The Probe January 2026

Colgate® Duraphat®, the only fluoride varnish that carries the weight of clinical evidence* See overleaf for more details and prescribing information...

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Colgate® Duraphat®, the only fluoride varnish that carries the weight of clinical evidence* Colgate® Duraphat® is the only fluoride varnish licensed for caries control in the UK† • Releases free fluoride ions for 6 months1 • Fast and easy application • Temporary visual tint to aid application • Pleasant taste and fruity smell2

22,600 ppm Fluoride

Protect your patients, your team and your dental practitioners’ prescribing responsibilities with Colgate® Duraphat® Fluoride Varnish 3-7 Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Adverse events should also be reported to Colgate-Palmolive (U.K.) by calling 00-800-321-321-32.

*For caries control. †Colgate® Duraphat® fluoride varnish for patients 3 years of age and over. References: 1. Seppä L. Caries Res 1984; 18 278-281. 2. https://www.childsmile.nhs.scot/parents-carers/fluoride-varnishing/ 3. Delivering better oral health - an evidence-based toolkit for prevention, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ 2021. 4. Marinho VCC, Worthington HV, Walsh T, Clarkson JE. Fluoride varnishes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013. 5. The use of fluoride varnish by dental nurses to control caries. NHS. Primary Care Commissioning, 2009. 6. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/supply-and-administration-of-medicinesby-dental-hygienists-and-dental-therapists/ 7. https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/wp- content/uploads/sites/12/2016/09/avoidance-doubt-v4-1.pdf.

Name of the medicinal product: Colgate® Duraphat® 50mg/ml Dental Suspension. Active ingredients: 1ml of suspension contains 50mg Sodium Fluoride equivalent to 22.6mg of Fluoride (22,600 ppm F-) Indications: For the prevention of caries in children and adults as part of a comprehensive control programme., desensitisation of hypersensitive teeth. Dosage and administration: Recommended dosage for single application: for milk teeth: up to 0.25ml (=5.65mg Fluoride), for mixed dentition: up to 0.40ml (=9.04 Fluoride), for permanent dentition: up to 0.75ml (=16.95 Fluoride). For caries prophylaxis the application is usually repeated every 6 months but more frequent applications (every 3 months) may be made. For hypersensitivity, 2 or 3 applications should be made within a few days. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to colophony and/or any other constituents.

Ulcerative gingivitis. Stomatitis. Bronchial asthma. Special warnings and special precautions for use: If the whole dentition is being treated the application should not be carried out on an empty stomach. On the day of application other high fluoride preparations such a fluoride gel should be avoided. Fluoride supplements should be suspended for several days after applying Duraphat®. Interactions with other medicines: The presence of alcohol in the Duraphat® formula should be considered. Undesirable effects: Oedematous swelling has been observed in subjects with tendency to allergic reactions. The dental suspension layer can easily be removed from the mouth by brushing and rinsing. In rare cases, asthma attacks may occur in patients who have bronchial asthma. Legal classification: POM. Product licence number: PL 00049/0042. Product licence holder: Colgate-Palmolive (U.K.) Limited, Goldsworth Place, 1 Forge End, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6DB. Price: £22.70 excl VAT (10ml tube) Date of revision of text: June 2024.

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12/12/2025 10:28:49

Department of Health and Social Care unveils NHS dentistry reforms The Department of Health and Social Care and Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock MP have revealed a set of reforms for NHS dentistry that it is hoped will provide a major boost for millions of NHS dental patients. The changes are designed to enable patients to access urgent care more efficiently.

What is described as an overhaul of NHS dentistry will see patients with the most urgent dental needs and those requiring complex treatments prioritised.

There are also new incentives for those under the NHS dental contract to offer longer-term treatments for major issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, through the NHS. The government states that deep-rooted reforms are fundamental to its wider rescue plan for dentistry, including the rolling out of urgent and emergency care appointments, supervised toothbrushing for 3-to-5-year-olds, and water fluoridation schemes to reduce decay.

Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “We inherited a broken NHS dental system and have worked at pace to start fixing it – rolling out urgent and emergency appointments and bringing in supervised toothbrushing for young children in the most deprived areas.

Now we are tackling the deep-rooted problems so patients can have faith in NHS dentistry – these changes will make it easier for anyone with urgent dental needs to get NHS treatment, preventing painful conditions from spiralling into avoidable hospital admissions.

“This is about putting patients first and supporting those with the greatest need, while backing our NHS dentists, making the contract more attractive, and giving them the resources to deliver more.

This marks the first step towards a new era for NHS dentistry after a decade of

decline, one that delivers for patients and our dedicated dental professionals.”

Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer for England, said: “Dentists have been working tirelessly to care for patients, and I want to thank them for their dedication. We listened closely to the profession, and these reforms are centred on improving patients’ experience, from getting urgent care more easily to supporting longer-term and preventative treatment, especially for children.

“By recognising the work of the wide range of professionals in dental teams and making better use of their skills, the NHS can help ensure patients see clear benefits from the changes being made.”

The government will proceed with what is being hailed as ‘the most significant modernisation of the NHS dental contract

in years’, following a consultation with the sector and the public.

Additionally, to provide a boost for children’s dental health, dental nurses are to be encouraged to apply fluoride varnish to children’s teeth. Dental staff will also reportedly receive a fairer payment for applying fissure sealants to protect children’s teeth from decay as NHS dentistry shifts towards prevention first and foremost.

Dr Oosh Devalia, President of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD), said: “BSPD welcomes the announcement on NHS dental contract reform as a positive step and we look forward to seeing what this means for children and young people. Having a contract with prevention at its heart must be the way forward, and the recommendations we submitted during

the consultation period are focused on ensuring that the children most in need are prioritised to receive the dental services they deserve.

“A prevention approach will have the biggest impact when it is designed to target the most vulnerable children in our communities. As ever, BSPD looks forward to working with policymakers to establish the details to ensure that the dental contract really delivers for children.”

To improve staff retention, NHS dental teams will receive more support through annual reviews, and learning and development opportunities, in addition to government funding to support sick leave and guidance on NHS contractual terms and benefits.

Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair, Association of Dental Groups (ADG),commented: “We broadly welcome the dental contract reforms and look forward to receiving more details as soon as possible so that practices have the time and ability to prepare to implement these changes.

The ADG was part of the consultation process and it is good to see that steps are being taken to address the underpayment of more complex care, as well as support urgent care.

“A continuing priority for our members, however, is ensuring that the necessary steps are being taken to shore up the NHS England dental workforce, which we know is short by over 2,500 dentists. Embracing the whole dental workforce is crucial, so to see in the plan further encouragement of the team, including dental nurses to take on treatments, with fairer recompense, is a positive move.”

For further coverage, read former Chief Dental Officer Sara Hurley’s reaction on page 7. 

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CONTENTS

The Probe. Informing the profession since 1959.

A welcome from the editor Happy New Year and welcome to the first issue of The Probe for 2026!

We’re kicking things off with a bang – and there’s no confetti littering the floor, either – as just before Christmas, the Department of Health and Social Care delivered a set of reforms for NHS dentistry. There was no way Santa could compete with that.

If you’ve skipped ahead to this introduction, rewind a couple of pages to read all about it. And for those of you who have familiarised yourselves with the news, we have plenty of analysis to sink your teeth into, starting across from here on page 7, where you’ll see former CDO Sara Hurley’s immediate reaction to the announcement, penned after hearing Care Minister Stephen Kinnock discuss the reforms on Radio 4 Today.

Analysis continues on page 10, where Polly Bhambra explores why the new reforms are a win for dental nurses, even if the system as a whole needs to take more of a wait-and-see approach. Meanwhile, towards the back of the issue, Abi Greenhough of Lily Head Dental Practice Sales examines what the NHS dental reforms mean for practice owners and the sales market.

E: james.cooke@purplems.com T: 01732 371 581 Follow us: @theprobemag

Of course, we have plenty more in store for you this issue, with a particular highlight being a CPD article constructed from a recent episode of The Probe Dental Podcast in which Henry Schein One’s Ben Flewett and James Harker navigate uncertainty and technological change in UK dentistry.

It’s a must-read article on page 48 and a must-watch episode at the-probe.co.uk/podcast – plus, it gives you an hour of verifiable CPD. APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE Some of the industry experts you’ll find throughout the following pages

CONTENTS...

3 News

Sara Hurley Former Chief Dental Officer, England

Dr Colm Harney Dentolegal Consultant Dental Protectio

Polly Bhambra Practice Principal Treetops Dental Surgery

James Balmforth CAM Workflow Specialist Nexus Dental Laboratory

24 Treatment – Ready for reconstruction

42 Oral Health – National Toothache Day

7 Viewpoints – NHS Dentistry Reform reactions

26 Treatment/Education

44 Case Study – Utilising the trapezoidal flap technique

14 Lab – Transforming workflows

28 Advertorials – Solutions that simplify

16 Practice – Keeping the passion alive

30 Professions – Build on what already works

21 Interview – Dr Stephen Selwyn in conversation with Dr Linda Greenwall

34 Denplan – Fresh perspectives

22 Advertorials – Maximising value 23 A-dec – Maintain your dental equipment

Dr Anthony James Aesthetic Dentist Gilmore Dental Practice

Published by Purple Media Solutions The Old School House, St Stephen’s Street Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2AD Tel: 01732 371 570

The Probe is published by Purple Media Solutions.

Registered in England.

Registered number 5949065 Managing Editor: James Cooke Commercial Director: Gary Henson Divisional Administrator: Francesca Smith

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40 The Dental Awards – Manrina Rhode on why you should enter

48 CPD - Navigating uncertainty and technological change in UK dentistry 50 Patient Plan Direct 52 Products 56 Business & Finance – What NHS reforms mean

40

THE D E NTAL AWARD S 2026

Ben Flewett Vice President Henry Schein One International

James Harker Abi Greenhough Executive Director, UK and APAC Managing Director Henry Schein One International Lily Head Dental Practice Sales

6

38 Events – Addressing imposter syndrome

46 Case Study – Taking steps into full arch rehabilitation

48 Production Designer 1 : Lorna Reekie Production Designer 2: Rob Tremain Digital Content Manager: Stephen Wadey Circulation Manager: Andy Kirk Managing Director: Ed Hunt Regular Contributors: Lisa Bainham, Nigel Carter, Barry Cockcroft, Ollie Jupes and Pam Swain E-mail news, stories or opinion to james.cooke@purplems.com Circulation/Subscriptions: The Probe Subscriptions, Perception SaS, PO Box 304, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 9EZ, Tel: 01825 701520, https://purplems.my-subs.co.uk ©Purple Media Solutions Ltd, 2014. All rights reserved. ISSN 0032-9185.

The publisher’s written consent must be obtained before any part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, including photocopies, and information retrieval systems. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the publisher cannot accept

Now open for entries – the-probe.co.uk/awards liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using information printed in this magazine.

The views expressed in The Probe are not necessarily the views of the magazine, nor of Purple Media Solutions Editorial Advisory Board: Dr Barry Oulton, B.Ch.D. DPDS MNLP; Dr Graham Barnby, BDS, DGDP RCS; Dr Ewa Rozwadowska, BDS; Dr Yogi Savania BChD, MFGDP; Dr Ashok Sethi, BDS, DGDP (UK), MGDS RCS; Dr Paroo Mistry BDS MFDS MSc MOrth FDS (orth); Dr Tim Sunnucks, BDS DRDP; Dr Jason Burns, BDS, LDS, DGDP (UK), DFO, MSc; Prof Phillip Dowell, BDS, MScD, DGDP RCS, FICD; Dr Nigel Taylor MDSc, BDS, FDS RCS(Eng), M’Orth RCS(Eng), D’Orth RCS(Eng); Mark Wright BDS(Lon), DGDP RCS(UK), Dip Imp Dent.RCS (Eng) Adv. Cert, FICD; Dr Yasminder Virdee BDS. Readers who fall outside the terms of control may subscribe at the following rates: UK personal £75; UK institutional £95; Europe £225; rest of the world £225.

Printed by Buxton Press

Other titles in the dental portfolio include:

For all enquiries, contact James Cooke, editor, at james.cooke@purplems.com or call 01732 371 581

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viewpoints

NHS Dentistry Reform: The ambition is coherent – the impact is still uncertain Sara Hurley CBE provides a reaction to the news of NHS dental reforms, responding to points set out by Stephen Kinnock on Radio 4 Today

T

he Department of Health and Social Care’s latest announcement on NHS dentistry has been presented as the most significant modernisation of the contract in years.

The ambition is clear: prioritise patients with the greatest need, stabilise urgent care, align recall with clinical risk, and strengthen prevention.

At the level of intent, much of this is clinically sound. The difficulty lies not with the ambition itself, but with the likely impact when these changes are applied within a system already operating at, and beyond, its limits.

For a profession that has lived with the consequences of a failing contract for nearly two decades, that distinction matters.

A clearer ambition at last

There is a noticeable shift in tone from government. For the first time in years, the language explicitly acknowledges that the existing contract can work against patients with complex disease and against the clinicians treating them.

In his interview on the Radio 4 Today programme on 16 December, Stephen Kinnock set out the gover nment’s immediate priorities.

These include embedding a defined proportion of contractual time for urgent and complex care; increasing urgent care payments from around £42 to £75 per case; and introducing a bundled complex care pathway, w i t h u p - f ro n t p a y m e n t s i n t h e region of £250–£750, intended to reduce the financial risk to practices delivering complex treatment.

Capacity is to be created through an explicit expectation that practices apply NICE-aligned risk-based recall , thereby deprioritising lower-risk routine activity to create headroom for urgent and complex care within a fixed contract envelope.

At face value, this is clinically coherent. Risk-based recall is longestablished guidance, prioritising high-need patients is logical in a system under strain, and up-front payments acknowledge the cash-flow realities of managing complex disease.

Phased and bundled care: clarified, not transformed

Much attention has focused on the introduction of a “single comprehensive package of care” for patients with advanced decay or severe periodontal disease. Clinically, this reflects how complex disease should be managed: planned, sequenced care delivered over time, not fragmented appointments driven by band thresholds.

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However, it is important to be clear that phased and longer courses of NHS dental treatment have been permitted for several years. National guidance since 2018 has already set out when complex care for higher-need patients can appropriately be delivered across multiple Courses of Treatment.

What the announcement does is reassert and legitimise that flexibility at national level, alongside clearer expectations on payments and patient charges. That clarity is helpful, particularly for practices that have been cautious for fear of challenge, but it does not amount to a new clinical or contractual model.

The bundled approach remains an adjustment within an activity-based contract. While activity is organised more coherently, the system continues to reward intervention rather than time, continuity or prevention. This is not a shift to time-based commissioning, population accountability or genuinely prevention-led pathway design. It clarifies how the existing system should operate but leaves its underlying logic intact.

Urgent care and risk-based recall: where ambition meets constraint

Here, the gap between ambition and impact becomes most visible.

Prioritising urgent care and moving to risk-based recall within a fixed and constrained system does not create capacity; it redistributes pressure.

Risk-based recall manages demand, but it does not reduce underlying need. Higher urgent care payments may stabilise some practices in the short term, but they do not address workforce shortages or restore routine access where NHS dental provision has already collapsed.

W ithout sufficient workforce and clear integration with local ICS urgent and primary care pathways, patients are likely to remain stuck in cycles of late presentation and episodic care, a revolving door of crisis dentistry.

In that context, urgent care risks substituting for planned care rather than enabling it.

The ambition is a system that is clinically rational and risk-based. The impact, under current constraints, risks being a system that is increasingly reactive.

Prevention: dependent on access, not separate from it

The renewed emphasis on supervised toothbrushing, water fluoridation, fluoride varnish and fissure sealants is evidence-based and essential. These interventions will improve population

oral health over time, particularly for children in deprived communities.

But prevention is not self-executing.

It depends on access to services capable of delivering continuity of care. When routine access is constrained, prevention risks becoming an aspiration rather than a lived reality. Adults with pain, infection or advanced disease need treatment now. If urgent care absorbs capacity without expanding routine provision, prevention and access drift apart rather than reinforcing each other.

The unresolved question: capacity and workforce

The most striking omission in the announcement is how NHS dental capacity will be restored.

Many practices did not leave the NHS because of a lack of commitment to patients, but because the contract undermined clinical a u t o n o m y, wellbeing and financial sustainability.

It is unrealistic to assume that clearer rules, higher urgent care payments or bundled pathways alone will reverse that trend.

W ithout credible signals that professional judgement, time and wellbeing are genuinely valued and without commissioning models that support multidisciplinary teams at scale the system risks continuing to lose experienced clinicians faster than it can replace them.

The bottom line for the profession

The ambition is coherent. The intent is clearer than it has been for years. But managing scarcity more efficiently is not the same as restoring access.

The real test of these reforms is whether they narrow the gap between ambition and impact, or simply re-label a system that remains constrained, reactive and activity-driven. Dental professionals understand that difference better than most, and we will be watching closely to see whether this moment becomes a staging post to deeper reform or the high-water mark of ambition.

I re m a i n o p t i m i s t i c , t h e M i n i s t e r w a s c l e a r t h a t f u r t h e r, m o r e f u n d a m e n t a l re f o r m i s i n t r a i n . I f t h i s c o m m i t m e n t i s h o n o u re d , t h e c u r re n t c h a n g e s c a n s e r v e a s a b r i d g e n o t a n e n d p o i n t t o w a rd s a d e n t a l s y s t e m t h a t i s p re v e n t i o n led, workforce-sustainable and c a p a b l e o f re s t o r i n g a c c e s s w h e re it has been lost. n

References

1. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg19 2. h t t p s : / / w w w . e n g l a n d . n h s . u k / publication/avoidance-of-doubtprovision-of-phased-treatments/

About the author Sara Hurley is the former Chief Dental Officer for England.

She currently chairs the University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company and is Programme Director for the Global Oral Health Leadership Programme at the International College of Dentists.

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viewpoints

What was the name of my old school?

A

few weeks ago, I bumped into one of my former patients. I say I ‘bumped into her’ – what actually happened was that I vaguely recognised her husband in the vegetable aisle of Tesco and swiftly moved a couple of aisles down in the hope that I wouldn’t actually have to communicate with his wife since, embarrassingly, I had forgotten her name.

It was an appalling dereliction of duty by my left temporal lobe. I had known this lady since 1990, shortly after I qualified and, over the years, she followed me across three county border lines as I moved through various associateships to finally settle in my own practice before ending up as an associate in the town where we first met and I finally retired.

I couldn’t believe that I was unable to retrieve her name. She was by far my most faithful patient and I couldn’t face her without being able to address her by her first name. Reasonably confident that I could keep two aisles ahead of the couple, I continued on my shopping expedition. My mistake was spending way too long at the cheese counter, deliberating over which cheese to buy my new rescue Staffy. (She won’t eat her meals without there being mature/extra mature cheese in abundance in her bowl at every meal.)

As I triumphantly found the West Country Extra Mature, I dropped it in my trolley to feel the clang reverberate in my lower back as it hit the base. My ex-patient was standing behind me and was giving me a friendly pat.

“Hello, Ollie. My husband told me he’d seen you,” she told me. “You seem to be in a hurry. You doing errands?”

I shook my head, lamely. “Only trying to avoid you,” I thought, desperately hoping her voice would kickstart at least one brain cell into helpful action.

Despite all of my inner turmoil, we had a nice conversation about kids and grandkids and my retirement – it had been six years since I last treated her – and, at the end of our conversation, we bade fond farewells.

Complete embarrassment appeared to have been mercifully avoided. As she walked away from me in order to meet up with her husband, the name suddenly came back to me.

“Bye Joan!” I called after her as she walked past the Brie, only to realise as she reached the Stilton that her name wasn’t Joan at all. That was a completely different patient, but with what I thought might have been the same surname.

After internally berating myself for the slipup, I went off in search of doggy dental sticks only to bump into the lady not called Joan and her husband coming towards me. I made some limp remark as we passed in the aisle but she completely blanked me – overtly looking away from me while her husband gave me a sympathetic smile and a shrug.

Frankly, I was completely traumatised by the event. I’d always prided myself on having a great memory for names and faces, but I was mortified that I had upset my most faithful patient. I could only console myself that at least I hadn’t deliberately set out to insult my former patient. If the name slip-up had happened while I was still practising, I would have been on the computer first thing next day to find her address and send her an

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apology. I can’t think of any occasion when I was working where, even inadvertently, I insulted a patient.

So, call me ‘old school’ but I find the idea of sneering at patients on social media to be the epitome of unprofessionalism. Such instances are particularly unwelcome at a time where dentists are often being (unfairly) blamed for the lack of availability of NHS treatment or, similarly, being accused of taking advantage of the situation to ‘charge what they like’ for private treatment.

At my dental school it was drummed into us that we should treat patients with the greatest of respect at all times. They also told us that it really wasn’t the done thing to publicly disparage the work of fellow clinicians. However, they didn’t tell us that we couldn’t criticise the behaviour of fellow dentists and my Twitter feed since 2012 had been filled with such instances. I mean, when you discover that a dentist has been writing her own Google reviews under false names, surely it’s your DUTY to tell any dental professional you know all about it?

How did I know she had been writing the reviews? Firstly, she was one of the most obnoxious people I have ever met in my life (most of her patients disliked her but couldn’t find an alternative practice unless they wanted to travel 15 miles to the next town – she certainly wasn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, ‘caring’) and, secondly, she was pretty much illiterate. Every spelling mistake and grammatical error that she made while working in the same practice, she repeated in her ‘reviews’. Mercifully, that dentist is now retired.

Lying about your skills and qualities online is one thing - the one thing being outrageously fraudulent and indescribably appalling - but slagging off patients online is inexcusably unprofessional.

A couple of weeks ago, I attended for my routine dental exam and, after his usual affable greeting, my new, young dentist drew my attention to a story that was just breaking on a cosmetic dental firm, which had been highlighted on LBC. A whistleblower had revealed to the radio station that staff at the dental firm had mocked clients as well as used derogatory language in the workplace. LBC showed screenshots of some the WhatsApp group interchanges. The founders of the dental firm told LBC they regretted their use of the “inappropriate” term “UNICEF” – a code for “Africans that can’t afford treatment.”

LBC said, “Patient data including sensitive clinical images were shared inappropriately among staff for non-clinical reasons – which could amount to a breach of data protection law.”

My own young dentist was rightly horrified by the story. His fear was the knockon effect for the profession as a whole - understandable bearing in mind the pressures new dentists are subject to when starting out in this new dental landscape.

I remember the discomfort induced in patients (and dentists) brought about by the Panorama programme on dental amalgam in 1994 (Poison in the Mouth) and the programme on David Acer, the American dentist who allegedly infected patients with HIV. After both of these programmes, I had

patients question me about the content of the Panorama documentaries. I remember one patient demanding to see my most recent blood test and another accusing me of ‘spraying me with AIDS’ because her mouth became full of calculus particles as I was air-scaling her.

But some good also came as a result of the BBC programmes. The Acer documentary led to changes in cross-infection safeguards while the ‘Poison’ programme triggered a debate over the use of amalgam and caused many dentists to switch to the use of restorative alternatives. It would be difficult to find the positives in this story about dental staff mocking their own patients.

Okay, you could argue that the whistleblown WhatsApp interchanges were on a closed group and were never meant to be seen by the public or even other members of the profession, but you could ask “What sort of caring professionals are these who would make such comments – even privately – about people who entrust them with their care?” In my book it’s completely unacceptable.

Wouldn’t have happened in my day. But there again, I am old school, n

About the author Ollie Jupes is the pseudonym of a former NHS dentist.

He monitors dentistry on Twitter X as @DentistGoneBadd

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Why the new reforms are a win for dental nurses, but a wait-and-see for the system With Jason Wong announcing contract reform, Polly Bhambra takes a closer look at the detail

I

t was with a mixture of cautious optimism and familiar weariness that I read the latest press release from Jason Wong, the chief dental officer for England.

As practice owners, we have become accustomed to the “announce first, detail later” approach to contract reform. And we have learned to read between the lines of government documents.

However, looking at the reforms announced this week – set to come into play in April 2026 ¬– I feel a distinct shift in the wind.

For the first time in a long time, the language at the top aligns with what many of us have been shouting from the surgery floor for years. Dentistry is a team sport, and prevention must be the engine that drives us. Jason Wong’s statement that these reforms “better reflect the realities of modern dental practice” is a welcome admission.

But as I dig deeper into the details, I find myself in a dual state of mind. As a former dental nurse, I am thrilled by the opportunities for skill mix. But as a business owner trying to deliver NHS care, I worry that the heavy shadow of the UDA still looms too large.

The rise of the dental nurse

Let’s start with the good news, because it is significant. For years, I have advocated that dental nurses are the untapped goldmine of the NHS workforce. We are educated, regulated and capable professionals. Yet the previous contract reduced us, financially speaking, to an overhead. The new reforms promise to change that.

Jason Wong explicitly stated that a motivation for these changes is “making better use of the skills of dental nurses and other professionals,” allowing dentists to “focus on the care that most needs your expertise.”

This is music to my ears.

The introduction of specific remuneration for preventative activity – activity that can largely be delivered by dental nurses and therapists – is a game-changer. It validates the concept of the “nurse-led clinic” within the NHS framework.

At my practice, Treetops, we have long championed the duties of nurses.

But until now, the NHS contract made it difficult to make the numbers stack up. If a nurse applied fluoride varnish or delivered oral health education, it often felt like a loss-leader or a tick-box exercise for a UDA that ultimately sat under the dentist’s performer number.

Now, we are looking at a system where prevention is a paid deliverable.

Jason notes that “prevention remains central to these reforms and expanding the scope of practice for dental nurses will allow more preventative care to be delivered efficiently.”

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This offers a tangible career ladder for nurses. It allows practice owners to say to their team: “Get your fluoride application certificate, get your OHE qualification, and run your own column.” It moves the dental nurse from being solely a support act to being a revenue-generating clinician. It empowers the team, frees up the dentist for complex restorative work, and ultimately, provides better holistic care for the patient. For this aspect alone, I am ready to embrace the changes.

A small step toward capitation?

The reforms also introduce a new approach to “complex care”. It moves away from the rigid banding system for patients with high needs, such as advanced periodontal disease.

The promise of a “single package of care” feels like a tentative step toward a capitation model. Here we are paid for managing the health of the patient, not just for a singular unit of activity.

Jason’s assurance that the focus is to “better remunerate you for the care you provide, particularly for patients who require more complex or longer-term treatment” suggests that the government has finally realised that the UDA system disincentivised treating the sickest patients.

We have all faced that ethical dilemma. Where time required to treat a high-needs patient effectively simply wasn’t covered by the fee.

By placing “greater emphasis on longer-term treatment... helping you manage conditions such as advanced decay or gum disease more effectively,” the CDO is signalling a move toward a needs-based service.

It is a recognition of clinical judgement over spreadsheet targets. And that is a victory for professional autonomy.

UDA – the unwanted guest that won’t leave

However, this is where my optimism hits a ceiling.

While we are seeing “pathways” and “packages,” the underlying currency of the NHS dental contract remains the Unit of Dental Activity. Despite the tweaking, the system is still heavily based on UDAs. We are still counting widgets. We are still measuring health outcomes by a metric that was designed to measure factory output.

A move toward capitation – a model where practices are paid to look after a population – would have been the brave, radical reform we needed.

It would have truly incentivised prevention. Instead, we have a hybrid model. We have a “complex care pathway” grafted onto a UDA chassis.

