of the composite resin, margins may form. When the adhesion is greater, the stress is transferred throughout the surrounding tooth structures. Clinicians could observe marginal leakage, marginal staining, secondary caries formation, cuspal deflection, fracture of the tooth or restoration, and potential postoperative sensitivity.
Once the risks have been defined, clinicians need to understand the modern solutions that have been implemented to combat the problem on a molecular level.
on internal strain and loses its ability to flow. We have established that during polymerisation, monomers combine to create single covalent bonds, which reduce the volume of the structure. Implementing AFM into a structure allows the polymer network to rearrange these connections without reducing cross link density or the final mechanical properties. Through this, the covalent bonds are formed, broken, and reformed once again before the composite solution settles in an optimal state. Studies into the use of AFM molecules have noted that by rearranging the polymer network, they delay the gel-point and reduce shrinkage stress, which would minimise the risk of restoration failure.
A clinician’s choice of approach may also affect the impact of shrinkage stress on a restoration, notably whether it is applied in bulk or through conventional placement. The literature states that the use of bulk-fill composite resins in the posterior dentition reduces the level of shrinkage stress observed, and increases the fracture resistance of a restoration. In addition, clinicians can also benefit from a simplified treatment workflow, which reduces treatment time and benefits both clinician and patient.
Choosing the most effective composite resin solutions for each clinical need is key. A solution like the Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative from Solventum, formerly 3M Health Care, offers an exclusive range of benefits to clinicians. With the implementation of innovative AFM monomers, clinicians can relieve stress during polymerisation, but the addition of aromatic urethane dimethacrylate (AUDMA) also helps to reduce the level of shrinkage and resultant stress that occurs. With up to 5mm depth of cure, restorations are completed in a one-step placement, yet aesthetics aren’t compromised owing to the exceptional TRUE nanotechnology which improves wear resistance and polish retention. Shrinkage stress is a problem that all professionals must first understand in order to tackle. Through the appropriate choice of composite resin, the prevalence of all associated complications may be reduced, making for happier patients with more successful restorations.
To learn more about Solventum, please visit solventum.com/en-gb/home/oral-care/ n
about the author
nicolas Coomber, Coltene national account & marketing manager.
One such example is the implementation of addition-fragmentation monomers (AFM) to a material. These allow a material to adapt the connections made during the polymerisation process and delay the gelpoint, which is the moment at which a material develops a structure that can take
©Solventum 2024. Solventum, the S logo and Filtek are trademarks of Solventum and its affiliates. 3M is a trademark of 3M company.
Tokuyama are technological pioneers in the field of light-cured sub-microscopic spherical filler particles, which has resulted in composite restorations of outstanding aesthetics, reliability and user-friendliness. They are the only composite manufacturer to use patented spherical filler particles within their materials. Each variant utilising spherical particles of different diameters to maximise their optical and physical properties for the desired indication. In addition to optimised optical properties resulting in enhanced aesthetic restorations, Tokuyama’s spherical filler particles offer other significant advantages compared with the irregular shaped filler particles used by all other manufacturers. They are quicker and easier to pack into nooks and crannies, reducing the risk of voids; easier to sculpt and carve; and have a much smoother surface finish which has a natural high lustre that requires minimal if any polishing.
Tokuyama’s unique spherical filler particles produce the highest gloss in the shortest possible time. Their fillers are not easy to dislodge and create a very smooth surface that is highly resistant to abrasion. Their initial lustre lasts and lasts.
Consequently, Tokuyama spherical fillers ensure smooth restorations that stay smooth; diffuse and transmit light for optimal shading and aesthetics; produce mirror reflection and have high abrasion resistance that ensures a long-lasting polish, lustre, durability and colour stability; and optimum optical shading.
Spherical fillers – a pearl of an idea! Utilising patented Sol-Gel Technology Tokuyama “grow” their spherical filler particles to a diameter that is optimised for their desired colour adaptation and outstanding physical properties.
All other manufacturers simply grind their glass materials until the individual filler particles are within a desired, but random size range. Their filler particles are all irregular in size and shape, as seen under a scanning electron microscope.
What does this mean for the clinician
and patient?
Mirror reflection and Lustre
With their identically shaped spherical filler particles, Tokuyama composites reflect light just like natural enamel and have a natural lustre. Unlike rough surfaced composites which scatter light diffusely to produce a dull matt appearance.
abrasion resistance
Tokuyama composites’ uniform and small spherical filler particles are not easy to dislodge and produce a very smooth surface that is highly resistant to abrasion. This abrasion resistant surface remains smooth permanently, so that the initial lustre of Tokuyama composites remains permanent too.
Unlike irregularly shaped filler particles used by other manufacturers, which can become dislodged or plucked out by polishing etc to leave a rough and irregular pitted surface which is very abrasive and very difficult to polish.
Light Diffusion and transmission
The high light diffusion and transmission properties of Tokuyama composites ensure a uniform and gradual transition between tooth and composite. Unlike conventional composites which exhibit minimal light diffusion and transition resulting in visible margins.
Faster Polishing
Tokuyama composites produce the highest gloss in the shortest time.
Longer Working time, Faster cure
Tokuyama’s RAP Technology ensures faster curing plus high resistance to ambient light to ensure an extremely generous working time, when required. Followed by an extremely short curing time. Consequently, Tokuyama composites offer ease of placement, sculpting and finishing which remains completely under your control until the moment you want it to cure, at which point it cures virtually instantaneously.
Deep and completeness of cure
Tokuyama’s RAP Technology ensures a much higher degree of polymerisation resulting in much lower residual monomer, which leads to stronger, deeper and more complete curing.
Minimal Shade change
When camphorquinone is light cured its shade changes to a more yellowish hue.
Tokuyama’s RAP Technology means there is a much lower proportion of camphorquinone in their composite materials which ensures an imperceptible shade change after light curing. Unlike other composite brands.
conclusion
radical amplified Polymerisation (raP) technology
Tokuyama’s patented Radical Amplified Polymerisation (RAP) Technology enables them to reuse the camphorquinone over and over again. This not only speeds up the curing time, but also dramatically reduces the amount of camphorquinone that is necessary in other composites.
tokuyama radical amplified Polymerisation (raP) camphorquinone multiplier effect
Tokuyama’s combination of patented spherical filler particles and RAP Technology means that their composites are easier to place, sculpt and finish; produce smooth restorations which are easier to polish and have a mirror finish and lustre that lasts and lasts and lasts; diffuse and transmit light for optical shading and aesthetics; are extremely abrasion resistant; have optimum optical properties; extended working times; shorter curing times, imperceptible colour change after curing; and are extremely aesthetic. Consequently, Tokuyama composites are in a sphere of their own!
For more information about the complete Tokuyama range please contact your local Trycare Representative, call 01274 885544 or visit www.trycare.co.uk n
It is well known among dental practitioners that oral health has a strong association with general health, but patients may be less familiar with this. As such there is a need for patient awareness to be improved, particularly on the impact that neglecting their oral hygiene can have on the rest of the body. Among adults, strokes are one of the leading causes of disability and mortality in the UK. Over 100,000 people have a stroke each year. Of major concern to dental practitioners is the link between oral disease and strokes: patients with periodontitis are around twice as likely to have a stroke, whilst patients who have had strokes are at a greater risk of infection in the oral cavity due to inadequate hygiene. Practitioners can help with both circumstances.
raising awareness
Strokes are not curable, but the wider public awareness of FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) has improved the speed in which patients can be diagnosed and treated. Whilst FAST and innovations in emergency treatments have led to a decrease in fatalities, strokes remain the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK. There are two types: haemorrhagic strokes and ischaemic strokes. The former are caused by blood vessels that burst in the brain and are associated with high mortality. Ischaemic strokes are caused by a blockage, such as a clot, which starves the brain of blood and oxygen. 85% of strokes are ischaemic strokes.
Controlling the risks
There are many risk factors for strokes, such as age, diet, education, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. For patients who are more at risk of having a stroke, periodontitis is also a concern as it heightens the risk: there is a higher prevalence rate and a lower survival rate of strokes in patients with periodontal disease compared to those with gingvitis. Periodontitis causes inflammation which affects the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingivae, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Bleeding of the gingivae can be common, leading to the infectious bacteria responsible for the disease entering the bloodstream. The bacteria can also reach the circulatory system through eating, chewing and toothbrushing. The presence of infectious bacteria in the bloodstream causes the body to react, leading to a rise in C-Reactive proteins and IL-6 that inflame the blood vessels and reduce the blood flow to the brain. These inflammatory markers are indicators for an increased stroke risk and are also
identified as biomarkers of periodontitis. A consistent and effective oral hygiene routine can prevent periodontitis, minimising the risk of inflammation in the bloodstream.
Post-stroke worries
In addition to being a risk factor for strokes, periodontitis prevalence can also increase for patients who have had a stroke. There are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK, and many have poor oral hygiene. After a stroke, neurons begin to die within minutes when the oxygen supply is cut off, leading to brain damage and the subsequent impairment of certain bodily functions like movement, memory and speech.
Disability in the face, hands and arms can prevent stroke patients from effectively brushing their teeth. This can lead to oral health neglect, which is why support in their oral hygiene routine is needed to protect them from further complications. Moreover, inflammation may lead to stroke recurrence and less favourable outcomes; preventing gingival disease or periodontitis can help reduce this likelihood.
It is also likely that stroke survivors develop dysphagia; the reduced ability to swallow increases the risk of bacterial colonisation in the oral cavity, with saliva or bolus lingering in the oral cavity. Infection from these particles can lead to aspiration pneumonia, so maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine can reduce the presence of harmful bacteria and prevent further health complications.
a suitable solution
An effective and reliable interdental brush can protect the teeth and gingivae from disease. The FLEXI series of interdental brushes, from TANDEX, includes 11 different sizes for optimal access. Able to clean the tooth surface and massage the gums, using FLEXI is an effective way to reduce the risk of infection. With a flexible handle and a brush that can be shaped for user preference, this is an interdental brush for comfort. Use with PREVENT Gel, from TANDEX, for an antibacterial boost and a fluoride flourish. Chronic exposure to common infections contributes to stroke risk. Preventing oral diseases among those vulnerable to strokes can better protect them, maintaining their quality of life. Make a difference today. For more information on Tandex’s range of products, visit https://tandex.dk/ Our products are also available from CTS Dental Supplies www.cts-dental.com/ n
about the author
Jacob Watwood on behalf of tandex.
With the days getting colder and darker, it is time to warm up with some winter drinks. As supermarkets, pubs and coffee shops begin their rollout of enticing seasonal beverages, alerting patients to the risks that certain hot drinks can have on their oral health is essential for their well-being.
After coffee, alcohol is the most commonly consumed drug in the UK. 11% of the UK population’s daily intake of sugar comes from alcoholic drinks, and the winter season, particularly the build-up to Christmas, is a time for celebratory beverages at family get-togethers, festive work parties and sprawling meals. Oral health should not be neglected at this busy time of the year.
To combat the cold and promote a seasonal spirit, mulled wine emerges as a popular drink. For some, mulled wine is a highlight of the winter season, with the drink being synonymous with warming up the hands during Christmassy evenings or carol services. Whilst some may buy mulled wine pre-mixed from a shop, others may prefer making their own, with both family and online recipes available. The varying amounts of red wine, spices and fruit that consumers may use to make mulled wine makes it hard to categorise such elements as its pH level or sugar content, but all mulled wine is both acidic and sugary, and therefore damaging to the oral cavity.
Frequent mulled wine consumption can be a triple-pronged threat to teeth, increasing the risk of staining, decay and dental erosion. The red wine base includes dietary chromogens that are absorbed into the pellicle, forming a layer of stained material that can be difficult to remove. Composite restorations are similarly affected. As staining impacts aesthetics, it may lead to patients feeling more selfconscious about their smile and therefore reduces their quality of life.
Mulled wine’s high sugar content and the traditional addition of acidic citrus fruits to it can increase the risk of tooth decay and dental erosion if consumed without moderation. Frequent alcohol drinkers are likely to have dental erosion on the palatal surfaces of the upper anterior teeth, with behavioural elements – such as intake frequency and how long the drink is retained in the oral cavity before swallowing – effecting the risk level.
Despite the oral health risks associated with it, drinking mulled wine should not be wholly discouraged as red wine has health benefits that range from helping the heart and lowering the risk of diabetes. For the oral cavity, red wine has antibacterial qualities due to the prevalence of antioxidant
compounds called polyphenols. As salivary enzymes begin the breakdown of food or drink, the polyphenols begin protecting the body in the oral cavity before working with the good bacteria in the gut to neutralise free radicals. Polyphenols are also found in drinks like coffee and cider, with mulled cider as a winter beverage carrying similar risks and benefits as mulled wine. Patients must be advised on the importance of moderation when consuming red wine or mulled wine so that any positive benefit is not counteracted by the negative impacts of heavy drinking.
A winter warmer for all ages is hot chocolate, a market that in the UK alone is worth £132 million. Curling up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream, a flavoured syrup and marshmallows, is appealing for both children and adults, despite its high sugar warning. For children aged 7-10, the recommended daily sugar intake should not exceed 24g, whilst for adults it should not exceed 30g. A homemade hot chocolate, depending on how many teaspoons used, can contain over 10g of sugar – a substantial amount of the daily limit.
For those buying from a café or coffee chain, certain seasonal hot chocolate offerings have been to found contain as much as 23 teaspoons of sugar – around the same as three cans of Coca-Cola. This can cause serious dental erosion. To make sure that drinking hot chocolate is both tasty and beneficial throughout the winter, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential to stop the sugars causing damage.
For an effective way of maintaining good oral health, your patients should consider the Perio plus range of mouthwashes from Curaprox. Featuring varying levels of chlorhexidine, the three mouthwashes – Forte, Balance, Regenerate – offer antibacterial qualities to guard the oral cavity from harmful diseases. They also contain the Citrox formula, extracted from bitter oranges, which provides a flavoursome experience that doesn’t impact taste afterwards. To remove harmful bacteria and keep teeth clean, think Perio plus for acute dental problems.
By following a reliable oral hygiene routine, patients can enjoy all the warming seasonal drinks without having to worry.
To arrange a Practice Educational Meeting with your Curaden Development Manager please email us on sales@curaden.co.uk
For more information, please visit curaprox.co.uk and curaden.co.uk n
about the author andrew turner, Curaden UK head of Marketing.
With an increasing number of celebrities sharing their diagnosis for lupus, awareness for the autoimmune condition is growing. Given the broad range of symptoms that can be linked to the disease, and the lack of cure, it can be a difficult condition to manage. With implications for oral health, it is necessary for dental professionals to understand potential links.
Causes and symptoms
It is not yet fully understood what causes lupus – medically known as systemic lupus erythematosus. It has been linked to various potential sources including viral infections, certain medications, sunlight, puberty, childbirth and menopause, though the exact mechanisms are not known.
It most commonly affects women, who are nine times more likely to suffer than men. Those aged 15-45 years are typically most at risk. Symptoms vary between individuals and may include:
• Arthritis
• Fever
• Fatigue
• A rash on the face
• Sensitivity to the sun
• Hair loss
diet or supplements to prevent increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Part of the support network
Ultimately, there is little dental professionals can do to help patients prevent lupus. Our role is more about helping those with a diagnosis to alleviate any oral symptoms they might be experiencing. For more information about lupus and how
• Change of colour in the fingers and toes
• Swelling in the legs or around the eyes
• Pain when breathing deeply or lying down
• Headaches, dizziness, or confusion
• Abdominal pain
There are also several oral symptoms associated with lupus. These are:
• Swollen salivary and lymph glands
• Sores, usually painless, in the nose and mouth
Of course, these alone can be a sign of many different things, so it’s important to ask patients broader questions. Where multiple symptoms are identified and lupus suspected, they should be signposted for a medical screening.
When the condition is left untreated it can lead to more significant problems for sufferers. These include kidney damage, seizures and memory problems, heart problems, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) and blood clots, among other concerns. Those with lupus are also more likely to develop atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Management techniques
Although there is no cure for lupus, symptoms can typically be managed effectively. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, immunosupressants, rituximab and belimumab may be administrated. Unfortunately, some of these are associated with negative side effects that affect the mouth. For example, corticosteroids can reduce bone health, while immunosuppressants can cause swollen gingivae.
It is also generally recommended that those diagnosed with lupus avoid prolonged sun exposure. Covering the skin and using high SPF to prevent sunburn are beneficial for many sufferers. In some situations, vitamin D consumption should be optimised trough
For TV channels, the 9pm watershed is designed to help parents protect their children from harmful material. 74% of adults think 9pm is the right time; with children hopefully in bed and away from the screen. Along with things like bad language, the watershed will have a new category added to it from October 2025: junk food adverts.
The long-gestating ban on junk food adverts, originally set for January 2023, is an attempt to curb the country’s obesity problem: more than one in five children are overweight or living with obesity when they start primary school; this rises to one in three by the time they leave. As advertising influences eating preferences, the daytime removal of these from both TV and online platforms hopes to reduce the daily presence of unhealthy foods for children. This is also a victory for dentistry as obesity and oral health diseases are both influenced by diet.
how it will work
To classify junk foods the government has set up two qualification systems. The first is a list of 13 categories deemed junk food: soft drinks, savoury snacks, breakfast cereals, chocolates and sweets, ice creams, cakes, biscuits and bars, morning goods, desserts and puddings, yoghurts, pizzas, potatoes, and ready meals.