My fear is that the administrative burden of proving eligibility for these new pathways will replace the stress of hitting UDA targets. We are tweaking a broken engine rather than replacing it.

While the “golden hellos” and higher UDA values for “dental deserts” are sticking plasters for access, they do not address the fundamental flaw.

High-volume, target-driven dentistry burns out clinicians.

Shift to a “core” service

There is another subtle shift in these announcements that we need to be honest about. The mandate that urgent care must become a “core” part of every contract, alongside the focus on “complex needs,” signals a change in the philosophy of NHS dentistry.

Jason states that “patients should be able to receive timely support when problems arise.” Absolutely.

But by prioritising urgent access and high-needs complexity, are we inadvertently signalling the end of the “routine” NHS dental service for the generally healthy population?

It feels as though we are drifting toward a safety net service. An NHS that is there for emergencies and the medically compromised. But perhaps not for the six-monthly check-up of the average adult.

If our capacity is pivoted toward the 700,000 urgent appointments the government has promised, and the heavy periodontal cases, something has to give. That “something” is likely routine maintenance for the stable patient.

This isn’t necessarily wrong – perhaps a core service is all the NHS can afford. But we need to be transparent about it. It changes the business model of a practice. It suggests that the future of the “family dentist” seeing generation after generation for routine care may lie outside the NHS. While the NHS becomes the A&E and the specialist hub of dentistry.

Action points for the progressive practice

So, where does this leave us? Jason Wong admits: “We know there is much more to do, and that these reforms are just the start.”

We can choose to be cynical about the pace of change, or we can look at the tools currently on the table and make them work. As a practice l e a d e r, m y f o c u s i s n o w e n t i re l y on workforce development. If the money is moving toward skill mix, we need to move with it.

April 2026 sounds far away, but if you want a team of confident, qualified nurses ready to deliver preventative clinics, you need to start training them today.

The CDO is right when he says these reforms are a “positive step for dental professionals.” For the dental nurse, they are potentially revolutionary.

For the dentist, they offer a glimmer of hope that complex work will be recognised. But let us not pretend the job is done.

The UDA remains, and until we see a contract that truly values health over activity, we will remain a profession in transition. For now, I will take the win for my dental nursing colleagues.

And I will keep pushing for the holistic, prevention-led model that I know our patients deserve. n

Don’t agree?

Have a comment to make?

Reach out to me on Instagram @pollybhambra

About the author Polly Bhambra, Practice Principal at Treetops Dental Surgery.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 12:25:46

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viewpoints

AI on the record Record keeping apps have the potential to free up time to spend with patients but there are risks as well as rewards, as the DDU’s Simon Kidd explains

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t its heart, dentistry will always be about human interactions between professionals and patients but we’re fast discovering how useful AI can be in dental practice, and that includes tasks like record keeping.

Although there’s no doubt about the potential time-saving benefits of AI, you also need to think about the implications for your practice and patients. Here are five dento-legal risks and how to mitigate them:

1. Accuracy

Natural language processing can turn your recorded speech into text or predict what you want to say but its suggestions are not 100% reliable. Always check the accuracy of AI-generated text before adding it to a record to avoid compromising patient care.

As the treating dental professional, the GDC says “You must ensure that all documentation that records your work, including patient records, is clear, legible, accurate, and can be readily understood by others.” (Para 4.1.4, Standards for the Dental Team)

2. Integrity

Some AI software uses generic templates with suggested content in response to prompt words but these require editing to make them patient specific. The discovery

January 26 | The Probe

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of identical wording across multiple record entries can raise questions whether your records truly reflected what had taken place.

While more sophisticated AI software uses speech recognition to create a transcript of the consultation and then summarises this for you to approve, it’s still essential to check this summary is a true reflection of what happened. Erroneous entries could undermine the integrity of your records – and your defence – in the event of a claim.

3. Confidentiality

Data protection is always a concern when using software, especially if it involves a third-party provider storing sensitive personal information or using it to train their model (some anonymise patient data).

It’s important that practices have privacy and data security policies in place and ensure that third-party providers also have appropriate measures in place to comply with UK data protection law.

The Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital regulations service (a collaboration between NICE, the CQC and others) has put together guidance for adopters1, including a data compliance checklist.

There are also general resources on AI and data protection on the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) website, including a risk toolkit for organisations.

Individual dental professionals should use AI systems that have been approved by the practice and follow workplace policies.

4. Informing patients

Responses to AI can range from enthusiasm to outright suspicion.

Explaining what you are doing and why at the outset might prompt objections, but saying nothing might damage trust and lead to complaints.

Your Privacy Notice should already include information about the types of personal data you hold, reasons for processing it, the lawful basis for doing so, when it might be shared, and patients’ legal rights. We recommend seeking specific advice on

how to update the Privacy Notice to include the adoption of AI.

5. Training and monitoring

Even though AI record-keeping tools can be highly intuitive, you should ensure everyone using them has the appropriate training, such as how to review and edit notes, and how to correct errors (including the date, time and who made the correction).

Encourage colleagues to raise problems as they arise so you can address these with your provider. You should also review the performance of AI software, including asking for user feedback and checking AI-generated records are contemporaneous, complete and accurate in line with GDC standards. n

Reference

1. h t t p s : / / w w w. d i g i t a l r e g u l a t i o n s . innovation.nhs.uk/regulations-andguidance-for-adopters/

About the author Simon Kidd is a dento-legal adviser at the DDU.

11 09/01/2026 16:40:18

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viewpoints

Perseverance in dentistry: the black belt paradox Dr Colm Harney, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, describes how dental professionals can apply the key martial arts elements of perseverance and humility in dental practice

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o most practitioners (and indeed non-practitioners) of martial arts, the recognised symbol of achievement and mastery is the mythical black belt.

The specific origin story of the black belt is unclear – my favourite is the simple story that, when you’ve wor n your beginner’s white belt long enough, it becomes frayed and marked, organically tur ning brown and eventually black over years of training and wear.

I have been practising martial arts for over 25 years now – long enough to achieve a relative degree of competence, start to teach (as well as remain a student) and recognise patterns both in the art and how participants evolve and progress.

The ‘black belt paradox’ in martial arts refers to the idea that achieving a black belt, while a monumental milestone, doesn’t signify the end of learning but rather a new beginning. The black belt is not the ultimate achievement but rather a foundation upon which further development begins.

Indeed, in the Japanese martial arts that I have participated in, the term Shodan (for a first-degree black belt), means literally the first step, and the next grades, Nidan and Sandan are each numbered as Ni (two) and San (three) respectively – meaning second step, third step, going all the way up to 10. So, the apparent pinnacle of achievement, the black belt (Shodan), is effectively an advanced beginner.

What does this have to do with dentistry?

I can’t help but see the parallels with graduating from dental school – a significant milestone no doubt, but also a recognition that the realworld journey is just beginning, and the qualification is a launchpad for

12 12_Probe-January_Viewpoints.indd 1

“It’s not who is good on the

mats, it’s who’s left on the mats – a black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit

”

a lifelong journey of education and growth from a base of competence in fundamental techniques.

In dentistry, it is so important to keep seeking out opportunities to progress and maintain interest – otherwise we become stale and at risk of fatigue, disinterest and burnout.

The most obvious path to ongoing growth is further formal training, such as postgraduate studies or completing CPD. There are many other areas for growth, including mentoring, volunteering, participating in study groups, and engaging with professional associations. For others, it might be the rewards and challenges of practice ownership.

Ideally, that professional growth should be supplemented by balance and a healthy interest in growth beyond our career, whether that be learning the guitar, taking up yoga, or focusing on family when the need arises.

If I had to pick the most important qualities for long term success in martial arts, it is not strength or speed – or even being able to break wooden boards with your bare hands. Instead, it is broader and more fundamental, and I strongly believe these qualities also overlay straight across to the successful practice of dentistry.

The first is perseverance.

“It’s not who is good on the mats, it’s who’s left on the mats – a black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit” is a cornerstone of martial arts. I’ve been injured, got frustrated with

lack of progress (especially when my competitive self perceives others to be progressing faster than me) and, on many winter nights, it is hard simply to leave a warm house to go training.

However, I know I never regret it when I’m there and I just keep going.

A big part of perseverance is learning to fail and make mistakes, especially in front of other people. I have now reached a point in life where I can recognise that within this space of mistakes and mishaps lie the best lessons. The more public the mishap, the more effectively the learning sticks.

Dentists usually leave dental school as the over-achievers, often never having failed at anything in our lives. It is important to seek out opportunities to practise failure in a safe, less consequential environment – whether that be in the sporting arena, a cooking class or simply being by far the standout worst artist at the Christmas ‘paint and sip’ party (ask me how I know). Getting comfortable with failure gives perspective – it’s not the end of the world, it will pass and nobody is looking anyway.

In dentistry, one sure thing is that if you practise long enough there will be ups and downs, times when things go well and times when you feel like you want to quit – this is normal (at least in my experience and many I know). Stuff goes wrong, things don’t go to plan, and we have unintended outcomes.

It is how you respond that is key, and this includes finding the learning opportunity and knowing when or how to reach out for help. That is what Dental Protection is here to help with too. It is important to maintain perspective by looking forward, eyes on the long game of a career (not just the moment in time when it all seems too hard) and continuing to develop and engage with your profession.

Sharpening humility

The second quality is something that the martial arts really sharpen: humility. In every martial arts space I’ve trained, the experienced practitioners are usually the most humble and down-to-earth human beings. The reality is that there is always someone bigger, stronger and faster. It pays to be humble, as martial arts have a way of pressure testing you into your place if you get too far above your station.

Our egos can get inflated and p u ff e d u p w i t h t h e h a rd - e a r n e d dental qualification – the goal we’ve put so much effort and resource into, and the status conferred to us within society. It is important to find the balance between confidence and humility, especially in the early days, because if not, practice will a l s o p re s s u re t e s t y o u t o y o u r limits… When you soon realise you don’t know it all, that sometimes things go wrong, that it is okay to ask questions (or for help) and, ultimately, that we need to be open to lear ning from everyone around us, even from our patients.

Regarding humility, the last words go to my teacher’s teacher from Japan, having accumulated more than 30 black belt grades in multiple martial arts over his lifetime. He perfectly summed up the concept of not having too grand an opinion of one’s own importance or ability by pointing to his own black belt – “Belt: it’s just for holding up trousers.” n

About the author Dr Colm Harney, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 17:15:37

Dental Protection the days when it feels too much

We’ve been there.

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And then a patient complaint, or a claim, or a disciplinary, gets thrown into the mix.

As dentists, solicitors, case managers and more, we bring our experience to helping you navigate whatever follows.

Our discretionary indemnity gives us the flexibility to help even in the most unusual circumstances. And whatever it takes, no matter how complex the legal challenge, you can depend on us to support you through it.

dentalprotection.org Always there for you

Dental Protection is a trading name of The Medical Protection Society Limited (“MPS”). MPS is a company limited by guarantee in England with company number 00036142 at Level 19, The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG. Dental Protection serves and supports the dental members of MPS with access to the full range of benefits of membership, which are all discretionary, and set out in MPS’s Memorandum and Articles of Association. MPS is not an insurance company. Dental Protection® is a registered trademark of MPS. For information on MPS’s use of your personal data and your rights, please see our Privacy Notice on the website.

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lab

Transforming workflows Changing the way in the dental lab you create James Balmforth, a dental technician at Nexus Dental Laboratory, describes the current workflows for scanning dental objects available in the lab, the challenges these present, and his experience using the Cubit360™, the revolutionary scanner from Mimetrik

F

or many years, our bench-top lab scanner has dictated the pace of our work. Once the object is placed on the table for scanning, it cannot be disturbed. This means that a new scan must begin each time another element is captured. This is very inconvenient. The stop-start movements, the rotating table, the waiting and the constant interruptions created a workflow that felt clunky, slow, and exhausting. It worked – but it never worked with us.

Typical model scans are possible with automated scans that effectively capture data. But there are usually further scans required. This takes up valuable time as we must constantly reposition the model.

It takes a great deal of time and patience to achieve something resembling accuracy when scanning physical impressions using our current lab scanners. Endless stitching and multiple scans are required to capture an impression in this way – there are simply too many inaccessible areas. This process misses a lot of key areas – undercuts and particularly narrow spaces, such as incisal edges – and is, therefore, unreliable and inaccurate.

Scanning dentures with traditional lab scanners presents unique challenges, especially those with attachments. The buccal flange of the denture can be so deep that the scanner cannot capture the data. Again, this leads to inaccuracy and complicated workflows.

Reaching the areas other scanners miss

The first time I used the Cubit360, everything changed. It is certainly unique compared to other scanners, and felt very intuitive. Even without experience, I could tell instantly how much time was being saved. What would normally take minutes of rotation and repositioning was done in seconds. Quite honestly, it felt like scanning in a tenth of the time.

Cubit360 completely transformed the scanning process. I was able to capture accurate data in areas that are traditionally hard to reach – undercuts, interproximal areas, and analogue implant sites.

I was initially sceptical about the possibility of scanning impressions using the Cubit360™, based on my experience with our previous scanner. I was delighted with this improvement. It allowed me to get clean and usable data straight from the impression tray – this opens up a world of possibilities for dental professionals everywhere. For example, by scanning impressions directly, we can skip the casting stages, using an accurate scan of the impression to jump directly into fully digital design.

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Cubit360’s auto-alignment feature requires just one simple tertiary scan. With just a five second sweep, our previous scans are brought into relation – such as bite scans or a denture in situ scan.

Anyone can pick it up intuitively

The Cubit360 will save dental labs so much time going forward – both due to its quick scan capture time, and its ease of use. Any member of the lab team can master this technology – even the newest dental technician in the lab can take a quick scan and get back to work. Most importantly, Cubit360 has the potential to remove so many analogue stages from our workflow. Simply scan the impression, process the case from the inverted scan, and move straight into design. All those manual stages that used to slow us down have suddenly disappeared.

Ripple effect outside the lab

The Cubit360 has a big impact on the wider profession, with dentists able to implement it within the clinic too. As an example, clinicians can simply take an impression, take a quick scan, and send it directly to the lab. This means that the lab can flag any issues with the impression before the patient has even left the practice. This further improves the speed of patients’ care by eliminating postage, reducing retakes, and enabling quicker turnarounds.

For us as technicians, this means less physical labour and fewer bottlenecks. For clinicians, it means cleaner, faster, and more predictable results. And, for patients, it means an experience that finally reflects what modern dentistry should be.

With the Cubit360, digital isn’t just an option – it becomes the natural default.

For more information about Mimetrik, please visit https://mimetrik.tech n

About the author James Balmforth has been with Nexus Dental Laboratory for three years. He has spent much time within the CAM department, improving workflows and production standards.

T

he quality of dental laboratory workflows depends on a number of variables – the skill of the technician team, the materials used, and the technology available to professionals all make a significant difference. In order to improve the quality of the restorations produced on a daily basis, professionals can look into the addition of new workflows where relevant, and embrace training opportunities that ensure each laboratory team member can confidently work with the latest solutions.

Improving the accuracy, durability, and quality of dental restorations will make a dental laboratory more attractive to collaborate with in the eyes of a dental practice. The lost wax casting technique is a fundamental aspect of the process used for fabricating dental prosthetics and appliance, and the accuracy and consistency of the operation is crucial to a successful outcome. If laboratory teams can optimise this, they can improve their business’ offering to clinicians, and support a wider range of patients.

Whether adopting new workflows, or introducing new members to the team, it’s important to ensure each technique is performed with skill. Understanding the current solutions available that can improve the predictability of workflows is vital, and begins with assessing the digital world around us.

Going digital

When producing high-quality, detailed and precise metal restorations, the conventional lost wax casting technique can often be employed with confidence. With the integration of 3D printing and related computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/ CAM) solutions, technicians can expect an improved lead time and minimised production costs over time.

In dentistry, the traditional lost wax casting method has been shown to produce fixed dental prostheses of a predictable internal fit, with accuracy comparable to that of new CAD/CAM systems and the metal casting technique. Many technicians will learn the lost wax approach during their training, and so will be familiar with the workflow.

The literature notes that conventional fabrication has some drawbacks which can increase the technical sensitivity of the approach and the number of errors made; these drawbacks include a larger number of laboratory steps and the lack of a standard cement thickness during placement. The use of digital solutions to reduce laboratory steps and simplify fabrication procedures is a welcome adaption in modern workflows to minimise the risk of such mistakes.

This offers a number of benefits to clinicians.

First, reduced errors save time and financial expense for reproducing products and using up materials at the same time. Secondly, an accelerated workflow creates more time in the day to take on more work, engage in training, or simply focus on the work that is already being completed with less time pressures, potentially minimising mistakes even further, and improving the working environment.

Overcoming the challenges of technique sensitive workflows is not always simply achieved by introducing CAD/CAM systems. Lab teams need to understand

how to complete their chosen approach – conventional or otherwise – with confidence, being capable of independently ensuring that high-quality results are produced consistently.

A chance to learn

Improving technical skills to optimise the lost wax casting technique or use of CAD/CAM solutions in the dental laboratory is possible in a number of different ways. Continuous professional development (CPD) is essential for every dental technician, and acts as the perfect opportunity to refine skills and encounter new technology. Clinical dental technicians require 75 hours of CPD per five year cycle, and dental technicians need 50 hours per five year cycle in order to maintain professional status.

The CPD opportunities that are undertaken should be relevant to a professional’s current or intended field of practice. This can include the use of CAD/CAM processes, or refining conventional approaches, dependent on the workflows of the dental laboratory. If the team comes together to plan for and take on informative CPD sessions, the laboratory can benefit from more accurate products, more efficient workflows, and more effective services for dentists, which can help drive business.

Material choice

Another game-changer will be the physical materials used in the dental laboratory, no matter the workflow used. Technicians should look for cost-effective solutions that are designed to minimise errors. The help of a trusted manufacturer can be useful, as they can advise on the best possible solutions for each workflow’s unique needs.

Kemdent is a leading provider of highquality dental laboratory solutions, including specially designed CAD/CAM wax discs.

Used in the fabrication of wax models, the discs burn out without a trace. They are ideal for use in the lost wax casting process, for denture creation, and for frameworks for crown and bridge models. Compatible with a range of leading CAD/CAM solutions, the Kemdent solution supports a wide variety of dental laboratories with their workflows.

Taking on new technology, training and materials can change the way a laboratory produces restorations for the better.

Technicians should analyse the choices available to them, and embrace changes to workflows where it will improve their production, and the laboratory as a whole.

For more information about the leading solutions available from Kemdent, please visit www.kemdent.co.uk or call 01793 770 256 n

About the author Alistair Mayoh, Marketing Director at Kemdent.

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practice

Keeping the passion of dentistry alive

T

he technological evolution of dentistry has been fast-paced, bringing a renewed energy to clinicians seeking to deliver exceptional patient care.

For dentists who aspire to remain at the forefront of the profession, implementation of the latest solutions is key.

For Dr Amit Mohindra – a renowned clinician and principal of The White Bridge Clinic in Oxford – the journey towards technological excellence led him back to 3D printing three years ago. He reflects on his initial motivations to make the investment: “I originally purchased a 3D printer in 2015 to make implant guided stents, but felt the technology was not quite ready at that time. I returned to the idea around 2022, when the equipment seemed to have been developed substantially.

“At that time, we were using exocad and milling restorations in-practice already, so it was a logical step to add a 3D printer.

Our existing design software allowed us to 3D print smile mock-ups and temporary restorations with greater speed than other manufacturing options. We also started using the technology for temporary implant crowns with a full abutment and crown printed in one piece, nightguards and smile design cases.

Performing the restorative steps chairside afforded a higher level of control over the entire production workflow.

“The desire to advance our capabilities was in keeping with the practice’s progressive ethos and was an example of the many ways we sought to enhance the patient experience.”

Though passionate about advancing servicing, Dr Mohindra had some valid reservations that needed addressing before he could make the most of the investment in

Tooth wear pre- and post-treatment

3D printing. He says: “My main concern was whether the restorations produced would be good enough. At the time, I didn’t know anyone else 3D printing in-house and I was aware of some translucency limitations with resins in the UK. There wasn’t a huge amount of local data or training courses at that time, though I did attend an event in Spain and social media offered some insight into clinicians’ experiences abroad. This is often the situation for early adopters of technology, but I was confident from what I had learned that it was worth a try.”

Since then, Dr Mohindra hasn’t looked back, developing his 3D printing workflow to make use of its expansive applications.

He now offers Maryland and conventional same day bridges of 8-10 units to deliver even faster and higher-quality restorative transformations for patients. He comments on how this has impacted his patient care: “We began using the 3D printer on a regular basis very quickly after purchase, which allowed us to deliver another level of patient care. The chairside temporary restorations fabricated are durable and aesthetic – they have been longer-lasting than we

Immediate temporary full arch bridge pre- and post-treatment

Dr Amit Mohindra

anticipated, giving confidence in their functionality as medium-term restorations.

This gives patients an opportunity to save money for the finals without the pressure of a 3- or even 6-month deadline.

“The 3D printer has been particularly beneficial for wear cases, temporary implant crowns, smile design, immediate bridges and even patients who find it difficult to lay back flat who need direct restorations.

With less time spent in the chair and fewer instruments in the mouth, the workflow is also ideal for elderly patients.

“Ultimately, 3D printing delivers increased speed of workflow and improved financial implications for patients, while also allowing for quick and painless redesigns or remakes if required. Patients also love seeing the investment we have made in their care, which adds to the trust they have in us and enhances our brand as a leading dental provider.”

And it’s not just patients who appreciate the cutting-edge technology, as Dr Mohindra adds: “The team also recognises the investment in patient care and are proactive in helping us continually find new ways to improve the professional workflow. There is a learning curve with 3D printing, which will be experienced differently between professionals, but the more involved our team have got, the more benefits they have accessed.”

As part of the practice’s continuous drive for ever-greater solutions and workflows, Dr Mohindra is looking forward to using the latest resins on the market and exploring their applications as a way of expanding further on the services he provides. Who does he trust

to work with in this endeavour? SprintRay. “3D printing technology in dentistry is still relatively new, so I was certain from the start that I wanted to use a solution developed specifically for clinical dentistry. SprintRay had already calibrated their system for restorative dentistry, making it the ideal choice. The support has been very good throughout my 3D printing journey, and it’s very reassuring to know that I can contact someone with questions at any time. I am looking forward to implementing the new Midas 3D printer and innovative resins, which will allow me to give patients far superior restorations in less time. You can really see the quality of the new materials, which will help to continue elevating standards in the practice.”

Dr Mohindra offers from final words to help colleagues make the most of their own investment into 3D printing: “I am always encouraging colleagues to get a 3D printer – there are so many indications and benefits for patients and it enriches business performance too. The brand selected is important, but so too is the software used to design restorations. This is often the biggest hurdle to unlocking the potential of exceptional in-house restorative workflows.

With adequate training and the right solutions in place, 3D printing is a great way to keep the passion and enjoyment of dentistry alive.”

For more information, please visit https://sprintray.com/en-uk/ n

Nurturing a positive team culture

I

t’s not your CBCT scanner or your new dental chairs that ultimately make the dental practice successful.

It’s the professional team. From the clinicians to the dental nurses, dental hygienists/therapists, front of house staff, management personnel and more, each role contributes to the patient experience and the smooth running of the business. For principals, it is important to establish and maintain a positive culture among the team, earning their commitment to the practice and your patients.

What is culture?

Work culture is defined as “a management concept that encompasses the attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of the employer’s principles and practices”.

It embodies how staff interact with each other, how they conduct themselves in the workplace, and how they prioritise their work. The culture is also the means by which the company values and ethos are actively translated into the day-to-day running of the practice.

16 16_Probe-January_Practice.indd 1

Why is culture important?

For a start, a positive workplace culture makes it a more pleasant environment in which to work. Research shows that organisational culture has a direct impact on workrelated stress among nurses, with a stronger positive culture linked to enhanced happiness and joy among individuals.

There is also evidence that work culture significantly impacts the quality of healthcare delivered to patients.

A culture that centres around patient safety and staff wellbeing has been shown to improve outcomes in both areas. A culture that promotes communication and collaboration among the team may also elevate situation awareness and teamwork for a higher overall performance.

• Be transparent and communicative with the team

about what you hope to achieve and what type of workplace you would like to create • Be inclusive of all team members, encouraging everyone to share their thoughts and get involved • Recognise and reward team members when they go above and beyond to embody your company ethos and culture While I wouldn’t claim to be an expert in these things, I am very proud of the culture we have developed and maintain at EndoCare. It helps to drive our standards of patient care ever higher, and it is an absolute pleasure to work with such a dedicated team. n

Getting started

To build a positive culture, it’s necessary to lead by example. This means the practice principal and manager working together to demonstrate their values in a practical and productive way. Key to the process is: • Use your values and ethos to determine how these can be translated into a practical setting

About the author Dr Michael Sultan is a Specialist in Endodontics and the Clinical Director of EndoCare.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 12:32:22

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practice

Designed for success and safety

Fig.1

T

he design of a dental practice has an impact on many aspects of the business. Everything from the patient experience to the p ro f e s s i o n a l w o r k f l o w, a n d t h e health and safety of all on the premises, will be influenced by the layout of the practice. For principals, whether starting from scratch or refreshing an existing business, it is crucial to integrate intentional design elements that will add value to patients, the professional team and the business.

Creating calm and comfort

Dental practice design can have an emotional and psychological impact o n p a t i e n t s f ro m t h e m o m e n t t h e y w a l k t h ro u g h t h e d o o r s . R e s e a rc h h a s f o u n d t h a t d e s i g n f e a t u re s such as ambient lighting, indoor plants, and seating options can h e l p t o re d u c e s t re s s l e v e l s a m o n g patients. Colour psychology – with a f o c u s o n b l u e s , p i n k s , g re e n s , a n d yellows – can also be implemented within the décor to lower patient a n x i e t y.

A c l u t t e r- f re e re c e p t i o n a n d w a i t i n g a re a c o n t r i b u t e s t o re d u c e d t e n s i o n a n d a m o re c a l m i n g a t m o s p h e re a s w e l l .

Boosting productivity

The research also demonstrates the benefits of ergonomic practice design for the wellbeing of professionals.

W h e n e r g o n o m i c p r i n c i p l e s a re applied – such as dental chairs or stools that improve posture – professional health is protected and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders is reduced.

Improved ergonomics have several

18 18-19_Probe-January_Practice.indd 1

other benefits for the business, i n c l u d i n g i n c re a s e d p ro d u c t i v i t y.

This is achieved not only by minimising the risk of professional injuries and staff absence, but also has positive implications for daily w o r k f l o w s a c ro s s t h e p r a c t i c e , which can lead to improved patient satisfaction. Spatial design has been shown to increase the efficiency of the healthcare team, allowing faster patient care with no compromise on the quality of care delivered.

Design in decontamination

One of the most important benefits of effective dental practice design is the enhanced health and safety standards it facilitates for patients and staff alike. The decontamination workflow requires significant attention in order to ensure practice compliance, streamline processes, and maintain reliability for complete peace of mind.

A dirty-to-clean workflow should be implemented for the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of reusable instruments. Best practice guidelines encourage practices to assign a separate room. As such, the physical layout of the space should ensure that dirty and clean items are kept apart. The objective is to minimise the risk of contaminating clean instruments via inadvertent contact with dirty items.

For practices without the space for a dedicated decontamination room, the instrument reprocessing area must be located as far from the dental chair as possible. Measures are also required to reduce the risk of exposure to bacterial aerosol, such as not manually washing

instruments or using an ultrasonic cleaner without a lid when a patient is in the room.

Safety in action

Achieving this dirty-to-clean workflow relies on a carefully designed physical e n v i ro n m e n t . F i r s t l y, t h e s p a c e should be uncluttered, with places for all equipment and instruments to be kept tidy. The ‘dirty’ area or room should be set up to receive used instruments. Initial cleaning and disinfection should occur adjacent to the dirty area. Manual cleaning is possible at this point, although a washer disinfector affords several advantages over manual processes by automating and validating this step in the workflow.

After visual inspection of the instruments, they are then due for sterilisation in the autoclave, which should be situated in the clean area as far from the dirty receiving area as possible. Figure 1 offers an example of how the decontamination room could be designed and where each piece of equipment may be situated in relation to others.

seek the advice of specialists in their respective fields. For example, Eschmann is the expert in instrument decontamination, and the team is more than happy to provide guidance and support on the design of your infection c o n t ro l a re a ( s ) .

With years of experience and extensive market knowledge, Eschmann offers bespoke advice, industry-leading equipment and ongoing support that will help you elevate your safety standards no end.

Thoughtful practice design will impact the team and patients in a number of ways. The right layout can improve the patient experience by promoting positive emotions and increasing efficiency of their care.

Professionals also benefit from improved ergonomics and productivity.

The design of the decontamination area is particularly important for the health and safety of all.

For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of decontamination solutions available from Eschmann, please visit eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 753322 n

Expert advice and support

W h e t h e r y o u a re u p d a t i n g y o u r existing practice design, expanding your surgeries or setting up a new squat practice, meticulously planning the layout is crucial for success.

From your entrance area to reception and the waiting room, the surgery and the bathrooms, your patients will expect a moder n, comfortable, and safe space.

To achieve all this while managing b u d g e t s a n d f u t u re - p ro o f i n g t h e practice, it can be invaluable to

About the author Nicky Varney, Head of Marketing at Eschmann.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 11:20:57

www.the-probe.co.uk

practice

The true cost of dental practice downtime

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n the modern dental practice, maintaining optimal productivity and patient satisfaction is absolutely essential.

This means minimising dental practice downtime to ensure appointments and treatments can be provided at the right time, every time. Amongst the factors that might impact a practice’s ability to provide dental procedures, is equipment breakdown. For example, a treatment centre, dental imaging system, or CAD/ CAM workflow may malfunction, leading to the need to cancel and reschedule appointments, potentially with very little notice. This disruption can have a big impact on the practice, both in terms of finances and reputation. As such, it’s important for practice owners to understand the importance of consistent equipment maintenance to minimise the risk of breakdown and, therefore, practice downtime.

Lost revenue due to equipment breakdown

Should equipment fail, a dental practice may not be able to provide some of the most basic services to their patients. This means lost productivity and, therefore, income.

Downtime can have a significant impact on practices and patients, creating missed opportunities to support individuals that are potentially in desperate need of care.

Research suggests that associates generate between £800 and £1,000 per day. This means that, in a practice with multiple dentists, depending on the equipment which

January 26 | The Probe

18-19_Probe-January_Practice.indd 2

breaks down, thousands of pounds worth of income could potentially be lost.

Even though practices are unable to generate income during periods of downtime, they must still continue to pay their usual operating costs to keep the business running.

Per surgery per day, these operating costs could range from between £450 and £650.

Overall, monetarily, practice downtime can create an unwelcome financial deficit – reinforcing the need to invest in and maintain dental equipment, helping to minimise the risk of breakdown.

Loss of patient loyalty following cancellation

Whilst the immediate monetary impact is an important consideration for dental practices, it is essential that the effect of cancelled appointments on patients is recognised.

Often patients are attending the practice as they are concerned about a problem in their mouth, because they are experiencing toothache, or they are undergoing a course of treatment. As such, for many patients, it is important to receive dental care in a timely

manner. Though not specific to dentistry, research suggests that delays to patient care have a significant impact on individuals.

Cancellations to care lead to issues including ongoing pain, worsening mental health and symptoms, as well as disrupted sleep.

If equipment is unreliable and poorly maintained, downtime may become more common. In this case, patients may turn to other practices for reliable and continued care. Additionally, patients who have had a bad experience are likely to dissuade friends and family from using the dental practice, or even share poor reviews on social media platforms. Ultimately, this not only means losing the business of the patients of the day, but potentially reputational damage, making your practice less desirable to attend.

Equipment service and maintenance

As shown, it is absolutely vital to keep dental equipment running at its optimum – both to avoid downtime and to ensure you are able to provide the highest possible standard of care. By working with a trusted provider, you can minimise the risk and impact of equipment breakdown.

The team at Clark Dental have worked with dental professionals over the past 50 years to provide the highest quality design, equipment, and maintenance services tailored to individuals’ needs. As such, its team of engineers is adept at installing, servicing, and fixing large pieces of equipment, and are fully trained by the manufacturer to ensure the equipment is in the most capable hands.

Additionally, Clark Dental utilises top-quality field service management software, allowing it to live-track engineers, monitor visits, record work completed, and provide clients access to a dedicated portal. Ultimately, this means that practices benefit from excellent customer service, state of the art technology, and minimal surgery downtime.

Dental practice downtime over the course of a few hours can have a prominent impact on both revenue generated and patient satisfaction. It is vital to recognise the importance of properly maintaining the equipment in your practice to ensure you are able to carry out high quality care, and reduce the need to cancel appointments.

Immediate costs to the practice following equipment breakdown, including emergency engineers and subsequent repairs, should also be considered, as should the impact on patient wellbeing and ultimately practice reputation. By ensuring your practice is as reliable as possible you will always be there when your patients need you.

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 at Clark Dental Equipment Systems.

19 12/01/2026 11:20:59

www.the-probe.co.uk

practice

Changing perceptions Standing out in the in endodontics right way

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he dental patient experience is influenced by many aspects.

Some are physical, others are emotional, but all contribute to making the journey a positive or negative one overall. For the dental team, most of the factors at play can be managed.

As such, it is essential to be aware of what these are and to proactively lay the foundations for success. This is particularly important in endodontics, where the team is often starting on the back foot.

Getting a bad rap

Unfortunately, many patients experience anxiety prior to endodontic treatment.

Studies suggest that young females are most affected, although anyone can show concern for any type of dentistry. Though there is evidence that this is changing in some parts of the world, there remain several reasons for patients to avoid root canal treatment (RCT). Misconceptions about the efficacy of the procedure are rife, as are concerns about the length of treatment time and the amount of pain and discomfort likely to be experienced.

All of this is in addition to the even more common factors that cause generalised dental fear, anxiety or phobia. Affecting up to 50% of the UK adult population, dental fear has a complex and multifactorial aetiology. Among potential causes are traumatic previous experiences, especially during childhood; learned behaviours from parents or caregivers; personality traits conducive to general anxiety; and reduced cognitive ability or understanding.

The feeling of losing control, particularly in the absence of good rapport with their practitioner, can also cause fear in patients.

To combat this potential for negativity and ensure the best possible experience for the patient, it is important to change their perceptions about endodontics and dentistry in general. This takes time, patient education and good communication.

Building positivity

The latter is one of the most important factors when building rapport with patients and earning their trust. A patient-centred approach is crucial, as is using simple and succinct language, positive body language and maintaining appropriate eye contact.

The addition of visual aids can also be highly beneficial in improving a patient’s understanding of their oral health status or recommended treatment. All of this helps to establish a strong relationship between dentists and their patients, reducing the likelihood of fear or anxiety for the latter.

There is also work to do on a broader stage.

Endodontics may get a bad rap among the general population, but perceptions can be changed with effective marketing. The discipline has evolved substantially in recent years, with the latest treatment techniques and technologies having been developed to reduce post-operative pain for an improved patient experience. Communicating this through website content, social media, direct marketing and other means is a great way of encouraging people to think differently about the treatment modality

20 20_Probe-January_Practice.indd 1

and give them more confidence to proceed should they require RCT in the future.

A digital world

To further build on this mission to educate the population and change perceptions of endodontics, it can help immensely to share real-life patient experiences. Encouraging word-of-mouth referrals from existing and previous patients is a strong marketing tool.

So too is asking for online reviews.

There is evidence that a significant proportion of people search for healthcare providers online, with one source stating that up to 77% of adults worldwide look online for a doctor. There are also suggestions of a generational influence, with Gen Z among those least likely to choose a healthcare provider with few or no online reviews, or a poor star rating.

Social media has also played a major role in changing how people search for services or products, including those relating to dental care. The literature shows that higher use of social platforms increased the likelihood of a person changing dental practice, with this type of research directly influencing final decisions for many.

Consequently, collecting patient testimonials and building a positive online presence are both crucial for elevating public understanding of endodontics – while also supporting practice growth and future sustainability, of course.

Optimising quality of care

The final, and one of the most essential parts of this puzzle, is to consistently deliver high-quality endodontic care to all your patients. You can’t expect to change perceptions and receive positive reviews if your patients do not experience smooth and pain-free treatment.

The clinical training of the team is integral to their ability to provide this. Regular knowledge and skill updates are a must.

But clinicians also need access to reliable products and materials that will facilitate predictable treatment outcomes and smooth patient journeys. COLTENE offers a range of industry-leading endodontic solutions from endomotors to shaping files and more, with each product optimised for precise handling and exceptional results.

Trust and quality

Excellent patient care is dependent on the quality of their entire treatment experience.

By promoting the benefits of modern techniques and products, highlighting the improvement in quality of life and ensuring as pain-free a journey as possible, the dental team can change the way that endodontic dentistry is perceived.

For more information, visit coltene.com, email info.uk@coltene.com or call 0800 254 5115. n

About the author Nicolas Coomber, COLTENE National Account & Marketing Manager.

T

here are many ways that a dental practice can stand out from others and consistently attract new patients. For those looking to build on their dental implantology services, there are copious opportunities to develop a unique brand identity and watch your business thrive. Success relies on various key factors, including an understanding of the local market, marketing, facilities and professional skill.

It starts with a little research

If you are offering dental implants, you will already be aware of a demand for the treatment modality among patients in your local area. However, this is not the only area of research integral to predictable and sustainable growth.

You will also need a comprehensive understanding of the competition.

A competitive analysis provides a crucial starting point, allowing you to identify what other practices are offering, how they might affect your business, and what their strengths and weaknesses may be. The process can be as simple or complex as you wish to make it, but it should consist of the following key areas of research: 1. Competitor overview – identify 5-10 practices that represent the main competition for your implant services.

2. Get to know each one – look at their patient reviews and overall ratings, the range of treatments they offer, the ease of their website, the popularity of their social media, the technologies they utilise… anything that makes them what they are.

3. Benchmark your practice against them – this involves comparing their USPs with yours to see how your business stands up to their services. This will include comparison of business size and resources, staff experience, existing professional referral networks and more.

4. Implement a SWOT analysis to determine their potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and then see how these compare to the same for your own practice.

5. Find your place in the market – consider what you offer that others don’t and know where your practice sits in the wider market. This will help you to refine your business objectives and tailor your marketing to increase success.

What you say, how you say it and when

At this point, it is important to create a fairly detailed marketing strategy. This should be centred around your company mission and values, highlighting your unique selling points (USPs) in an effective way.

It’s important to begin by setting specific marketing objectives that align with your overall business goals. For example, if you want to increase your practice profitability by 10% in six months, the marketing goal might be to secure an additional 5 implant patients per month for the next six months. You may also want to conduct further research to better understand your

current situation – tools such as social listening can help to assess how patients or local people perceive your business, and knowing how your website traffic compares to a competitor’s might offer insights too.

In addition, it is essential to know which channels your typical patient demographic can be reached on – this will likely depend on their average age, affluence, and clinical needs, among other factors.

This, combined with the research performed at the earlier stage of the process, should inform your practice positioning and therefore your marketing messages.

These should be kept consistent across all platforms from the website to your socials, in-practice promotions and even how the team interacts with patients. This should be optimised to get the right messages in front of the right people at the right time, allowing you to target your marketing for increased reach and conversion rates.

Clinical excellence

A significant part of any long-term marketing strategy should be to collect patient testimonials and positive online reviews.

Word-of-mouth promotion provides a powerful tool for continued practice growth – but patient satisfaction must be ensured for this to be successful.

The quality of implant dentistry provided must meet the highest standards in order to deliver exceptional outcomes and elevate the patient journey. This necessitates the constant development of clinical skill among the team, with ongoing training and education as the cornerstone of excellence.

As practitioners are developing their capabilities and confidence, it is crucial to have access to a team that can deliver advanced surgical treatments to your patients in a safe and effective way. Finding a referral practice you can trust to work with you as you grow will be key. The Centre for Oral, Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Reconstructive Surgery is the UK’s leading ZAGA Centre and offers a comprehensive range of complex clinical procedures that deliver implant excellence for all your patients. With state-of-the-art facilities and digital technologies, and a team of some of the most experienced oral surgeons in Europe, the Centre is the ideal partner for any practice dedicated to giving their patients the very best.

Don’t be afraid to be different

In today’s competitive dental market, it is important to be different and to stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons.

Achieving this requires hard work, research and a cohesive approach to business development.

Please 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.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 12:34:28

www.the-probe.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Clarity through the years Dr Linda Greenwall, founder of the Dental Wellness Trust, has built a remarkable career defined by excellence, empathy and service to others. In conversation with Dr Stephen Selwyn, dentist and the Managing Director of Evident, she reflects on the role magnification has played in helping her see not just better but differently Stephen Selwyn: You have enjoyed a long and successful career in dentistry. How would you describe that journey so far and the sense of purpose that has guided you along the way?

Linda Greenwall: It has been quite a journey.

I started practising in South Africa before moving to the UK, and this year marks my 40th year in dentistry. In the beginning, it was about building skills and confidence, learning from colleagues and understanding the realities of running a practice.

Over time, I realised that dentistry is about balance, not only the precision of our work but also the role it plays in our lives and the impact it has on our patients and communities. As you mature in your career, clarity comes. You begin to see what really matters: the patient sitting in your chair, the team working beside you, and the responsibility to train and inspire the next generation.

Stephen: You have been using magnification for many years. When did loupes first become essential to your clinical work?

Linda: Very early on. They moved from being a ‘nice-to-have’ to an absolute necessity. My father and grandfather were dentists and never used loupes, but I

bespoke fitting, curing filters and adjustable magnification. My loupes have grown with me.

Stephen: Evident has worked with you and your family for many years. What do you value most in that partnership?

quickly realised that modern dentistry is a micron environment. In aesthetic dentistry, where I focus much of my work, the tiniest margin can make all the difference. Loupes gave me the vision I needed to achieve the level of precision my patients deserve.

Linda: Trust and professionalism. Evident’s attention to detail, the measuring, the posture assessments and the ongoing support, is unmatched. Dentistry is demanding on our eyes and bodies, so having partners who understand that and support you as your needs change is invaluable. My husband and son are also dentists, and they both use Evident loupes, which says everything about the trust we place in the brand.

Stephen: How has magnification supported you throughout your career?

Stephen: What advice would you give to younger dentists just starting out?

Linda: Quite simply, I could not practise without it. I use my loupes every single day on every patient. They support my posture, which is critical when you spend hours at the chair, and they allow me to work with the accuracy patients expect. Over the years, I have increased my magnification because the work demands it. Crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, they must all be perfect. The technology has evolved beautifully with lighter frames,

Linda: Invest in your vision, both literally and figuratively. Choose equipment that supports your health and allows you to see every detail. Find mentors who challenge and inspire you. And remember that the most rewarding part of dentistry is the human connection, helping people feel confident, comfortable and cared for.

Magnification helps you see better, but empathy helps you understand better.

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Stephen: You have taught and mentored many clinicians. How do you help them understand the value of magnification?

Linda: Teaching is about sharing experience but also encouraging curiosity. I tell my students that magnification is not an accessory, it is an enabler. It allows you to refine your technique, reduce errors and build confidence. Once clinicians experience what it feels like to work under true magnification, they never go back. It changes the way you practise and the way you see your profession.

Stephen: Looking back, what does clarity mean to you now?

Linda: Clarity is knowing who you are, what you stand for and the difference you want to make. I have been fortunate to have a long and fulfilling career, and I am still passionate about dentistry. The tools have evolved, the techniques have changed, but the principles remain the same: precision, compassion and lifelong learning. That is what keeps me inspired.

For guidance on choosing the best loupe for your needs, download the free resource A Dental Professional’s Guide to Buying the Right Loupe at response.evident.co.uk/loupes-buyers-guide.

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SM7730 2026_Oralieve The Probe FF Toothpaste Half Page Advert 3 PRESS_READY.indd 1 January 26 | The Probe

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16/12/2025 10:11

21

09/01/2026 17:15:25

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advertorials

Defining and maximising value A patient-centred future

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hat does value mean to you when working with a dental supplier? Is it affordable pricing? A wide choice of high-quality products? Customer service that goes the extra mile to support you?

Or all of the above?

Dental Directory is a name synonymous with value. As an organisation, we have spent time ensuring that everything we do is aligned with our ethos for delivering exceptional products and service to all of our customers. Here’s what that looks like…

Affordability

We appreciate the need for practices to optimise profit margins by investing wisely in affordable products and ensuring maximum return on investment. Consequently, we are proud to deliver competitive pricing across the board on everything from consumables to advanced imaging equipment and even full surgery turnkey solutions. At the same time, low costs never mean compromised standards, giving you peace of mind that the solutions you purchase are of the highest quality.

Choice

To further cater for different needs and different budgets, Dental Directory offers an immense portfolio that contains thousands of solutions. That means you have a choice of brands, product capabilities, integrations and price points, allowing you to find exactly what you need for your business.

Quality

By working with top global dental manufacturers, we are able to provide solutions of the highest quality. From A-dec to Acteon, Carestream Dental, Dentsply Sirona, Dürr Dental, Sendoline, 3Shape and so many more, our industry partnerships ensure we cater for the demands of every dental discipline, every practitioner preference and every patient need. Our products are tried and tested, with a proven track record, giving you confidence in the quality of dentistry you can consistently deliver.

Customer service

The best products are just one part of the puzzle.

We understand the importance of excellent customer service and support as well, meaning we dedicate time and money to training our teams and ensuring they have the knowledge and skills needed to assist you in every way.

Someone is always available by phone or email to answer your questions, provide bespoke product advice or offer guidance on technology implementation within your practice.

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Long-term maintenance

As part of our customer service, we provide a comprehensive equipment maintenance solution. With regular testing, repairs, servicing and validation, your equipment will continue to function optimally for longer, reducing the risk of breakdowns and maximising your return on investment. Our engineers are specifically trained on the brands we provide, for the best results. We also offer different service plans to help streamline practice budgets for ongoing equipment care. These include a special small equipment and handpiece option, which comes with a 48-hour turnaround on handpiece repairs. All repairs also come with a warranty for extra confidence.

When the unexpected happens

And, of course, in the unlikely event of a problem, you can rest assured that a Dental Directory engineer is never far away. Our highly skilled, nationwide team allows us to have an engineer on site within 8 working hours, ensuring we get your practice back up and running quickly and efficiently with a 92% first-time fix rate. This is the peace of mind you need when running a busy dental practice, significantly reducing the disruption caused to patients and staff.

Excellence all-round

Dental Directory has been a household name in dentistry for the past five decades.

Throughout this time, we have constantly adapted to the evolving needs of the profession, ensuring we remain at the cuttingedge of dentistry. Providing value has been a cornerstone of our success, which today encompasses quality, affordability, choice, technical support, and customer service.

Dean Hallows, Managing Director of Dental Directory, added: “We’re not just here to supply a product and leave the customer to it. We’re here to provide a turnkey solution that helps dental teams elevate the standard of care that they give to patients, helping them maintain those standards over time in an economic, efficient, and reliable way.”

To experience the kind of value Dental Directory could bring to your practice, contact us today.

For more information on the products and maintenance services available from Dental Directory, please visit ddgroup.com or call 0800 585 586 n

E

Minimising risks to patient care

improving patient outcomes. Clinical decisions always remain with the clinician, but our behaviours of caring and excellence shape how we work together and how we support practices across the group.

Support services are available to reduce operational burden and give principals more time to focus on their teams and their patients. Access to HR, finance, marketing, procurement and operational guidance can enhance practice resilience and free up capacity where it matters most. Economies of scale further open the door to product discounts, preferential supplier relationships, and resources that are typically out of reach for a standalone practice.

Throughout, the balance is clear: autonomy where you want it, support where you need it. Participation is collaborative, never prescriptive, with Partners encouraged and empowered to take their practice further.

Retained leadership

Start building your future

xceptional patient care sits at the heart of every thriving dental practice. The choices made around investment, team development, and clinical delivery all stem from a deep professional commitment to maintaining the highest standards of dentistry and consistently providing outstanding patient experiences.

For many principals, the thought of selling a practice brings natural questions about what happens next: will patient care still meet the standards you’ve built? Will the culture and ethos endure? Traditional sales models offer little reassurance. Full transfer of ownership and operational control often means the end of your influence – yet you’re still expected to deliver growth through deferred payments tied to future performance. The stakes remain high, while control disappears.

These pressures have driven a timely re-examination of the market and encouraged new models to emerge.

Today, forward-thinking alternatives allow principals to unlock the value of their practice while still playing a meaningful role in its future. Crucially, they create pathways to protect your team, your patients, and the standards you’ve spent years shaping.

DeNovo Dental Partners represents this new possibility. Our shared-ownership model enables principals to receive the full value of their practice upfront, while remaining firmly in the driving seat. The majority of payment is provided in cash, with the balance delivered through equity in the wider DeNovo group. This creates multiple wealth-generation opportunities as both your practice and the collective business grow.

But the benefits extend beyond financials.

This model preserves the leadership, relationships, and community engagement that make your practice what it is. It safeguards the culture you’ve built and ensures continuity of care for your patients, with you retaining the autonomy and authority to uphold clinical excellence.

Unlock additional opportunities

The dental sector is evolving quickly.

Practice sales are no longer tied solely to retirement; modern models now offer principals the ability to realise full value earlier, accelerate growth, and gain access to expertise that enhances patient care and operational excellence.

Above all, the DeNovo shared-ownership approach keeps patients exactly where they belong – at the centre. It enables principals to retain genuine influence, protect clinical standards, and secure the long-term wellbeing of the practice and its community.

Even if a sale isn’t on your immediate horizon, a conversation with DeNovo could reveal opportunities – and levels of support – you may not have known were possible.

Why wouldn’t you find out more? Contact us to discover what kind of future you could build in collaboration with DeNovo. https://www.denovo.partners/ n

The DeNovo model is designed to strengthen what already works well. Our Partner network provides access to shared expertise, business insight, and peer-topeer learning – helping clinicians benchmark progress, elevate standards, and continue

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 12:36:45

www.the-probe.co.uk

a-dec

Maintain your dental equipment for a trouble-free 2026

A

s we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh your routines and give your dental equipment the attention it deserves to perform at its peak. A wellcared-for dental chair can improve your practice, creating a clean, comforting, and professional space for your patients while also helping to avoid unnecessary equipment problems.

Here’s a quick look at the key maintenance areas that really benefit from daily and weekly care. These simple tasks only take a few minutes but can offer lasting value for both your practice and your equipment.

Suction filter

One of the most essential parts of any dental chair is the suction filter, which is vital for keeping strong and reliable suction throughout the day. You can find it conveniently located at the back of the chair on all A-dec dental chairs, for example, making it easy to access and clean. Just lift the lid, take out the filter basket, give it a good rinse, and pop it back in place. It’s important to do this daily to avoid any buildup of debris, but you only need to replace the filter itself every couple of months. Regular cleaning ensures proper airflow and helps prevent blockages, so your equipment runs smoothly even on the busiest days in the clinic.

Spittoon valve filter

When it comes to maintaining a spittoon, don’t forget about this little component, tucked away in the spittoon compartment: the valve filter! To get to it, just pop off the side panel and drain any leftover liquid.

Once you’ve released the filter, give it a good rinse and clean before putting it back in place. The great news is that you usually won’t need to replace this filter,

making upkeep easy and cost-effective. A quick clean every week will keep everything running smoothly and help avoid any nasty smells or stagnation.

HVE valve

The High-Volume Evacuation (HVE) valve is something that gets a lot of use, and if it’s not cleaned regularly, debris can accumulate inside. The good news is that the valve is designed for easy disassembly.

Once you take it off the tube, you can clean it by hand or place it into the autoclave. To keep everything running smoothly, just a little bit of A-dec silicone lubricant on the O-rings will do the trick. It’s a good idea to clean it daily and remember to replace the O-rings about once a year during your scheduled service. Keeping this part in top shape ensures you get strong suction and smooth operation.

Water bottle

Taking care of your water bottle is straightforward. A good clean once a month, or more often if needed, will help keep any residue at bay and ensure you’re getting quality water. You won’t need to replace the bottle until the five-year mark, so it’s low maintenance but crucial for keeping your system running smoothly.

Caring for your dental unit waterlines is just as important as maintaining the chair itself. Once your waterlines have been properly treated with A-dec ICX Renew and brought back to a safe baseline, ICX tablets help maintain those levels by inhibiting new bacterial growth that cause unpleasant odours.

A quick tip: simply add an ICX tablet to your water bottle before you fill it up, and it will help keep your waterlines stable for up to two weeks!

January 26 | The Probe

23_Probe-January_Adec.indd 1

A-dec advises against emptying and drying the water bottle overnight, as this can lead to contamination. Regular water testing and occasional shock treatments are key to ensuring your waterlines stay safe and compliant.

Taking care of your dental unit waterlines is just as crucial as looking after the chair itself. By using A-dec ICX and ICX Renew products, you can effectively prevent the growth of bacteria that cause unpleasant odours.

A quick tip: simply add an ICX tablet to your water bottle before you fill it up, and you’ll keep those waterlines clean for up to two weeks! A-dec advises against emptying and drying the water bottle overnight, as this can lead to contamination. Regular water testing and occasional shock treatments are key to ensuring your waterlines stay safe and compliant.

Oil filter

At the rear of the A-dec delivery systems, you’ll find the oil filter, which consists of a small piece of gauze designed to catch oil from the compressed air powering your handpieces. To maintain consistent handpiece performance and prevent slowdowns, this gauze must be kept loose and free from buildup. If your practice manually oils its handpieces, the filter should be cleaned weekly; if you use an automated oiling machine, every other week is sufficient. This quick task helps maintain efficient airflow, protecting the longevity and performance of your handpieces.

Annual and five-year servicing

In addition to your daily and weekly maintenance routines, A-dec suggests scheduling an annual service after every 1,500

hours of use. Plus, don’t forget about the more comprehensive five-year service, which should be done after 7,500 hours. These regular check-ups are crucial for keeping your equipment safe, preventing long-term wear, and catching any potential issues before they disrupt your daily operations.

Upholstery care and cleaning

The upholstery on your dental chair is often the first thing your patients notice, and it significantly influences their overall impression of your practice. To keep it looking great, steer clear of harsh cleaning products, as they can lead to cracking and peeling. Instead, at the end of each day, wipe it down with warm, soapy water and make sure it dries completely.

During the day, non-alcohol wipes work wonders for quick clean-ups, but remember to dry the surface afterwards.

Don’t forget to pay special attention to high-touch areas like headrests, armrests, trays, and control panels. These spots not only gather more bacteria but also endure more wear and tear. Environmental factors like humidity, heat, sharp objects, and certain materials can also affect the lifespan of your upholstery. With a bit of care and awareness, you can greatly extend the appearance and comfort of your chairs.