The second is a unique scoring system that analyses the salt, sugar, protein and other nutrients within a food or drink, with the ‘less healthy’ foods deemed ineligible to advertise. For companies that do wish to advertise but can’t, their junk food products will need healthier recipes that pass the scoring system. Famous fast-food chains can still promote their healthy products even if the brand as a whole is commonly associated with junk food.
the oral health impacts
Whilst designed to combat obesity and its £6 billion impact on the NHS each year, the ban is also of great benefit to oral health. Increased body mass index is associated with a greater risk of periodontitis due to the presence of inflammation-promoting cytokines. Unhealthy diets are also less likely to include the nutrients and antioxidants that help maintain a strong immune system, increasing the risk of gingival diseases by failing to fight infection. Tooth decay is the biggest reason for hospital admissions for children aged 5-9, and so limiting junk food exposure could further reduce the financial strain of the NHS.
However, both children and adults may assume certain foods are deemed completely healthy just because they will still be advertised during the day. Despite their sugar content, foods like fruit and jam will not be banned, as will zero sugar drinks. Whilst better for the body and able to reduce the risk of obesity, these can still be damaging to oral health when consumed in excess due to their acidity. Zero sugar drinks can be highly erosive, making them a threat to the enamel, whilst regularly
snacking on fruit and jam can cause decay, sensitivity, and discolouration. A consistent oral hygiene routine can mean consumers can enjoying the health benefits of acidic fruits without compromising their dental health.
The advert ban does not stop people from buying and eating junk food, and its impact may not be fully seen for years to come. Consumers can still enjoy the affected treats by moderating their dietary intake and ensuring that they are regularly cleaning their teeth twice a day, and ensuring their remove interdental plaque and food debris. By doing so, the risk of gingival diseases and tooth decay from acidic and sugary foods is lowered.
An effective way of keeping the oral cavity clean is with the Cordless Advanced water flosser from Waterpik. Able to remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas, the Waterpik™ Cordless Advanced is a reliable part of the daily oral hygiene routine. When compared with string floss, the water flosser is up to 50% more effective for improving gum health, deterring the risk of infection. With 4 tips, 3 pressure settings and a 360-degree tip rotation, the Cordless Advanced can be customised to match the patient’s preference during their oral hygiene routine.
The junk food advert ban represents a push to tackle obesity, and one that will also improve oral health by reducing the exposure to sugary and acidic foods. By encouraging consistency with the daily oral hygiene routine, practitioners can help promote a healthier future for all.
For more information on WaterpikTM water flosser products visit www. waterpik.co.uk. WaterpikTM products are available from Amazon, Costco UK, Argos, Boots and Tesco online and in stores across the UK and Ireland. n
about the author anne Symons is a Dental hygienist currently working in a Specialist Periodontal/ implant practice and also a busy NhS surgery. She has previously worked in a Max Fax unit, and also taught oral health care to staff in Nursing and residential homes.
Both extrinsic and intrinsic
Tooth wear is becoming a major concern in the UK, and it’s widely believed that 77% of the UK population show some evidence of wear, so it’s vital that we understand the risks when it comes to the causes of wear and in particular the part that excess sugar can play.
New research from the Oral Health Foundation has revealed the current sugar consumption habits in the UK. Describing the results as “alarming”, the study found that 84% of the population has at least one sugary snack per day, with 79% admitting to eating at least three per day.
As we know, high sugar consumption can have a significant impact on oral health. Clinicians must feel confident in their knowledge of sugar and its impact in order to better help patients manage their sugar consumption and mitigate its effects.
The government recommends that no more than 5% of a person’s calories should come from free sugars. However, UK research suggests that this number is commonly between 9% and 12.5%. Free sugars can be found in a number of foods and drinks including biscuits, cakes, pastries, yogurts, jam, sweets, chocolate, fruit juice, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
For adults, sugary soft drinks and alcoholic drinks contribute the most to free sugar intake. In an effort to combat this, the soft drinks industry levy was introduced across the UK, which taxes drinks containing added sugar. Its aim was to encourage companies to reduce the amount of sugar in their drinks, and to incentivise customers to avoid soft drinks or choose sugar-free alternatives. Since it was introduced, it is thought that the levy has prevented over 5,000 cases of obesity annually among year six girls, and that fewer children have required their teeth to be extracted too.
Consuming sweet and acidic foods increases the risk of dental erosion, a leading cause of caries. This is one of the most common diseases worldwide, and is a leading cause of tooth loss, second only to gum disease. As such, it is vital to prevent erosion, and ensure patients are armed with the tools they need to maintain their oral health.
Sugar is not the only cause of tooth wear. Some medical conditions may mean that patients are more susceptible too.
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), for example, causes the reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus. It is recognised as a possible cause of intrinsic chemical tooth wear. GERD can be particularly damaging to the teeth at night. Acid-neutralising saliva production is slower while asleep, allowing acid to stay in the mouth for longer. It’s important for clinicians to offer their patients tailored advice to help manage this, and protect their teeth against high acidity.
Eating disorders can also have an impact on oral health, with 89% of people with bulimia showing signs in the mouth. Stomach acids in the mouth from vomiting can also lead to tooth wear and enamel thinning. Further damage can be caused if patients brush their teeth immediately afterwards, removing softened enamel. It is important to approach patients showing these signs sensitively, and offer tailored advice. For example, recommend rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash, and not brushing their teeth for an hour after vomiting.
As mentioned, dental erosion can have a huge impact on dental health, potentially leading to caries, and even tooth loss. As such, it’s important to recommend patients a solution which helps to prevent tooth wear and replace lost mineral ions to the tooth surface.
BioMin F toothpaste is an innovative solution, helping to combat acid attacks. BioMin contains <600ppm fluoride which forms a fluorapatite layer. This creates an acid resistant shield over the tooth surface providing superior protection. It is formulated with a revolutionary bioactive material containing calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions that bond to the tooth and penetrates the dentinal tubules, slowly releasing minerals over the course of 12 hours, strengthening and protecting the tooth enamel. The fluorapatite layer that is formed is more acid resistant than hydroxyapatite, the tooth’s natural mineral, dissolving only when salivary pH dips below 4.5, but even below this as the bioactive glass breaks down additional fluoride is released reforming the protective layer when it is needed most.
Careful consideration must be given when recommending dental products to patients with various different needs. There are a wide range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors which may increase a patient’s risk of tooth wear and, even though government interventions like the soft drinks industry levy are having a notable impact on public health, tooth wear remains a key concern within UK dentistry. As such, it is vital that patients are using products which make prevention a priority.
For more information about BioMin®, and the innovative range of toothpastes, please visit www.biomin.co.uk, or email marketing@biomin.co.uk. n
Calling all dentists! Want samples or a practice visit? Speak to our UK dealers, trycare on 01274 88 55 44 or email: dental@trycare.co.uk; or CtS on 01737 765400 or email: sales@cts-dental.com
about the author alec hilton, Ceo, BioMin technologies.
Obesity has become a global health crisis, with far-reaching implications for both physical and mental well-being. While many are aware of the increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke associated with obesity, a growing body of evidence suggests that it may also play a significant role in the development of a range of cancers, including oral cancer.
The growing prevalence of both obesity and cancer can be considered a significant health crisis. In England, a substantial portion of the adult population is overweight or obese, with rates reaching 64.0% and 26.2%, respectively. Obesity is linked to age, deprivation and other socio-economic factors. Gender plays a part too, with 69.2% of men being overweight or obese, compared to 58.6% of women. Obesity can be caused by lifestyle factors, but is considered a complex condition in which genetics, metabolic disorders and various medications can play a part.
Half of the global population will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime, and oral cancer ranks as the sixth most common cancer, affecting 650,000 people per year.
The incidence of oral cancer has risen by 49% over the past 10 years, and 10-year survival rates vary between 18% and 57% depending on the location of the cancer and the speed of diagnosis. Tobacco and alcohol use are the primary risk factors; however, recent research suggests that obesity may also play a role in increasing the risk of developing the disease.
Oral cancer encompasses a specific subgroup of neoplasms occurring in the mouth, including the lips, the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the gingiva, the hard and soft palate, the oral mucosal surfaces, and the floor of the oral cavity. Among these types of oral cancers, more than 90% are classified as oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC).
What are the links?
The connection between obesity and oral cancer emerges from the biological effects of excess body fat. Obesity leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body, which weakens the immune system, impairing its ability to counter abnormal cell growth. Persistent inflammation can damage healthy tissues in the mouth and throat,
creating favourable conditions for the development of cancer.
Adipose (fat) tissue also produces hormones like insulin and oestrogen in higher amounts, which can fuel the growth of cancer cells. These hormonal imbalances are particularly concerning when coupled with other lifestyle factors linked to obesity, such as poor nutrition and low physical activity.
Diet plays a pivotal role in the obesityoral cancer connection. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute not only to weight gain but also to an increased risk of oral cancer. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, can weaken the body’s ability to repair cellular damage. Studies show that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help lower this risk by 40-50%.
Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases the chances of survival, A timely diagnosis results in less invasive treatment, leading to a better quality of life for patients and fewer complications. However a general lack of awareness, and challenges in diagnosis can make timely intervention difficult.
Barriers to accessing dental care, such as financial constraints, geographic location, or socioeconomic status can hinder regular check-ups and screenings. Fear of diagnosis, dental anxiety or stigma associated with tobacco, excessive alcohol-use, certain medications and poor nutrition use may also prevent individuals from discussing symptoms. Many oral cancers do not present noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making it difficult for patients to recognise when to consult with a medical or dental professional. There is often a lack of awareness about the signs and risk factors of oral cancer among the general public, leading to delayed diagnosis. Additionally, symptoms of oral cancer may resemble those of less serious conditions, resulting in misdiagnosis or delays in seeking appropriate care. Clinicians may not always be adequately trained to recognise the early signs of oral cancer,
which can lead to missed opportunities for early detection.
The BeVigilant OraFusion System, from Vigilant Biosciences, is an easyto-use, accurate point-of-care system for frontline healthcare clinicians who assess potentially at-risk patients for oral cancer. The system is based on patented technology that detects specific biomarkers clinically shown to be associated with early-stage cancers. With a simple interface, this
rapid technology works within 15 minutes to detect oral abnormalities, letting the clinician know whether to monitor or refer a patient for further specialist evaluation.
Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity is essential not only for overall health but also for reducing the risk of developing oral cancer. At-risk patients should be made aware of the importance of regular dental checkups and self-examinations. Learning the signs, and using the right tools to assist in early diagnosis can save lives.
For more information, visit www.vigilantbiosciences.com or email info@vigilantbiosciences.com
About the author
Total TMJ was created by Phil Silver. It distributes innovative technologies from leading healthcare manufacturers to dentists and clinicians around the UK. Total TMJ in Bournemouth fully supports the clinicians it works with through educational support by offering local and international surgeon peer to peer led courses.
Thousands of years ago, the Ancient Greeks gave laurel wreaths to their Olympic champions, highlighting their sporting brilliance. Awards have endured as an invaluable part of our culture ever since, serving as a way to identify and celebrate talent and allow the recipient to share their success with others.
Awards vary from knighthoods to Oscars, gold medals to Nobel Prizes – all of which recognise and reward hard work.
As we may link awards with sporting competitions or the arts, it is easy to overlook the importance of recognition in the workplace. In dentistry, an industry associated with a risk of burnout, and in a post-pandemic economy, where job retention is crucial, finding ways for your work to be valued and rewarded can be beneficial for your mental health and continual career progression.
The importance of recognition Humans have a deep-seated psychological need to be recognised or validated, and this is as true in the workplace as anywhere else. A study of workers found that 65% said they would work harder if the management team noticed their contributions. However, 65% also said they would still work for an unappreciative boss
if their co-workers appreciated their work. This shows that recognition is important regardless of who it is from; teachers, mentors, parents, employers, friends and co-workers can all support you in your work. Recognition can take many forms. You could receive a thankful letter or a Christmas bonus, an award or a certificate, verbal praise or a congratulatory cake. Regardless of the way you are recognised, there will be a sense of accomplishment.
The psychological benefit
Receiving recognition generates pleasure and pride. This shows the enormous psychological benefit that being rewarded or recognised can have, making you feel more assured in your work. The positive feeling stems from the secretion of dopamine in the brain, a chemical messenger that is part of the reward pathway. Dopamine neurones are controlling; they mediate the positive influence of potential rewards on behaviour, reinforcing or motivating certain actions that can release dopamine and give that feel-good rush. Being recognised for your work, be that for an excellent clinical case, an independent research project or a successful lecture, can therefore create a greater feeling of pride. This can reduce the risk of burnout or work apathy and keep you focused
– recognition is the biggest reason (37%) why workers are driven to excel in their jobs, far ahead of other influences such as being selfmotivated or seeking higher pay.
Community building
There are many ways a dental practice can motivate the whole team through recognition, ranging from customised awards for team players or years of service, professional development opportunities, personalised thank you notes and even upgraded equipment. These ideas can create friendly competitions by encouraging others to aim for greatness, increasing employee engagement and boosting overall workplace wellbeing. Any staff member, from practice owner to dentist to dental nurse can make a difference by recognising their co-workers’ contributions.
A rewarding work environment is a supportive one, and staff that feel part of a team and connect to the company values may be more likely to stay in that job – recognition may then help with staff retention. Doing so will facilitate the growth and development of both the practice and your own work.
becoming a member
Being a member of a society is another route for achieving recognition for your work. The British
Endodontic Society (BES) doesn’t just promote first-class endodontology, it honours it, with a large variety of awards available. From the Pitt-Ford Undergraduate Prize in Endodontology to the Mark Hunter Early Career Award in Endodontology and the Outstanding Clinical Case Award, there are opportunities for all: undergraduates, foundation dentists, endodontic researchers, general dental practitioners, inspirational lecturers can all be recognised. The BES Awards are a superb way to measure your skills and success in a competitive yet friendly environment. With rewards such as free BES membership, cash prizes and BES certificates depending on the award you may win, your contributions to endodontology can be given the spotlight they deserve.
Work can be hard, stressful and repetitive. But being recognised for great work is a mentally fulfilling goal for many, one that can inspire them and those around them to do the very best they can.
For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 07762945847 n
Dr p etros Mylonas is an o rdinary Member of the b ritish e ndodontic s ociety ( bes ) council. He shares a little bit about himself and his experience with the bes :
“ i ’m a s enior Lecturer and s peciality Training r egistrar in r estorative Dentistry based in Cardiff. i ’ve been on the bes council since 2022 and i ’m currently in the Dental Trauma Working Group. i ’ve also been involved as part of the ife A W e C 2024 Congress s cientific Committee. My role in the bes has taken on many facets including technical, scientific and social.
i ’ve really enjoyed my time within the bes
“ i ’ve always found endodontics to be a great mix between the technical and the technological. i t allows me to utilise some of the best gadgets and technology to tackle some of the trickiest cases. i t’s a highly precise and demanding specialism requiring patience and finesse.
“ i joined the bes many years ago so that i could develop and grow within the speciality and take advantage of the fantastic networking opportunities with professionals who share a similar mindset and passion as myself.
“My favourite aspect of bes membership is getting to work with colleagues from across the UK who i wouldn’t otherwise have had the opportunity to meet or get to know, and being able to receive sage advice from experienced clinicians across the UK. “ b eing on council has resulted in me making new friends and colleagues and being able to contribute to the society and profession. “ o utside of dentistry, i have taken up running as my new hobby in my quest to improve my fitness and overall general wellbeing. i recently ran the Cardiff 10K and hope to take on more challenges in the future.”
f or more information about the bes , or to join, please visit www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 07762945847 n
07900 246529
07435 840097
It is a time of celebration for the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), with November’s Annual Conference marking its 20th birthday and the passing of the presidential baton to Dr Sam Jethwa.
A globally recognised innovator in cosmetic dentistry, Sam needs little introduction as the new head of the BACD. Reflecting on his long involvement with the academy, Sam identifies the importance of his membership:
“The BACD has been instrumental for providing me with world-class education, especially in my early days, on techniques that I otherwise would have struggled to find. The
BACD brings the education to you, be that at conferences or regional events, and at appealing prices that are hard to believe. Equal to the education is the network I have been able to build – the BACD gave me access to the contacts, role models and culture I needed to create a vision of my own career in ethical, cosmetic dentistry. Without this, I would have found it difficult to navigate my professional journey and would not have had the same opportunities.
To put it simply: without the BACD I would not be the dentist I am today nor would I have the non-clinical life I have today.”
The role of President carries with it a huge responsibility, but Sam is more than prepared to take on the position:
“I see my role as one that will continue and build upon the great work of my predecessors. The Presidents of the past – and myself – have never taken the title for granted. It is a position that takes years of training. I have chaired a variety of committees over the years, from those relating to membership, the website and communications, giving me an in-depth understanding of what the BACD needs. Armed with this experience and with the help of our board and committee members, I intend to ensure that the BACD continues to stand at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry. We will build on its
reputation as a welcoming, inclusive and inspirational academy for all.”
Sam is aware of the challenges that the presidency can bring, but he has much to look forward to:
“I am very keen to work even more closely with our board and committees. They are incredible clinicians and master operators who are also great friends. Every clinician behind the scenes at the academy, be they board or committee, gives up their time voluntarily, and it is hard to appreciate just how much daily activity is required to maintain the BACD. I have always been interested in streamlining these daily processes to increase efficiency, maximising what the academy can give back to its members. This is a challenge I am excited to throw myself into, along with future-proofing the academy and pre-empting profession-wide changes that may be coming.”
With a new President comes change, but as Sam has already mentioned, he will be building on what came before. He provides an update on what members can expect in the future:
“At the BACD, providing value to our members is a key focus. Value is mostly represented through both the excellent educational opportunities and the supportive network that members can access. These are a
priority to enhance, but we also try our best to hear what our members want so that we can do everything we can to provide as many members as possible with value. For instance, the BACD website was recently entirely overhauled with an appbased design, making it incredibly easy for colleagues to book events, track CPD and membership points, upgrade and maintain membership status, and digitally register for the events themselves. We are also looking to increase attention on content production so that we can grow the membership across all demographics, be they clinicians in early or later stages in their careers.”