By weaving these straightforward routines into your practice, you can greatly minimise the chances of downtime, enhance the patient experience, and safeguard your equipment investment. A well-maintained chair not only functions better but also showcases the professionalism and high standards of your practice.

For more tips, check out A-dec’s website, drop an email to uk-info@a-dec.com, or take a look at A-dec’s YouTube channel for some handy maintenance videos. n

23 12/01/2026 12:39:32

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treatment

Preparing for sinus augmentation

D

ental implant placement is a complex task, and is only made more difficult when a patient has insufficient bone volume to support a restoration. In many cases, augmentation of the hard tissue is often indicated for treatment predictability and longevity and, depending on the affected site, this may mean the need for sinus augmentation, or a sinus lift.

Such a procedure requires clinical skill, experience, knowledge, and a detailed treatment planning process. Maxillary sinus augmentation via the lateral window technique, used for over 40 years, is deemed a safe and predictable surgery. Risk factors such as the presence of septa, thin membrane, gingival biotype, and smoking habits can all be mitigated, resulting in minimal trauma and invasiveness.

To create a predictable and effective workflow, dental professionals need to engage with high-quality technological systems. Understanding how different solutions optimise the workflow, making any given aspect more efficient or reliable, allows clinicians to choose key investments for their practice that better support their patients.

A clear idea

Long before treatment begins, clinicians need to identify patients suited to sinus augmentation prior to implant placement.

After tooth loss, the alveolar ridge is prone to atrophy and pneumatisation of the maxillary sinus. When a patient loses a tooth in the maxilla and is interested in receiving a dental implant, their clinician will then have to consider the potential for atrophy, and therefore the need for augmentation.

planning, to artificial intelligence (AI) models, or even CAD/CAM surgical guides.

Digitally-devised assistance

If the clinician is trained, competent and confident to provide this care, then they can begin more detailed assessments; if not, a referral is appropriate, but the clinician may request further information, such as radiographic images. A presurgical evaluation relies on computed tomography (CT) or cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans, providing a range of information such as membrane thickness, residual bone height, the presence of sinus septa, and the positioning of teeth and other key anatomical features. These are considered essential before beginning this form of treatment, and clinicians should once again only interpret the results if they have the appropriate training.

With accurate readings and information about the treatment site, the clinician leading the case can proceed with confidence.

When investing in an imaging system, it’s important to consider aspects such as accuracy to small scales, which ensures treatment plans are appropriately informed, and wider fields of view that allow for all biological details to be assessed in minimal scans, reducing radiation exposures for patients. Once high-quality scans are secured, clinicians can apply them in many ways, from complete hands-on treatment

When planning and performing complex dental surgeries, it’s vital that clinicians do not go in blind. Anatomical structures such as nerve canals, nearby teeth, and the skeletal layout of the jaw itself must be managed carefully for a successful outcome. Careful implant planning also allows clinicians to prepare where the restoration will lie, maximising recovery in healthy osseous tissue, and maximising function and aesthetics.

A digitally produced surgical guide has been referenced throughout the available literature as an approach that effectively facilitates minimally invasive surgery. Though it should be known that this is not through removing less tissue, for example by creating a smaller window size or reducing the flap extension, but instead by enhancing the accuracy of the window preparation.

This means that the extent of the sinus membrane elevation needed during surgery could be limited only to the area where the implant will be placed. Conventional surgical guides may, however, be fairly large, and demand an excessive reflection of the flap; ensuring this is as small as possible, whilst maximising accuracy is key.

Clinicians seeking to utilise a guided workflow should seek out systems that maximise accuracy, but also can be implemented seamlessly into the workflows of those creating any physical guides – this could be an in-practice or external dental technician, or even through the same supplier that provides digital planning software.

Optimising results

In the future, clinicians will expect to see AI play a key role in sinus augmentation treatment, and implant planning as a whole.

This will rely on accurate scans of the maxillofacial structures in order to devise a precise, effective plan.

The CS 9600 CBCT Scanner from Carestream Dental is a leading solution for clinicians looking to take on complex cases with confidence. The versatile 5-in1 scanner delivers smart innovations and precise outcomes, with up to 14 fields of view available for maximum insight into all affected anatomy. Powered by CS 3D Imaging Software now including premium features such as AI automated implant planning to increase efficiency and accuracy, your workflow can be transformed for improved patient outcomes.

A variety of technological solutions can aid the delivery of sinus augmentation and subsequent implant placement. Effective planning can only begin when clinicians have a clear idea of a patient’s condition, making high-quality dental imaging an important place to start.

For more information on Carestream Dental visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk n

About the author Nimisha Nariapara, Trade Marketing Manager at Carestream Dental.

Ready for reconstruction

T

emporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) affect people across every continent; up to 31% of adults worldwide may experience symptoms. Symptoms vary: some may hear a popping noise when moving the jaw, others may have pain when masticating, and many more may be unable to fully open their mouth.

TMD patients can be managed in a variety of ways, depending on the severity of their symptoms. Those reporting pain should be recommended to eat soft foods, hold ice or heat packs to the sensitive area, and massage the jaw muscles. If these solutions fail to alleviate severe symptoms, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction may be needed – a surgical operation with many approaches.

For dental clinicians, patients with TMD symptoms should be educated and guided towards the appropriate treatment options and any post-recovery actions, providing a comprehensive overview of the different TMJ reconstruction protocols.

Built in a day

The mandibular condyle is the head of the lower jaw and, with the temporal bone, articulates to form the TMJ, allowing the jaw to move.

Reconstruction of the TMJ is a multifaceted challenge, infrequent in occurrence but capable of transforming a patient’s life,

24 24_Probe-January_Treatment.indd 1

alleviating pain and restoring function to the jaw. However, there is no unified approach to it. Autologous tissue transplantation is one option; historically, reconstructing the TMJ in the early 20th century drew on the costochondral rib joint, the iliac crest, transport distraction osteogenesis (TDO), the fibular and more as the most common sources for hard tissue grafting.

The complications of autologous transplantation are well-documented: resorption, fracture, ankylosis, and unpredictable growth patterns frequently emerge post-grafting. More longer-term studies have also noted that costochondral grafts reveal excessive growth on the treated side in over half the patients. Only 38% achieved a symmetrical ramus condyle unit four years after the reconstruction surgery.

Whilst autologous grafts are reliable for their biocompatibility, they are complicated by the need for an additional surgical site, donor site morbidity, the potential for graft fracture or resorption, and extended surgery duration.

These considerations can make the treatment less appealing to TMD patients.

A superior option

Alloplastic joint replacements are more innovative biomechanical alternatives: they manage unilateral or bilateral TMJ ankylosis and offer fewer complications. The risk of re-operation is also lower.

In 1965, the first TMJ implant was introduced that combined an alloy of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum for the fossa and the standardised ramus component.

This utilised a polymethylmethacrylate condylar head and was sealed with cement – later breakthroughs led to titanium emerging as the optimal material choice for more complex prostheses. There are two types of alloplastic devices: stocktype and custom-designed, with the latter produced using CAD/CAM technologies.

Both replace the ramus and condylar component and the fossa component using titanium screws for fixing. Alloplastic devices offer greater effectiveness than autologous transplantation, with customdesigned prostheses working especially well for patients with ankylosis – those treated with one experienced improved quality of life over a 12-year period. This included maximum mouth opening and superior mastication.

The use of titanium, combined with tailored 3D printed designs, supports a solution that is biocompatible and long lasting, with a minimised risk of rejection – as the metal quickly reacts to oxygen, it forms a titanium oxide layer that reduces the release of any metal particles into the surrounding surgical area. Titanium alloys enhance these qualities without compromising on strength or wear-resistance too.

Road to recovery

Regardless of treatment type or material, patients who have received TMJ reconstruction surgery will need a reliable rehabilitation protocol to improve range of motion and jaw strength.

Clinicians can support TMD patients by recommending the OraStretch Press Rehab System from Total TMJ. An easy-to-use device perfect for both home and travel, it stretches the orofacial tissues to restore strength and function to the TMJ. Patients can feel empowered in their recovery due to the notable improvements in mouth movement thanks to the device, when following the daily exercises as recommended by a healthcare professional.

Knowledge of the TMJ has increased dramatically in recent years, with innovative techniques and solutions employed to deliver life-changing treatments. Having a stronger understanding of the different reconstruction approaches allows clinicians to better support their patients and ensure that they feel confident in their recovery of the TMJ. For more details about Total TMJ and the products available, please email info@totaltmj.co.uk n

About the author Dr Tooth Dentine writes about teeth

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 12:41:42

www.the-probe.co.uk

TREATMENT

Maintaining oral care for long-term implant success

D

ental implants are becoming more commonly provided as demand for them continuously rises. With their ability to restore a patient’s smile and confidence, they offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth.

However, despite the advancements in both the surgical and aesthetic aspects of implantology, the preparations and procedures themselves are not of sole involvement. The reality stands that all the hard work and financial input into a new smile is only worthwhile dependent on how the patient cares for their implants – decisively impacting their longevity.

Clinical challenges

Peri-implant disease presents as peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis (PIM), and is prevalent as a greatly recognised clinical challenge. With the implant population growing, so too must the preventative methods for better long-term outcomes. For dental professionals, the duty remains in promoting these precautionary measures through effective plaque control – particularly in the interdental regions.

In a recent long-term study, the prevalence of PIM in patients was nearly 46% over 20+ years and approximately 40% of implants showed signs of PIM respectively.

Such evidence highlights that regardless of surgical success and clinical advice, the maintenance of implants is a great source of issues in their longevity.

Interdental importance

Implants, unlike natural teeth, lack the vital periodontal ligament fibres that reduce the bacterial vulnerability of soft-tissue. Once this level of inflammation has begun, it becomes

difficult to salvage bone, which reduces in volume at a rapid rate – something extremely difficult to cease.

With the natural dentition, the consequences of interdental neglect can present as gingivitis or caries. However, failure to maintain oral health with implants results in much greater ramifications: the supporting structures make them more susceptible to inflammation, subsequently accelerating peri-implant bone loss, compromising aesthetics and mobility, eventually risking catastrophic implant failure, making interdental cleaning integral.

Research consistently demonstrates the importance of interdental and submucosal care. Whereas brushing is great for removing the surface-level bacteria, the deeper, harderto-reach areas more commonly retain plaque leading to subsequent complications. The prosthetic design of implants involves different spatial positioning, abutments, and connector elements that can create challenging intricacies compared to regular tooth cleaning.

This means that even the most thorough and regular toothbrushing can be unsuccessful in removing all harmful plaque.

The flossing compliance problem

Despite the continuous guidance patients are offered, very few adhere to such. A recent study evidences that only 30% of patients use dental floss. Common reasons include the inconvenience and lack of time, as well as sheer discomfort.

These justifications are only augmented living with implants: dexterity challenges are heightened in weaving floss around fixed prostheses, and overarching access difficulties are caused by the inhibiting geometries of prosthetic contours

and connectors.

Furthermore, when patients don’t physically see or feel the damage to their implants immediately, they are less likely to continue such habit.

For clinicians, this presents an ongoing compliance challenge. Beyond the implant itself, peri-implant inflammation is directly linked to systemic inflammation, contributing to further health repercussions.

– up to 2X as effective as string floss for improving gum health around implants with the Plaque Seeker™ tip.

The 360° tip rotation and guided routine with timed pacers establish an easy-to-use oral care regimen for all implant patients.

The countertop water flosser offers professional oral care from the comfort of home. Its large-capacity reservoir provides thorough daily irrigation without interruption – guaranteeing longevity in patients’ implants as the #1 water flosser brand recommended by dental professionals.

Dental professionals in prevention

Implant dentistry is transforming the lives of patients continuously. With a greater population of such patients, the measures of maintaining the longevity of treatment are increasingly important. Precautionary measures are the most effective when genuinely assimilated into everyday routines. Interdental plaque control is vital, but with traditional flossing methods underachieving both clinically and compliancewise, alternatives must be recommended.

With easy-to-use, effective methods being recommended, clinicians protect their patients’ investment, develop long-term outcomes, and ensure that the implants remain healthy.

For more information on WaterpikTM water flosser products visit www.waterpik.co.uk.

Recommending supportive oral hygiene advice comes in many different forms with interdental flossing being a great choice. Recent studies indicate that water flossing evidence a fast and simple solution to the removal of dental plaque and reducing gingivitis too. For patients with implants, water flossers can offer ease of access around the prostheses and gentle irrigation of the peri-implant sulcus.

Many find water flossers offer faster and more comfortable than manual options, which assists in the long-term maintenance of such habits – ensuring the preserved health of patients’ implants.

The ultra professional advantage

Certain devices have entered the market, yet the gold standard remains as the Ultra Professional water flosser from WaterpikTM, remaining the most powerful and advanced flosser in the range. With 10 pressure settings, 2 flossing modes, and 5 flossing tips, the device guarantees the most remarkable clean

Conclusion

About the author Anne Symons is a Dental Hygienist currently working in a Specialist Periodontal/ Implant practice and a busy NHS surgery.

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25 09/01/2026 17:27:37

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treatment: education

Space management

B

efore initiating ortho-restorative procedures, many cases necessitate preliminary space management, as a significant proportion of patients present with malocclusion.

Selecting the least invasive yet most effective treatment modality poses a clinical challenge. The benefits and risks of each intervention vary considerably depending on individual anatomical and functional factors.

Oral hygiene is significantly more challenging for patients suffering with malocclusion. Crowded teeth create tight spaces that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss, allowing plaque and food debris to accumulate. This increases the risk of cavities, periodontal disease, and halitosis.

Beyond hygiene, malocclusion can also affect a person’s self-esteem due to its impact on facial appearance and smile aesthetics. Crooked, protruding, or gapped teeth may cause individuals to feel self-conscious, leading them to avoid smiling or speaking freely in social situations. This can influence personal relationships and professional confidence, making orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusion not just a medical necessity but also a psychological and emotional benefit.

Untreated malocclusion compromises the long-term success of restorative procedures by affecting occlusal stability, periodontal health, and functional outcomes.

Addressing underlying malocclusion and dental alignment issues is essential to restore functional parameters such as mastication, deglutition, phonetics, and periodontal integrity. The goal is to achieve functional occlusion with minimal loss of tooth structure, thereby facilitating subsequent restorative interventions.

Several space-gaining techniques are available, each with distinct indications and limitations.

Despite its simplicity and lack of invasiveness, IPR carries potential risks.

Rough enamel surfaces may predispose to plaque accumulation which can result in periodontal compromise if not properly finished and maintained.

Advanced tools are helping clinicians to navigate the technical challenges associated with IPR including excessive enamel removal which can weaken tooth structure, increasing susceptibility to caries. New generation IPR burs and strips offer greater control and precision during the procedure.

Artificial intelligence is also being used to predict optimal IPR sites and volumes based on 3D scans and patient-specific data. This reduces human error and improves safety margins.

When executed judiciously, IPR remains a safe and effective option for managing mild to moderate crowding and tooth size discrepancies.

Palatal expansion, while effective for addressing transverse maxillary deficiencies and severe crowding, carries several clinical

risks that must be carefully considered. A rapid palatal expander (RPE), in particular, can induce discomfort, transient speech disturbances, and pressure-related pain during the initial phases.

In younger patients, the improper appliance design of a rapid palate expander or the overexpansion of the palate may lead to asymmetrical growth or skeletal discrepancies due to excessive dental tipping instead of skeletal expansion.

Additionally, poor appliance hygiene can result in mucosal irritation, inflammation or in rare cases, infection.

For adults and adolescents with fully matured palatal structures, miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) may be a necessary alternative. This is because the fully mature mid-palatal suture has fused, making the palate rigid and less pliable.

As a result, removable expanders often fail to effectively widen a mature palate, necessitating the need for more robust treatment options such as surgery.

While MARPE is generally effective in achieving its goal of skeletal expansion, some studies indicate that complications may arise in up to one-third of cases.

Common issues include screw loosening, peri-implant mucositis, incomplete expansion, and on rare occasions, complete treatment failure.

The long-term stability of any palatal expansion method depends on proper retention protocols, early identification of complications, and careful case selection to minimise future risks.

For clinicians seeking to refine their approach in minimally invasive aesthetic dentistry, the IAS Academy’s Align, Bleach & Bond course offers a comprehensive framework. It equips practitioners with the diagnostic and technical skills to integrate alignment strategies with whitening and bonding techniques delivering predictable, aesthetically pleasing and patient-centred results.

This course exemplifies the synergy between orthodontic planning and restorative excellence, reinforcing the importance of foundational space management in modern dental practice.

Effective space management is foundational to successful orthorestorative treatment. The choice between interproximal reduction, palatal expansion or alternative options such as tooth extraction or fixed braces must be guided by a thorough clinical assessment of the severity of the crowding and the age of the patient, weighed against invasiveness, long-term stability and aesthetic outcomes.

For more information or to book the course, visit https://courses.iasortho.com/ courses or call 01932 336470 (Press 1) n

About the author Dr Tif Qureshi, founder and a clinical director of IAS Academy.

Support throughout the full arch treatment plan

T

ooth loss can be a challenging experience for patients. Not only can it affect their confidence, but how they speak and eat.

Complete edentulism is irreversible, and is regarded as the ultimate outcome of oral disease. Both caries and periodontal disease, unchallenged, can result in the loss of tooth and bone structure over time. Genetic factors and dental trauma can also play a role, increasing the pool of patients who can be affected by it.

To support people who live with complete edentulism patients are commonly provided with removable dentures, but full arch dental implants have grown as a recognised approach that can be predictable and effective. It’s the responsibility of the dental professional to assess when a full arch reconstruction can be effective, and to ensure the patient has the best chance at restorative success.

This includes understanding the patient’s oral health needs, how they should look after the solution following placement, and considering the need for referral, or taking on extra training in order to treat such cases.

Before surgery begins

There are many oral health factors that must be controlled to maximise the success of a full arch reconstruction. Firstly, implants will need to be placed in multiple sites across the dentition to hold the fixed denture that will serve as the replacement dentition.

However, clinicians have various options

26 26_Probe-January_Treatment.indd 1

for placement and loading protocols.

Both immediate and two-stage implant placement procedures can be successful, with the former reducing treatment times and displaying comparable success rates with early and conventional loading, though proper case selection is vital.

This is an aspect that must balance the suitability for treatment, as well as patient preference. Where an immediate implant loading procedure is viable, patients are thought to favour such a protocol for a fixed, full arch rehabilitation, though the current evidence is not clear. It can quickly deliver functional and aesthetic restorations in select cases, but professionals must beware the long-term implications, including whether the patient would expect to experience excessive bone loss and mechanical or biological complications.

One must also consider whether they can physiologically manage such outcomes.

Edentulism results in irreversible alveolar bone resorption, and the amount that has been lost will indicate whether such approaches are feasible. Additional intervention such as guided bone regeneration will be necessary in many instances, and may find the most success with a delayed placement and loading procedure.

Much like standard implant placement procedures, clinicians will also need to maximise the standard of oral health in order to minimise the risk of complications such as peri-implant disease. Managing periodontal disease prior to surgery also helps the clinician

more predictably assess the physiological response, and gives a greater chance at long-term success. For this reason, dental professionals should recommend patients maintain a high-level of oral hygiene, cease smoking, and manage systemic diseases such as diabetes where possible.

Minimising infection

Following the placement of implants throughout the arch, patients will continue to require additional advice and support to minimise the risk of early failure, no matter whether an immediate or delayed protocol is used. Conventional tooth cleaning should be supported, aiming to remove plaque and debris from treatment sites. This will reduce the risk of biological compilations as a result of infection and disease.

In order to identify the progression of disease early, professionals should record regular probing depths and radiographs to keep abreast of the progression of disease, should it appear. Baseline probing depths should be measured within 2 weeks after placement to allow for peri-implant soft tissue healing, and radiographs should be retaken in the years that follow, or when signs of infection appear.

Patients may find oral hygiene routines difficult at first, especially if this is their first fixed dental restoration. The use of floss, interdental cleaners and oral irrigators should be advised, and dental professionals should ensure patients understand how to use each tool properly.

To refer or learn

When a patient presents at the practice with the need for a full arch reconstruction, it’s important to recognise the value of referrals.

This can ensure the patient receives the highest standard of care, and should be used if a clinician is not suitably trained.

However, if such treatment is something a professional wishes to provide, seeking out a high-quality course is vital.

The PG Diploma in Advanced Techniques in Implant Dentistry from One to One Implant Education equips professionals with the skills to plan, provide and manage full arch reconstruction with confidence. Using hands-on sessions and first-hand tutoring, delegates will be able to take on similarly advanced cases, including providing guided bone regeneration, augmentation of the posterior maxilla, and more.

Dental professionals are the primary source of support for patients undergoing full arch reconstruction. Advice and guidance should be provided at all opportunities prior to and following surgery, no matter the chosen protocol.

To reserve your place or to find out more, please visit 121implanteducation.co.uk or call 020 7486 0000. n

About the author Dr Fazeela Khan Osborne is the founding clinician of the FACE dental implant multidisciplinary team for the One To One Dental Clinic.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 12:44:32

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advertorials

2026 – a year for implant excellence

L

ifelong education is a given in dentistry. In dental implantology, continually updating knowledge and skills is crucial for delivering evidence-based procedures and achieving excellent clinical outcomes for patients.

Gaining competence and confidence to complete cases predictably and efficiently requires training. But not just any training – the right course, with the right instructor is crucial. At BioHorizons and Camlog, we understand the importance of comprehensive education and present a number of theoretical and hands-on programmes in collaboration with some of the most renowned names in the field.

education.theimplanthub.com for full details of all the programmes available.

A course that combines teaching for both augmentation and implant placement procedures is:: Replace: The Immediate Implant & CTG Course Dr Imi Nasser | Dr Minesh Patel | Dr Viraj Patel 5th-6th February 2026 | London Spend two days with highly experienced clinicians to refine your skills in immediate implant placement with connective tissue grafting. This programme is all about replicating nature with exceptional emergence profile sculpting using custom provisionals. It also offers an opportunity to get hands-on with the techniques and materials discussed for an enriched learning experience.

Offering similarly comprehensive hands-on experience, this time with a spotlight on ridge preservation, is:

Building the fundamentals

Building a successful future in implantology starts with solid foundations. For general dental practitioners wanting to take their first implant steps with the support of experts, BioHorizons and Camlog presents: Implant Fundamental: Learn the Basics, Build Your Future Dr Amish Raichura | Dr Deepesh Patel | Dr Harjot Singh Bansal 27th-28th February 2026 | Bracknell This intensive two-day programme discusses the entire workflow from case selection to treatment planning and delivery.

The basic principles of surgical placement and prosthetic restoration are explored, giving clinicians confidence to discuss treatment options with patients. The handson portion also enables attendees to try various surgical and restorative kits to start building familiarity.

Another option for clinicians looking to develop a solid grounding in the field is: Oral Surgery Workshop for GDPs Dr Christian Waith 29th-30th January 2026 | Manchester The comprehensive agenda covers everything from managing failing teeth to raising flaps, suturing, sectioning, bone removal, luxating, elevating and wisdom teeth management. Dr. Waith imparts a wealth of wisdom to help colleagues gain the essential skills needed during their implant journey. Clinicians can also explore several hours of online pre-course material before attending the two-day, hands-on workshop to ensure a comprehensive education.

Taking the next step

For clinicians either new to the field or who have years of experience, BioHorizons and Camlog offer teaching and support in soft and hard tissue grafting techniques through numerous training courses. Visit www.

28 28_Probe_January_advertorials.indd 1

Preserve: The Refined Ridge Preservation Course Dr Imi Nasser | Dr Minesh Patel 7th February & 22nd May 2026 | London This day course provides a predictable and simplified approach to maintaining the gingival and alveolar architecture around implants. Surgical steps are discussed to improve atraumatic extraction and suturing techniques, socket debridement and cleansing. Attendees will also receive expert guidance on how to utilise biomaterials for the best results.

Going guided

Helping clinicians take advantage of the many benefits afforded by digital workflows is: Unlock the Art of Guided Implant Surgery – Simplifying Implant Placement Part 1 Dr Nick Fahey 5th-6th March 2026 | Yattendon The first of the three-part guided surgery course distils a knowledge-rich curriculum with Dr. Fahey sharing his decades of experience. This introduction to guided implant surgery includes discussion about the software and equipment used to deliver care with hands-on demonstration. A combination of live surgery videos and case presentations offer realistic perspectives as part of broader discussions. Attendees will have an opportunity to practice guided placement on models with direct feedback from the instructors.

Plan your year

With a broad choice of training courses available, there is something for clinicians of all experience levels and ambitions in implantology. To find out more, contact BioHorizons and Camlog today!

For more information on the courses available from BioHorizons Camlog in 2026, please visit education.theimplanthub.com/courses n

Solutions that simplify

D

ental aesthetics have become especially important to clinicians and patients alike in recent years, and ensuring restorations blend seamlessly with the existing dentition is vital for a successful outcome. Difficulties arise with the array of natural tooth shades that a person can have, how they change in different lights, and how the hue, chroma and value (three variables for tooth colour) can differ even across adjacent teeth.

When devising an effective approach for a composite restoration, a clinician needs materials which can adequately replicate the appearance of a natural tooth. This has previously meant a range of composite materials kept in the practice’s inventory, ready for when their shade is called upon.

But clinicians who use the 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative from Solventum can see things differently. With just three shades of composite material to call upon, one would be mistaken to call this limiting – a unique formulation opens up a world of possibilities.

Adapt and overcome

A challenge faced by many dental professionals is ensuring the correct shade of restorative is chosen to produce the most aesthetic result. Minimising the risk of instinctive distortions of colour perception has led to professionals taking steps such as avoiding brightly-coloured practice spaces, drapes used to obscure clothing and jewellery that could interfere, and even asking patients to remove lipstick – this is all before choosing between materials dedicated to a singular colour in a shade guide, of which the commonly-used Vita Classical Shade Guide has 16.

The 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative features just Bright, Natural and Warm shades. The Natural shade matches most patients’ smiles, and Warm and Bright will suit the rest. This enables clinicians to observe and match using their intuition, making material selection an often-effortless task.

Plus, unlike some competitive singleshade composites, the 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative doesn’t need a blocker. Instead, a naturally adaptive opacity allows for controlled aesthetics across every aspect of the tooth. It delivers dentine-like opacity at thicknesses greater than 2mm, and enamel-like translucency at thicknesses of 0.5-1mm. This creates a seamless appearance wherever needed, on the bevel and incisal edge.

amalgam restorations may be unhappy with even the flash of silver that they see in the mirror, and request a composite addition in a load-bearing site.

The 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative is indicated for use throughout both the anterior and posterior dentition, including on occlusal surfaces, as well as in core build-ups. Its excellent wear resistance and strength ensures professionals can be confident in a long-lasting result in a range of clinical circumstances.

This once again emphasises the opportunity to slim down the clinical inventory, choosing the 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative and any complementary solutions for a streamlined choice of effective solutions. It provides the same performance and handling as other renowned Filtek™ Dental Restoratives, meaning professionals are choosing a solution they can trust.

Clinicians can get in touch with the Solventum team for advice and guidance on the best use of the aesthetic restorative, and realise its ability to streamline conventional restorative workflows. By choosing such a solution, professionals ensure their patients receive care that they can be proud to provide – meaning each individual can leave the practice with a smile to show the world.

To learn more about Solventum, please visit solventum.com/en-gb/home/oral-care/ For more updates on trends, information and events follow us on Instagram at @solventumdentalUK and @solventumorthodonticsemea n ©Solventum 2024. Solventum, the S logo and Filtek are trademarks of Solventum and its affiliates. 3M is a trademark of 3M company.

Across the dentition

Aesthetics aren’t only required in the anterior dentition. Patients with posterior

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professions

Resolve to improve?

Build on what already works

W

hat I really enjoy about any kind of break from the usual routine – holidays, festivities, even work travel – is that is gives us some headspace away from the day-today to think. Traditionally, January is all about resolutions and, quite often, deluding ourselves that this is going to be THE year, making ourselves all kinds of grandiose and largely untenable promises. So, how about looking for things to improve and develop, instead of embarking on wholesale change?

Some of the most effective and realistic intentions come from building on solid foundations that you already have in place. Starting again, unless you are truly in a hole, wastes the journey you’ve made so far. Why scrap something that can be honed, cultivated and made exciting? Progress isn’t always about starting again.

Often, it’s about refining, adjusting and enhancing what already works.

Small refinements can make a big difference

When something is already good, it can be tempting to leave it alone.

But ‘good’ doesn’t have to mean ‘finished’. Ask yourself a few simple questions: What’s working well? How can I offer the most value? What feedback keeps coming up? What

niggles can I address? The answers might highlight opportunities to make meaningful improvements without overhauling everything.

This approach is behind the recent changes to day three of our threeday endodontics course. The core structure and teaching are great, but by reviewing outcomes and listening carefully to feedback, day three has been refined to be even more effective as we take delegates into a clinical setting for the day, observing live treatments and putting learning into action. The result is an experience that means delegates can consolidate

skills and build confidence they can take straight back into practice.

a mindset that says “This is strong – how can it be even stronger?”

Improvements aren’t limited to January

Moving forward with confidence

While this reflective mindset often surfaces at the start of a new year or after the summer, it’s something that can – and should – happen all year round. Continuous improvement doesn’t rely on a calendar date, although scheduling periodic reviews is a good idea. There is always room to ask how something can work better for you, your colleagues and your patients.

This applies just as much to personal training and development. There’s real value in strengthening areas where you already have momentum. Skills you enjoy, techniques you use regularly or learning methods that suit you are often the best places to invest further time and energy.

Don’t settle just because it’s good

T h e re ’s a d i ff e re n c e b e t w e e n b e i n g satisfied and becoming complacent.

B e i n g p ro u d o f w h a t y o u d o w e l l is important, but so is staying curious. The most successful c l i n i c i a n s a n d e d u c a t o r s a re t h o s e who continue to evolve, even when t h i n g s a re g o i n g s m o o t h l y.

Choosing to improve something that already works isn’t about finding fault.

It’s about recognising potential. It’s

As you look ahead, consider where you already have solid foundations, whether in your clinical practice or your own development. Small, thoughtful improvements are often the most sustainable and impactful.

B y b u i l d i n g o n w h a t ’s a l re a d y working, you give yourself the best chance of real progress – without pressure, without compromise, and with results that last.

For regular readers, you’ll know this is all based on my love of Kaizen Theory – the pursuit of improvements by small, incremental changes – and January is as good a time as any to start. 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

D E N T I S T R Y T O D AY

The greatest weakness

I

with Alun Rees

buy and read two physical newspapers a week. For local news The Southern Star, published weekly in Skibbereen, currently includes stories on cattle rustling, pot holes and the local distillery.

For my window into the world, Saturday’s Financial Times suits the purpose. The FT also includes, HTSI (How To Spend It) a large style magazine that a friend cynically described as being aimed at people who “have more money than sense”.

On the last weekend of August 2025, HTSI published a feature on Giorgio Armani to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the company that bears his name. Its headline quote was, “My greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything.” My first thought

alun@alunrees.com

30 30_Probe-January_Professions.indd 1

was: “You’re 91, the business is still vibrant and successful but you won’t live forever; I hope you have a succession plan with everything written down.”

He died four days later, his net worth estimated at over $12 billion.

Giorgio Armani was, and will remain, an icon. I admire designers for their talent, flair and even courage but it would be rare, though not unknown, for me to invest in designer clothing.

Such a successful and wealthy man had two wills and, although he never married, nor fathered any children, his wishes were quite clear that his named heirs should sell a 15% minority stake to a preferred luxury brand.

I have no doubt that his legacy is safe, but I do wonder how long the unique business that is ‘Armani’ will continue without Giorgio, who has devised, driven and led it for half a century.

Would he have done things differently over his last few years had he accepted that the end was in sight? Should he have passed the reins to someone younger? Or did he believe, as I do, that no one could adequately continue what he had started?

We will probably never know his exact wishes and time can only judge his permanent legacy.

I am reminded of lessons from my own life – some personal and others from observations. When I sold my practice, there was a temptation to revisit, to keep contact with the people I looked upon as my team, and be available to share my experience and wisdom with the purchaser. I was totally wrong, it wasn’t mine any longer, and within a fortnight I realised that my possible presence or input were definitely surplus to requirements. And quite rightly so.

My attitude showed arrogance, lacked honest thought and self-awareness. You wouldn’t revisit a house you had sold, or a car you had owned.

I have worked with personal coaching clients who have sold their businesses to a conglomerate or to new principals.

They have had to learn to keep quiet whilst continuing to work on site as part of the continuity deal ensuring their final payment. It is hard to watch changes being made to people, policies, and philosophies that you have built, have seen evolve for success and are profitable; but observe, obey and support is what you must do. Any other choice would be divisive, and expensive.

Perhaps Armani knew that without full control he would not be happy and that his best solution was to “die in

harness” with instructions to his heirs and executors. Giorgio had God-given talent, vast experience and success – plus more money than he could ever spend. He loved what he did, enjoyed getting up and going to work, and could choose his daily workload. Why would he want to stop?

Most dentists want to be independent, but even clinical freedom has to take into account the climate of business and the outlook of individual practices and the customers they choose to serve.

An associate will have little control over some of these limitations.

If your ambition is to be another Giorgio, you’ll never be satisfied in someone else’s business. n

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professions

New Year’s housekeeping

A

s 2026 begins, many practices are already bracing for the familiar peaks and troughs in patient bookings. Some of these dips are predictable – seasonal slowdowns, school holidays, or the ripple effects of tighter household budgets that make patients hesitant to commit. Rather than viewing these troughs as setbacks, think of them as opportunities to sharpen your practice housekeeping and strengthen the systems that keep your diary efficient and resilient.

Predicting and preparing for troughs

• Budget pressures: Patients may delay

or cancel appointments when finances feel constrained. Anticipating this allows you to plan proactive recall campaigns or offer flexible booking options.

• Seasonal patterns: Identify quieter months and use them for efficiency reviews, staff training, or patient engagement initiatives.

Efficiency starts with the diary

Your diary is the engine room of the practice. Optimising it means fewer wasted slots, smoother patient flow, and happier staff. Key housekeeping steps include: • Clear cancellation policies: Patients should know exactly what happens if

they cancel late. Transparency reduces frustration and protects your diary.

• Pre-payment information: Deposits or pre-payments for certain treatments help secure commitment and reduce last-minute dropouts.

• Confirmations: Automated reminders via text or email cut down on no-shows and keep patients engaged.

Measuring what matters

Efficiency isn’t just about filling the diary – it’s about measuring where you succeed and where you fall short.

• Track cancellations, DNA (Did Not Attend) rates, and recall effectiveness.

• Review how quickly white spaces are filled when they appear.

• Share these metrics with your front-ofhouse (FOH) team so they understand the ups and downs and why their role is vital.

Harnessing short notice lists

White spaces in the diary are inevitable. The trick is to turn them into opportunities: • Maintain a short notice/cancellation list of patients eager to come in earlier.

• Train FOH staff to act quickly when a slot opens – speed matters here.

• Celebrate wins when the team fills gaps; it keeps morale high.

Recall efficiency

Recall systems are often overlooked, but they’re the backbone of patient retention.

• Audit your recall process: are patients being contacted at the right time, with the right message?

• Consider multi-channel approaches – texts, emails, phone calls – to maximise reach.

• Measure recall conversion rates and adjust strategies accordingly.

Fees and conversations

Housekeeping isn’t just about the diary – it’s about the conversations you’re having.

• Are your fees correct? Regularly re v i e w pricing to e n s u re sustainability and fairness.

• Are conversations effective? Patients value clarity. Train your team to explain treatment plans, fees, and policies with confidence and empathy.

NHS practices: Know your options For NHS practices, 2026 may bring particular challenges. Understanding what contractual changes or funding pressures mean for your business is essential. Being in control of your diary and finances ensures you’re not caught off guard.

Turning challenges into opportunities

Think of 2026 not as a storm to weather, but as a puzzle to solve. Every cancellation, every white space, every recall is a chance to refine your systems. Instead of seeing challenges, let’s treat them as stepping stones – each one an opportunity to strengthen your practice, empower your team, and delight your patients.

A practical next step

If you’d like to start the year with a focused review, I’m offering a 30-minute “Practice Optimisation Session” this January. In that time, we can look at your diary systems, cancellation policies, recall processes, and fee structures together. Small changes often deliver significant outcomes, and this session is designed to highlight where efficiencies can be gained.

To arrange your session, you can contact me through ADAM (Association of Dental Administrators and Managers) or via WhatsApp on 07964867286. n

About the author Lisa Bainham is President at ADAM and practice management coach at Practice Management Matters.

Welcoming new faces in 2026!

A

t the end of 2025, BADN welcomed some new faces onto our Executive Committee, Panel of Representatives and Education Committee. Michelle Brand and Joan Hatchard stepped down as Chair and Immediate Past President respectively.

Meanwhile, we welcomed Carolyn Roberts as President-elect and Rebecca Silver as Treasurer. Ruth Garrity, previously our Treasurer, took on the role of Chairman. We also introduced new members to the Panel and Education Committee.

Carolyn Roberts is BADN’s new Presidentelect. Carolyn began dental nursing in 1989, as a Saturday girl at a local practice. She has worked in two GDS Practices between 1989 and 1998 and then in North Wales Community Dental Service since 1999.

She is currently the Senior Dental Nurse for Anglesey and Gwynedd CDS clinics within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, covering 21 Community Dental Service clinics across the whole of North Wales and remaining clinical as well as moving up the management pathways. Her specialties are Sedation, General Anaesthetics, Special Care as well as patient and staff wellbeing.

Carolyn is currently part of the Senior Management and Improvement Team for NWCDS and has developed a local CDS Dental Nurse Peer Review Group. She has also been a member of the College of General Dentistry Dental Nurse/Ortho Therapy Faculty Board since September 2024. A first language Welsh speaker, one of Carolyn’s goals is to help increase membership of Welsh speakers and possibly look at developing resources in Welsh.

Carolyn is currently studying for a BSc (Hons) in Public Health and Wellbeing.

32 32_Probe-January_Professions.indd 1

Carolyn’s aspirations are to raise the profile of Dental Nursing in North Wales in both professional and academic aspects both locally and nationally. She is passionate about career development and committed to being an advocate for this.

Rebecca Silver RDN MSc is our new Treasurer. Rebecca is a multi-awardwinning dental nurse with almost 15 years of experience working in dentistry. She has worked within the NHS and private dentistry as well as working with numerous dental specialists. She has dental nursing experience in assisting in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, conscious sedation, prosthodontics, implants, facial aesthetics and a range of dental treatment.

Rebecca has post-qualification certificates in Oral Health Education and Dental Nursing Sedation. She obtained Fellowship of the British Association of Dental Nurses in 2023. Rebecca has also gained her Level 3 Award in Education and Training and is now enrolled on an assessor course.

Ruth Garrity RDN is now Chairman and General Secretary, taking over from Michelle Brand. Ruth began her dental nurse career on a YTS scheme in 1986 in Penrhyndeudraeth, North Wales, before joining the British Army in October 1988, working in various Dental Centres from Tidworth, Colchester and Warminster to warmer climates in Cyprus and colder climates in the Falkland Islands.

Following her military career, she has worked in both NHS, private and community settings in Chester and Catterick before returning to work for Defence Primary Healthcare in a civilian role as a dental nurse in Catterick, Shorncliffe, Omagh, Winchester and Aldershot. She is currently a civilian practice

manager at Pirbright and holds NEBDN qualifications in Oral Health Education and Radiography as well as being a keen dental nurse mentor. Ruth is the Armed Forces Representative for BADN and is an active member of the Education Committee.

On the Panel of Representatives, Industry Liaison Danielle Child has over nine years of experience in the dental industry. Danielle began her career as a dental nurse training at the Eastman Dental Institute; she later progressed into Clinical Management. In 2023, she gained a qualification in Dental Radiography.

In 2024, Danielle transitioned into dental sales, covering the South East of England.

In this role, she supports dental teams with a strong focus on specialist dentistry. Danielle provides product training for the dental team and training for dental nurses on aseptic techniques for implant procedures, ensuring best practices are followed in line with current clinical standards.

Our Infection Control representative, Sakina Needham, is a highly experienced dental nurse with over 20 years in clinical, managerial, and educational roles, supported by multiple post-qualifications. She brings a rich breadth of knowledge gained across NHS, private, and community settings, complemented by wider experience in HR, mediation, and mainstream education.

A familiar face at dental shows and industry events, Sakina frequently appears in webinars and educational sessions – always ready with a warm hello.

And on our Education Committee, Jo Dawsons’s journey in dentistry began as a Saturday job in 1990, and after working for years without realising there even was a qualification (it was voluntary and self-

funded) she finally qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2001. Since then, she has gained further qualifications in Dental Radiography and Oral Health Education, building a long and varied career in general practice, working across NHS, mixed, private, and specialist practices, both independent and corporate as well as locum.

Through Awesome Oral Health CIC, a not for profit dedicated to improving oral health education and reducing dental inequalities, Jo leads innovative projects and campaigns that share positive smile messages and challenge misconceptions about “healthy” snacks, supports schools with practical oral health resources, and collaborates with dental organisations to create sustainable change.

And fellow newbie on the Education Committee, Chetna Patel, having gained a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education from India, has enrolled for IQA-Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Process course.

Her career in UK started as a dental nurse and progressed as a dental nurse tutor, dental nurse course co-ordinator and dental advisor for NHS. She has been delivering and managing the National Diploma in Dental Nursing course for more than 10 years. She is actively assisting NEBDN as Internal Verifier for other course providers of dental nursing qualifications. She has delivered Teaching of Dental Nursing Heze Medical College in China since 2023. n

About the author Pam Swain MBE is Chief Executive of BADN

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DENPLAN

Fresh perspectives after the festive fog

A January reset for dental practices and teams

C

onfession time: for me, January can feel a bit… foggy.

Diaries are patchy, energy is uneven, and the inbox somehow multiplied while I was eating mince pies. But if you’re feeling the same, here’s the good news: that fog can be an invitation.

An invitation to look at your practice and your team with a fresh lens, to reset rhythms, and to build momentum that lasts the rest of the year.

January is the perfect time to reconnect, reflect and re-energise the team. I find a short, sincere conversation about what matters most this year can make a big difference. Share your vision in simple terms, acknowledge last year’s wins, and ask for ideas that could make work easier. These discussions don’t need to be formal; they need to feel genuine. When individuals feel valued and heard their motivation follows.

Consider this your January reset playbook – practical and uplifting, with steps that add up to a fantastic year.

Reflect, celebrate and learn

Reflection tur ns experience into insight and sets the tone for progress. Ask yourself and your team: What worked brilliantly last year? Where did challenges arise?

When we celebrate achievements and acknowledge lessons learned, we create a foundation for true progression and improvement. Involving the team in this process is paramount – when individuals in the team feel heard and included, they become invested in shaping the future of the practice, setting it up for a successful year.

Engage and deliver

If your vision involves innovation, bear in mind that this could feel overwhelming to some if it’s presented as a mandate. Instead, position any changes as an experiment. Could one process

34 34_Probe-January_Denplan.indd 1

be simplified? Could a small digital tool ease pressure? Treat these ideas as evidence gathering rather than permanent changes. If teams are invited to test and lear n together, innovation can become inspiring and energising rather than exhausting and overwhelming.

Leading the team with calm is key in January – work together to create a clear sense of direction for the first quarter and follow up with regular touchpoints during team meetings or huddles so progress feels visible. Encourage open dialogue and make it safe for people to say, “I’m not sure,” or “This didn’t work, but here’s what we lear ned.”

In doing this you are creating psychological safety for your teams.

Reframe process

We are all aware that compliance is essential, but it doesn’t have to feel like a burden. Use this time to revisit processes with a positive mindset.

When teams understand the ‘why’ behind the rules, engagement rises. Framing compliance as a shared responsibility for quality and safety tur ns it from a tick-box exercise into a source of pride, not to mention building confidence in preparation for any inspections.

Your team is your strongest asset

Getting January off to a fresh start isn’t just about strategy, innovation or compliance, it’s also about people. Supporting the team’s wellbeing isn’t optional, but simple things, such as protecting breaks, listening to concer ns, and acting early when workloads spike, do make a big difference.

Ask your team what gives them energy and what drains it, then act on those insights.

Shine a light on success

behind the scenes, those small improvements that make a big difference, go unnoticed. January is the perfect time to change that. Start by choosing a few meaningful measures that reflect team effort: professional development milestones, streamlined processes, or compliance successes.

Share these openly, whether through a dashboard, team huddles, or a simple visual tracker. This visibility creates momentum because people can see the difference they’re making.

But visibility alone isn’t enough – pair it with recognition. When someone champions compliance, simplifies a workflow, or supports a colleague’s growth, acknowledge it. Recognition doesn’t need to be elaborate; a heartfelt thankyou, a shout-out during a meeting, or a small token of appreciation can have a lasting impact.

Consider introducing a monthly Team Spotlight or Innovation Award to celebrate those who go above and beyond. These gestures reinforce that progress isn’t measured only in numbers but also in shared commitment and pride – building a positive culture and reminding your team that their efforts count.

January offers an opportunity to think, plan, and reset. Fresh perspectives aren’t about reinventing your practice over night; they’re about seeing familiar challenges with new eyes and moving forward together. Small actions, done consistently, create big momentum. Take this moment, clear the festive fog, and lead your team into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and optimism. 

About the author Lianne Scott-Munden, Clinical Services Lead at Denplan.

Finally, progress becomes powerful when it’s seen, shared, and celebrated. Too often, the hard work

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professions

The power of community in implant dentistry

I

mplant dentistry can be an immensely rewarding field in which such treatments can enrich a patient’s quality of life. By replacing missing teeth, confidence in their smile can be restored. Despite the clinical triumphs that come with dental implant treatments, the practice itself can at times feel isolating. Opposed to other branches of dentistry like routine checkups, implant cases involve greater complexity, intense challenges, and time-sensitivity.

Throughout these moments, community becomes integral for both ongoing success and support purposes.

The prospect of connecting with likeminded peers, sharing experiences and working alongside others has the power to differentiate a demanding case from a stressful one. Between implant dentists that are new to the game and masters of the profession, peer support is one of the most valuable tools a clinician can lean on.

At the very centre of implantology is evolution – the field is constantly improving, which in turn, means continual learning. Improvements in digital workflows, biocompatible materials, and surgical techniques mean that there is always something new to discover and learn. Yet, no amount of reading can holistically prepare practitioners for the realities surrounding the field and its innovations – this is where peer guidance enters and thrives.

By communicating with concordant colleagues and professionals, new perspectives and knowledge is inevitable.

For example, a clinician that has faced similar complications or a certain complex case could suggest a minor practical tip that can greatly streamline the workflow and reduce chair time beyond any other method. Another clinician might recommend a certain product or material that could not only restructure an entire stage of upcoming treatment, but enhance the future of your other treatments, all whilst directly improving patient care.

Shared learning is also a fantastic method of reflection. Discussing approaches with other clinicians allows for both self- and peer-review. Improvements, refinement, and deeper understandings can each be derived through collaboration. In turn, too, are the synergistic advantages of peer discussions, cultivating an environment of bidirectional professional growth.

For less experienced clinicians, mentorship remains invaluable. Due to the nature of the field, implantology can be intimidating, with everything from the treatment planning, technical demands, unforeseeable risks, and patient communication presenting as a daunting ordeal. In these circumstances, mentorship offers insurmountable reassurance throughout the vital early days – something indispensable for long-term success within the profession.

Mentorship not only assists in the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and the deeper understanding of surgical

steps, but in gaining the wisdom from lived experiences. This encompasses the management of patient expectations, efficient decision-making, mistake reduction, and more. These lessons offer hands-on and personalised advice which accelerates learning curves whilst increasing confidence through safe learning – assisting a long and successful career.

Even for well-established clinicians in the field, mentorship holds an important position. By passing on knowledge to others, and contributing to the next generation of implantologists, mentors spark a continuum of enthusiasm for their job, reiterate knowledge they already had, and inspire others to pass-on irreplaceable information too. Furthermore, there is never a cap on learning – mentors can keep learning too, extending upon their expertise by communicating with other professionals in the industry.

Implantology dentistry is not only technically demanding, but emotionally too. Dealing with anxious patients, complications, and time pressures can take a toll, even leading to burnout. Peer support provides a “shoulder to lean on” in these scenarios of stress. Simply talking through a case with a colleague can relieve the burden – a reminder that these challenges are expected, helping to build resilience. Their advice and support could be the difference between the procedure flourishing or failing.

This support can be accessed informally, over a coffee or in an online forum. However,

professional events such as workshops or conferences are ideal for those looking to enter a society of likeminded clinicians who can trade advice, support, and knowledge. Not only does this support specific scenarios, but it can lead to long and trusting relationships.

One way to guarantee constant community is joining the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI), where peer support is the epitome of membership. ADI Study Clubs allow practitioners to flourish by merging like-minded peers – with up to 4 events per year per region. Attendees can expect to benefit from hands-on learning and insightful discussions in a supportive environment. Each opportunity offered by ADI is more than merely educational, but a powerhouse of trusted peer-support that can last a lifetime.

Though dental procedures are arguably a solo mission, the practice of it never needs to be. With networking experiences and the guidance of peers, your work can excel.

In implantology particularly, community is vital in order to keep up with growing innovations and complex treatments.

For more information about the ADI, visit www.adi.org.uk n

About the author Dr Pynadath George, GDC-registered Specialist Oral Surgeon and President of the ADI

Build a community with your dental practice

I

n 2000, author Robert Putnam warned of a declining civic participation and social connection, with clubs, associations and volunteer groups declining as people sought more solitary existences. 25 years on, his words have become reality: voluntary work in the UK, for instance, has witnessed a significant decline in recent years.

The fading of community is a health concern. Research indicates that residents in strong, socially cohesive neighbourhoods have a happier quality of life, whereas those in more detached neighbourhoods are negatively associated with poor mental health and depression. It is therefore essential to improve feelings of community.

A pillar of any community, the dental practice can make people feel a part of something; even patients attending a one-off visit can experience a welcoming, positive atmosphere. For dentists, there are several ways to build a stronger sense of community at the dental practice.

Patient preferences

Patients want more than just dental or surgical procedures from their dentist – they want to build a rapport, underlined with trust that improves their experience and makes them feel included in the dental care system. To achieve this, dentists should strip away technical jargon to optimise patient communication and understanding, empowering them in their decision-making.

Moreover, a key attribute that patients seek is empathy; they want to feel cared for by

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Get down with the kids

dentists and feel like they are important to the practice beyond the business aspects. iii This can be achieved through casual discussions with all members of the staff, from the reception desk to the dental nurses and finally when in the dental chair. By talking to patients about non-dental topics, no matter how briefly, the practice team can collectively ease any anxieties and cultivate a warming environment that feels like a community – such an experience increases the chance of the patient returning and spreading good word of mouth.

Community of colleagues

A dental practice with a cohesive and capable workforce can be more efficient, smoothing the journey for each patient attending.

Focusing on the staff as a team ensures a balanced workload for all, where colleagues can support one another and everyone feels comfortable and confident enough to address any problems or concerns they may have. Highlighting issues and overcoming them as a team is invaluable, with the chance to improve retention. When this happens, patients get continuity in their care and the community feel is retained for longer.

In the summer, 10 Downing Street hosted a gathering of social media influencers and online content creators, and has since spent almost £115,000 on ‘influencer marketing’. This was a government first but it seemed inevitable – online media is the current frontier of advertising. For dental practices, especially those offering cosmetic dental treatments, partnering with influencers can help grow the community concept further.

Anyone who can reach high numbers of social media users and shape trends and opinions can be considered an influencer. Whilst building your own social media page for your dental practice is always recommended as a low-cost marketing avenue, connecting with an influencer can be a faster way to grow your advertising arm. A social media influencer can: • Help build trust in the dental practice • Engage new audiences • Drive authenticity – showing a recent dental treatment they have experienced can be more effective than generic marketing material It is increasingly common for influencers to film their experiences, be that in a dental practice or in other healthcare environments.

Whether reaching out on social media or meeting an influencer in person, making sure that your name and/or your dental practice is clearly identifiable in any subsequent content is vital for boosting awareness.

Positive change one membership away

Community exists at both local and national levels. The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is the largest cosmetic dental academy in Europe; a community of dental professionals all united by their love for ethical cosmetic dental treatment. Members can connect with like-minded clinicians, find a mentor, and can also give back through the BACD affiliated charity. By placing yourself at the forefront of positive change with the BACD, you can help strengthen the sense of community within the cosmetic dental industry and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation.

Whether a dental professional or a patient, it is important to feel a part of something. The dental practice can play a major role in creating a community – whether in-person or on online, there are many ways in which dentists can generate a sense of belonging for all, improving the experience and building long-lasting connections.

For further information and enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com n

About the author Dr Carol Somerville, President of BACD.

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12/01/2026 12:58:20

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events

Addressing imposter syndrome in dentistry Nina Frketin introduces a topic that sits quietly in the minds of dental professionals everywhere – even though few ever say it out loud: imposter syndrome

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mposter syndrome is that quiet voice insisting you are not as good as people think you are, even when your work says otherwise. It shows up as hesitation, overthinking, comparison and the sense that someone else would have done it better.

Many dental professionals carry these feelings silently, yet imposter syndrome is far more common than most realise. It is estimated to affect most of us at some point, including two-thirds of women at work, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

For Nina, the realisation came through conversations with dental technicians across the profession. “No matter the role or experience, the same little voice kept coming up,” she says. What struck her most was how many people admitted to feeling this way only after someone else voiced it first. “It clicked for me that this wasn’t a private battle.

It was a quiet epidemic.”

The anatomy of self-doubt

Why does imposter syndrome take such a strong hold in dental technology?

Nina sees several forces at play. The profession demands precision, scrutiny and meticulous care. Every case carries an expectation of near-flawless output, and when perfection feels like the baseline, the natural fluctuations of skill, confidence and human fallibility can be misread as falling short.

“We’re artists with microscopes pointed at us,” she says. “And sometimes, that can be brutal.”

For many women in dental technology, the internal pressure is amplified further.

Nina describes an “unspoken expectation to prove yourself twice to be taken seriously once,” an exhausting dynamic that reinforces the belief that anything short of perfection is insufficient.

When combined with an already critical internal voice, this creates a psychological load far heavier than most people acknowledge.