Along with Sam’s inauguration, the BACD 20th Annual Conference was a calendar high-point for cosmetic dentists. Featuring numerous workshops, including Sam’s own session on facially-driven smile design with Dr Sheila Li, and a wealth of networking opportunities, attendees accessed the same unmissable opportunities that helped catapult Sam into the frontline of cosmetic dentistry.
For more information about the BACD, please visit www.bacd.com n
Dr Leanne Branton is an experienced general dental practitioner. With over a decade of implant expertise and the prestigious Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons in London, her passion lies in crafting breathtakingly beautiful results, especially in the aesthetic zone.
Dr Branton is the Regional Rep for Scotland on the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) Board. She shares an insight into her career, and her experience with the ADI:
“The ADI was the first group I joined when I began my implant career nearly 15 years ago. It has played a significant role in my professional journey, connecting me with many of the mentors who have guided and supported me over the years. Good mentorship is crucial to establishing a successful dental implant career, and the ADI has provided me with access to some of the best minds in the field. My experience with the Association has been incredibly positive, and I’m grateful for the community and connections it has fostered throughout my career.
“One of the things I love most about the ADI is the incredible learning opportunities it offers. The study clubs, in particular, have been a huge source of inspiration for me over the years. They’ve motivated me to explore new areas in the field and have greatly enhanced my knowledge and skills.
“Another highlight is the networking opportunities –ADI events are where you can connect with international implant superstars and learn directly from the best in the industry. And, of course, I can’t forget to mention the social events – they’re always great fun and a fantastic way to unwind and connect with peers.”
Dr Branton describes what being an ADI Board member means to her:
“I was thrilled to join the board because many of the mentors I admire have served in this role before me. I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact they made, not just within the ADI, but in the broader implant community as well. Their dedication and leadership inspired me, and I’m excited to contribute in a similar way.”
She shares her advice for those who provide dental implants, or who are new to the field:
“’You are the average of the five people you spend the most time
with.’ This quote is especially true in our field. If you want to excel in implant dentistry, reach out to implant dentists who inspire you and surround yourself with positive, knowledgeable mentors. Their influence will not only elevate your
skills but also help you navigate the challenges of your career with confidence and support.”
For more information, please visit www.adi.org.uk
Become a member today n
Ithink we’re all a bit guilty of doing the things we prefer and putting off the less exciting jobs. It’s human nature that we gravitate towards the items on our lists that we like, are instantly rewarding or the most interesting.
When prioritising challenges your status quo
Prioritising can often go head-to-head with routine. If you usually do something in a certain way, at a specific time, and this clashes with something that is genuinely more important, we can find it hard to adapt. Your inner voice cries out that of course you can’t present in the city centre on Monday morning as that’s when you always do your admin, planning and go to the gym. It’s hard to reframe your priorities when you know what you should do but you prefer your usual options. Your routine provides a familiar framework, and it has become your routine because it works for you. Breaking away from this might feel uncomfortable.
prioritising needs an extra gear
Prioritising is hard, it can go against our natural inclinations, particularly when we’re tired or distracted. If you are putting off doing something arduous, you’ll need some reserves of energy to adopt the can-do mindset to get on with it. It is often just a case of getting on with it and it’s rarely as difficult, boring or time-consuming as you expected!
prioritise in sprints
You can set yourself time limits on any task you don’t want to start. Set aside 30 minutes to start pulling together your accounts’ paperwork (or whatever it is that you don’t like the look of) and, quite quickly, the chore will reduce both in size and your perception of it. I know this from personal experience!
recruit support or delegate
If you have an action-resistant mindset towards something – whether it’s a long and time-intensive PowerPoint presentation or an uncomfortable team disciplinary – ask for help. Enlist a professional colleague who can work alongside you in a supportive way or as a direct piece of delegation. Sometimes, just getting through a task in the company of someone else means you are holding yourself accountable to show up and tick the ‘done’ box! It can also be more enjoyable to share some work where you can. As dentists, we are lucky to have people around us in all sorts of roles who can help.
Understand the resistance If you come across something that you regularly side-line in favour of other pursuits, it might be worth taking the time to work out
why. Once you know why, you could develop that line of thought and explore whether it really is as awful as you imagine and, if it is, what can you do about it? Using some of the suggested methods might help (approach when feeling fresh and energised, do it in short bursts or get some help) but is it something you can actually get rid of permanently? Are there people in your team who might be able to help or who are better qualified to manage it? Once you have looked at the things you don’t want to tackle from all angles, you’ll be in a better position next time it crops up.
face it and reward
One way of moving through your day is to promise yourself a more preferred option after you’ve achieved the niggly one. Remember being told you can have pudding when you’ve eaten your dinner? We’re all kids at heart!
A strategic approach
There are a whole host of matrices we can employ to plot the priority order of our lives. In all honesty, I don’t know if any of us have the time or inclination to work through everything using an analysis method or complicated spreadsheet. I believe we do know what needs to be tackled next, and it’s up to us to follow our instincts. However, if you are dealing with a complicated, longer-term project, such as buying/selling a practice or studying, a priority grid could work well. Having detailed daily and weekly plans works for me – alongside less detailed monthly and annual lists.
Ultimately, we have busy, demanding lives with lots of calls on our time and attention. Priorities emerge, sometimes when we haven’t planned for them, but trusting your gut and knowing what is important can often be envisaged by the end result. What would happen if you don’t prioritise this looming thing? And how much better will you feel when you do? n
About the author Dr Dhiraj Arora BDs MJDf rCs (eng) Msc (endo) pG Cert Ce owner of evo endo, with three practices (limited to endodontics) in Twickenham, Gerrard’s Cross and slough. Dhiraj is a passionate teacher and ambassador for all things endo. follow him on instagram: @drdij_evoendo
It’s that time of year again, and I wish you some peace and calm for the Christmas holiday however you spend it. The approaching new year brings challenges for us all. I hope that the continuing fallout, confusion and confrontations from worldwide general elections of 2024 will soon cease. Sadly, that looks as likely as a Welsh Six Nations Grand Slam, so I will stick to some suggestions for the forthcoming 2025.
Firstly – avoid New Year resolutions. If you want to make changes, do so, of course, but the “I give up/I will start/I should be” way of setting goals is almost certain to end in failure. Like my
grandmother’s metaphor of “pie crust” promises, they are easily made and easily broken. Your schedule is the biggest thing that makes life either enjoyable or not. In Alice in Wonderland, the Red Queen tells Alice that, “Here, it takes all the running you can do to stay in the same place.” The story is a fable and should definitely not be emulated. Ditch any longing to be super-busy, to “fill your book” and the need to be hustling. People often complain, or even boast, about being booked weeks, sometimes months, ahead as if it measures success. What that says to me that they are out of control of their lives and the packed diary is usually just one of many symptoms. I never believed it, until my uncle sat me down in the boardroom of his successful ‘widget’ factory and showed me a simple way to take back control.
We all need to be constantly evolving and there is nothing wrong with wanting to change, to improve your situation and condition, but often we avoid the changes we ought to make and go about them the wrong way. Here are some things clients tell me about why they avoid significant change.
• “i’m so stuck i can’t move.” In a recent post on his excellent Six at 6 blog, Billy Oppenheimer wrote about the barriers to change that we face, he used the metaphor of standing up to your knees or thighs in mud; it’s horrible but it takes a huge effort to start to move and massive determination to keep moving.
• “i’ve missed my chance.” I have had clients who feel that it’s too late; they should have changed years ago. I was told that, as I wasn’t a practice principal by the age of 35, I had missed the boat. I am very glad I didn’t listen.
• “it hasn’t worked for me. i just end up in the same place.” Perhaps you’re trying to change in the same way and you need to change the way you change? John Niland, author of The Self-Worth Safari, describes the need to change one’s narrative from “Have, Do, Be” to “Be, Do, Have”. Instead of the usual way of telling yourself, “When I have a better job/ qualification/technique” then I will be able to work fewer hours/take more holidays/look after myself, and then I will be happier. Turn it around to, “No matter what happens, I am going to
be true to myself so I choose to make the best use of each hour of the day without self-reproach or negative self-assessments, in order to open up fresh possibilities of a better job/ different situation in life.”
The former approach (Have/Be/Do) guarantees procrastination, which can be defined as the grave in which opportunity is buried, the latter (Be/ Do/Have) helps you to get out of your own way and achieve success on your own terms.
My personal experience of two large life decisions, firstly to start my own practice and, then, after 20 years, to sell my successful dental business and move away from clinical work, is that once I had decided the ‘what’ I wanted for me, then the ‘how’ seemed to fall into place very quickly. Any fear of what others might say or think vaporised and, as long as I was making vaguely forward progress, that was all that mattered. Your journey, your life, your measurements. Happy New Year – and beyond. n references
• https://billyoppenheimer.com/ november-10-2024/
• https://selfworthacademy.com/book/
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In the dynamic, exhausting, ever challenging environment of dental practice management, the importance of handling complaints effectively cannot be overstated. Every interaction, every patient concern, and every piece of feedback provides an opportunity to enhance patient satisfaction and improve the quality of care. One of the most fundamental tools in managing complaints effectively is maintaining accurate and concise notes. These notes serve as a reliable record of patient interactions, ensuring that all details are documented and can be referenced as needed.
Accurate notes form the backbone of effective communication within a dental practice. They ensure that all team members are on the same page regarding a patient’s history, treatments, and any previous concerns or complaints. This is particularly important in practices where multiple staff members might interact with the same patient. Accurate documentation ensures continuity of care and helps prevent misunderstandings or omissions that could exacerbate a complaint. Moreover, accurate notes are vital for legal and regulatory compliance. Dental practices are required to keep detailed records to protect against potential legal disputes and to comply with regulatory standards. In the event of a complaint that escalates to a legal issue, having comprehensive and accurate notes can provide a clear account of the interactions
and decisions made, protecting the practice and the individuals involved.
While accuracy is crucial, conciseness in notetaking is equally important. Concise notes are easier to review and interpret, allowing for quicker decisionmaking and more efficient management of complaints. Overly detailed notes can become cumbersome and may obscure key information, whereas concise notes highlight the essential points, making them more actionable.
Concise documentation also saves time for dental professionals, enabling them to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. By summarising the critical aspects of each interaction, dental staff can maintain thorough records without being bogged down by excessive detail.
When a complaint arises, having wellmaintained notes can significantly ease the resolution process. Here’s how accurate and concise notes contribute to handling complaints effectively:
• Clear communication: Detailed records provide a clear account of what transpired during patient visits, ensuring that the communication between dental staff and patients is accurately captured. This clarity can help in understanding the patient’s
perspective and addressing their concerns more effectively.
• Consistency in response: With comprehensive notes, different team members can provide consistent responses to patient complaints. Consistency in addressing concerns reassures patients that their issues are being taken seriously and managed professionally.
• Evidence-based resolution: In cases where there are discrepancies between a patient’s recollection and the practice’s records, having detailed notes can provide the evidence needed to clarify the situation. This can help in resolving misunderstandings and building trust with patients.
To maximise the benefits of accurate and concise notes, dental practices should adopt the following best practices:
• Standardise documentation: Implement a standardised system for notetaking to ensure consistency across the practice. This includes using specific templates or formats for different types of notes, such as treatment plans, patient complaints, and follow-up actions. However! Auto notes and, even worse, unedited auto notes, if used to be lazy, can be disastrous. I would expect frequent audits to ensure they are not being misused.
• Be objective and neutral: Document interactions objectively without inserting personal opinions or subjective language. This ensures that the notes are
professional and focused on the facts.
• Include relevant details: While keeping notes concise, ensure that all relevant details are included. This includes the date and time of the interaction, the individuals involved, and a clear description of the issue and the steps taken to address it.
• Regularly review and update: Regularly review and update notes to ensure they remain accurate and current. Encourage staff to make updates immediately after patient interactions to avoid lapses in memory and ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
In dental practice management, the ability to handle complaints effectively hinges on maintaining accurate and concise notes. These notes not only facilitate clear communication and consistent responses but also provide the evidence needed to resolve issues and enhance patient trust. By adopting best practices in notetaking, dental practices can ensure that they are well prepared to manage complaints efficiently and uphold the highest standards of patient care. n
About the author
Lisa Bainham is president at ADAM and practice management coach at practice Management Matters.
Wellbeing is something of a buzzword these days. Indeed, the very concept of wellbeing has morphed into a bandwagon onto which everyone and their dog are climbing.
Corporates, employers, organisations – all are keen to show that they have the ‘wellbeing’ of their ‘stakeholders’ (another buzzword!) very much at the forefront of their collective perspectives. I am well known for despising buzzwords, bandwagons (and jargon!), as well as those who espouse them. To my mind, it demonstrates a paucity of vocabulary, a lack of original ideas and lazy thinking – but sometimes one just has to bite the bullet and use a particular buzzword, because that’s the word everyone recognises. BADN has always looked after its members – long before this became known as ‘wellbeing’. One of our aims as the professional association for dental nurses in the UK has always (for the last 30 odd years, at least) been to provide easily accessible information and support to our members, thus relieving the stress of having to find it from multiple sources. Admittedly, finding information has become easier over the last few decades due to the internet; but the huge amount of (often erroneous) information available leads to its own stress. And, so, we strive to assemble pertinent (and accurate) information on our website, in our publications, on our social media, etc. This means that our members
don’t have to go through the stress of poring over multiple websites and sorting the wheat from the chaff themselves.
To this end, we provide free legal advice through our legal helpline; information via our e-newsletters, website, advice sheets and Journal; and CPD through our Journal, so that BADN members have it all at their fingertips. And, for the last few years, we have also had a Health & Wellbeing (there’s that word again!) Hub, which provides information and advice on physical, emotional and financial health, as well as a support/counselling helpline.
The BADN Health & Wellbeing Hub also includes a selection of discounts and offers designed to help with a variety of health and wellbeing needs, including discounted glasses and contact lenses with Vision Express, home health tests, gym discounts and more.
Mental health resources for BADN members include access to a 24/7 confidential helpline provided by Health Assured, for when you just need someone to talk to. Members can also access the Health Assured Wisdom App for free, which is a resource for wellbeing webinars, a four-week health plan, and other interactive wellbeing features.
Financial worries can be a big factor, and our Hub also has a calendar of free financial webinars, which members can sign up for, focusing on topics including pensions, financial planning and navigating the financial squeeze.
We have had several Coffee Catch Ups on wellbeing – the latest being a few months ago, with speakers from Molar Mentoring; and at the January 2025 CCU, the speaker will be Claire Wassall and Stephanie Charles from Cavity Dental (at BADN, we try to provide members with several different viewpoints of a subject, not just one perspective).
And now, in conjunction with Molar Mentoring / The Molar Mindset (and possibly others) – a collaboration which marks a significant step in promoting mental health and wellbeing within the dental profession, bringing together two influential organisations committed to improving the workplace experience for dental nurses: We are introducing our Wellness Wall, an online wall where dental nurses can send relevant cartoons, quotes, memes or other snippets to share with their colleagues.
The Wall will also include:
Thankful Thursdays – an initiative by The Molar Mindset that encourages gratitude and positivity, creating an environment where dental nurses feel appreciated and recognised for their contributions. By highlighting stories of gratitude or appreciation every Thursday, this initiative fosters a culture of support and mutual encouragement.
Foodie Fridays – another popular topic by The Molar Mindset and The Happy Dental Nurse that focuses on promoting wellness through the joy of food.
Whether it’s sharing recipes, exploring nutritional tips, and overall wellbeing with culinary creativity, this initiative serves is a delightful way to build a community involving dental nurses.
Now featured on the BADN Wellbeing Wall, these initiatives will reach a broader audience of dental professionals across the UK. This collaboration ensures that these practices are accessible to even more dental nurses, empowering them with tools to improve their mental health and overall quality of life. The Wellbeing Wall becomes not just a resource but a cornerstone for fostering a positive, supportive community within the dental nursing profession.
The Wall will be available in the members’ area of the BADN website www.badn.org. uk – anyone wishing to submit items to be posted on the Wall is invited to send them to me at pam@badn.org.uk.
“GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AND DO WELL. BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AND DO GOOD.” - Minor Myers Jr Dental nurses who are not yet BADN members can join their professional association at www.badn.org.uk/join. n
About the author pam swain is Chief executive of BADn
At this time of year, the subject of gifting is front of mind as practitioners look for thoughtful and appropriate ways to express appreciation to their patients and thank them for their loyalty. With consumers increasingly prioritising their oral health and committing to costly treatments, the practice of gift-giving is a welcome gesture and something that is prevalent amongst the industry. But when it comes to the gifts themselves, have we got it right? And what more could we be doing as a sector to better align with the principles of oral health and professional ethics?
The purpose of gifting Gifts can play a significant role in enhancing the patient experience, but they should be chosen with care and due consideration. Rather than rushing and opting for quick gimmicky gifts, there is an opportunity for gifts to do so much more and have greater impact and value. A well-chosen gift can leave a lasting impression, contributing to a patient’s overall perception of their care and, also, positively reinforcing their perception of the industry as a whole, as well as the individual clinic.
Gifting should not be about incentivising or coercing a client to spend more, but rather a way for practices to demonstrate their commitment to patients and the fact that they genuinely value and care about their health. Ironically, many clinics in the past have opted for chocolates, flowers, and even alcohol as gifts, which jars with the true purpose of dentistry and sends out confusing messages to the patients – as well as colleagues!
As a patient-centred industry, we have a role to play to get it right and opt for gifts that reinforce the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health.
Alternative gifts
Why not consider offering patients affordable oral care products that will align with their current treatment plans and provide tangible benefits? Many brands, such as Kent Oral Care by Kent Brushes, offer practical yet stylish options that could be considered. Our Starter Kit in Graphite and Pearl Pink, for example, not only helps maintain a deep clean and is a preferred option for many dentists and hygienists, but is also aesthetically pleasing with a luxurious look and feel. Helping to encourage a positive oral health routine, kits like these are also highly convenient, providing all key oral care essentials in one kit – from the award winning SONIK Electric toothbrushes to the BRILLIANT whitening toothpaste, mouthwash and interdental brushes. With a smart two-minute timer included and three brush modes for high quality, optimum performance, you can be reassured that you are providing a valuable gift that will have true benefits for patients. SONIK Electric toothbrushes also work well for busy lifestyles, with a 45-day battery life and a two-hour charging time, which is ideal for those on-the-go or away for work and holidays.
Gifts like these also play a role in building supplier relationships and many leading brands are keen to work with practices to provide bulk numbers at trade price, helping in the mission to provide greater oral health care for all.
Another thought is around treatment itself. Why not be proactive and provide an affordable treatment in-clinic that may enhance or support current plans? Clear aligner treatments, for example, are increasingly popular and can play a crucial role to help patients discreetly straighten their smiles. As well as being great value for money, they are practical and removable, meaning patients don’t have to adjust their diet or routine during treatment. Offering patients ‘gifts’ such as the above can complement wider treatment plans and is guaranteed to be well received. It also demonstrates commitment to providing optimum care before and after more complex treatments.
The most appreciated gestures will be those that align with the patient’s values and the healthcare provider’s professional standards. As the festive season approaches and gifts are being considered by dental practices across the UK, it is the perfect opportunity to think about your options and dedicate time to thoughtful and sincere gifts.
About the author
Steve Wright is the CEO of expert brush manufacturer Kent Brushes, which now includes an oral care range of products.
We catch up with Dental Therapist of the Year Natalie Peary to find out what it is like working for a community interest company, as well as her thoughts on the powers gained by the profession this year
Smile Together Dental CIC had multiple causes for celebration at the 2024 Dental Awards. The community interest organisation scooped the prize for Practice of the Year. Being one of the South West’s largest NHS referral and emergency dental care providers, it partners with NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board to provide emergency dental treatment for people who don’t have their own dentist. This numbered over 32,000 appointments last year alone.
In addition, Smile Together’s Natalie Peary took home the trophy for Dental Therapist of the Year.
How did you get into Dental Therapy?
I was initially inspired to follow this career choice during two weeks of work experience alongside another dental therapist. I’ve found it to be an inspirational career journey ever since.
After I graduated, I undertook dental therapist foundation training in Haddenham, with the Thames Valley deanery. From there, I joined the specialist
and community dental service in London, where I held additional roles, such as being a Learning Disability Champion and a point of support dealing with safeguarding issues. I supported several dental foundation dental therapy students, and also served as a sedation trainer for the Trust, working with numerous dental colleagues and helping them to gain this additional qualification.
What is it like working at Smile Together Dental CIC?
In the last two years, I made the big decision to move to Smile Together Dental CIC, where I work as an Outreach Dental Therapist. I am so fortunate to have this innovative ‘split’ role with Smile Together. Not only do I work as a clinician in the surgery environment, providing treatment to paediatric patients and special care adults who have been referred into our service, but the outreach element also sees me working in the heart of local communities, including in schools and our mobile dental unit. I’m also involved in creating
and developing outreach projects to ultimately improve dental access for vulnerable groups, families and individuals. This is an important stepping stone for our service to fully utilise the entire dental team and encourage the use of effective dental skill mix.
How do you find it working for a community interest company?
I am very passionate about the work we do as a community interest company. We put the interests of our people and our planet first, which is truly inspiring. As a company, we are driven by a social and environmental mission, and reinvest profits into creating positive social change. We reinvest 100% of our profits back into patient facilities, our community, and environment – over £7 million to date!
I love being able to make a difference, both within a clinical setting and out in the community. The ability to work with multiple services and teams to improve the provision of dentistry across Cornwall, and to genuinely tackle oral health inequality, is amazing.
What makes Smile Together Dental CIC particularly unique?
As a values-based, mission-led organisation, impact is at the heart of everything we do. In July 2022, Smile Together achieved B Corp certification – independent verification that we meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability in balancing profit and purpose. And, to top it all off, we were the first dental practice in the UK to become B Corp certified!
We are also an employee-owned company, which means that we have a genuine voice in the business and how it is run. It is so rewarding to be able to voice your opinions and see them come to fruition.
How did it feel to be named Dental Therapist of the Year?
I was extremely honoured and proud to have not only been nominated for this award but to be the winner! I entered my 10th year as a qualified Dental Therapist feeling truly humbled, and cannot thank those at Smile Together enough for the nomination and support.
It’s been a big year for dental therapy, with new powers announced. What are your thoughts on the state of the profession? 2024 has indeed been a very big year for dental therapists. We still have a long way to go before the introduction of new powers [to personally supply and administer specified medicines] becomes the norm in NHS settings. It is positive to see this change come into fruition, and it is something that a lot of people never thought would happen.
I’m very excited to see what the future brings but we need to make sure that there is appropriate training, as well as access to the benefits dentists currently access by working for the NHS – this includes an NHS pension!
The patented Smart Chromatic Technology in OMNICHROMA ensures infinite colour matching from A1 to D4 thanks to structural colour. Add to this 3 different viscosities for all preferences and areas of application. The OMNICHROMA family thus offers the user every conceivable option with a minimum of materials.
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Initial clinical experience with the universal adhesive BeautiBond Xtreme by dr Markus thomas Firla, Germany
As one of the dental professionals advising SHOFU Germany, Dr Markus Thomas Firla tested the universal adhesive BeautiBond Xtreme from its launch on the German market. The following article, with case examples, is based on the experience gained in this relatively long observation period, in which the product characteristics were evaluated in everyday clinical use.
Material properties and composition
In terms of material properties, this acetone water-based adhesive system consists of approximately 20 units of Bis-GMA, 20 units of acidic monomers, 10 units of TEGDMA, five units of a silane coupling agent, and five units of photoinitiators, indicated in percent by weight, and other ingredients. The formulation is free of filler particles and HEMA, so its viscosity is very low, but nevertheless highly convenient in practical use, which extremely simplifies adhesive application and allows users to air-thin the adhesive film to a thickness of only 5 µm on all materials. As a onebottle adhesive, BeautiBond Xtreme also contains special ingredients, such as the newly developed ARS (Acid Resistant Silane coupling agent), designed to ensure not only the storage stability of the agents contained in each bottle, but also the long-term effectiveness of the different ingredients in initiating adhesive bonding of dental materials to each other and the tooth structure.
application and light-curing BeautiBond Xtreme can be applied using a small brush or a Microbrush, the latter being preferable in the author’s experience, since it is easier to control. When using BeautiBond Xtreme in self-etch mode, the adhesive liquid is thoroughly applied to all surfaces to be bonded, and the water contained is immediately removed using a gentle air blow for approximately three seconds. A strong air blow is used on all surfaces to ensure the lowest possible adhesive film thickness of 5 µm. Directly afterwards, the adhesive needs to be light-cured for at least 10 seconds with conventional curing lights, or five seconds with LED lights. In clinical practice, it is important that, when using the selective-etch and/or total-etch techniques, BeautiBond Xtreme should be rubbed into the enamel and/or dentin not just for a short time, but for 20 seconds.
Indications and applications
The wide range of applications of BeautiBond Xtreme absolutely justifies the term ‘universal adhesive’. Its strong bonds to various dental materials, enamel and dentin, as well as its simplified application technique and handling and low technique sensitivity, allow dental professionals to easily and successfully perform procedures such as:
• Direct restorations with light-cured composites
• Repair of fractured restorations with light-cured composites
• Adhesive post cementations and core build-ups
• Cementation of indirect restorations with light or dual-cured composites
• Sealing of tooth surfaces (cavities or abutment teeth) for indirect restorations
The following three case examples from everyday practice will illustrate what makes this adhesive system an indispensable clinical solution for a predictably successful use of dental adhesive technology.
Thanks to its outstanding physical properties, BeautiBond Xtreme can be safely and accurately dispensed in precise doses from the easy-to-use dispenser bottle. According to the manufacturer, one 5 ml bottle delivers up to 260 drops.
Every dental practitioner has likely experienced this: an emergency that does not fit in with working hours, with the motivating time pressure of having to carry out the entire treatment as quickly as possible but, of course, with the expected quality. To top it off, the treatment was completed without the help of a chairside assistant.
A patient (and friend) appeared before my practice opened and asked me to help since a very important appointment that could not be postponed was coming up very soon. In situations like this, dental practitioners definitely need materials that predictably ensure a successful procedure thanks to low technique sensitivity and high effectiveness. This is why I restored the accidentally fractured tooth 21 using BeautiBond Xtreme with Beautifil II LS.
The ease of use of this universal adhesive, which delivers reliable bond strengths even without additional acid etching, greatly facilitated this treatment in the absence of an assistant.
The use of the Beautifil II LS composite restorative proved equally beneficial with its shrinkage of only 0.85 percent by volume. With its excellent light-conducting and lightscattering behaviour, it produces very good aesthetic results, even in the case of very large, monochromatic restorations placed without using a time-consuming layering technique.
Thanks to the full cooperation of this patient (he held the brush for the photo shown in Figure 2) as well as the author’s decades of experience in clinical photography, the emergency treatment of tooth 21 was also successfully photo-documented. And the patient’s day was saved… A cheer for materials like the ones described here!
BeautiBond Xtreme
With BeautiBond Xtreme, dental manufacturer SHOFU has launched an adhesive solution for almost all applications of dental adhesive technology, designed as a ‘light-cured, self-etch, single bottle universal bonding system’
conclusion
A universal bonding system reflecting the state of the art in adhesive technology has to deliver high performance for reliable clinical results. The creation of durable bonds to almost all dental restorative materials is a must. Technique sensitivity should be as low as possible. At the
Fig. 1:
An emergency! Early in the morning, before the opening hours of my practice, a patient presented with an incisor fractured at last night’s dinner. The patient needed help quickly. To make matters worse, he had an urgent appointment coming up for which he needed his smile. The solution: a direct adhesive composite restoration with reliable materials.
The cavity after thinning of the BeautiBond Xtreme adhesive film to a thickness of only 5 µm and lightcuring for only 10 seconds. Thanks to its filler and HEMA-free, acetone water-based formulation, the adhesive features an extremely easy-to-handle viscosity, without any risk of unwelcome and detrimental pooling of adhesive liquid residues.
for the clinical use of all light and self-cured composite materials. BeautiBond Xtreme was developed based on the successful bonding systems SHOFU has produced since the early 1990s. This impressive new product joins the group of easy-to-use, high-performance adhesives on the dental market.
More information on: www.shofu.de/en
same time, clinical handling should not be complicated. Based on the author’s clinical experience, SHOFU’s BeautiBond Xtreme impressively meets every one of these requirements. n
Source: 1st publication in ZWP Zahnarzt Wirtschaft Praxis - 9/2024
The fractured surfaces were slightly roughened using a diamond bur to additionally strengthen the adhesive bond, and then immediately pretreated with BeautiBond Xtreme adhesive for 20 seconds. The cavity was not acid-etched beforehand, due to time reasons and the lack of chairside assistance.
to the obviously helpful
of
and economically
and
case example II
Not an emergency this time, but dental business as usual. The scheduled repair of an insufficient composite filling in an upper molar was not particularly challenging; still, it should not be more complicated than necessary. So, I chose long-term reliable restorative materials, which would ensure both a quick procedure and a high-quality end result thanks to their ease of use. It is an open secret that the userfriendliness of a product crucially influences the success of any dental treatment, which not only means that the material properties of a dental product are crucial to longterm treatment success, but also the way the product is handled both extraorally and intraorally. This was another case that suggests a better outcome by using dental products that are highly effective and, at the same time, uncomplicated in terms of material properties and clinical technique. The author must admit that he does not have all VITA shades in his stock of direct composite restoratives. Composites that are highly adaptive in terms of shade, such as the Beautifil II LS product line, allow users to ‘concentrate’ on certain shades to some extent. This is why Beautifil II LS, VITA shade A2, was used for the posterior composite restoration shown in Figure 6.
The illustration clearly shows the excellent high-gloss polishability of these composites.
case example III
Considering its range of applications, BeautiBond Xtreme can justly be termed a universal adhesive. It is even suitable for post cementations and core buildups with the aid of light- and self-cured composite materials.
In the clinical case shown in Figure 7, a space for a post-endodontic zirconia post was prepared in a root-filled tooth. The post space was cleaned with an ultrasonic instrument and 3% NaOCl, then dried with paper points. Both enamel and dentin were etched with 35% phosphoric acid in a timed sequence, and the post space was etched only to a depth that could still be fully accessed with a curing light. This was followed by drying with paper points and an air syringe.
BeautiBond Xtreme was used following the manufacturer’s instructions: rubbing into the tooth structure for 20 seconds; removing the water from the adhesive liquid for three seconds; thinning the adhesive film to the minimum thickness of 5 µm with a strong air blow; polymerising with a suitable curing light for 10 seconds and, to be on the safe side, for another 10 seconds in the post space.
The prepared tooth stump was kept dry, and the zirconia post was pretreated with BeautiBond Xtreme following the instructions for use.
The prepared tooth stump was kept dry, and the zirconia post was pretreated with BeautiBond Xtreme following the instructions for use.
The post was accurately cemented using the self-adhesive, dual-cured resin cement BeautiCem SA, which was then light-cured for 20 seconds. Next, the core was built up with Beautifil II LS, VITA shade A1, using the work steps required by adhesive
Fig. 8: The results of restorative procedures achieved in everyday practice are not always aesthetic masterpieces, as can easily be seen in the case of this built-up tooth 46. However, the requirements of adhesive technology do not permit any compromises in terms of clinical techniques or materials. The permanent adhesive bonds between composites and, in this example, enamel, dentin, titanium (post in the restoration) and amalgam (old residual filling left in place) must not be subject to restrictions.
technology, and then finished. The preparation margin was marked with a thread prior to impression-taking for an all-ceramic crown.
Universal all-in-one adhesive for a wide range of applications and adherends
Compatible with all etching techniques
No filler and no HEMA – protection against hydrolysis
Reliable strong bond, less technical sensitivity
Simplified procedure for any adherend surface
No additional primer ne eded
For further information, please contact the SHOFU office 01732 783580 or sales@shofu.co.uk
www.shofu.co.uk
Apatient presented with crowding in his maxillary and mandibular arches, seeking orthodontic treatment that would improve the aesthetics of his dentition. He was not looking to correct midlines or his bite as such, but rather reduce the crowding for a uniform look to his smile.
The patient presented with good oral hygiene and dental health, without any missing teeth or existing restorations. His UR1 and UR2 were chipped slightly from previous sporting injuries.
Intraoral images were attained with a DSLR camera, and the appropriate X-rays and scans were taken to inform all treatment considerations. A Spacewize+ – digital space calculator – assessment was carried out to assess the extent of crowding within each arch. The patient exhibited 3.9mm of crowding in the mandibular arch, and 3.5mm in the anterior labial segment of the maxilla. This case was particularly interesting due to the patient’s occupation as a professional rugby player. Participation in the sport is well known as a risk factor for dental trauma, and a systematic review published in 2024 observed a prevalence in rugby players of 34.1%. With the risk of dental injury so high in this contact sport, an individualised mouthguard is strongly recommended by both the literature and sporting bodies such as the Rugby Football Union. Orthodontic treatment therefore must consider the patient’s need for a mouthguard on a regular basis, working with both the chosen style of appliance – fixed or removable – and the dentition as it adapts over time.
Following a successful analysis of the patient’s dentition, suitable solutions were discussed. The patient noted that he was interested in treatment that would not only deliver an optimal result, but would do so quickly.
The treatment options that were presented included:
• No action taken, return to GDP on a regular basis
• Clear aligner orthodontics
• Fixed brace orthodontics that treated the entire dentition
• Fixed brace orthodontics that focused on the anterior labial segment As the patient was actively seeking orthodontic treatment, referral back to his GDP without treatment was unfavourable. Clear aligners were the individual’s preferred solution prior to the orthodontic assessment, and whilst the benefits of improved aesthetics and the ability to remove the appliance during sporting activity were discussed, the time and cost it would take to complete treatment were not ideal.
Fixed brace orthodontics would be able to deliver the final result sooner for the patient, and whilst for sporting needs a removable solution would no doubt be easier, the patient was receptive to this option with a customised mouthguard. To make the treatment time more efficient, treating only the anterior dentition was proposed, recognising that the patient would have to accept an increased overjet and an overbite, as well as the initial positioning of the posterior dentition. This would not be wholly detrimental to function and aesthetics.
The benefits and drawbacks of each option were discussed. The patient chose to proceed with fixed brace orthodontics that affected the anterior labial segment, and provided informed consent. Prior to treatment, I consulted my IAS Academy mentor Dr Hooria Olsen. We discussed my thoughts for the case, and my intended approach with fixed orthodontics. As treatment progressed, we would revisit the case to discuss next steps and ensure the patient was receiving the best care available to him.
A stent from the IAS Laboratory was used to place 3M Gemini Ceramic Brackets on the UR6-UL6 and the LR6-LL6. Two 0.12 NiTi wires were placed, with tiebacks utilised on the UR6-4, UL6-4, LR6-4 and LL6-4 to stabilise the dentition and avoid drifting. Interproximal reduction (IPR) was implemented to create space in the maxilla and mandible for tooth movement as a preferred approach to tooth extraction. IPR was guided by Archwise™, and 50% of the recommended adjustments were completed in the initial appointment. The patient immediately required a mouthguard to continue competing safely in rugby. When ordering the stent from the IAS Laboratory, the need for a mouthguard that would be compatible with the fixed appliance was shared with the technician team. They were able to block out the prospective bracket fixtures on a model with wax, and use it to create a bespoke mouthguard that could be fitted on the same day. The resulting device was available for the initial appointment, and was immediately provided to the patient, meaning his professional responsibilities as a rugby player were in no way disrupted.