Living with the voice

Nina is open about how imposter syndrome has affected her career. It has appeared as overthinking, procrastination driven by a fear of making mistakes, comparison with peers, and craving external validation.

Naming these patterns helped her interrupt them, and speaking honestly about them helped others feel seen.

Her work with Nightshift reinforced this (nightshiftdentaltech.com). Within the community, she saw technicians share not only their successes but also the latenight panic, the perfection fatigue and the frustration of not feeling enough. In return, she saw genuine empathy. “It reflected both our struggles and our strengths,” she says. “That shaped everything about how I approach this issue.”

Towards a culture of psychological safety

While personal growth plays a role, Nina believes the profession itself must evolve.

Confidence cannot thrive in environments structured around fear. Psychological safety must be cultivated intentionally.

Nina Frketin is a dental technician at Queensway Dental Laboratory and the founder of Nightshift, a community initiative that champions visibility and support for women in dental technology. She is a published author, international speaker and educator, as well as an ambassador for the charity Den-Tech. Nina is committed to shaping the future of dentistry and inspiring the next generation of dental technicians through education, advocacy and community leadership.

She calls for feedback that builds rather than breaks; for recognition of progress, not just perfection; and for conversations that move beyond materials and techniques to the human experience of the technician.

“When techs feel seen and supported everything else improves naturally.”

With all this in mind, Nina will be presenting on the topic of imposter syndrome at the Dental Technology Showcase (DTS) in May, mixing honesty, self-reflection and humour. As she puts it: “If you can laugh at that inner critic, you’ve already won half the battle.” She also wants delegates to feel “seen, relieved and maybe slightly called out in a good way.”

Most of all, Nina wants to leave her audience with a new internal narrative.

One that sounds less like self-criticism and more like self-recognition. If they can walk away with even a fraction of that shift, she believes the session will have done its job.

Nina Frketin will be speaking at Dental Technology Showcase (DTS) which takes place on the 15th -16th May 2026 at NEC Birmingham and runs alongside the British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (BDCDS). She will explore imposter syndrome with candour, humour and practical insight. If you have ever second-guessed your worth, this is a conversation that could change the way you see yourself and your work.

For further information, visit the-dts.co.uk and birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk.

“For anyone who has ever felt like they’re faking it or falling behind, this talk is for you,” she says. “You’ll walk out feeling lighter and a little more equipped to quiet that ridiculous inner voice that’s been holding you back.

“Imposter syndrome is heavy enough.

The conversation doesn’t have to be.” n

British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show returns in 2026!

Set to deliver new learning, innovation and inspiration for the whole dental team

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he British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (BDCDS) – the UK’s leading dental event – is set to return to NEC Birmingham on 15-16 May 2026, promising two days of world-class education, cutting-edge innovation, and unrivalled networking for the entire dental profession.

Free for all delegates, BDCDS 2026 will once again bring together thousands of dental professionals from across the UK for an unmissable showcase of clinical excellence, business insights, and the latest product and technology developments transforming modern dentistry. Register your interest today and mark the date in your calendar!

New for 2026: The ADI Implant Theatre

Among the exciting additions for next year’s show is the brand-new ADI Implant Theatre, supported by the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI).

Designed to provide a focused platform for all levels of implant dentistry experience – from those already passionate about the field to practitioners looking to get started – the ADI Implant Theatre will offer practical, real-world learning that delegates can take straight back to practice.

Sessions will spotlight cutting-edge techniques, advanced surgical workflows, and the latest developments in digital planning and full-arch rehabilitation, all led by some of the UK’s most experienced implantologists. With a focus on

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evidence-based outcomes and sustainable success, the programme aims to support improved clinical outcomes and long-term patient care.

“The introduction of the ADI Implant Theatre reflects the ongoing evolution of BDCDS and our commitment to delivering content that meets the real educational needs of today’s dental professionals,” said Stewart Turner, Senior Show Manager. “Whether you’re refining your implant workflow or exploring new treatment possibilities, this theatre offers the tools, insights and inspiration to elevate your practice.”

A must-attend event for every member of the dental team

Following on from the footsteps of the phenomenal Dentistry Show London (DSL) in October 2025, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever – providing an unparalleled exploration of the latest innovations in dental technology and practice, as well as the best treatments available for patients.

More than 400 exhibitors are expected, showcasing the very latest in dental technology, materials and services, while a host of internationally renowned speakers will take to the stage to deliver groundbreaking and inspirational talks on a wide range of topics, including clinical updates, business strategies and the latest in aesthetic and digital dentistry.

In addition to the new implant-dedicated theatre, BDCDS 2026 will feature over 150 free eCPD hours, multiple conference streams tailored for different team roles, and exceptional networking opportunities.

With a strong reputation for bringing the dental community together for personal and professional growth, this is one event not to be missed.

Stewart adds: “BDCDS remains the definitive annual meeting place for learning, collaboration and professional growth and we can’t wait to open our doors again next year. Make sure you block out the 15-16 May 2026 in your calendar, sign up and stay tuned for more exciting developments in early 2026.”

For more information and to register your interest, visit birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk as well as following @dentistryshowCS on Instagram to receive n

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 14:32:39

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dentistryshowCS

The Dentistry Show

Shape the future of dentistry The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show is the event where over 10,000 dental professionals meet to shape the future of dentistry. With 400+ exhibitors, 11 theatres, 200+ expert speakers and 150+ hours of free Enhanced CPD, this is the place to unite with your dental community. Embrace new ideas, explore the innovations of tomorrow and take your practice to the next level.

REGISTER NOW

birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk FREE FOR DENTAL PROFESSIONALS CO-LOCATED WITH DENTAL TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE

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British Dental Conference &

Dentistry Show Birmingham

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THE DENTAL AWARDS

Why you should enter The Dental Awards Dr Manrina Rhode lifted the trophy as Dentist of the Year in 2022. Here, she explains the benefits of entering The Dental Awards across all categories

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n the UK dental sector, excellence isn’t just practiced – it’s recognised. For Dr Manrina Rhode, founder of the prestigious DRMR Clinic and DRMR Academy, accolades are more than just trophies on a shelf; they are a testament to a career-long commitment to clinical and aesthetic perfection.

Recognised as Dentist of the Year 2022, Manrina recently shared her perspective on why every ambitious dental professional should consider entering The Dental Awards in 2026.

of the patient. “All our clinicians at DRMR are award-winning and we love saying that... I feel like it elevates the level of our practice.”

A milestone for personal growth

Beyond the marketing benefits, Manrina reflects on the deeply personal impact of her 2022 win.

After years of watching other industry leaders take home the title, achieving it herself was a transformative moment.

“It was probably the highlight of my career to win such a wonderful accolade,” she explains “I felt like, wow, I’ve made it! I’ve done enough.”

The process of applying encourages you to look back and reflect upon your hard work, your achievements, and the lives you’ve changed, allowing you to appreciate your own professional journey on paper.

The art of the application

The power of social proof

For many clinicians, the idea of self-promotion can feel daunting. However, Manrina argues that awards serve as vital social proof in a competitive market. Patients today look for markers of quality that go beyond standard qualifications.

“It provides them with proof, just like Google reviews might and before and after images might.

It shows that you’re award-worthy.”

At the DRMR Clinic, having an award-winning team is a core part of their brand identity. It doesn’t just make the individual feel good; it raises the entire practice’s standing in the eyes

If you decide to enter, Manrina’s advice is clear: go all in.

According to Manrina, a simple Word document won’t cut it in a field where aesthetics are everything. She encourages applicants to treat their submission as a high-end presentation.

“If you’re not going to make the effort to write a beautiful award application, remember that someone else will,” she says.

Her top tips for a winning entry include: • Visual appeal: Use tools like Canva to create a polished PDF. • Brand identity: Incorporate your brand colours and high-quality imagery.

• Judicial clarity: Make it incredibly easy for the judges to see how you meet each marking criterion.

• Storytelling: Use the application to show, not just tell, why you deserve the win.

“Use branded colours, use imagery... make it so that it’s easy for the judges to be able to give you marks.”

Why The Dental Awards?

Check out Manrina’s full comments in her video DRMR: Why you should enter The Dental Awards Scen the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/DRMRawards The video provides an excellent behind-the-scenes look at the mentality of an award-winning dentist and offers practical steps for anyone looking to elevate their professional profile through the 2026 Dental Awards.

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“ T h e D e n t a l Aw a rd s , r u n b y T h e P r o b e , h o l d s a special place in the calendar as the first c e re m o n y o f t h e y e a r, ” M a n r i n a s a y s . “ T h e i r u n i q u e f o r m a t b a l a n c e s t h e p ro f e s s i o n a l w i t h t h e c e l e b r a t o r y, w i t h a n o n l i n e a n n o u n c e m e n t of the finalists and winners, followed by a n e x c l u s i v e w i n n e r s ’ l u n c h I t re m o v e s t h e b a l l ro o m a n x i e t y o f t r a d i t i o n a l g a l a s w h i l e s t i l l p ro v i d i n g a s p a c e f o r w i n n e r s t o n e t w o r k a n d c e l e b r a t e t o g e t h e r. ”

Support from the DRMR Academy

For those who feel overwhelmed by the application process, the DRMR Academy offers dedicated support. Within her mentorship programme, Manrina hosts “Open Mic” sessions specifically designed to help mentees navigate their applications, choose the right categories, and refine their evidence.

As we head into the 2026 awards season, the message is simple: “You are likely already doing award-winning work. Now is the time to ensure the rest of the industry – and your patients – know it too.” 

THE D ENTAL AWARD S 2026

As the original and most respected awards programme in UK dentistry, The Probe’s Dental Awards are judged by a panel of leading practitioners and KOLs, providing an unrivalled opportunity for practices and DCPs to shine a spotlight on the vast skill and talent that exist within their teams.

Find more information and enter now at the-probe.co.uk/awards Submission deadline: 28th February 2026

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 14:33:59

LEADING THE PROFESSION FOR OVER 60 YEARS

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PRESENTS

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September 2020

THE D E N TA L AWA RD S 2026

OPEN FOR ENTRIES ENTER NOW AT THE-PROBE.CO.UK/AWARDS DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSIONS: 28 TH FEBRUARY 2026 For more information, visit For award sponsorship the-probe.co.uk/awards or contact us: enquiries, please contact: awards@purplems.com 01732 371 570 ed.hunt@purplems.com

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oral health

The danger of diet drinks National Toothache Day

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n 2024, diet soft drinks accounted for 74% of the soft drink market – a number that has risen since the introduction of the Sugar Tax in 2018.

Consumption of soft drinks is soaring, from fizzy sodas to energy drinks and isotonic sports drinks. One study found that fizzy sodas are the most addictive, with 40% of respondents drinking fizzy soda daily and 19% consuming more than one a day.

The common consensus is that diet versions of beverages are often seen as healthier alternatives to their sugarsweetened original versions, providing a similar taste but without the cariogenic qualities. However, the risk to both oral and overall health is not just present with low or non-sugar-sweetened beverages – it can be even higher than the sugary original. For dental practitioners, being able to educate patients on the effects of diet drinks and how best to avoid them is essential to prolonging their oral and overall health.

Erode trip

The high sugar content of sugar-sweetened beverages can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and insulin, promoting weight gain and contributing to liver fat accumulation.

Artificially sweetened drinks have a different effect: they alter the gut microbiome. This disrupts feelings of fullness, drives sweet cravings and stimulates the secretion of insulin – those who consume low or nonsugar-sweetened beverages may be more likely to eat sugary snacks. The teeth and gingivae are then at-risk from oral disease.

Despite having a lower risk of causing tooth decay, beverages like diet sodas and 100% citrus fruit juices are still highly acidic and can cause the same amount of dental erosion as sugarsweetened beverages. Citric acid and tartaric acid are two components of soft drinks, especially among fruit-flavoured beverages, that intensify the acidity – it is unsurprising then that diet drinks increase the odds of dental erosion.

Liver and let die

The health risks of frequent diet drink consumption are not just limited to the oral cavity. A recent study found an alarming link between low and non-sugar sweetened beverages and an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – a condition where fat builds up in the liver. Gathering 103,000 participants, the study monitored the consumption of both sugar-sweetened and low or non-sugarsweetened beverages, and used MRI data to consider each participant’s liver fat content. After 10 years, 949 participants had developed liver disease and 103 had died from liver-related causes – drinking more than one can of any soda on a daily basis is linked to liver problems.

Whilst some may champion the lack of or lower sugar levels in diet beverages, the risk of liver complications is higher compared to drinking the sugary originals.

Consumers who consistently have sugarsweetened beverages have a 50% greater risk of developing NAFLD than if they did not, but those who opt for low or nonsugar-sweetened beverages have a 60% greater risk, as well as an increased risk of liver-related mortality.

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Guide patients with relief and reassurance on 9th February

I From liver to mouth

NAFLD does not usually cause any symptoms, and many are only diagnosed when they are having tests for something else. However, minor symptoms do include feeling tired, generally unwell, and pain or discomfort in the abdomen. For dental practitioners, the impact that liver disease can have on the oral cavity is of particular concern. Common side effects of the condition can see a depletion in iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, which can compromise mucosal integrity and increase the risk of oral mucosal diseases.

Similarly, xerostomia is also common in patients with liver disease – left untreated this can leave the teeth and gingivae more predisposed to harmful bacteria. As such, diet beverages can increase the risk of oral diseases in the oral cavity, increase the risk of liver disease, and then further increase the risk of oral diseases.

Help your patients find the healthy

For at-risk patients, water is always recommended as an alternative drinking option because it is neither acidic or sugary.

However, dental practitioners should not expect patients to go without sweetened or low/non-sweetened soft drinks – they can be a refreshing treat every now and then. Instead, whilst recommending straws can mean less contact between the drink and the teeth, the best thing dental practitioners can encourage is a consistent oral hygiene routine.

The Curaprox product range meets all patient needs to support optimal oral health, with the CS 5460 Ultra soft toothbrush designed for gentle but effective cleaning. Available in 36 appealing colours, it utilises 5,460 ultrafine Curen filaments to effectively remove plaque whilst being gentle on the gingivae.

Featuring an octagonal handle and an optimised angled head, the CS 5460 is engineered to be an essential tool that keeps the teeth and gingivae healthy.

Low or non-sugar-sweetened beverages represent a difficult health challenge – they may be less cariogenic than the sugary originals, but are still erosive with the increased risk of causing liver disease. By recommending consistent dental care, dental practitioners can better protect patients who consume soft drinks on a daily basis.

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.

n dentistry, pain – particularly toothache – remains one of the most common reasons for patients seeking treatment, but is often more than a simple, shortterm issue. The oral cavity and teeth are heavily innervated by the trigeminal nerve, one of the largest cranial nerves. Due to this, oral pain is more than an isolated issue and presents in various intensities – bringing great discomfort to most, and can even be debilitating for some.

Toothache can arise suddenly and affect every day wellbeing like sleeping, working, mood, and confidence. Dental professionals have both the duty to identify the clinical cause of toothache and to guide patients through safe and effective methods of management until clinical treatment is completed, if necessary.

The nature of toothache

Toothache presents in several ways, from transient or intermittent pain, to more acute or persistent pain. The underlying causes are just as varied: reversible pulpitis, for example, can produce rapid, sharp twinges of localised pain when exposed to thermal stimuli – this fast pain conduction is due to the nerve pathway of myelinated A-delta fibres (A∂ fibres). Conversely, unmyelinated C-fibres are responsible for slower pain conduction which is difficult to localise – their pain activation signifies that the pulp damage could be irreversible.

Caries-related irreversible pulpitis is caused by the progression of bacterial infection and inflammation that decays into the dental pulp which can lead to the eventual need for root canal treatment.ii Other causes of toothache include cracked teeth, occlusal trauma, exposed dentine, and more.

Starting with emotional support

Dental professionals deal with a plethora of intense cases daily. However, regardless of the extremity of a case, something that may seem slightly minor in contrast, like toothache, can feel colossal to a patient – particularly when it is evidenced to interfere with eating or socialising.

Anxiety and fear can exacerbate the sensation of pain and many patients often fear that oral pain can mean something serious that will worsen whilst anxiously awaiting a dental appointment. For professionals, treating this unease is as important as clinical treatment – particularly in preventing patients from assuaging these feelings and sourcing their own relief with remedies that could do more harm than good.

Guiding efficient self-care

There are many “home-remedies” that patients might attempt to find relief. These are often unverified methods, and can actually inhibit or exacerbate the initial problem such as alcohol-based mouth washes or hot compresses. Moreover, though “home remedies” might seem to ease anxieties and mildly diminish discomfort, a recent study evidenced that only 26% of individuals found that they helped “a lot”, with 10.6% declaring them “not at all” effective.

As such, dental professionals should intervene, with safe, pharmacy-available options being recommended until appointments and treatments are available.

In discussing self-care, each minor detail has an impact on the reception and fulfilment of such – small details matter.

Patients that understand their pain, and available relief options, are more likely to progress confidently and compliantly in their path to recovery.

Advising from the roots up

Long-term toothache solutions begin with addressing the cause – from caries removal or endodontic therapy to full extraction or occlusal adjustment. Yet, to bridge the gap between presentation and treatment, evidence-based self-management strategies are most useful, especially as alternatives to hindering “home-remedies”.

Primarily, systemic analgesics are both accessible and effective methods of pain relief – which should be recommended with appropriate advice.

Alongside systemic medication, topical treatments can offer a huge consolation.

The targeted nature of the medication makes relief more localised and sourcespecific. As such, offering patients a method of self-managing their discomfort can assist them both physically and psychologically – allowing them to regain control over their pain and recovery. Practitioners should explain how topical gels work, the recommended frequency of use, and when to seek professional intervention.

Reliable, targeted relief

Orajel has paved the way of dependable and effective oral pain management for decades. Within its range, OrajelTM Dental Gel is the ideal solution for toothache pains. Offering rapid toothache relief where and when you need it most – delivering localised treatment in under 2 minutes.

The gel contains 10% w/w benzocaine, a local anaesthetic that temporarily blocks the pain signal pathways along the nerves – numbing the area for up to 2 hours of relief. OrajelTM also offer an Extra Strength option, containing 20% w/w benzocaine, for those seeking a stronger solution to their discomfort. The OrajelTM Extra Strength Gel can be found at the pharmacy and should not be used consistently.

Offering real support

Toothache extends far beyond solely the oral pain, but can impact major aspects of a patient’s wellbeing – from eating and sleeping, to socialisation, and more. Dental teams can best assist their toothache patients firstly by offering empathy-driven understanding into the pain and anxieties associated with their suffering.

Furthermore, self-management advice is critical in ensuring the avoidance of detrimental ”home-remedies”, guaranteeing that patients are sourcing evidence-based solutions whilst awaiting professional treatment. https://www.orajelhcp.co.uk/ n

About the author Sumera Bashir, Medical Affairs & Scientific Engagement Lead at Orajel.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 14:39:59

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oral health

Combatting Oral health and its sugar in impact on LDL children’s O diets

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or maintaining oral health, at every age, it is essential to minimise sugar in the diet and ensure oral hygiene is at a good standard.

As clinicians, it’s important to offer parents and carers advice regarding their children’s oral health as early as possible.

The NHS guidelines recommend that one-year-olds should have a maximum of 10g of sugar per day, with two- and threeyear-olds having no more than 14g per day. Sugars should not be added to food or drinks given to babies under the age of one. This applies to naturally occurring sugars and added sugars.

Sometimes, it may be difficult for parents and carers to understand which foods are appropriate for their children, as some foods which appear to be healthy options may actually contain high levels of sugar.

Therefore, educating those with young children about the risks of sugar for oral health at any age, and the value of looking after primary teeth, is very important.

Organic foods or sugary snacks?

A recent report from The Food Foundation, which aimed to examine the diet and health of UK children aged one to five, brought to light concerns about the ways baby and toddler snacks were promoted. The research was carried out by Action on Salt and Sugar at Queen Mary University of London, and found that across the packaging of 113 snacks, many claimed to be natural or healthy (28% of claims), and others highlighted the presence or absence of certain ingredients (21%).

However, 20% of the products contained high amounts of sugars and 50% contained medium levels of sugar.

These types of foods and snacks are widely consumed by young children, with parents assuming that they were created based on the dietary needs of babies and toddlers. However, in reality, products that claim to be ‘one of a child’s five a day’ or ‘organic’ and contain ‘no junk’ may actually contain the equivalent of three sugar cubes per serving. This quantity of sugar may put children’s oral health at risk.

Baby’s first check up

In order to monitor children’s oral health, and establish a good relationship with young patients as they grow up, it is very important that they are brought to the dentist when they are young. The NHS recommends either taking a child to the dentist when their primary teeth first emerge, or before they are one year old.

Doing this helps children to become familiar with the dental environment, and get to know their dentist – even if the child simply

January 26 | The Probe

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ral health and high cholesterol are intricately linked. Despite a general downward trend in high cholesterol between 1998 and 2019, it has been estimated that more than half of UK adults still have higher levels than they should. This is largely due to unhealthy lifestyle factors, although age can also naturally increase cholesterol too. Given the potential relationship between high cholesterol and oral health, it is important to help patients optimise both aspects for their general wellbeing.

opens their mouth so that the practitioner can have a look, it’s good practice.

At this time, it is a good opportunity to highlight the importance of a healthy diet, and what that looks like for very young children. This might mean advising against sugary snacks, and instead recommending more non-sweet vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach.

Getting used to toothbrushing

Similarly, recommending that parents start to brush their child’s teeth as soon as their first primary tooth comes through helps them to get used to the process. It’s important that the right technique is used to clean the teeth – which it can be helpful to demonstrate to parents – and that the teeth are cleaned twice per day (morning and night). All of the appropriate advice should be given to parents and carers to ensure their child is receiving the best possible care.

The NHS recommends using a toothpaste with the appropriate fluoride level for a child’s age, ensuring they get effective protection against cavities. While this guidance is well-known, parents benefit from understanding how the way fluoride is delivered can make a real difference for long-term dental health.

BioMin F for Kids is suitable for children aged three and up. Although it contains a lower fluoride level (530ppm) than typical guidelines (1350ppm-1550ppm), its innovative bioactive formulation and unique technology gradually releases fluoride and essential minerals over 10–12 hours. This provides ongoing protection, helping to safeguard little teeth from the frequent acid attacks caused by sugary snacks, fruity drinks and meal-times, long after brushing is finished. The lower fluoride content also means there is a reduced risk of accidental ingestion, offering peace of mind for parents while maintaining effective cavity prevention. And with its naturally appealing strawberry flavour, it makes daily brushing a treat rather than a chore.

In order to help parents and carers navigate the challenges of managing their child’s dental health, be sure to offer the most appropriate advice when it comes to sugar consumption, dental visits, and toothbrushing to minimise their risks of dental problems, and give them the best start in life. www.biomin.co.uk n

About the author Alec Hilton, CEO, BioMin Technologies.

Contributing factors

To understand the association between cholesterol and conditions like periodontal disease, it is necessary to appreciate what is meant by ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol. The former is commonly used to describe the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that carries cholesterol in the blood to and from cells. A healthy level of HDL can help to protect against heart attack and stroke. ‘Bad’ cholesterol refers to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), because it facilitates fatty build-ups in the arteries, narrowing the pathway for blood and increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease.

Risk factors for increasing the concentration of LDL and, therefore, cardiovascular problems, include: • Consuming excess saturated fat • Physical inactivity • Smoking All of the above can be controlled with a balanced diet, moderate exercise and smoking cessation. However, unmodifiable risk factors also contribute to elevated LDL, such as the aforementioned age, being male, menopause and a family history of high cholesterol. The genetic element is still the subject of research, but there is evidence to show that individuals with a family history of hypercholesterolemia are predisposed to also experience elevated LDL, without exhibiting other major risk factors.

Increased LDL levels have been directly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Reducing this ‘bad’ cholesterol is essential for lowering the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.

A link to the mouth

As is often the case with general health conditions, a link has been found between high cholesterol and oral health. Frequently referred to as ‘the gateway to the body’, problems in the mouth can have a direct influence on issues elsewhere. When it comes to ‘bad’ cholesterol, the literature suggests that the presence of periodontitis increases the risk of dyslipidaemia by up to 15% – a condition defined by the detection of abnormal levels of lipids in the blood, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The research also showed that periodontal patients have more than a 30% chance of lower levels of HDL compared to those without the disease.

The development of inflammatory markers appears to be the mechanism linking periodontitis with cardiac concerns.

In fact, the release of inflammatory cytokines by inflamed oral tissues has been associated with various systemic diseases from dyslipidaemia to atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.

Consequently, this is another reason why oral health should be optimised and periodontal disease should be prevented or brought under control as quickly as possible.

Reducing risk

A significant part of arresting periodontitis progression is helping patients build motivation and identify opportunities to make changes to their oral health behaviours. Some clinicians may consider psychological interventions to support this process and help more individuals effectively make tangible changes to their habits.

The dental team also has an important role to play in the prevention of periodontitis.

On a daily basis, this involves educating the population and helping patients to understand the importance of regular oral hygiene. Many will need support in designing and implementing an effective routine, so advice on what to do, when to do it and what products to use is crucial. For example, the TANDEX WOODI interdental brushes provide an efficient and easy-to-use method of removing plaque and bacteria from the interdental spaces for patients of all ages. Affording added benefits, the products are also more sustainable than traditional solutions, containing less than 0.1g of plastic and being made from FSC-certified birch wood.

Dental professionals can help patients reduce their risk of problems with their cholesterol in more ways than improving their oral health, but this is a crucial first step. Other areas of advice and guidance may include diet and exercise, but it is important that the basics are understood and adhered to first. With improved oral hygiene, patients have an excellent opportunity to lower their chance of cardiac issues in the future too.

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

About the author Jacob Watwood, Rodericks Dental Partners Associate dentist at Fieldside Dental Practice.

43 12/01/2026 14:57:25

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Case Study

Utilising the trapezoidal flap technique for optimal healing Dr Balaji presents a case in which complex soft tissue augmentation was undertaken to address gingival recession at the UL3, UR3, and UR1. In this case, the key aim was to treat the soft tissue to reduce the risk of tooth loss and produce an aesthetic outcome

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Patient presentation and assessment

A 58-year-old man presented to the practice for treatment. On assessment, the patient had Miller classification class II recession at the UL3 site, in addition to class II recession at the UR3 and UR1. The prospect of soft tissue augmentation was explained to the patient, and the benefits it offers in terms of reducing the risk of tooth loss.

Treatment planning

Radiographs were taken of the affected areas which showed that, although there was gingival recession, there was no bone loss. It was recommended to complete treatment in two stages, beginning with the UL3 in the first instance and completing treatment at the UR3 and UR1 at a later date.

UL3

In order to address the gingival recession at the UL3, it was important to discuss the potential treatment options, including doing nothing, which was not recommended in this case.

Soft tissue augmentation was deemed to be the most appropriate treatment pathway in this case. The use of a flap to cover the graft – known as the bilaminar technique – improves predictability of root coverage because it provides the graft with an additional blood supply. Additionally, it

44 44_Probe-Jan_CaseStudy.indd 44

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9b

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offers an aesthetic result by hiding the white scar colour of the graft and masking the irregular outline of the mucogingival junction which is common after a grafting procedure.

Research suggests that the bilaminar technique is an effective procedure in the treatment of gingival recession, particularly in patients with aesthetic demands, as it results in complete soft tissue root coverage in the majority of cases.