Routine oral hygiene advice was given and reiterated at each follow-up appointment.
As treatment progressed, the patient kept an adequate oral hygiene routine, and only experienced two debonded brackets, which were rectified without concern. The 0.12 NiTi wire was replaced with a 0.16 wire as treatment proceeded.
I continued to reflect on the case with Dr Olsen after each appointment. We discussed the need for the bracket on the UR1 to be adjusted, as crowding had forced the tooth to overlap the UL1. Dr Olsen advised that the bracket be repositioned higher on the tooth and twisted slightly to direct optimal movement, and this was carried out in practice. Further IPR was carried out in the maxilla and mandible to facilitate adequate tooth movement.
The patient progressed to a 20:20 NiTi wire as treatment neared its conclusion.
Once the planned occlusion had been achieved, the fixed appliance was removed. Staining had occurred over time, which was managed with a course of teeth whitening at the conclusion of orthodontic treatment.
Composite bonding was carried out on the UR1 and UR2 to resolve the minor chips and fulfil the patient’s aesthetic aims. Removable retainers were provided for both arches with direction to wear them nightly.
A new mouthguard was produced, as the appliance used during treatment was no longer suitable, and the solution employed prior to treatment no longer fit – perhaps the most apt sign of treatment success in this specific case. The patient was delighted with the result, and felt confident in his new smile.
I was equally pleased with the final outcome. All treatment aims were achieved
in a timely manner, less than six months, fulfilling the patient’s primary wish. Whilst removeable clear aligners may have made sense considering his sporting obligations, treatment would have been prolonged. Working with the IAS Laboratory to fabricate a bespoke mouthguard that facilitated fixed orthodontic care made for a unique opportunity for an efficient treatment time. Being able to reflect on the case regularly with my IAS Academy mentor, Dr Olsen, also meant I could receive confirmation for my plan and additional insights when the case needed adjusting mid-way through treatment, as seen with the repositioning of the UR1 bracket. For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www. iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1) n
References available upon request.
about the author
dr Olivia Nixon studied at Bristol university before working in a busy NHs practice where she provided general dentistry to patients of all ages. she went on to spend time as a senior House officer in the Oral and maxillofacial surgery department at the Royal united Hospital, during which she was awarded membership to the Royal college of surgeons in London. today, she provides care at clove House dental & Implant centre, Wiltshire, and holds an interest in quality and up-todate cosmetic dentistry.
With 87% of dentists reporting back pain (as recorded by Dr Anikó Ball during a 2015 presentation on back and neck pain in dentistry), it’s clear that dentistry is a physically demanding profession. In addition to back pain, practitioners also suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, such as neck and shoulder pain and general fatigue.
We often hear about the importance of ergonomics and maintaining good posture but what do these terms actually mean? And what causes the physical strain that so many dentists experience? Good ergonomics means working efficiently to minimise strain and energy expenditure. In dentistry, it’s about reducing physical stress on the body while performing procedures.
A-dec’s philosophy of striving for exceptional execution ensures dental equipment works in partnership with the dentist and assistant, resulting in an effortless operation. A-dec dental equipment is ergonomically designed to minimise pain and strain, keeping all essential tools within easy reach to enhance comfort and efficiency. Features like the slim backrest and headrest on the A-dec 500 dental chair, along with the precise manoeuvrability of the A-dec LED dental light, support proper posture and form. It’s an ergonomic difference you’ll notice.
Patient positioning and chair Properly positioning your patients using a dual articulating headrest is essential for both patient comfort and optimal access to the oral cavity. Adjusting the headrest supports the weight of the patient’s head while opening the oral cavity to give you a clear view of your working area. Before moving into the treatment position, ensure your patient is seated fully back against the chair’s backrest. Presenting the headrest in an upright position as they sit down can encourage this posture.
To achieve a comfortable working position, the dentist will need to sit with their knees tucked under the chair and shoulders back, sitting in an upright position. Chairs with thick backrests push you farther from the oral cavity, forcing more forward leaning and muscular exertion. A thin, flexible backrest with slim upholstery and a cut-away baseplate on all A-dec chairs allows you to position yourself closer to the patient, keeping your legs under the chair and your elbows at your side for improved ergonomics.
The A-dec 500 LED dental light offers excellent illumination for you and your team. The light has been designed with a three-axis pivot (and an additional 540º horizontal rotation) to ensure an effortless adjustment. Its even light distribution minimises shadows, while the featherededge pattern reduces eye strain and fatigue. With a high colour rendering index, it allows for accurate colour perception, improving tissue diagnosis and shade taking. Additionally, the innovative cure-safe mode delivers bright light without causing premature curing.
Many dental professionals suffer from muscle strain, fatigue, or pain due to prolonged leaning or bending over patients. Musculoskeletal disorders, such as ischemia and early disc degeneration are often linked to traditional seating positions. For example, sitting with thighs parallel to the floor and hips at a 90-degree angle. This seating style likely originates from early dental chair designs with flat, nonadjustable seats.
Research now shows that positioning the hips higher than the knees (increasing the hip angle) reduces lower back muscle strain and disc pressure. Chairs with a tilting seat help maintain the natural curve of the lower back, decreasing disc pressure and allowing closer positioning to patients while reducing lower back pain overall.
The A-dec 500 stool is designed to adapt to your every movement, offering all-day comfort and support. Its contoured backrest cradles the spine, particularly the lower lumbar region, for optimal posture. The tilted seat evenly distributes weight from the seat to the feet, promoting circulation. Optional swing-out armrests provide additional support while working. Whether you experience occasional discomfort or persistent pain, an A-dec stool can alleviate back strain and potentially extend the longevity of your dental career.
A lightweight and smooth delivery system is necessary for easy and precise placement. Drift control is an important consideration, especially on the A-dec 500. If you are in the middle of a procedure, the last thing you need is your instruments and materials drifting far away from you. Select a dental chair with a delivery system
that moves up and down with the chair’s height adjustments. This feature is especially beneficial for stand-up dentistry, ensuring instruments are ideally positioned to help reduce lower back strain.
A positionable touchpad that tilts and rotates for precise viewing from multiple angles can also be beneficial to reduce neck and eye strain.
Traditional disc foot controls were developed long before the introduction of electric handpieces. The A-dec lever foot control, however, offers precise speed modulation for both electric and pneumatic handpieces. Its lever design allows the operator to effortlessly switch between wet and dry cutting without diverting attention from the patient. Ergonomically, the lever style enables better weight distribution from seat to feet, encouraging an “athletic stance” that helps preserve the natural “S” curve of the spine. Once the desired speed is reached, the dentist can rest their foot flat on the floor, maintaining speed without straining the leg or foot – much like cruise control in a car. This setup minimises strain and supports
a more comfortable working posture, especially during stand-up procedures. With feet flat on the floor, you can evenly distribute your weight, enhancing balance and reducing fatigue.
The A-dec lever foot control is specifically designed to promote ergonomic posture. A slight foot movement offers precise control over your electric handpiece motor speed, while the intuitive left- or right-lever action allows seamless transitions between wet and dry cuts without losing focus on the patient. This makes it easy to stay in control and work comfortably throughout the day.
To find out more about A-dec’s ergonomically designed equipment, contact one of our expert Territory Managers or you can visit an A-dec Showroom in Bracknell, Warrington, or Nuneaton to experience A-dec’s ergonomic equipment firsthand. Consult with our certified Territory Managers, specialists in ergonomic assessments, who have extensive experience helping dental teams optimise their working posture for a healthier, longer career and reduced pain.
To contact a Territory Manager, visit unitedkingdom.a-dec.com/find-a-dealer n
Victoria Wilson encourages the profession to develop a UK-wide approach to teledentistry
Irecently performed a literature review on telehealth and online dental consultations. My main motivation for this was the fact that we are still sadly faced with a worrying proportion of the UK population who struggle to access dental care, and the correlation that dental diseases are reported to be on the rise.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that the global burden of oral health conditions is growing, especially in low- and middleincome countries. The WHO also notes that oral diseases disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.
Here are some predictions for the future of dental disease:
Global : The burden of dental disease is expected to shift from younger adults to older adults. The older adult population with carious teeth is estimated to increase from 32.26% in 2020 to 62.06% by 2050. The older adult population with periodontal disease is expected to increase from 42.44% in 2020 to 54.57% by 2050 1 u K : A study predicts that over half of UK adults will have dental disease by 2050. The study also projects that the number of people with gum tissue loss will increase from 18.7 million in 2020 to nearly 21 million by 2050. The number of people with tooth decay is expected to decrease slightly for adults aged 16 to 59, but nearly double for those aged 60 and over 1
Telehealth and telemedicine have been increasingly utilised over the last few decades, and it is reassuring to see that the UK government announced that digital technology was essential to future patient care, with a commitment to provide ‘at-scale virtual consultations’ 2
In dentistry, however, despite the existence of some ad-hoc online telehealth platforms, I think that the limitation of legislative guidance for the actual implementation of teledentistry is a barrier to many. Nobody has been actively encouraged to uptake and deliver teledental appointments. Dental professionals need direction on pre-requisites so that they can confidently put in place secure and compliant teledentistry platforms.
There is a small section on the GDC website, as well as a few outlines by dental indemnifiers, but there is no organisation representing teledentistry in the UK – and there is very limited guidance on it. As it stands, hosting a Zoom or Teams dental appointment does not comply with GDPR and patient confidentiality. I have been
advised that you also need to be CQC registered if your plan is to go down the teledentistry route.
As we move towards sustainability, telehealth is certainly an offering that aligns with the government’s sustainable future objectives. There are fascinating facts on telemedicine and the environment that we should learn from to see how virtual clinic visits will be beneficial to a greener future 3,4
Many practices will have experienced instances of staff needing to reduce their clinical hours. This could be attributed to musculoskeletal disorders, childcare, family circumstances, etc. Considering such circumstances, teledentistry presents a real opportunity to increase the utilisation of the workforce whilst increasing access to care for members of the public.
There are numerous circumstances where teledentistry could present as an enhanced offering to increase access to members of the public. To me, online consultations seem like an excellent way to provide patients with a way to build confidence and trust, whilst increasing compliance, without the need for the patient to visit the practice more than necessary. Helping phobic patients also requires more clinic time, and that can sometimes be challenging for the dental team.
The original concept of telehealth was to provide access to care for patients in rural and remote areas, or areas with provider shortages. Telehealth reduces the need for patient travel and waiting times, and it has the potential to improve efficiencies. It can also, in theory, limit overheads and increase loyalty to a practice. Patients would surely appreciate having to pay less and gain access more easily, so long as the same level of service was offered to them.
Employers should also see telehealth as a way to reduce the economic burden from loss of workdays and absenteeism with less time needed to attend a dental appointment.
Varied recalls for dental examinations based on patients’ needs are outlined through the NICE guidelines. Teledental consultations could present as an offering to stay connected with patients between examinations to support optimal ongoing oral health habits and reduce any risk factors –possibly presenting as an opportunity to further manage the time between recall examinations.
So, what do we do next? Collaboratively, we need to work with other countries that are already exercising teledental delivery models to see how the UK community can implement best practice in the safest possible way for the benefit of patients. If telehealth works in the medical sector, we need to find the correct avenue to get teledentistry adopted for the dental sector. This might be a long haul, but small, incremental steps can make a big difference.
Philips recently put the finishing touches to its UK educational hub for dental professionals. I have been privileged to access it and seen many of their toolkits, which will be immensely valuable to the profession and patients. Its newly launched maternal toolkit caught my attention: it is a comprehensive resource designed for dental practices to help clinicians steer vital conversations with patients. Other tools Philips has developed are all aimed at streamlining practice workflows, saving time and educating patients. The hub will work well for drawing on resources for in-patient visits, but would make even more sense to help with online dental consultations.
Whether guidance is given face to face or online, patients will continue to rely on us to advise them on oral health. Our duty of care should extend to pushing for advancements that can be beneficial to them. Telehealth seems a fantastic opportunity to increase access to dental care, and I invite my peers to influence its progress in the UK if they have an opportunity to do so. As for me, I am talking to providers in the USA, and what I am hearing is truly exciting and compelling. Let’s see what the future holds for the UK. n
1. Elamin, A., & Ansah, J., 2023. Projecting the burden of dental caries and periodontal diseases among the adult population in the United Kingdom using a multi-state population model. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. https:// doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1190197.
2. Peres, M., Macpherson, L., Weyant, R., Daly, B., Venturelli, R., Mathur, M., Listl, S., Celeste, R., Guarnizo-Herreño, C., Kearns, C., Benzian, H., Allison, P., & Watt, R., 2019. Oral diseases: a global public health challenge. The Lancet, 394, pp. 249-260. https://doi. org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31146-8.
3. Department of Health and Social Care & NHS England Policy paper: A plan for digital health and social care. (2022). [Accessed: 14 November 2022] [Online]. 29 June 2022. Available from: https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/ a-plan-for-digital-health-and-social-care
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/ s41746-023-00818-7
About the author
Victoria Wilson is a dental hygienist and therapist. she is the founder of smile Revolution.
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Whilst most patients are rocking around the Christmas tree, or roasting chestnuts on an open fire, there will be the unlucky few who experience dental problems. There might be an unfortunate person who has lost a filling whilst eating festive treats, or who has fallen foul of a pesky infection and is in immense discomfort that over-the-counter pain medication just isn’t sorting. The patient knows that their dentist is closed but they tentatively call the practice as their first source of help...
“The practice is now closed and will reopen on Wednesday 27th December at 0900. Please leave a message after the tone.”
Unfortunately, this is the experience of some patients who are then left unsure of where and how to get help for their dental emergency.
Last December, Denplan received over 1,200 calls to our dental emergency helpline, totalling over 105 hours of calls. The helpline assists patients in sourcing an emergency appointment whilst away from home or if they are unable to source an appointment from their normal care provider. We also received 742 insurance claims that month relating to dental emergencies. This suggests that some practices did not have adequate out-of-hours provisions in place over the festive period.
Manage your patients’ expectations
There are steps a practice can take prior to a period of closure that will help patients understand what action to take if they find themselves in an emergency.
It’s vital to make patients aware of upcoming closures well in advance, and good practice to use multiple communication channels to do so. This could be via a holding message when someone first calls in, a simple poster in reception, and an email to all patients. Within your methods of communication that detail out-ofhours provision, you might want to consider educating your patients on what constitutes a dental emergency, and what can potentially wait until the practice re-opens.
When the practice has seen its last patient and is closed, a clear answer phone message should be available, instructing your patients on their next steps. Many practices also detail this information on their website. Whilst referring people to view this is acceptable, your website should not be the sole place it is available, as your digitally vulnerable patients may not be able to access the internet.
Out-of-hours provision considerations
In some cases, NHS 111 emergency dental services are utilised by practices as a means of emergency
provision. Whilst this is an option, these appointments are often limited to certain times and can be filled extremely quickly. Most NHS services only make appointments available for extreme emergency cases, such as trauma, swelling or bleeding and, in many cases, will be reserved for patients who do not have access to, or are not already registered with, a dental practice.
You may decide to be part of a private on-call rota scheme with other practices in your area. If you do, here are some points to consider and discuss:
• Between the practices, agree on what constitutes a dental emergency that needs immediate treatment.
• Arrangements for payment (typically this is done on a reciprocal basis).
• The timings of when emergency treatment or advice will be available from the individual on call.
• The on-call dentist should only carry out temporary treatment and
direct the patient back to their own practice for completion of any permanent work.
• The registered dentist of the patient should be informed by the out-of-hours clinician, as soon as practically possible, of any patients treated on their behalf.
• The treating dentist should keep a record of calls taken and patients treated.
• Each practice should set their own answer machine message that details the procedure the patient should follow.
Of course, in some cases it may not be feasible for a practice to participate in a group rota. You may wish to consider utilising a dedicated mobile phone and include the number within your out-ofhours provision communications. Within the explanation, ask the patient to provide a brief explanation of the problem for triage purposes, and their contact number. You can make the patient aware of the hours that the number is manned via the answer phone message, and that their calls will be returned within a given time frame.
As dental professionals, we know that toothache can be unbearable, and our empathetic nature drives us to want our patients to be able to enjoy their festive period without worrying about being unable to access emergency care. By managing your patients’ expectations in advance, and communicating clearly during the practice closure, you can help your patients feel supported and cared for should they experience a Christmas dental emergency, without compromising your own festive break. n
about the author
lianne Scott-Munden, Clinical Quality and Complaints Risk Manager at
denplan.
Dental professionals tend to be excellent critical thinkers, accustomed to incorporating only the most reliable evidence into their practice. Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) involves the integration of the best available research with the clinician’s own knowledge, skills and experience regarding the patient’s needs and preferences. Relying on substantiated, authentic and ethically-produced research is one of the cornerstones of best practice.
There are several challenges in consistently practising EBD, which can include insufficient time, and low confidence in searching for and evaluating scientific literature. The process of finding highquality, valid evidence can be perceived as a daunting and time-consuming pursuit.
However experienced a professional may be, it can still be possible to miss the signs of flawed evidence. The consequences of integrating clinical practice based on poorly researched information could be very serious, and this should be mitigated against consistently.
Valid research, trustworthy evidence
The validity of a research study is associated with removing the likelihood of bias, misconduct or error. Validity can be internal or external. Internal validity is defined as the extent to which the observed results represent the truth in the population under scrutiny, ensuring that these are not due to methodological errors. External validity references the extent to which the results of a study can be generalised to patients in daily practice, especially for the population that the sample is designed to represent.
In the hierarchy of the trustworthiness of evidence, a systematic review and metaanalysis is considered the gold standard. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are also considered to be level 1 evidence. Cohort studies and case–control studies are given less gravitas, and case reports, animal studies, and in vitro studies are considered to be the least reliable in terms of research evidence, though some of these methods may help to illustrate data referred to in more comprehensive research. Methodology should be consistent throughout a trial, and ethics should abide by international conventions, such as those described in the Declaration of Helsinki. Inclusion and exclusion criteria should also be observed to ensure there are no additional characteristics that could create bias and interfere with the validity of the study. For instance, inclusion criteria might specify demographic, clinical or geographic characteristics of interest. Common exclusion criteria include personal characteristics that might affect adherence to trial frameworks, or comorbidities that could influence outcomes or result in adverse effects for the patient.
the problem of bias
Bias is any trend or deviation in data collection, analysis, interpretation and publication which carries a risk of leading to false conclusions. Bias can be conscious or unconscious, and the effects can be
far-reaching. It can affect the validity of research that might otherwise provide useful insight.
There are many examples, but a common problem is sampling bias, which can occur when the subjects of research do not reflect the population to which the research needs to be applied. This can happen when subjects are self-selecting, or recruited without factoring in or declaring characteristics that may be over or underrepresented in the outcome of the study. Sampling bias can also occur when the sample size is too small to be representative of the population under scrutiny.
Other common biases in research include classification and confounding bias. Classification bias, also known as measurement or information bias, arises from improper, inadequate, or unclear recording of individual factors affecting the quality of the process or outcome. Confounding bias refers to a misleading association between the outcome and a factor that is not causally related to the outcome. Unlike other biases, the latter can be corrected after the study is completed. It is important to employ critical thinking when evaluating any clinical research, and this is certainly true of surveys. Surveys are a common research method used in medical and dental education. However, a 2017 analysis of medical research published in 2013 found that only 35.6% of the 185 studies that included surveys met inclusion criteria in their methodology.
evidence-based practice and education
All postgraduate and standalone CPD courses at the ICE Postgraduate Institute and Hospital are developed using extensive clinical research and experience in implant dentistry. ICE is supported by the exceptional dedication and skills of expert faculty, led by eminent specialist oral surgeon, Professor Cemal Ucer and post-graduate courses are accredited by the University of Salford. The mission of ICE is to provide evidence-based training to all members of the dental team. For example, the Advanced Certificate In Bone and Tissue Regeneration and Sinus Grafting employs the most current, gold-standard research to support predictable results. Incorporating practices based on unreliable evidence can be harmful to patients, and affects the reputation of individual practitioners as well as the wider profession. With the right tools, clinicians can ensure they maintain awareness of what makes research valid, and that their clinical education is based on fully evidenced data. Contact Professor Ucer at ucer@icedental.institute or Mel Hay at mel@mdic.co 01612 371842 www.ucer-clinic.dental n
about the author
Prof. cemal ucer, BdS, MSc, Phd, FdtFed., iti Fellow, Specialist oral Surgeon.
Throughout our lives, we may have a large number of people whom we think of as mentors. These might be members of our families offering guidance as we grow up, teachers and professors during our education, and professional mentors as we enter the workplace or look to expand our careers. All of these can potentially have a big impact on our lives, both personally and professionally. However, when seeking a new mentor to guide us into a new area of work it is important to consider: what makes a good mentor?
It goes without saying that being experienced or skilled in their field is an essential quality of a professional mentor. A mentor must be confident in their knowledge of their subject area, and able to draw on a career of diverse experiences and challenges. This will enable them to effectively guide you through any challenges you may come up against in your career, and throughout your educational journey.
Having built a successful career for themselves, a mentor should draw on their experiences to offer advice when it is most relevant and help you to carve out your own career path. This might mean advising you to follow in their footsteps or, conversely, advising you on opportunities to avoid that you may have otherwise jumped at.
Finally, a mentor who has been successful in their career should make use of the resources they have built up over time. Being resourceful is a fantastic characteristic of any mentor, enabling them to utilise their strong social ties and academic connections to help support you in your career journey.
A skilled clinician will be able to help their mentee bridge the gap between theory and practice, by using their own experience and resources to give them an insight into the ‘real world’ of the dental profession.
However, being a skilled clinician is just part of what it takes to be a good mentor – they must also be a good teacher. Whilst this might sound obvious, this really means that a mentor must have the characteristics needed to offer mentoring that is effective and has lasting value. Traits like being a good listener and being understanding are key, as this will allow you to use them as a sounding board when faced with challenges in your work, enabling you to overcome them with the confidence you need.
A mentor must also be supportive of your career aims, helping you to construct a realistic ladder to help you meet your ambitions. This means taking into account your clinical ability, your network, and your level of education – enabling you to take on the right cases at the right time to help you meet your goals.
Further to this, like any good teacher, a mentor must provide thoughtful and constructive feedback about your work and your career progress. A good mentor will provide valuable insights which will enable you to learn from any mistakes and improve your work and career opportunities going forward.
In addition to the above, your mentor must also be flexible and able to devote time to help you. This means enabling you to observe their cases and vice-versa to encourage self-reflection. Mentors should be transparent about how they feel about their own work and what they could do better, and encourage this in their mentees.
Honesty is a quality that one study found 84.6% of students see as important, because it means that mentors will be honest with mentees about their strengths and weaknesses to enable them to grow and develop in their profession. This should always be in a non-judgemental and encouraging way to ensure mentees can confidently work to overcome them.
When clinicians undertake courses with the ASHA Club, they receive ongoing mentorship from Dr Selvaraj Balaji along with access to an exclusive WhatsApp support group – providing a safe space for delegates to work together and create a unique support and advice group. Dr Balaji is a highly experienced and respected implant and cosmetic dentist who routinely mentors other clinicians using the latest skills and techniques taught on his courses. A good mentor is the key to a successful career, so it is important to select a professional mentor carefully to ensure you receive the support, advice, and leadership you deserve.
Find out more at ashaclub.co.uk/courses To book, please call: 07974 304269 or email: info@ashaclub.co.uk n
about the author
dr Selvaraj Balaji, Founder of the academy of Soft and Hard tissue augmentation (aSHa).
The ADI Team Congress 2025 is an unmissable event for those with an interest in implantology. It is a great opportunity to see some of the country’s leading dentists in action as they run exciting lectures and workshops to enhance the knowledge and skills for other practitioners. These sessions will illuminate the recent breakthroughs, cutting-edge solutions and future developments in implantology.
to Complex Aesthetic & Restorative Dilemmas.” He believes:
“The main challenge faced by clinicians with regards to the ortho-periorestorative interface is having effective team management and having a clear understanding of what is possible. As a team, the ability to really connect in order to treatment plan together and understand the benefits and limitations is essential.”
Teamwork is one of the key points of the session, with Tidu noting:
“A proper diagnosis and understanding of what is possible in an interdisciplinary team approach are fundamental to optimum treatment planning. A good understanding and communication of what is achievable utilising different disciplines improves the case management by the team and helps to avoid and better manage complications.”
For over 35 years, sharing knowledge and skills has been a constant driving force for the ADI, allowing practitioners to deliver the best implantology treatments possible. Tidu reflects on his experience as a member and the many benefits that attending the ADI
“I have been a member of the ADI pretty much since it began. I would say that it is an organisation that tries to promote better education and standards in implant dentistry. The meetings are always great, with good speakers and good topics discussed. Attending the meetings are a great way to collaborate within the ADI, as everyone is always happy to chat and have
discussions. It has been a pleasure to have done a lot of teaching at many ADI events and study clubs over the years.”
Held on the 1st – 3rd May 2025, the ADI Team Congress theme is the “Implant Aesthetic Kaleidoscope”. Connecting implantology with the colourful complexity of a kaleidoscope reinforces the importance of the various elements, skills, techniques and expertise required to achieve exceptional results for patients. Moreover, it is only fitting that the bright, beautiful colours of a kaleidoscope are reflected by the event’s choice of location: Brighton.
A cultural capital of the UK, Brighton is renowned for its vibrancy. Attendees of the ADI Congress will get to experience the buzz of the coastal city through the
countryside, a long weekend in Brighton offers ample entertainment for the whole family. For those wanting to enjoy the sea air, the ADI Congress venue, The Brighton Centre, is situated on the seafront, surrounded by hotels, restaurants and bars. It is an easy 10-minute walk from the Brighton Centre to the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, where arcades and amusement rides can be found.
Walking in the opposite direction will bring you to the i360, Brighton’s 162m observation tower that affords a full panoramic view of the English Channel, the city and the South Downs beyond it. With a bar inside, the i360 is a perfect place to
With other amenities such as the Brighton Toy and Model Museum and the Royal Pavilion all within walking distance, the ADI Congress is well placed for attendees to get the most out of their weekend in Brighton. Don’t miss out on the perfect blend of education, socialising and holiday with the ADI Team Congress 2025. eam Congress 2025 he Implant Aesthetic Kaleidoscope he Brighton Centre For more information, visit adi.org.uk n
Attending the aesthetic dentistry tour offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and practice offerings. Participants will gain valuable insights into our innovative clear aligner system, TrioClear™, as well as the align and restore technique, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.
The hands-on workshop will allow attendees to master the composite injection technique, ensuring they stay at the forefront of dental aesthetics. Additionally, learning about the cutting-edge concept of zirconia veneers, ZirNEERS, will equip dentists with the knowledge to offer advanced restorative options. Finally, testing various scanner models from leading brands like Medit, 3Shape, and ELETRA, will provide practical experience with the latest technology, ultimately enhancing their service delivery and patient satisfaction.
Course speakers:
Rich Newman
Rich is a highly qualified and experienced dental technician who has presented many technical courses on composite layering and associated techniques. Richard has worked for GC UK Ltd for 19 years and regularly presents hands-on courses for dentists throughout the UK and Ireland.
As a skilled crown and bridge technician Rich is cognisant of the layering techniques that provide optimum aesthetics, and he readily transfers these skills to the composite injection technique, where he has
been responsible for developing the ‘layering technique’, providing state of the art aesthetics using composite.
Roeland De Paepe
Roeland began his dental career in 1993 at the KULeuven dental lab. From 2000 to 2006 he was the “Technical and Training Manager” for GC Europe. After starting his own laboratory in 2006, he remained a freelance trainer and KOL for GC. Rejoining GC as a Product Manager in 2018, he now heads Product Management at Modern Dental Europe since February 2020, and is a specialist in the ZirNEER product. The ZirNEER product offers a highly aesthetic restoration in that it has a Lithium disilicate micro-layer applied on the fitting surface to enhance adhesion of the restoration.
Dr David Reaney
David graduated BDS (Edin)
from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Edinburgh with Distinction in Conservative and Prosthetic Dentistry in 1985. In 1993 he was awarded his Diploma in General Dental Practice DGDP (UK) by the Royal College of Surgeons in London and in 2003 gained his Master of Clinical Dentistry Degree in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics (MClinDent) through the King’s College Dental Institute –University of London.
He has provided training over the past three years on the composite injection technique via a successful online hands-on course, and regularly uses composite injection to treat wear cases in his referral-based prosthodontic practice.
Nathan Stewart
Nathan graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Microbiology from Queens University Belfast in 2010. His working career began in medical diagnostics in roles that spanned six continents before he joined Southern Cross Dental laboratory almost a decade ago.
In 2022, Nathan started to work more closely on TrioClear™, our global clear aligner system, and is now the TrioClear™ National Manager for the UK and Ireland. This involves guiding and supporting general dentists as they become more confident prescribers of clear aligner therapy and learn how to utilise TrioClear™ as a prerestorative tool to clinically improve patient outcomes.
SCD leads the way in providing high quality dental products and services to dental industry professionals.
Established in 2003, SCD has grown to become one of the largest dental laboratories in the United Kingdom and Ireland with locations in Leeds (England), Dundalk (Republic of Ireland) and Dungannon (Northern Ireland). We continue to innovate and evolve in order to meet our commitment to providing reliable, quality and fairly priced products to keep your patients smiling. We follow developments within the dental industry closely and maintain close contacts with universities and dental clinics worldwide. This facilitates our provision of conventional stateof-the-art dental technology alongside digital workflows which we hope will contribute to more predictable clinical results and less chair-side time for the dentist.
• Over 20 years of experience
• Over 500,000 cases completed to-date
• We work with over 1,200 dentists Sign up and learn more at scdlab.co.uk/education
Around the world, Dental professionals trust Planmeca’s cutting-edge dental equipment and software to optimise workflows and deliver exceptional patient care. Our dental care units, imaging devices and software solutions are designed and manufactured with the latest technology and the best materials in Helsinki, Finland. But don’t just take our word for it! Why not visit the User Experiences page on our website for insights from Planmeca customers and user stories from clinicians who have experienced the benefits of our dental solutions for themselves. Discover how our innovative products have transformed dental practices around the world and find
Unlike most wipes which are made from polypropylene, Bossklein V-WIPE ZERO Eco-XL wipes are constructed from 100% natural, biodegradable fibres. Wipes are made from renewable, plant-based viscose material and sustainably sourced.
The fast-acting Bossklein V-WIPE ZERO formulation contains no alcohol and takes advantage of safer and greener chemical components to create a simpler and more effective product. Ideal to use on the majority of wipeable surfaces, including dental chairs. Wipes have a pleasant apple aroma.
Each flowpack with stay fresh lid removes the need for a dispenser tub further
out how they can make a difference in your own practice. Contact our UK office for more information on 0800 5200 330. www.planmeca.com/user-experiences n
reducing the amount of plastic consumed. Packs contain 100 extra large wipes measuring 240x200mm each.
V-WIPE ZERO Eco-XL wipes are available now. For more information call 0800 132 373 or visit www.bossklein.com n
Earlier this year, Lily Head Dental Practice Sales welcomed Maggie Sonariwo to their Sales Negotiator team. It was crucial for the business to expand their Sales Negotiator team in order to make sure that every practice they had for sale was actively managed and all parties received the best possible experience. Working with the dental brokers to match buyers with practice sellers, Maggie keeps the process running smoothly and ensures that all deals are completed successfully. Maggie said about her role, “Since I joined the business, I have really enjoyed getting to understand dentistry and meet people
who work in the profession. It’s great to step into a business with a great reputation. I am excited to be part of a highly motivated team and achieve amazing outcomes for dentists.”n
Augma are running a full day bone cement Hands-on Workshop on Saturday 29th March 2025 at the Royal Leonardo London City hotel, Tower Bridge, London. Dr Lucio Faria, a Surgical Master in Regenerative Implant Dentistry, will review four of the most common surgical protocols using Bond Apatite bone grafting cement Delegates will receive practical knowledge on how to perform socket grafting without flap reflection, lateral ridge augmentation and augmentation in the aesthetic zone. Evidence based data histology shows how following the surgical protocols leads to clinical success and complete bone regeneration for the patient. The course fee is £195.00 plus vat (inc all course materials and refreshments), Early Bird £145 plus vat before 31st January 2025. Visit www.augmabio.co.uk or contact Denise Law at the Trycare Events Team on 01274 885540, email denise.law@trycare. co.uk or visit www.trycare.co.uk/events.n
Conventional 1450ppm and above fluoride toothpastes only deliver fluoride for a maximum of 90 minutes, whatever their fluoride content and provided the patient does not rinse. Despite its lower 530ppm fluoride content, Biomin F remains active for up to 12 hours, continuously releasing fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect against decay, even if the patient’s toothbrushing is erratic and inefficient. Available from Trycare, patients also report that teeth feel smoother and cleaner, there is a noticeable absence of background oral sensitivity and that gums are healthier and less prone to bleeding.
A genuine Practice Builder, BioMin F enables patients to enhance their smile and improve their oral health and comfort. It is the only toothpaste approved by the Oral Health Foundation for sensitivity relief. For further information visit the Trycare website, www.trycare.co.uk/biomin, contact your local representative or call 01274 885544.n
Hosted by Trycare in London on 10th May 2025, Delegates will learn how using Vestibular Socket Therapy..
Delivered by Dr Abdelsalam Elaskary, this one-day lecture and hands-on workshop focuses on recent and updated implant protocols, in particular VST which allows treatment of fresh extraction sites with immediate placement that delivers optimised outcomes. Special emphasis will be on managing and optimizing regenerative outcomes in the aesthetic zone.
This innovative surgical approach reduces post-extraction socket collapse
and the need for long-term provisional restoration, and provides predictable aesthetic outcomes.
For more information including details of the Early Bird Discount before 28th February 2025, visit www.trycare.co.uk or email Denise Law on: events@trycare.co.uk n
Trycare Ltd, the UK’s fastest growing dental dealer, are UK Distributors of Tokuyama Dental’s unique range of spherical composites including Estelite Sigma Quick. Featuring Tokuyama’s patented RAP monomer and aesthetic spherical filler technology, Estelite Sigma Quick delivers an extended working time in ambient light yet cures in only 10 seconds! There is also less residual monomer and minimal after cure colour change for long term aesthetic satisfaction.
In addition, Estelite Sigma Quick offers shade matching! Because of its unique spherical filler particles it offers inherent shade mimicking so that, in most cases, just three shades are required to match all 16 Vita shades so that they blend perfectly with the natural teeth leaving invisible margins and undetectable restorations whatever their shade.
Estelite Sigma Quick is ideally used in combination with Tokuyama’s awardwinning Universal Bond II which can be used to bond all direct and indirect restorative materials, Garrison Sectional Matrix Systems and for the ultimate aesthetic finish Eve polishers! Call Trycare Ltd on 01274 885544n
Tokuyama are the only composite manufacturer to use patented spherical filler particles within their composite materials. Each variant utilising spherical particles of different diameters to maximise their optical and physical properties for the desired indication.