Additionally, the design of the mucogingival flap is significant, the trapezoidal flap technique consists of two horizontal and two slightly divergent vertical incisions extending to the alveolar mucosa. This technique is beneficial as the design is such that the base of the flap is wider, making the blood supply more reliable.

UR3 and UR1

Soft tissue grafting was also recommended for the treatment of gingival recession at the UR3 and UR1. In order to ensure the best results, the patient consented to the placement of connective tissue grafts and soft tissue augmentation to both treat the recession and restore gingival thickness to this area of the mouth.

Treatment provision UL3

According to the treatment plan, the mucogingival flap was designed and raised, following the trapezoidal flap and ressective

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Fig. 1 Patient presentation Fig. 2 Pre-treatment radiograph UL3 Fig. 3 Pre-treatment radiograph UR3 Fig. 4 Pre-treatment radiograph UR1 Fig. 5 pre-operative UL3 Fig. 6 UL3 flap design Fig. 7 UL3 flap raised Fig. 8 UL3 flap advanced Fig. 9a UL3 healed buccal view Fig. 9b UL3 healed occlusal view Fig. 10 UL3 healed, pre-treatment of UR3 and UR1 Fig. 11 pre-operative UR3 and UR1 Fig. 12 UR Flap design Fig. 13 UR flap raised Fig. 14 Connective tissue grafts Fig. 15 Connective tissue grafts placed Fig. 16 Flap advanced tension-free Fig. 17 Final result

technique. The recession at the site was measured and the flap added 1 mm. Once the root was exposed, it was cleaned by root planing, using EDTA and amelogenin.

A connective tissue graft (CTG) was harvested from the palate, and sutured to the canine site. The flap was then advanced to cover the connective tissue graft, following the bilaminar technique.

Good coverage was achieved by carrying out this approach, as is reflected in the clinical images. The patient was provided with appropriate post-operative instructions to encourage optimal healing.

UR3 and UR1

To treat the gingival recession at the UR3 and UR1, a split thickness flap designed for multiple teeth was raised. Gingival planing was then undertaken using EDTA and amelogenin.

Two CTGs were harvested from the palate and placed onto the root surfaces of the UR3 and UR1 to ensure optimal gingival height is restored. Once stabilised, the flap was advanced tension-free to cover the roots. As before, the patient was given post-operative oral health instructions to facilitate smooth healing.

Reflection

6

An excellent outcome was achieved in this case, with good soft tissue coverage at the UL3 ensuring an aesthetic result. The main

challenge presented was that the tooth was placed quite buccally, which made avoiding perforation difficult during surgery.

Dr Balaji provides industry-leading training courses on both hard and soft tissue management around dental implants with the ASHA Club.

For more information about how you could elevate your skills with the support of experts, please visit www.ashaclub.co.uk or call 07974 304269 n References available upon request

About the author Dr Selvaraj Balaji BDS, MFDS RCPS(Gla), MFD SRCS(Ed), LDS RCS(Eng) Since he obtained the BDS Degree, Dr Balaji has worked in Maxillo-facial units in the UK for several years and gained substantial experience in surgical dentistry. He is the principal dentist of The Gallery Dental Group which is made up of Meadow Walk Dental Practice and The Gallery Dental & Implant Centre. Dr Balaji is also the founder of the Academy of Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation (ASHA) and runs courses, lectures and study clubs in the UK and around Europe for aspiring implantologists

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 14:58:32

BRAND NEW!

THE PROBE DENTAL PODCAST

The Probe Dental Podcast features discussions that explore all areas of the British dental sector.

Guests join us from all areas of the industry to provide their own unique perspectives on a wide range of topics, from manufacturers and figureheads of various dental organisations, to those in the trenches working in practice, and more.

Nothing is off limits in The Probe Dental Podcast, so be sure to tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

STREAMING ON: iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud | Anchor | You Tube

For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to book a podcast please contact James on:

k jamescooke@purplems.com

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Case Study

Taking (supported) steps into full arch rehabilitation Dr Anthony James shares a recent full mouth rehabilitation case, for which he sought mentorship and guidance from an experienced clinician as part of his professional development. This support was readily available as part of Clyde Munro’s commitment to helping dentists advance in their careers

T

reating your first full arch case can be a daunting experience as it presents many more challenges than single-unit or shorter implantretained bridge cases. In these instances, it is invaluable to have an experienced clinician who can help with the many stages this type of treatment entails.

Mentoring for this case was provided by Dr Callum Graham. From the treatment planning and case assessment stage through to the surgical phase, having someone else there to offer reassurance and guidance was essential. It afforded the confidence needed to successfully approach many more similar cases once this one was complete.

Case presentation

The patient, a 78-year-old female, had previously been advised by another dentist that she was not suitable for full arch implant treatment without complex surgical solutions such as zygomatic implants and extensive sinus lifts. This was due to poor bone availability.

While this had not been attractive to the patient at the time, she had become fed up with wearing a denture and was very keen to see if any other implant treatment was possible.

Assessment and treatment planning

A new CBCT scan was taken to reassess whether this was an appropriate case for full arch rehabilitation using the latest techniques and technologies available today. The results were analysed and shared with the mentor to discuss options – the outcome was positive and it was decided to see if a guided surgical approach would be possible.

The initial intention was to use Chrome GuidedSMILE to carry out this treatment, as it has the advantage of giving the patient a reasonably comfortable set of teeth straight away. This technology is made available across the Clyde Munro group as part of their commitment to innovation. The scans and photos were sent to the lab (Quoris) for design of the initial digital treatment plan.

However, the returned plan was not ideal. It included a large amount of bone reduction which was of concern. After consulting the mentor, the author decided that a freehand surgical approach would be more appropriate, using a staged loading approach. This would allow the flexibility to adapt during the surgical phase in order to deliver the best outcome despite the complexity of the case.

This was all explained to the patient in detail. Although the patient was a little disappointed that this would require a lengthier treatment time, with a denture to be worn during the healing phase, she was very understanding and happy to proceed.

Informed consent was recorded.

A plan was created digitally by mentor and mentee in collaboration to provide a blueprint for the freehand surgery. This made clear the clinical sequence to be followed, from extractions to the placement of five implants. It also detailed the ideal implant positions to allow for the desired restorative outcome. The assessment revealed resorption of the alveolar ridge, which also indicated the potential need for bone augmentation.

Surgical intervention

The patient was booked in for the whole morning to allow absolute focus on the treatment to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible.

A full thickness flap was raised and the bone volume visually analysed. The alveolar ridge seemed in better shape than initially thought, so it was decided to place an additional implant in this region. Six implants were, therefore, placed, with the mentor helping to position the initial drill sites on the narrow ridge for optimal outcomes.

A bone graft was also required. For this, it was particularly useful to have the mentor in the room on the day of surgery – Dr Graham provided the equipment and expertise to facilitate the placement of a Puros Allograft blend. The patient’s blood was drawn, placed in the centrifuge and mixed with PRGF to create the membrane.

The site was then sutured closed tensionfree. The patient was given standard post-operative instructions to care for the surgical site and encourage uninterrupted healing. A new provisional denture was provided as a temporary restoration. She returned to the practice after one week for review of the site and reported no issues.

The final restoration will be provided after approximately six months of bone healing.

Debrief

The opportunity to discuss the above case with a mentor throughout the process, to have his support on the day and to debrief post-operatively, was invaluable for me.

I appreciate Dr Graham making himself readily available for any further help with this or any other cases in the future to help me deliver better outcomes for my patients as I progress in my implant surgery career.

46 46_Probe-Jan_CaseStudy.indd 46

Dr Graham was always easy to communicate with and he ensured a calm and reassuring environment for my first full arch surgery. With his clear advice and guidance, I never felt out of my depth or stressed.

To find out more about the career development opportunities available at Clyde Munro, please visit https://careers. clydemunrodental.com/. n

About the author Dr Anthony James has been practising in Edinburgh for over 15 years and joined Gilmore Dental Practice in 2017. With a masters in aesthetic dentistry from King’s College London. He offers treatments including composite bonding, crowns, veneers, Invisalign, and dental implants, catering to cases of all complexities. To offer the most advanced implant treatments for patients, he is currently enrolled in the prestigious European EAO Masters diploma programme

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 14:59:28

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13/01/2026 14:15:10

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ECPD: HENRY SCHEIN ONE

Navigating uncertainty and technological change in UK dentistry Henry Schein One presents an analysis of the UK dental sector with Ben Flewett and James Harker, following the release of its white paper: Current and future perceptions of dentistry

Aims and objectives This article aims to provide dental professionals with an understanding of the strategic, regulatory, and technological challenges and opportunities currently shaping the UK dental landscape, as explored in a recent white paper by Henry Schein One. On completing this Enhanced CPD session, the reader will: • Identify the primary drivers of uncertainty in the UK dental sector, particularly concerning ongoing NHS contract reforms.

• Understand the strategic shift required in patient management, moving focus from patient attraction to operational efficiency.

• Recognise the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology in mitigating litigation risk and improving clinical workflow.

• Examine the changing dynamics of practice ownership, including the reluctance of associates to become principals, and the competitive viability of independent practices versus Dental Service Organisations (DSOs).

Learning Outcome: B, D The latest white paper released

by Henry Schein One – Current and future perceptions of dentistry – explores the evolving landscape of the UK dental sector, which the paper describes as “operating within an atmosphere of uncertainty.”

In a recent conversation on The Probe Dental Podcast, Ben Flewett (previously of Software of Excellence and now Vice President of Henry Schein One International) and James Harker (co-founder of Dentally and now Executive Director for the UK and APAC regions at Henry Schein One) discussed the report's key findings, the impact of NHS reforms, and the transformative potential of AI.

NHS contract reform and the atmosphere of uncertainty The discussion between Ben Flewett and James Harker frames the current UK dental sector as dominated by an “atmosphere of uncertainty,” a theme driven almost entirely by the impending NHS contract reforms. James Harker specifically highlights the situation in Wales as a key example, where the government has made statements about "rather big things" with “the biggest shakeup of dentistry in Wales for the last 20 years, but without sufficient clarity on how the changes will be implemented.”

Major NHS contract reforms are set to come into effect in both Wales and England from 1st April 2026. The uncertainty stemming from this is not merely a philosophical worry; it is a critical, deadline-driven problem. Ben Flewett and James Harker both note that the date for these reforms is accelerating toward the industry with a severe lack of detail.

Ben Flewett underlines the alarmingly

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late stage of policy development, stating his concern that we are facing “arguably the biggest amount of change we have seen, certainly in my 19 years in the industry... This is due to take place on 1st April, and we still have not seen the technical specification that we need in order to make necessary changes, which suggests that there is still important detail to be finalised before suppliers can safely implement the changes. This is understandably concerning for practices and suppliers alike.”

The absence of this specification means that software providers, and subsequently, practices, cannot adequately prepare their systems or workflows for the new model. The delay and lack of clarity are causing

immense frustration for dental practices, particularly regarding their ability to plan financially and operationally.

Harker relays a direct example from a practice owner, who asked him: “How am I going to operate as a business next year? I just want to know so I can start preparing and do my best for my patients and my practice.”

This illustrates that the current environment prevents practices from making essential business decisions, such as resource allocation, staff scheduling, and service structure. The impending change is so fundamental that it requires a major transition that the industry is currently unequipped to navigate due to the government's planning deficit.

To complete the questions and gain one hour of Enhanced CPD, visit cpd.the-probe.co.uk/

Patient demand and business strategy The UK dental sector is facing a unique challenge in some areas with too many patients and not enough dental practices to keep up with demand, a reversal from the traditional need to attract new patients. While this statistic is skewed with many seeking NHS care specifically, this shift fundamentally alters a practice's business strategy.

Flewett emphasised that, with patient demand already present, the industry's focus must shift towards efficiency to serve the market, especially those in the middle-income bracket. He suggested that high-efficiency practices supported by strong technology workflows are essential to offer “affordable family

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 15:02:51

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ECPD: HENRY SCHEIN ONE CPD Questions 1. Which UK region was specifically mentioned by James Harker as facing the “biggest shakeup” in the dental sector in the last 20 years due to the contract reforms?

A England B Northern Ireland C Wales D Scotland 2 From 2017 to 2023, patient litigation against NHS practices increased by approximately how much?

A A quarter B Half C Two thirds D Three quarters

dentistry. I think that's where we've got to focus as an industry.”

James Harker agreed, noting that dental practices are being “squeezed by all angles,” making operational efficiency paramount. He added that “this all comes in cycles. Pre-Covid there was a need for patient demand and postCovid there are too many patients to process.” As the cycle continues, along with the cost of living, Harker noted that we could find ourselves again in the situation where practices need to attract new patients.

Mitigating patient litigation with technology Patient litigation is identified as a growing challenge for UK dentistry, with the white paper indicating a two-thirds increase in complaints against NHS practices from 2017 to 2023, according to England’s Health Ombudsman.

Flewett and Harker discussed the role of practice management software and AI in mitigating this risk, particularly in enhancing record-keeping and communication.

Harker highlighted the introduction of AI clinical notes as a key solution: “Something that we've recently launched is our AI clinical notes, for example, which listens as you dictate your notes. This speeds up your note taking significantly.” He explained that this technology helps dental professionals to avoid having to type up notes when exhausted at the end of the day, ensuring completeness and accuracy following each individual patient.

Flewett backed this, pointing out that successful litigation is often caused by a gap in communication or documentation, rather than the physical care itself: “AI can really seek to ensure that we don't miss either the communication or the documentation of consent, or the communication of risk to patients.”

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The decline of the Principal and rise of DSOs The white paper highlighted a “ticking time bomb” in the dental sector: the reluctance of current Associates to assume the role of Principal. The main reasons cited were the administrative burden, financial responsibility, and the desire for a better work-life balance. James Harker observed that, for many, becoming a Principal is not just a job but “a lifestyle choice” that adds a second job to the clinician's demanding nine-to-five.

The resulting shortfall in Principals is expected to further drive the penetration of Dental Service Organisations (DSOs). When asked whether this rise is a net positive or a threat, Ben Flewett positioned DSOs as simply another way of facilitating dentistry. He argued that independent practices can compete by leveraging what DSOs struggle to offer: “Independents can absolutely compete against DSOs... they can be smaller, more people-focused, caring businesses.”

Harker added that “independent practices should lean into technology to free up their administrative and regulatory burdens, allowing them to double down on the patient relationship.”

The Future of Dental Technology: Beyond Streamlining The discussion moved to staff shortages and the perception among professionals that automation tools should expand patient options, rather than solely streamlining current practices or reducing the reliance on human resources.

Ben Flewett passionately disagreed with the notion that technology should reduce human contact, arguing the opposite: “I don’t want to be attended to by a machine. I want to be attended to by a human being who has chosen to spend their career caring for people. I do not believe that the purpose of technology, or the function of technology, should be to reduce that personal patient contact.”

3 What is given as the primary reason for the cause of successful patient litigation, often more so than the physical care itself?

A The general increase in patient awareness of their legal rights B A gap in the documentation of consent or communication of risk C Dentists using outdated clinical equipment D High rates of staff turnover within the practice 4 What is one of the most common barriers to technology adoption cited by the speakers, aside from the initial cost?

A Lack of adequate staff training resources B The high complexity of integrating new software C Fear of change and disrupting established workflows D The lack of reliable high-speed internet in practices 5 James Harker suggests that independent practices should “double down” on which aspect to effectively compete against Dental Service Organisations (DSOs)?

A Offering the lowest possible prices for private treatments B Investing heavily in large-scale national advertising campaigns C Specialising exclusively in high-end cosmetic procedures D The patient relationship He suggested that AI notes, for instance, “could save three, four, five, six minutes per patient, giving clinicians several hours back each week to focus on patient care, which ultimately leads to better work-life balance and higher job satisfaction.”

Overcoming barriers to adoption and calculating ROI Flewett and Harker concluded by addressing the two biggest barriers to technology adoption: fear of change and expense. James Harker advised practices to look holistically at the return on investment (ROI), not just the initial cost. He encouraged them to consider what technology can “give me back,” such as: • Finishing the day on time, gaining “several hours back per week”.

• Reduced stress and less litigation due to up-to-date notes.

To complete the questions and gain one hour of Enhanced CPD, visit cpd.the-probe.co.uk

Ben Flewett noted that most modern technology is charged via monthly payments with little or no upfront cost, making it easier to adopt and experiment: “If we can't provide services and capabilities that you feel are worth the monthly payments, you can just switch it off, cancel it, stop paying. It means that you can experiment with these technologies, to see if they work for you with no major investment.” n

Scan the QR code to watch the full conversation

49 12/01/2026 15:02:54

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patient plan direct

Why more dental practices than ever are launching a dental plan

About the author Emma Wilks, Business Development Manager at Patient Plan Direct.

I

f you run a predominantly NHS or mixed practice, implementing a dental plan is fast becoming essential for long-term business stability. And the numbers speak for themselves.

In 2025, more than half of the new practices joining Patient Plan Direct were launching a dental plan for the very first time. The remaining new business came from practices that already operated a dental plan and chose to switch their patient base to Patient Plan Direct from another provider.

The new business coming from practices launching a dental plan for the first time, marks a significant increase from previous years and highlights a wider change across the dental profession. As NHS dentistry continues to face limited support and a lack of meaningful change, more practices are taking control of their future, recognising the value of generating predictable, recurring revenue to guarantee longterm stability.

Why are so many practices launching a plan for the first time?

Dentists today are more commercially aware than ever. They are engaging not only with clinical experts to enhance their skill sets, but also with business mentors, consultants, marketing professionals, and dental-specific financial partners. This shift is driven by a growing desire to understand the true profitability of owning a dental practice. As a result, more practice owners now recognise that a wellstructured dental plan creates a stable financial foundation that supports growth, protects cashflow, and strengthens longterm patient relationships.

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However, not every practice sees immediate traction when launching a plan. Slow plan growth can be the result of several factors, including: • The team not fully understanding the benefits (not just for the practice and the patient, but for themselves and their day-to-day roles).

• Insufficient guidance during the setup and early stages of the plan launch.

• Weak or inconsistent training that leaves the team unsure of how to communicate the benefits of the new dental plan effectively to patients.

This is where the expertise of an established dental plan provider becomes invaluable. The right partner can be the difference between a membership base that thrives and one that never reaches its potential.

Clinician-led or full practice conversion?

We’re also seeing a growing number of NHS dentists transition into private dentistry by introducing a dental plan through clinician-led conversions, rather than committing immediately to a full NHS-to-private conversion. This approach can support expansion where NHS care is backfilled by other clinicians; however, it is more often a cautious first step in navigating a significant shift in direction, with a full conversion remaining the long-term goal.

However, our experience shows that practices undertaking a full NHS-to-private conversion typically reach their plan-patient targets faster than anticipated and achieve more consistent long-term growth than those adopting a clinician-only transition. This

accelerated success has emerged as one of the most notable trends we’ve observed throughout 2025.

The change in patient perception

One of the key reasons we’ve seen such strong uptake of membership plans in the many NHS-to-private conversions we conducted last year is a shift in patient perception.

After years of widely publicised challenges within NHS dentistry, p a t i e n t s i n c re a s i n g l y u n d e r s t a n d why clinicians are choosing to step away. Crucially, they often no longer blame the dentist or practice owner.

After talking through the upcoming dental plan membership, patients recognise that the decision is largely out of the practice owner’s hands and has been necessary to keep the practice a viable business in the long term. As a result, patients are now much more focused on securing their place in the practice before capacity becomes limited.

A private model naturally accommodates fewer patients. On average we see that around 40% of NHS patients need to convert to a private dental plan before a practice reaches full membership capacity – we’re able to accurately forecast this with tried and tested tools our team work through with practices. With fewer patients to care for, clinicians

can take their time and deliver a higher standard of personalised care. Many patients comment that they feel better looked after under a private dental plan, simply because appointments are more thorough and unrushed.

Thinking of launching a dental plan?

A strong membership base leads to fewer cancellations, more reliable patient attendance, and a patient list filled with people who prioritise their oral health. These patients value regular visits, appreciate the consistency of care, and are more likely to refer friends and family which in turn will boost practice profitability.

A healthy plan-patient base not only ensures long-term financial stability but also creates opportunities for growth, allowing practices to expand services, invest in the team, and upgrade equipment.

If you’re considering launching a dental plan in your practice, or if you’re unsure where to begin, our dental plan specialists are here to help.

We’ll assess your current position and provide tailored, practical guidance designed to ensure your plan thrives from day one.

Get in touch with Patient Plan D i re c t a n d t a k e y o u r f i r s t s t e p t o w a rd a s t ro n g e r, m o re s u s t a i n a b l e p r a c t i c e f u t u re .

Visit patientplandirect.com/nhs/ n

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 15:04:55

“Our NHS conversion has enabled us to deliver high-quality dentistry, run a viable business, and regain work–life balance.”

Jim Sykes, Owner/Director at Hexham Dental Clinic Scan the QR code to watch his testimonial:

patientplandirect.com/NHS info@patientplandirect.co.uk 50_Probe-January_PPD.indd 2

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It’s the end of the first year of the amalgam phase-down across the EU, but it’s clear that safe waste management solutions like the PureGuard™ Dental Container Range from Initial Medical are as important as ever before.

The PureGuard™ Dental Container Range features a specialised suppressant, which absorbs mercury vapours, protecting your team and providing a safe storage solution for amalgam contaminated waste streams.

Containers are collected by the Initial Medical team to be fully recycled at their ISO 14001:2015 (environment) certified dental recycling facility.

Clinicians are provided with recycled containers to ensure their practice faces no down time, and the cycle of green amalgam waste collection continues.

Find out more about dental waste solutions from Initial Medical by contacting the team today. To find out more, get in touch at 0808 304 7411 or visit the website today intialmedical.co.uk/medical

Join the club

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With use in a wide range indications, the 3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement helps clinicians simplify their clinical approaches.

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Advisor Long-Term Award two years running, in 2024 and 2025. In clinical evaluation, a total of 636 restorations were placed and 452 were available for recall at one- to two-years old – and none had debonded.

You can find out more about the potential benefits that the 3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement will bring your workflows by contacting the Solventum team today.n solventum.com/en-gb/home/oral-care/

When it comes to dental implants, there is no end to learning. The Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) understands this, and supports dental professionals with its eclectic programme of ADI Study Clubs throughout the year.

Delivered by renowned experts in the field of implantology, each Study Club investigates the latest advancements, the newest technologies, the most cutting-edge techniques and much more. Alongside the rich educational content, they are a great way to connect with like-minded clinicians, cultivating an increasingly connected

network of UK implantologists.

Each region in the UK hosts up to four Study Clubs a year, usually lasting up to two hours and taking place in the evening.

Recent topics include avoiding problems in implant restorations, immediate implantology and redefining dental technology in the digital age – all relevant areas that have armed ADI members with the skills and knowledge to be at the very forefront of the implant field. n adi.org.uk

BioHorizons Camlog offers so much

Unveil new insights with Carestream Dental

BioHorizons Camlog offers so much more than premium, leading implants.

Its comprehensive suite of solutions also includes a diverse biomaterials portfolio designed to optimise outcomes in a broad range of implant cases.

A selection of evidence-based allograft and xenograft materials are available to facilitate effective bone augmentation, including the popular MinerOss Blend and MinerOss X solutions. For soft tissue management, NovoMatrix is an acellular dermal matrix of tissue- engineered porcine materials designed to promote xenogeneic processing.

The portfolio is supported by an array of allograft, xenograft and synthetic

Artificial intelligence (AI) can make a running start in your practice workflows with the introduction of CS 3D Imaging software from Carestream Dental in your practice.

Now powered by AI, routine tasks can be completed immediately and with high-levels of accuracy throughout the programme. This automation saves clinicians time, and minimises the risk of mistakes through human error. Plus, if professionals want to make a change from an AI generated result, it is simple to do – ensuring they have complete control over treatment.

membranes to meet all indications, in addition to wound dressing options for elevated treatment outcomes.

To enhance your implant treatments and support patient-centred care, discover the evidence-based biomaterials — trusted by clinicians worldwide - from BioHorizons Camlog today. n theimplanthub.com/biomaterials/

52 Probe January product releases.indd 52

AI-powered features include panoramic curves and nerval canal mapping, CBCT scan and intraoral scan data matching, and virtual crown design and implant placement.

Available from Q3 of 2025, AI Insights from Carestream Dental is ready to make an effective difference in your workflows. Get in touch today to learn more.

For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk n carestreamdental.co.uk

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 12:07:13

www.the-probe.co.uk

Products

SEND YOUR LATEST PRODUCTS TO: lorna.reekie@purplems.com

Embrace the CEREC®chairside workflow

A composite that adapts to your needs

Would you like to enhance the chairside manufacturing workflow in your practice?

Clark Dental understands the importance of offering your patients fast and comfortable treatment – having supported dental professionals with their surgery design and dental equipment for 50 years.

Clark Dental offers the CEREC® range of chairside milling solutions, which is supported by DS Core®, the design station that enables you to scan and design the restorations you need with CEREC® Software. The software uses artificial intelligence to improve initial proposals, saving you time and enabling you to begin production quickly. The milling range includes CEREC® Go, CEREC Primemill® Lite, and CEREC

Shade matching for composite restorations is made simpler with 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative from Solventum, formerly 3M Health Care.

Choose from just 3 shades – Bright, Natural and Warm – and match the closest to your patient’s needs. When applied, a naturally-adaptive opacity shows enamellike translucency where needed, at the bevel and incisal edge, without a blocker.

At thicknesses of >2mm, the material takes on a dentine-like opacity, enabling it to fit a variety of clinical indications.

The composite features excellent polish retention and shade match, as well as wear resistance and strength. This ensures it can be used in both direct anterior and posterior restorations, including on

Primemill®, allowing practices to select the most appropriate and cost-effective option for their unique needs.

For more information, please get in touch with the helpful team.

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental. co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.ukn clarkdental.co.uk

Bond with confidence: ONE COAT 7 UNIVERSAL from COLTENE Simplify your bonding procedures with ONE COAT 7 UNIVERSAL bonding agent from COLTENE – designed for efficiency, ease-of-use, and remarkable versatility.

The advanced formulation with MDP bonding technology and excellent marginal seal make adhesion to both enamel and dentine easier than ever. Furthermore, only one universal bond is required for all indications and etching techniques.

The material is optimised to perform consistently, helping clinicians deliver durable restorations that meet the highest standards of care.

The intuitive design augments the product further, with each unit providing up

to 300 applications, making it economical and environmentallyconscious by reducing unnecessary waste. Better yet, the ergonomic design sits perfectly in-hand with an optimised dropper impressing precisely and cleanly.

With a user-friendly intention, workflows are streamlined without compromising quality. Learn more today about simplifying your bonding procedures.

For more on Coltene visit the website below, email: info.uk@coltene.com or call: 0800 254 5115.n colteneuk.com/one-coat-7-universal

Clean braces whenever, wherever Protect teeth and braces on the road with the Ortho Travel Set from Curaprox.

Whether having regular holidays or frequent sleepovers, orthodontic patients should never overlook the importance of daily dental care in protecting their teeth and gingivae.

The Ortho Travel Set is wonderfully compact, able to fit into small bags and coat pockets with ease. Patients can tuck it somewhere whenever they are on the move, bringing with them a reliable Curaprox Be You toothpaste that cleans and gently whitens the teeth, and the Curaprox Ortho travel toothbrush. This has a special groove for cleaning around the braces and splits into two pieces

for optimal storage capacity.