Tokuyama’s development of spherical filler particles has culminated in Omnichroma, the world’s only colourless universal composite which matches every tooth colour no matter what the shade.
Omnichroma Flow Bulk is a low viscosity composite which can be placed in 3.5mm increments. Like the other Omnichroma materials it delivers unprecedented colour matching, high polishability and stain resistance.
For more information about the complete range, including Omnichroma Flow Bulk, contact your local Trycare Representative, call 01274 885544 or visit www.trycare. co.uk.n
Dr Leanne Branton is the Regional Rep for Scotland on the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) Board. She shares an insight into her experience with the ADI, and her role on the Board:
“The ADI was the first group I joined when I began my implant career nearly 15 years ago. It has played a significant role in my professional journey, connecting me with many of the mentors who have guided and supported me over the years. Good mentorship is crucial to establishing a successful dental implant career, and the ADI has provided me with access to some of the best minds in the field. My experience with the Association has been incredibly positive, and I’m grateful for the community and connections it has fostered throughout my career.
Dr Mohsen Esfahani is specialist endodontist and partner at Pearl Dental Clinic in Kingston, London. He shares his experience of renovating the dental practice, and he service he received from the team at Clark Dental:
“Our project was managed by Mr Matt Rowlingson, who dealt with us very professionally from the beginning to the end of the project. We found him to be very knowledgeable and honest about what could be delivered. We ordered three Dentsply Sirona Sinius Track mounted treatment centres from Clark Dental and also had our surgery rooms and decontamination room refurbished.
“The whole project was managed smoothly and took about nine days spread over three weeks, as per our wishes to minimise practice disruption. Service engineer, Mr Peter Harris, and
A pleasant scent in your dental practice makes the environment more relaxing and comfortable for your patients.
The Initial Essence air freshener from Initial Medical is the optimal solution for keeping your practice aromatic and free from malodours. Utilising state-of-the-art oxygen fuel cell technology, it delivers reliable, consistent, and continuous air fragrancing, setting it apart from gravity and passive systems or aerosols, which have significant gaps between sprays.
It is brilliantly designed to eliminate unpleasant odours within the dental practice and is effective against transient smells –such as body odour, tobacco, kitchen odours, eugenol, and more.
Initial Medical prides itself on effective
Whilst aligners and retainers are effective for correcting the occlusion, cleaning neglect can cause plaque to build-up on the aligner, potentially leading to halitosis and oral disease. This risk can be eliminated with Curaprox Aligner Foam, a superb product that protects teeth from harmful bacteria and revitalises the enamel with natural minerals. It creates a smooth moisturising shield for a brighter, healthier smile.
After toothbrushing, Curaprox Aligner Foam can be easily applied in two ways. Patients can either directly squirt it into the mouth and use their tongue to spread the foam evenly over their teeth, or they can apply the foam to their cleaned aligners, retainers or mouthguards before putting them back in.
“I was thrilled to join the board because many of the mentors I admire have served in this role before me.
I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact they made, not just within the ADI, but in the broader implant community as well. Their dedication and leadership inspired me, and I’m excited to contribute in a similar way.”
Implant planning can take up a lot of chair time, impacting the patient’s experience and limiting the dentist’s ability to see more patients. That can change with Smop, the world’s only implant planning system with true integration between laboratory and clinician.
For more information, please visit: www.adi.org.uk
Become a member today n
A cloud-based planning and communication tool from Swissmeda – Carestream Dental’s clinical software and services portfolio – Smop allows clinicians and laboratories to seamlessly collaborate in real time on shared cases. It features an in-built messenger app where data and information can be easily uploaded for both parties to access, helping ensure the success of the implant.
increased efficiency for favourable results, you can treat more patients each day.
To revolutionise the implant planning process, try Smop.
For more information on Smop visit: www.carestreamdental.com
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk n adi.org.uk
his colleagues carried out the installation of the equipment with amazing expertise and efficiency. We are over the moon with the outcome and our surgeries now look great and work very well.
“The aftercare from Clark Dental service team has also been amazing. Our only regret is that we should have done this sooner.”
For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk n
and environmentally friendly solutions wherever possible. Initial Essence is free from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), added volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and propellants, making it an eco-friendly alternative to standard aerosol technology. Plus, all fragrance cartridges are fully recyclable.
To find out more about improving the fragrance in your practice, contact the team today.
To find out more, get in touch at 0808 304 7411 or visit the website today www.initial. co.uk/medical n
Smop massively reduces turnaround times by safely improving accuracy and allowing clinicians to work on planning anytime, anywhere. With
BRILLIANT Crios from COLTENE is a reinforced CAD/CAM composite for permanent aesthetic restoration.
Compared to ceramics, BRILLIANT Crios CAD/CAM composite dental material offers considerable advantages. With high flexural strength, it has excellent shock-absorbing effects, making it an excellent material for implant-supported crowns. There is no firing process required, meaning effortless and efficient handling. BRILLIANT Crios can also be modified and repaired as needed.
BRILLIANT Crios has natural aesthetics with 15 shades in three translucencies to blend in perfectly with natural teeth, making it the ideal choice for single tooth restorations in the anterior as well as posterior region. This
For patients with a diastema or spaces, using a toothbrush may fail to clean between the teeth. An interdental brush is the solution, and the FLEXI range from TANDEX will tackle the hidden plaque effectively.
Recommended by dentists and dental hygienists, the FLEXI series has 11 different sizes, with larger ones ideal for cleaning around braces and diastemas. Reaching all the places a toothbrush cannot, the FLEXI reduces plaque and massages the gums to create a comfortable and clean experience, especially when used with the easily applied PREVENT Gel from TANDEX.
Featuring a flexible handle and a malleable
For more information on Curaprox Aligner Foams and other Curaprox products, you can arrange a Practice Educational Meeting and find out how you can help promote oral health for all.
To arrange a Practice Educational Meeting with your Curaden Development Manager please email us on sales@curaden.co.uk
For more information, please visit www.curaprox.co.uk and www.curaden.co.uk n
carestreamdental.com
includes all conventional indications such as inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers.
To find out more, contact the team today!
To find out more visit www.coltene.com, email info.uk@coltene.com or call 0800 254 5115 n
brush, the FLEXI is a simple yet effective addition to the daily dental hygiene routine. By getting to the places that toothbrushes cannot, the FLEXI is a key ally in fighting off oral health complications.
For more information on Tandex’s range of products, visit https://tandex.dk/ Our products are also available from DHB Oral Healthcare https://dhb.co.uk/ n
The Dental Elite Benchmarking Report 2024 offers an up-to-the-minute snapshot of the current dental market and shares average revenue and expenditure figures for practices across the UK.
Key findings include:
• Average practice turnover grew by just over 11%
• NHS revenue reduced slightly
• Mixed practices experienced the highest profit margins
• A significant increase in patient plans was confirmed (23%)
To see how your practice stands up against others in the market, the full report can be downloaded from the website. The Dental Elite team are also available to provide further
market insights and bespoke advice on how you could enhance the value of your business, whether that involves optimising space, diversifying revenue streams or managing staff more effectively.
For more information, or to download the Benchmarking Report 2024, please visit dentalelite.co.uk/benchmarking-report, or contact the team on 01788 545900n
Get outstanding images in seconds with the CS 7200 Neo Edition from Carestream Dental.
A compact imaging plate system with a sleek aesthetic, the CS 7200 Neo Edition is an ideal technology that fits comfortably in your practice for chairside use. It offers high-resolution images within a fast yet simple workflow, maximising treatment times and enhancing the patient experience with its efficiency.
The CS 7200 Neo Edition is easy to use –simply insert the plate, scan it and then provide a confident diagnosis from the image. The system automatically recognises images and sends them to the appropriate patient file. This creates an intelligent and reliable workflow, reducing the risk of error. The CS 7200 Neo Edition also erases the plates afterwards, making them ready for reuse and saving time
for the practice staff.
By using the CS 7200 Neo Edition, you can provide fast treatments that accelerate the patient journey and save you time.
For more information on the CS 7200 Neo Edition visit www.carestreamdental.com
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk n
The BRILLIANT Lumina system from COLTENE offers patients effective brightening treatment without the use of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Instead, the BRILLIANT Lumina is based on an innovative formula containing the active ingredient PAP (phthalimido peroxy caproic acid), which significantly reduces damage to teeth while effectively brightening teeth.
This means no tooth sensitivity during or after treatment, and no harmful erosion of the tooth structure.
The BRILLIANT Lumina Kit contains everything you need to offer effective in-office treatment, including gel, activator liquid and a brochure with clear patient
Exclusively open to dental professionals who are part of the Gensmile Group, join us on 25th January 2025 to learn the core principles of Individually Trained Oral Prophylaxis (iTOP).
The event is ideal for those who are eager to elevate their practice by using advanced techniques and strategies for effective biofilm control.
Led by iTOP lecturers Diane Rochford and Louise Baguely and iTOP instructor Ela Deska-Sarwar, the seminar offers invaluable insights into the latest innovations in oral hygiene and patient care.
So, register today and join us at Precision Dental Studio, Berkshire, for immersive hands-on training using the Touch2Teach methodology.
information. Lumina is the ideal choice for dental practices wishing to offer their patients a natural and safe experience.
To schedule your customised product demonstration, contact the team today!
For more on COLTENE, visit https:// lumina.coltene.com/, email info.uk@coltene. com or call 0800 254 5115.n
25th January 2025, Precision Dental Studio, Berkshire https://curadenacademy.com/en/ events/4893-itop-introductory-gensmile-ukjanuary-2025
For more information, please visit: https://curadenacademy.com/en/ n
Amanda Dillaway is the Practice Manager at Brampton Dental Practice in Cambridgeshire. She comments on the team’s experience of working with Eschmann:
“Our engineer, Gary Conway, recommended the Enbio autoclave as the best fit for us when our old machine couldn’t be repaired any more. The Eschmann team took away our old equipment and installed the new machine while providing training for the team – it was also kindly made clear that we could arrange any further training if needed.
“Since the new equipment was installed, we have received a fast and efficient response from Eschmann regarding any information or clarification we needed.
“The team think the Enbio is brilliant, especially because it is big enough to fit the implant kits –
For an enjoyable work experience, comfort is key. That’s why Clark Dental supplies treatment centres which provide optimal positioning. The experienced team will help you find the best option for you, including the A-DEC 500.
The expertly designed treatment centre ensures everything you need is comfortably within reach, enabling you to be close to your patients for optimal access, and ensure a clear view when you need it most.
The A-DEC 500 features a perfect position headrest, adjustable with the press of a lever to ensure the best view and access angles. And, the treatment centre’s thin and flexible back allows you to work in a comfortable position.
For more information, please contact the Clark Dental team.
Dental Elite offers bespoke recruitment services, to help talented professionals find the best opportunities, as well as to meet the requirements of all its valued clients.
The company is thrilled to welcome Mark Rushton to the Dental Elite recruitment team. As an experienced recruitment resourcer, he identifies and attracts top talent, connecting them with dental practices, to meet their specific needs.
As part of Dental Elite’s excellent recruitment team, Mark will work tirelessly to ensure the right practices are matched with the right candidates.
Whether you are a dental practice
It’s important that you know and trust the team you are referring your patients to for advanced or specialist treatment. We understand that at EndoCare, which is why we welcome clinicians to visit our practices in London in order to get to know us and how we work.
Our priority is providing first-class endodontic care for your patients. We are also passionate about professional collaboration and will work with you to design and deliver the best possible treatment for your patients. You remain involved throughout the process and we will ensure that you are confident with any post-operative care requirements once your patients return to you after the referred treatment.
We are proud of our state-of-the-art facilities, evidence-based techniques and amazing clinicians.
our implant dentist brings kits from other practices, so we need to sterilise them before use. The fast cycle time makes a huge difference to the turn-around of instruments.
“We would certainly recommend Eschmann to other practices – our team has worked with them for many years now. Whenever we contact the Eschmann team, whether by phone or text, we always get a quick answer and all the help and information that we need. They’re excellent.”
For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of infection control products from Eschmann, please visit the website or call 01903 753322 n
eschmann.co.uk
looking to secure a great colleague, or a professional looking for a great place to work, Dental Elite has a solution for you.
To find out more, contact the team today.
For more information contact the Dental Elite team on 01788 545900
https://dentalelite.co.uk/n
n
Kiroku is already superpowered, saving clinicians literally hours of time making notes and producing essential documentation. The new advanced AI assistant features in Kiroku are designed by dentists to be a total gamechanger.
New voice transcription features allow you to create consultation notes from your discussions with patients in real time. This ensures an accurate record every time, safeguarding clinicians, and facilitating more effective communication with patients.
Once the information is input, you have everything you need for documentation, including summaries, advice and information for patients, professional referral letters and consent forms, all converted from consultation notes at the touch of a button.
With the amazing AI features from Kiroku, you can audit all your notes instantly, never missing a key detail again. The system learns from your style, and provides relevant input prompts and suggestions for edits to templates to make your life easier.
Find out more by contacting the team today! To find out more about Kiroku, or to start your free trial, please visit trykiroku.com n
BRILLIANT EverGlow® composite from COLTENE allows highly aesthetic and long-lasting restorations to be achieved effortlessly. BRILLIANT EverGlow® is an exceptionally durable solution, suitable for anterior and posterior restorations.
With smooth consistency and dimensional stability, BRILLIANT EverGlow® handles brilliantly, and is incredibly easy to apply. It has excellent wettability, making it ideal for luting. When a lower viscosity, format is needed, BRILLIANT EverGlow® Flow is an excellent solution.
High polishability, a lustrous finish, and a versatile combination of shades and translucencies gives clinicians the flexibility to achieve a beautiful result perfectly blending in with patients’ natural teeth.
A busy practice can put a strain on workloads, with a risk of miscommunication. Note-taking is a crucial part of communicating, and using Kiroku can make it fast and easy.
An AI-driven platform, Kiroku makes note taking 60% faster, incorporating clickable templates and customised options to get the important details down in a flash. This will make handovers for emergency appointments, dental hygienists and receptionists quicker, with minimal waiting time. The industry leader in dental AI, Kiroku can help avoid team burnout, with dental nurses never having to struggle spelling complex terminology again. For non-native English and neurodivergent staff, Kiroku can empower workers by providing confidence and speed with communication.
BRILLIANT EverGlow® composite is an enduringly brilliant restorative material you can be proud to offer your patients. To find out more, contact the team today! To find out more visit www.coltene.com, email info.uk@coltene.com or call 0800 254 5115n
coltene.com
To keep on top of your practice workload, having Kiroku’s extra pair of invisible hands will streamline your note taking to ensure that every detail is recorded accurately and quickly. Get ahead of the curve by incorporating Kiroku.
To find out more about Kiroku, or to start your free trial, please visit trykiroku.com n
If you have been left wanting from your current decontamination equipment service provider, consider making a switch. Eschmann – the expert in infection control – is proud to offer the truly comprehensive Care & Cover service and maintenance package. With no hidden fees, this guarantees access to unlimited breakdown cover and Eschmann original parts and labour, as well as Annual Validation & Pressure Vessel Certification, annual servicing and software upgrades, and enhanced CPD user training. We also offer a UK-based technical support telephone line and a network of 50+ Eschmann-trained engineers nationwide, who fix 91% of issues in their first visit.
Don’t wait for an equipment malfunction
Dr Zunezo Sadiq, dental surgeon at Acorn Dental, Birmingham, shares his experience with the Fixed Brace course from IAS Academy:
“I chose the Fixed Brace course because I’d heard of Dr Tif Qureshi (founder and clinical director of IAS Academy) and seen his work online. Based on the type of care that he was promoting, I wanted to practice it myself.
“The course really opens up doors to doing more alignment cases, but also treating more wear and composite cases. This helps to open up options to my patients, too.
“It’s a course that has been running for a while. I know a lot of clinicians that have completed it, and its overall really good!
“I’ve already recommended the course and IAS Academy to everyone I know!”
The Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) Team Congress 2025 promises to be a fantastic event, drawing in experts from around the world to discuss a wide range of topics relevant to the field of dental implantology. Specialist prosthodontist, Professor Joseph Kan, will be joining us from the US to present a session focussed on anterior implant aesthetics. He shares an insight into what attendees can expect from his lecture:
“My session at the ADI Team Congress 2025 will centre around anterior implant aesthetics, with hard and soft tissue management around immediately placed implants in the aesthetic zone a particular focus. I will discuss everything from simple
to complex cases, including complication management, to give delegates a comprehensive overview of the topic, relevant to their individual level of expertise.
“I hope that attendees will see my session as an updated guideline for managing complications in aesthetic immediate dental implant treatment.”
For more information, please visit www.adi.org.uk
Become a member today.n
Financial concerns are prevalent in dentistry, and can quickly begin to affect everyday life. Understand your situation and develop plans for future financial security with the help of money4dentists.
With a legacy of exclusively serving dentists for decades, the team of independent financial advisers is uniquely situated to help manage the quirks that dentistry brings to personal and business finances.
Clinicians can receive support for a range of needs, including help with investment choices, pension and retirement planning solutions, and insurance policies.
money4dentists is now proudly a part of the Ruby Group, meaning the expertise available to clinicians has grown even further. Book a free consultation today to find out how the team can support your needs, and help you feel more financially confident. For more information, please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754DENTIST. Email info@money4dentists.com or visit www. money4dentists.comn
AeronaDental software includes an innovative Design & Sign feature, which allows you to create professional documents for your patients to review and sign, according to totally customisable templates. Patients can sign those vital documents from a remote setting, in order for treatments to proceed, statements to be created, or updates to medical history questionnaires Total security is assured. Patients can sign documents with complete confidence, and a fully digital, streamlined audit trail makes tracking correspondence easy and convenient, providing you with peace of mind.
Switching to digital documentation with Design & Sign enables you to go paperless,
It is easy for a lot of hard work to go unnoticed in dentistry. But for members of the British Endodontic Society (BES), brilliance isn’t just encouraged – it is celebrated.
The BES Awards honour those who have gone above and beyond in endodontology. Undergraduates can enter such prestigious competitions as the Harty Essay Prize and the Undergraduate Research Prize, whilst the Inspirational Part/Full-time Lecturer Awards honour those educating the next generation of dentists.
The General Dental Practitioner Prize is highly competitive, with the largest proportion of BES members being eligible for this award, supporting the development of endodontic skills
or a failed CQC inspection to discover that your equipment is not sufficiently covered or validated by your current service provider. Check your service contract today and make a change for complete confidence that you’ll be protected in the future.
For more information on leading Eschmann decontamination products, please visit www. eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 753322 n
eschmann.co.uk
Dental professionals can develop their skills and provide new levels of care when they take IAS Academy courses.
To find out more about the opportunities available to you, contact the team today.
For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www. iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1) n
saving on money, space and your carbon footprint.
Find out more about Design & Sign from AeronaDental today!
For more information, please visit aerona.com n
and knowledge amongst the frontline clinicians. With award winners receiving such rewards as a BES certificate, a cash prize or a free BES membership for a year (depending on the award), BES Awards are a great way to achieve recognition.
To push your skills to the next level and partake in a healthily competitive environment, join the BES today.
For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit the website www. britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 07762945847n
There’s a lot to be said for luck. It can play an important role in your career and personal life.
Here’s the secret: you can prepare for luck. You can increase your luck. Detractors will scoff and say that you can’t influence the amount of luck you have. However, I believe you can influence the amount of luck you have and should factor it into your thinking.
A growing body of research has found that, to a large extent, you make your own luck. It isn’t all about fate and circumstance. Other than when you buy a lottery ticket!
Rather, luck is largely a product of the choices you make.
My mentor, Lily Head, always told me that, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
I’ve found that to be true in my own career. However, it wasn’t all about the level of effort I gave.
I found that luck was about putting myself into situations where I could succeed – and by taking a calculated risk.
Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire, in a large study on
luck, found that lucky people make the maximum of the opportunities they encounter. They choose to be open to new experiences and they listen to their guts.
This is one example Richard Wiseman shares to support his theories:
Barnett Helzberg Jr. is a lucky man. By 1994, he had built up a chain of highly successful jewellery stores with an annual revenue of around $300 million. One day, he was walking past the Plaza Hotel in New York when he heard a woman call out, “Hey, Warren Buffett!” Helzberg wondered whether the man might be Warren Buffett – one of the most successful investors in America. Helzberg had never met Buffett but had read about the financial criteria that Buffett used when buying a company. Helzberg had recently turned 60, was thinking of selling his company, and realised that his might be the type of company that would interest Buffett. Helzberg seized the opportunity, walked over to the stranger and introduced himself. The man did indeed turn out to be Warren Buffett, and the chance meeting proved highly fortuitous
Wiseman gave lucky and unlucky people a newspaper and asked them to look through it and tell him how many photographs were inside. On average, the unlucky people took about two minutes to count the photographs whereas the lucky people took just seconds. Why? Because the second page of the newspaper contained the message, “Stop counting – there are 43 photographs in this newspaper.” This message took up half of the page and was written in type that was over two inches high. It was staring everyone straight in the face, but the unlucky people tended to miss it and the lucky people tended to spot it.
Just for fun, Wiseman placed a second large message halfway through the newspaper. This one announced: “Stop counting, tell the experimenter you have seen this and win $250.” Again, the unlucky people missed the opportunity because they were still too busy looking for photographs. Personality tests revealed that unlucky people are generally much more tense and anxious than lucky people, and research has shown that anxiety disrupts people’s ability to notice the unexpected.
What can we do to increase our luck?
Prepare ourselves: If luck involves taking advantage of unexpected opportunities, then we need to be prepared to act. In a business context, this means mastering our relationship skills and possessing the business acumen that helps us spot and take advantage of a previously unknown opportunity.
because, about a year later, Buffett agreed to buy Helzberg’s chain of stores. All because Helzberg just happened to be walking by as a woman called out Buffett’s name on a street corner in New York.
Lucky people are always trying new things. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” This makes perfect sense, as the more things you try, or experiments you attempt, the more opportunities you are creating where you can succeed.
Wayne Gretsky, the legendary Canadian ice hockey player, famously said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Lucky people are also undaunted by failure. They are optimists who are able to see the positives to be learned from a negative situation. If they try and fail, the lucky try again. By contrast, rigid rule followers rarely get lucky.
Wiseman conducted an experiment to try to understand why some people seemed to live charmed lives, while others experienced one disappointment after another.
Eliminate “I can’t” from our vocabulary: Give ourselves permission to experiment and experience new things. Learn from our failures and keep moving. Luck rarely hits a stationary target.
Keep learning: Try new things. This is an important way to continue learning about our craft, growing our capabilities, and expanding our opportunities.
Be consistent: Being lucky is hard work. It requires that we consistently apply the effort required to put ourselves into situations where we are given the opportunity to succeed. Make the extra call. Proactively build relationships. Look for opportunities to connect with and help other people. Expand our network. Give more than we take.
On that note, this is a good time for me to wish you, your family and colleagues the best of making your own luck in 2025. n
about the author
abi Greenhough, Managing Director of Lily Head Dental Practice sales.
Labour’s first budget on 30th October confirmed an (expected) increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) from 6th April 2025. Although this may not have been as bad as some expected, questions are being asked as to whether this is the first step to further increases in the future.
CGT is taxed on the profit made from the sale of certain assets, including those used in a business. Business asset disposal relief (formerly known as Entrepreneurs’ Relief) provides a reduced CGT rate of 10% for eligible disposals, subject to lifetime limits. From 6th April 2025, this will increase to 14% and, from 6th April 2026, this will increase again, to 18%. After the first £1m of gain, CGT rates have increased from 20% to 24%, effective now.
Assuming a gain of £500,000 from sales proceeds, these changes mean that a business owner would pay £70,000 in CGT completing a sale on 6th April 2025, and £90,000 in CGT completing on 6th April 2026. This is compared to £50,000 in CGT if the sale completed on or before 5th April 2025. With dental practice values remaining high, and business owners expecting potential increases to CGT in the future, many looking to retire in the next three-five years are starting to consider whether to sell sooner to minimise their potential tax at the point of sale.
Dental practice sales can be notoriously slow compared to other business disposals, with the likes of NHS, CQC and property aspects to handle alongside the normal business
Over the last few years, social media platforms have become powerful tools, enabling dental professionals to connect with patients, share knowledge, and simplify complex treatments. Among these platforms, TikTok has gained unprecedented popularity, not just for its entertainment value but also as a dynamic medium for educational content. One format that has proven particularly effective is the use of green screen responses, where dentists address concerns or comments from their audience in real time. This format not only allows dental experts to engage directly with patients but also to build trust and credibility in an accessible, creative, and fun way.
Why TikTok? TikTok’s short-form video format and broad reach make it an ideal platform for dentists to spread information to a large audience. TikTok enables real time, multimedia communication that can resonate with patients long before they set foot in a clinic.
due diligence. So, is there a way to maximise the possibility to complete a sale in good time, to meet these CGT deadlines, and reduce tax on your sale profits? Yes and no.
The constricting time factors within a dental practice sale are typically a new provider CQC application (1216 weeks) and, where applicable, a 28-day notice period for a new NHS partnership, assuming an NHS asset sale. Then we must, of course, factor in time for sale negotiations and any banking requirements. Don’t forget, this is all after you have already marketed the practice and found a buyer.
Whilst external factors are largely out of a buyer and seller’s control, during a practice sale there is also responsibility on a seller to provide an abundance of information. The sales agent, buyer, solicitors, CQC, NHS and buyer’s bank will all require information from the seller to be able to complete their parts of the practice sale.
It is possible for legal work for a practice sale to be completed within five-six months (for an asset sale), with share sales having the potential to complete even quicker. However, typical timescales are currently nine-12 months. Whilst there can be unexpected external delays, the majority of time is usually spent waiting for due diligence information from the seller, resolving issues that have arisen during the due diligence process, or property issues.
Each solicitor’s due diligence questionnaire is different, and the information requested will be tailored to your practice and property. However,
there is a bulk of standard information requested for each practice.
If you have an NHS contract, you will be asked for a copy of the actual contract – something that many owners can’t find and need to request a copy of from their ICB. As you can imagine, this doesn’t always come through immediately! You will need an asbestos survey, which may require an external surveyor to be booked in. You will need to provide copies of all service contracts you hold, which you may need to request a copy of from each provider. You will need your latest accounts and to factor in time for your accountant to process these.
Sellers are often shocked by the amount of information asked of them during the sale legal process. It is an onerous task. Yet, there is unfortunately no way in which the due diligence can be avoided.
Given that each practice and premises are different, there will be enquiries specific to you. In addition, some of the due diligence required is time sensitive. As such, there is no sure-fire way to ensure that you will be able to provide all due diligence replies on day one of the transaction. But, by preparing the standard due diligence documents earlier rather than later, and having these to hand at the start of the sale, you can save significant time collating full replies. Subsequently, reducing the time it takes to sell your practice.
At PFM, our sales and valuations, finance, and legal teams all work together to help sellers front load information gathering.
PFM Dental offers a comprehensive range of professional services exclusively for dentists. Since 1990 we have been trusted advisers to the dental profession with a hard won reputation for sound, ethical and independent advice. Our services incorporate 4 key departments: practice sales and valuations, independent financial advice, dental accountancy and dental legal services.
https://pfmdental.co.uk/
about the author samantha Hodgson is a finance broker and practice valuer at PfM Dental.
If you are reading this and want to sell your practice before 6th April 2026, you need to speak to us now. Delaying could cost you thousands in extra tax. n
Unlike Instagram or Facebook, which are more curated and polished, TikTok encourages authenticity and interaction. This less formal approach allows dental professionals to humanise their practice, showing empathy and understanding while addressing patient concerns directly. By responding to questions about specific treatments, such as teeth whitening or orthodontics, dentists can highlight the services they offer in a natural, informative way. This makes TikTok a valuable lead generation tool in addition to its educational benefits.
The green screen feature, in particular, has become a favourite tool. By using this function, dentists can overlay themselves on top of user comments or videos, responding to specific questions, concerns, or misconceptions in real time. This visual format allows for personalised responses, which can be far more engaging than a generic explanation or a comment reply.
For instance, when a user asks, “Do veneers ruin your teeth?”, a dentist can respond directly, providing factual information while standing in front of the
comment itself. This method adds a layer of personalisation, making the viewer feel as though the dentist is speaking directly to them. It’s a perfect opportunity for professionals to dispel myths, explain procedures, and promote accurate oral health information in a way that feels tailored and relatable.
Additionally, the green screen feature can highlight X-rays, diagrams, or before and after photos of dental treatments, enhancing the educational impact of the video. This is particularly useful when explaining more complex topics, like root canal therapy or dental implant placement. The ability to break down these concepts in a visual, bite-sized way will significantly improve patient understanding and ease anxiety about treatments.
Patients who see their dentist responding directly to common concerns will generally feel more comfortable seeking care and addressing their own dental issues. Furthermore, dentists who consistently produce these educational videos will become trusted sources of information within their community, both on TikTok and beyond.
TikTok’s green screen videos are also a powerful marketing tool. A single video has the potential to reach millions of users, including those who may not actively seek out dental content but happen upon it through TikTok’s algorithm. This passive exposure can be particularly valuable for younger generations, who tend to use TikTok as their primary source of entertainment and information. As dentistry evolves, the way we communicate with patients must adapt as well. TikTok’s green screen feature presents an innovative opportunity for dentists to engage with patients and by embracing this new medium, dentists can foster trust, expand their reach, and ultimately contribute to better oral health outcomes for their patients. n
about the author Jay Dickens, social Media Manager at connect My Marketing - Meta and Google certified. connectmymarketing.com
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Despite the turbulence experienced in most areas of the UK economy of late, the dental practice sales market has remained buoyant. For buyers and sellers alike, there have been good deals to be made, with opportunities to take the allimportant next step in their careers.
If you are thinking about selling a practice in the coming years, there are various factors to consider in order to maximise the value of your business. Among them, you will need to be acutely aware of your financial situation, which includes having a tight handle on your business income and spending. From here, you can make adjustments where necessary to improve both the daily operation of your business and its value in the long-term. Of course, this is a balancing act. You need to invest enough into the practice to maintain high clinical standards, a supported professional team and happy patients, which means purchasing new products, equipment and services on a fairly regular basis. This spending needs to be offset by the benefits that solutions afford either patients or professionals, and it needs to be appropriately proportioned to the practice’s income. When these aspects are out of balance, profits will suffer and the business value will be reduced accordingly. However, when margins are maximised and debt serviceability carefully managed, a practice will operate at its strongest and
fetch the highest possible price should it go on the market.
Though comparison with other practices should always be approached with some caution, understanding market norms can be useful for principals assessing their businesses. Reviewing average spending and income for practices of a similar size and set-up can offer reassurance that you’re doing well or provide motivation to make some positive changes.
Given that finances are a very personal matter that most people are uncomfortable or not willing to discuss – especially with someone who may be considered a competitor – it is unlikely that you’ll be able to strike up such a conversation with a colleague down the road. Instead, market-wide research and reports can be a useful resource.
The Dental Elite Benchmarking Report 2024, for example, offers an up-to-theminute snapshot of the broader UK dental market. This demonstrated that turnover increased for practices between 2023 and 2024, other than those offering predominantly NHS services. The average revenue rise was just over 11%, broadly attributed to higher fees and demand for services. It’s important to note that these calculations were based on year-end accounts from 2023, so inflation may not yet be represented in full. Interestingly, the greatest growth in revenue (23%) resulted from introducing patient payment plans. This makes sense given that dental fees have increased substantially in past few years, hindering access to dentistry for many patients.
On the whole, NHS revenue has remained stable between the two years, which reflects the limitations in fee changes compared to private practices. That said, the profession-wide shift towards private treatment remains evident, with an increase in private and plan-based dentistry being delivered across the UK.
With regards to expenditure, routine costs have remained fairly consistent for all types of dental providers. Expenses are compared between practices in terms of percentiles in order to more accurately ascertain the changes in revenue and costs. Take staff wages as an example. The report found that, while the cost of employing people has risen considerably,
You may have a target for your retirement age, a date circled on a mental calendar in thick red pen. It could be looming soon, or decades away, but as a dental professional, you must understand your pension and contributions long before it matters most. Doing so can help you maximise the rewards you receive after you have handed the baton to colleagues that succeed you.
Dentists have a number of different pension schemes that they can pay into. One is the NHS pension, which has undergone some changes this year.
General dental practitioners become eligible if they are a General Dental Services (GDS) or Personal Dental Services (PDS) provider or performer. A provider is a contractor, for example a partner, sole trader or shareholder who holds a GDS or PDS contact/agreement, and a performer (associate) is a qualified dentist who works for a GDS/PDS provider. Eligible clinicians are automatically made members.
Figures published last year found that more than 75,000 workers pulled out of the NHS pension scheme in the financial year 2022-23 – of these, 25,000 were under 30 years old.
Many of these professionals may have taken this course of action to help cope with the cost of living crisis, but clinicians
should understand the magnitude of such a decision.
As of April 2024, NHS dentists could benefit from an employer contribution rate of 23.7% of pensionable pay, which increased upon the 20.6% set in April 2019. The latest Employers Pension Provision Survey looked at the 2018/19 financial year, but even then, the mean average employer contribution across the assessed automatic enrolment schemes was just 4%. The benefit of the NHS scheme, compared to those in private businesses, is clear.
This number is usually revised every four years, and measures the full cost of paying pension benefits to current pensioners.ii
Member contributions are affected by the pensionable pay earned. The member contribution structure that was implemented in late 2022 meant that pensionable pay was divided up into eleven separate tiers, each with their own member contribution rate.
Now, there are just six tiers. This simplifies the contribution rate structure, and – with the exception of the lowest tier – ¬is reassessed every year. Providers and performers who work under both a General Dental Services (GDS) or Personal
this was mostly offset by increases in revenue and so resulted in little difference when assessing the cost of employment as an expression of revenue. On the whole, costs remain stable and payouts are lower thanks to a small reduction in associate payouts. Mixed practices maintain the highest profit margins. To see how your practice stands up against others in the market, the full report can be downloaded from the website. The Dental Elite team are also available to provide further market insights and bespoke advice on how you could enhance the value of your business, whether that involves optimising space, diversifying revenue streams or managing staff more effectively. Whether you plan to sell your practice in two or 22 years, creating and implementing a strategic approach to business growth will ensure you maximise the value of your practice when the time comes.
For more information, or to download the Benchmarking Report 2024, visit dentalelite.co.uk/benchmarking-report/, or contact the team on 01788 545900.
Dental Services (PDS) contract are eligible to contribute portions of their pensionable pay when providing NHS treatment.
Is it right for you?
Throughout August, clinicians may have also seen the potential for the UK to turn to a Canadian-inspired pension system. Clinicians may be interested to see how this could affect an NHS pension, and the best people to turn to would be independent financial advisers, like those at money4dentists.
The money4dentists team has decades of experience exclusively supporting dentists in their financial needs. This includes insights for pension planning, no matter the stage of your career. Dentists can contact the money4dentists team and learn more about their unique financial and pension situation, and learn more about where their money is going.
The NHS pension is renowned as one of the most generous available to UK workers, and has many elements that are key to understand to maximise value. With the support of an independent financial adviser, clinicians can be confident that their investments will be fruitful come retirement.
For more information, please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754DENTIST.
Email info@money4dentists.com or visit www.money4dentists.com
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