To complete the oral hygiene routine, the set includes the cone-shaped CPS 14 ortho interdental brush, a CPS 18 ortho interdental brush, and a CPS 07 interdental brush – all provide a comprehensive cleaning experience.

Never skip a night of braces care with the Ortho Travel Set from Curaprox – recommend today.

To arrange a Practice Educational Meeting with your Curaden Development Manager email us on sales@curaden.co.uk n curaprox.co.uk

Dental Elite “Instrumental in pushing the sale forward” Dr Kurt Finnigan recently sold his dental practice in the town of Bishop’s Castle, on the Welsh/Shropshire border. He praised Dental Elite for the tenacious service he received:“Dental Elite were very thorough, they communicated well and kept me informed at every stage, which I found very valuable.”

Adam Butler, Kurt’s business partner, added: “Dental Elite were recommended to me and I found them to be very good. They called and emailed regularly with updates, and were instrumental in pushing the sale forward when the buyer’s solicitors were

dragging their feet. I would certainly recommend them to others.”

Anil Sokhi, Senior Valuer at Dental Elite, reflected that whilst large private practice sales often grab a lot of attention, these local businesses attract strong interest when positioned in the right way and at the right price. Buyers recognise that these practices are well regarded in their local community.

Email info@dentalelite.co.uk or call: 01788 545 900 n dentalelite.co.uk

January 26 The Probe

Probe January product releases.indd 53

occlusal surfaces, as well as in core build-ups.

With 3 shades that adapt to their needs, clinicians can minimise their waste and streamline the solutions that they keep on-hand. Learn more about simple changes to your workflow by contacting the Solventum team today.

For more updates on trends, information and events follow us on Instagram at @solventumdentalUK and @solventumorthodonticsemea n solventum.com/en-gb/home/oral-care/

Clinical precision with every scan The clinical possibilities are endless with the CS 8200 3D Advance Edition from Carestream Dental – especially with its innovative AI-powered software.

Dental implant planning demands precision and reliability, and clinicians can feel empowered in their workflows with the CS 8200 3D Advance Edition. Its sophisticated software automates implant planning, simplifying the treatment without compromising on clinical precision.

The user-friendly interface of the machine promotes comfort and speed, whilst other advanced features include virtual crown design, CBCT scan and intraoral scan data matching, and nerve canal mapping.

This unparalleled versatility makes the CS 8200 3D Advance Edition a dental practice

essential, extending beyond implant workflows to ensure more predictability with every outcome.

Find out how Carestream Dental can transform your daily workflow with their ground-breaking scanners.

For more information on Carestream Dental visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk n carestreamdental.co.uk

Dental Directory welcomes iTero to the portfolio Dental Directory is thrilled to have expanded its already extensive digital portfolio w ith the introduction of iTero.

The new partnership will enable more dentists to unlock the full potential of their restorative dental workflows by introducing the cutting-edge iTero Lumina™.

The new-generation solution has been designed to enhance impression accuracy and speed while elevating the patient experience in even the most advanced cases with minimal effort. It affords superior full jaw precision, 2 x faster scanning, 3 x larger fields of view and a 50% smaller wand for increased ergonomics.

To elevate your digital workflow and discover the iTero Lumina™ for yourself,

contact Dental Directory today.

For more information on the products and maintenance services available from Dental Directory, please visit ddgroup.com or call 0800 585 586 n ddgroup.com

A proactive and measured choice Selling your dental practice is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — and it deserves a proactive, well-informed approach. Finding the right partner and structure can define not only your future wealth, but also the continued success of your team and patients.

DeNovo Dental Partners offers a new model for UK dentistry — a shared ownership structure designed for ambitious Principals who want to unlock value without giving up control. Most of the practice value is paid in cash up front, with the remainder in equity of the DeNovo group, creating multiple opportunities for long-term wealth generation.

Unlike traditional models, DeNovo enables Principals to retain full autonomy

while gaining the support, scale, and community of a growthfocused group.

It’s a partnership built on collaboration, empowerment, and shared success — ensuring your practice continues to thrive under your leadership.

Be proactive, not reactive, when planning your next chapter. Explore how DeNovo’s unique shared ownership model could help you realise your ambitions — while keeping the spirit and independence of your practice intact.n denovo.partners

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Products

SEND YOUR LATEST PRODUCTS TO: lorna.reekie@purplems.com

Scan with confidence with Carestream Dental

Preferred by patients The 3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment from Solventum, formerly 3M Health Care, is a solution preferred by patients and clinicians alike, supporting preventative dental care.

The rosin-free and water-based formula contains soluble fluoride ions that are immediately available to deposit onto the tooth. This means the 2.1% sodium fluoride solution offers greater fluoride uptake, or that comparable to, traditional 5% varnish treatments.

Patients can benefit from a pleasant range of flavours, including Watermelon, Mint, and Flavourless, as well as a minimum contact time of just 15 minutes. This ensures appointments are both comfortable and

quick, so they can fit around your patients’ days.

For clinicians, embrace a fast and easy application with the unique press and go L-Pop™ single dose delivery system which allows onehanded operation and does not require the use of a tray like many fluoride products.

Discover more about the benefits of the 3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment from Solventum by contacting the team today. n

Plan complex surgical procedures with confidence by using the CS 9600 CBCT Scanner from Carestream Dental, a leading 5-in-1 CBCT system that offers versatility and accuracy for a variety of imaging needs.

By combining CBCT scanning, panoramic and cephalometric imaging, and 3D face and model scanning in one unique system, clinicians can always have the best insights on hand no matter the clinical need. Plus, the CS 9600 CBCT Scanner features up to 14 unique fields of view, meaning each scan can be optimised for your patients, whilst reducing radiographic exposure where appropriate.

Images are created with high levels of detail, with features such as CS MAR (Metal

Artifact Reduction) maximising the clinical quality of results.

Learn more about how you can make the most of the CS 9600 CBCT Scanner in your surgical workflows by contacting the Carestream Dental team today.

For more information on Carestream Dental visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk n

solventum.com/en-gb/home/oral-care/

carestreamdental.co.uk

Toothbrushing on the next level

Consistency and reproducibility Clark Dental has 50 years of experience working with dental professionals to create their ideal dental practices. As such, the team at Clark Dental is best placed to assist clinicians who are looking to take their practice to the next level.

In addition to excellent design and maintenance services, Clark Dental offers a range of top-quality dental equipment. This includes CBCT imaging systems such as the Orthophos S, a truly all-round solution producing 2D and 3D x-ray images.

With Orthophos S, clinicians and their patients can expect an exceptional experience, thanks to its patented occlusal bite block which enables automatic

www.the-probe.co.uk

positioning for maximum consistency and reproducibility.

Find out more about the products and services available from Clark Dental by getting in touch with the team.

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk n

clarkdental.co.uk

The Hydrosonic Pro is a must-have electric toothbrush for optimising your oral care routine.

In a time of energy drinks, fast food and sugary sweets, using the very best toothbrush is essential for removing plaque, stains and harmful bacteria.

The Hydrosonic Pro is one of the many Curaprox solutions that ensures oral health isn’t just safe – it’s optimal. A perfect confluence of sleek Swiss design and cutting-edge cleaning capabilities, it offers customisable settings and three different brush heads – Power, Sensitive, Single – for a truly comfortable experience that starts and ends each day with a fresh feeling.

Those looking to add extra colour to their oral health products can also do

so – the Sensitive brush heads are available in striking shades of blue, pink, magenta and more, providing a satisfying aesthetic.

For a toothbrush upgrade that can meet the unique oral needs of your patients, recommend the Hydrosonic Pro from Curaprox today.

To arrange a Practice Educational Meeting with your Curaden Development Manager please email us on sales@curaden.co.uk n

curaprox.co.uk

Orthodontic shopping made easy

Record breaking month for locum!

Dental Directory offers an expansive range of solutions to meet the needs of all clinicians, including a dedicated orthodontic portfolio.

From orthodontic wires and brackets to specialised burs, bonding agents and instruments, the solutions afford workflow efficiency, accuracy and repeatability.

Committed to excellent customer service, the orthodontic team is also on hand to provide the information you need to make the most of any packages or promotions available too. Plus, they know the products inside out and can advise on potential new solutions that may suit your clinical preferences.

In addition, the Dental Directory Orthodontic Plier & Instrument Repair & Care Service will keep your instruments in

Whether you are looking for a permanent or locum role, Dental Elite offers a comprehensive recruitment service that can quickly match to you your ideal position.

The now reunited Dental Elite locum recruitment dream team – Luke Arnold and Lisa McCusker – are back together and helping practices across the UK source Locum Dentists and Dental Hygienists. They have had so much success recently that they have broken their own record for the largest number of locum shifts allocated in one month!

A figure they look to break again this month…

For support you can rely on, whether you’re looking for permanent or locum

top shape, protecting your investment for longer.

Find out more today.

For more information on the orthodontic products available from Dental Directory, please visit ddgroup.com, email orthodonics@ddgroup.com or call: 0800 585 586n

ddgroup.com

roles, contact Dental Elite today to find out more.

For more information, visit dentalelite.co.uk, email info@dentalelite.co.uk or call 01788 545 900n

dentalelite.co.uk

Accelerate growth with DeNovo

EndoCare – a highly recommended referral clinic

Are you ready to realise the full potential of your dental practice? Looking for a fresh, forwardthinking approach to accelerate growth and drive long-term success?

DeNovo Dental Partners offers a truly new model for UK dentistry. Our shared ownership structure enables Principals to release equity in their practice while retaining complete control over how it’s run — preserving autonomy while unlocking opportunity.

As a Partner, you continue to lead your team and shape patient care, supported by experienced business specialists who help you scale efficiently and sustainably. With access to central resources and strategic expertise, growth isn’t just possible — it’s actively enabled.

When you refer patients to EndoCare, you can trust that they will receive first-class clinical treatment and an excellent service.

A recent 5-star review from a referred patient demonstrates the team’s commitment to professionalism and excellence: “Referred by local dentist to this clinic as was supposed to be very good. I have to say Dr Sultan is clearly at the top of his game and extremely good. The professionalism, high-tech equipment and skill are several notches above any other dentist I have been to. Highly recommend this clinic for root canal treatment.”

54 Probe January product releases.indd 54

At DeNovo, partnership means empowerment. Together, we’re redefining what it means to own, grow, and succeed in UK dentistry.

For a strictly private and confidential chat with DeNovo about the possible future of your practice, contact the team today.n denovo.partners

Find out more by contacting EndoCare today.

For further information about the endodontic referral services available from EndoCare, please call 020 7224 0999 or visit www.endocare.co.uk n

endocare.co.uk

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www.the-probe.co.uk Always more to learn Toothbrushing is such a repeated part of the daily routine that it can become a subconscious activity – but that doesn’t mean patients are doing it correctly.

The iTOP course from Curaden is transforming the way that dental practitioners educate their patients on correct toothbrushing techniques.

Dr Jeanie Suvan, a Clinical Research Associate and Dental Hygienist at UCL, completed an iTOP seminar and details her experience: “The iTOP seminar was fantastic. The manner of the teaching really resonated with my passion for behaviour change, both for patient and clinician. It highlighted how every patient is individual and we must be mindful of that; using that

A world first with Solventum difference to ultimately provide them with the best care possible.

“The seminar was also a great chance to play with different oral hygiene aids and reminded us of the tremendous detail that goes into correct oral maintenance. Everyone knows how to brush their teeth but after years there is still more to learn and I love picking up new tricks. I returned to the dental practice refreshed and with a renewed enthusiasm for what I strongly believe in. I couldn’t recommend iTOP more.”

Email: sales@curaden.co.ukn curadenacademy.com

Work smarter not harder The new Miele PWD 8682 underbench washer disinfector from Eschmann allows dental teams to work smarter, not harder.

It provides an automated and validated method of heavy-duty cleaning and disinfection for reusable instruments, prior to sterilisation. Cycles are completed in under an hour for up to 360 instruments, elevating productivity and workflow efficiency for staff. These benefits are compounded by features like intuitive user controls and fast-touch operation.

The equipment can also be protected with the Eschmann Care & Cover servicing package, which offers expert testing, maintenance and annual validation.

Not only does this support practice compliance, but it also helps optimise

product life and minimise the risk of equipment downtime. Care & Cover also includes annual Enhanced CPD staff training for maximum return on your investment.

Find out more today.

For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of decontamination solutions available from Eschmann, please visit www.eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 753322n eschmann.co.uk

January 26 The Probe

Probe January product releases.indd 55

caries-affected dentine to support minimally invasive dentistry.

To create long-lasting results for a wider range of indications, combine this solution with the 3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement. Together, they make a fully aligned, two-component system for indirect restorations.

Learn more by contacting the Solventum team today.n solventum.com/en-gb/home/oral-care/

For endodontists, endodontic specialists or GDPs that offer endodontic procedures, Dental Directory offers a wealth of solutions to support exceptional treatment outcomes.

From apex locators to broaches, endodontic burs and files, hand instruments, obturation systems and so much more, the comprehensive portfolio caters to your every need.

We only work with leading manufacturers and brands you can trust to consistently provide the quality you need in practice.

These include Acteon, Dentsply Sirona, Kerr, NSK, Sendoline, VOCO and so many more.

We are also dedicated to maintaining competitive pricing, simple ordering and efficient delivery, ensuring a positive experience every time you choose to work with us. Find out more and browse the full product selection on the website.

For more information on the products and maintenance services available from Dental Directory, please visit ddgroup.com or call 0800 585 586 n ddgroup.com

Fast toothache relief in 2 mins

and cases not found in the online videos.

Occlusion is demystified and made simple in this online course – visit the IAS Academy online today to learn more.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1)n

Toothache can be debilitating, making day-to-day life for sufferers uncomfortable.

As such, its essential for clinicians to recommend fast acting solutions for the rapid relief of toothache.

Orajel™ Dental Gel absorbs swiftly through the oral mucosa, acting quickly to target the source of dental pain directly, ensuring immediate comfort by effectively numbing the area. It contains 10% benzocaine, a powerful local anaesthetic, applied directly to the painful site. It delivers toothache relief in 2 minutes or less, providing up to 2 hours of relief.

For more acute pain, recommend Orajel™ Extra Strength, which contains 20% benzocaine to block pain signals

To discover this dynamic duo and to see how TANDEX is redefining interdental cleaning, visit the website today.

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

tandex.dk

along the nerves.

For more information, please visit the website.

For essential information, and to see the full range of Orajel products, please visit https://www.orajelhcp.co.uk/n orajelhcp.co.uk

iasortho.com

Redefining interdental maintenance Have you discovered the oral health duo redefining interdental maintenance?

The TANDEX WOODI is an expertly designed premium product meeting the widest range of oral needs.

Did you know the TANDEX WOODI is available in six different sizes, providing interdental maintenance for gaps of all shapes and sizes?

It is also designed with sustainability in mind, made from responsibly sourced birchwood and supplied in a recyclable cardboard box.

The TANDEX PREVENT GEL is an excellent pairing with the WOODI, providing enamel strengthening and antibacterial properties working to remineralise the teeth and fight caries.

Material choice affects the longevity and success of restorations, but can also influence future assessments of the dentition. The 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive from Solventum (formerly 3M Health Care) is the first universal adhesive with dentine-like radiopacity, minimising the risk of secondary caries misdiagnosis and similar issues.

The adhesive uses a dentine-like opacity to reduce opportunities for overtreatment in the future, better supporting your patients for the lifetime of their restoration.

The 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive offers a strong bond to all dental substrates, and even bonds and seals

Supporting endodontic excellence

Enter the world of occlusion Access everything you need to know about occlusion, on demand, wherever you are in the world, with the Occlusion: Basics & Beyond course from IAS Academy.

The online course delivers more than 30 hours of online classes showing realworld applications of occlusal knowledge, including post-orthodontic patients, edentulous patients requiring partial dentures, those with cracked teeth, and more.

Plus, all clinicians receive an occlusion starter kit, featuring an autoclavable Huffman Leaf Gauge, a pack of 8 microns Hanel Shimstock Foil, and the OBAB Hardback Textbook – featuring insights

Products

SEND YOUR LATEST PRODUCTS TO: lorna.reekie@purplems.com

Going somewhere?

Is it time to make the move from NHS to private dentistry? IndepenDent Care Plans (ICP) can help you make the switch seamless.

We understand the challenges in dentistry right now and have the experience needed to tailor your dental plans according to the specific needs and future ambitions of your business. We know how the right dental plan can help you spend more quality time with patients and give your patients greater treatment choice.

For the chance to achieve all this, while also improving monthly practice cashflow, give us a call today. We have been growing practices through bespoke dental plans

and exceptional support for 30 years so you can trust us to take your practice forward.

For more information and to book a no-obligation consultation, please visit ident.co.uk or call 01463 222 999n

indent.co.uk

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www.the-probe.co.uk

business & finance

From resolutions to returns Why January is only the first new year for your finances

O

nce again, we find ourselves in January. Although, having worked in financial services for over 30 years, I’m used to marking two ‘New Year’s Days’ per year – 1st January and 6th April. While the new tax year arrives with fewer fireworks and no Jools Holland, for taxpaying dentists it can be just as significant.

For now, though, we are still working with 6th April as the start of the new tax year. Although it’s only January, preparation accounts for 90% of successful financial planning. And with changes announced as part of the 2025 Autumn Budget, dentists should be reviewing their tax position well ahead of 6th April.

Why does the tax year start on 6th April? A brief history

Key tax changes dentists should note

It would be logical for tax years to align with calendar years. Many countries do, so why not Britain?

The reason for the 6th April tax year start date can be traced back to the 16th century.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a change of calendar. This was because the Julian calendar (named after Julius Caesar), which had been in use since 42 BC, was now 10 days out of sync with the solar calendar.

Great Britain resisted the change (of course!), but nearly 200 years later (in 1752) found that the difference had increased to 11 days. At this point, it changed to the new calendar.

Up until that stage, the tax year had started on 25th March, which was also New Year’s Day. To ensure no loss of revenue, the Treasury decided that the following tax year would end on 4th April, as it ensured a 365-day year and balanced out the 11 “lost” days.

A later adjustment came in 1800, which was a leap year under the old calendar but not under the new one. The Treasury shifted the start date again, this time to 6th April, where it remains.

In 2021, the Office of Tax Simplification published a report stating that there would be “clear advantages from having a different tax year end date” – not least reducing the risk of “international tax leakage” caused by difficulties for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and individuals in matching up data from other tax jurisdictions with different tax dates.

The Autumn Budget brought several changes that dentists need to consider in advance of April. Although some changes are not due for at least another year (such as the 2% increase in tax on savings and property income from April 2027), there are others to be aware of.

Dividend tax increases

A significant change starting in April 2026 is the 2% increase in basic and higher-rate dividend tax. Given that many dentists often have income streams from dividends, rental income and investments, these changes may have a substantial impact on overall earnings.

This may also prompt some limited company directors to reconsider whether incorporation remains the optimal structure for their dental business.

Pensions still a highly attractive planning tool

Despite speculation, the Budget did not introduce new caps on pension allowances or withdrawals. So, pensions remain one of the most attractive and taxefficient ways to save.

Pension contributions can be made individually (by sole traders and partners) or through a limited company (as employer contributions by directors). All will receive tax relief at your highest marginal rate, subject to the £60,000 Annual Allowance.

Not only will you be saving for your retirement, but you’ll also be reducing the amount of income tax you currently pay.

In addition, pension funds grow free from income and capital gains tax.

Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.

Rethinking dividend strategy and company profits

With dividend tax rising, dentists who are limited company directors may prefer to retain profits in the company rather than taking them as dividends. This is even more likely for those earning over £100,000 who wish to retain their personal allowance.

However, retaining large cash balances exposes funds to inflation risk, which steadily erodes their real value. One solution is to consider commercial investments within the company. This approach could help maintain or grow the real value of retained profits while awaiting potential future changes to dividend taxation.

Please remember that the value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in.

year or reviewing your financial strategy, speak to a Specialist Financial Adviser from Wesleyan Financial Services by visiting wesleyan.co.uk/dental or calling 0808 149 9416.

Their dedicated dental expertise can help you make confident, informed decisions for the year ahead. n Charges may apply. You will not be charged until you have agreed to the services you require and the associated costs. Learn more at www.wesleyan.co.uk/charges.

We s l e y a n Financial Services Ltd ( R e g i s t e re d i n E n g l a n d a n d Wa l e s N o .

1651212) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered O ff i c e : C o l m o re C i rc u s , B i r m i n g h a m B 4 6AR. Telephone: 0345 351 2352. Calls may be recorded to help us provide, monitor and improve our services to you.

Looking ahead: A good time for a financial review

With forthcoming restrictions to Cash ISAs (from 2027), combined with rising taxes on dividends, savings and property income, it’s an important time for dentists to: • Review their finances • Revisit business models • Assess investment strategies • Enhance long-term resilience and taxefficiency The April financial new year will be here before we know it – and preparing early can make all the difference.

Speak to the experts

As financial landscapes begin to shift throughout 2026, the right guidance can make all the difference. If you would like support in preparing for the new tax

About the author Having vast experience as a dental Specialist Financial Adviser (SFA) over the years, Simon Cosgrove is now a Dental Regional Manager at Wesleyan Financial Services, guiding a team of dental SFAs to support dentists, their families, and their practices with financial planning to secure their financial future.

How leadership drives patient loyalty

I

n dentistry, when we talk about patient loyalty, the conversation often turns to recall systems, digital marketing, or incentives. But genuine loyalty isn’t built through automation or special offers; it’s earned through the everyday interactions patients have with your team. And the quality of those interactions depends on one thing: leadership.

A well-led team does more than provide treatment efficiently; they create experiences that patients remember. Whether it’s how a receptionist puts a nervous new patient at ease, the attentiveness of a nurse during a long appointment, or clear communication post-treatment, these small gestures matter and form the emotional connection between a practice and its patients. They are not random acts – they are the result of thoughtful leadership.

Leadership isn’t confined to the principal dentist or practice manager. It’s a behaviour, not a job description, and each team member plays a part in how a patient feels. So, it’s important that this influence is guided by clear values-led leadership and genuine care.

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A leader sets the rhythm of the practice, bringing consistency in communication, clear expectations, and creating a sense of calm confidence that filters through the team. In practices where leadership is strong and authentic, patients notice this steadiness and sense that the team is aligned, professional, and genuinely cares about their well-being.

When a team understands its purpose and feels appreciated, that confidence naturally shines through to the patients, who can sense when a team is working in harmony.

This builds trust and reassurance from the moment they walk into your dental practice.

On the other hand, when a practice lacks clarity, patients pick up on that too.

Confusion behind the scenes can lead to delays, inconsistent messaging, or tension that undermines confidence.

Strong leadership provides structure while ensuring each team member feels empowered to contribute. It turns “doing the job” into “making a difference.”

At Connect My Marketing, we often remind our clients that every contact adds

value. From how the phone is answered to how treatment plans are presented, every interaction either strengthens or weakens trust. The practices that grow sustainably are those where leadership ensures consistency without losing the human touch.

Dentists naturally rely on systems and processes to keep a practice running smoothly. But systems alone don’t create loyalty. It’s the people behind them that make the real difference.

Great leadership ensures that systems serve people, not the other way around.

It aligns the practical and the personal, creating a culture where team members take ownership because they understand the “why” behind the “what.”

When structure and empathy work together, you get more than compliance, you get commitment. And that commitment is what patients notice as calm, confident, and genuine care.

If you’re a practice owner or manager, take time to reflect not just on your marketing strategy, but on your leadership habits.

• Do my team members know what ‘great’ looks like each day?

• Do they feel recognised and supported?

• Do they understand how their actions

help build patient trust?

These may seem like internal questions, but the answers show up externally, in patient reviews, referrals, and long-term loyalty.

The most successful dental practices aren’t just clinically excellent; they are emotionally consistent. Patients may not remember every detail of their treatment, but they will always remember how your team made them feel.

Because beyond the chair, leadership is the quiet force that builds lasting loyalty. n

About the author Susan Ward is the Business Operations Manager at Connect My Marketing, a dental marketing agency that helps practices grow through leadership, systems, and service excellence.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 15:08:02

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NHS Dental Contract Reforms: What they mean for practice owners and the sales market

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he attractiveness, demand and, ultimately, the goodwill value of NHS dental practices is directly tied to the sustainability and profitability of delivering NHS dentistry. Buyers pay for sustainable profit and, when the contract becomes harder to deliver, or profitability is squeezed, goodwill values inevitably soften. If the medium to-long term viability of NHS dentistry is affected by the current reforms, this will be reflected in the market.

The commercial reality is clear: the NHS contract must be deliverable, predictable, and financially viable. If the reforms improve stability and income, goodwill values will strengthen. If they introduce uncertainty or fail to address core issues, values will weaken. The market responds directly to risk, sustainability, and workforce confidence.

A central issue remains the exodus of associates from NHS work.

Without addressing why clinicians increasingly choose private roles over NHS positions, the system will continue to face workforce shortages that undermine access, delivery, and financial stability. Solving this requires more than incremental adjustments; it demands far reaching fixes that make NHS dentistry an attractive and sustainable career path. Until the associate workforce is stabilised, the long term commercial attractiveness of NHS dentistry will remain uncertain.

However, recent conversations with providers suggest that, despite the reforms being viewed as modest t w e a k s , a s t ro n g e r a n d m o re confident c o m m e rc i a l optimism around delivery of NHS contracts.

What’s changing in the NHS dental contract

The government has announced what it describes as the most significant modernisation of the NHS dental contract in years, with changes due to take effect from April 2026. While the reforms aim

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t o i m p ro v e a c c e s s a n d s t a b i l i s e delivery, they also carry important commercial and market implications for practice owners and buyers.

Prioritising urgent and complex care The reforms introduce: • A time limited care pathway for patients with complex needs • Improved remuneration for urgent and complex treatments Commercial impact: Better remuneration for urgent care may help stabilise income for NHS heavy practices, particularly those with efficient triage systems and good surgery utilisation. Buyers favour predictable revenue streams, so this could strengthen demand for well run NHS mixed practices.

700,000 additional urgent appointments A commitment to deliver 700,000 extra urgent NHS dental appointments annually.

Commercial impact: Practices with spare capacity, strong therapist utilisation, or room to expand may benefit most. Increased activity potential can enhance EBITDA, which directly influences goodwill values.

Mandatory NHS service for new graduates Newly qualified dentists will be required to work in the NHS for around three years.

Commercial impact: Workforce stability is a major concer n f o r b u y e r s . I f t h i s re q u i re m e n t improves associate availability, it will reduce a key risk factor in valuation.

However, this only helps if the contract remains attractive enough for associates to stay beyond the mandatory period.

Payments linked to prevention A shift towards rewarding preventive activity, not just treatment.

Commercial impact: A prevention focused model could c re a t e m o re p re d i c t a b l e , l o w e r risk income streams. But practices w i l l n e e d e ff i c i e n t re c a l l s y s t e m s and strong patient engagement to benefit commercially.

Support for audit and peer review New funding to support clinical audits and peer review.

Commercial impact: Higher clinical governance standards can increase buyer confidence, particularly among first time buyers and lenders who value o p e r a t i o n a l ro b u s t n e s s .

The Welsh Perspective: Optimism and opportunity

Recent conversations with practice owners across Wales indicate a more positive commercial outlook than seen in earlier iterations. Many owners consider the evolving contract to offer • Better utilisation of therapists, enabling them to work to the top of their scope • More agility between NHS and private care, allowing practices to respond flexibly to patient demand • A more deliverable and realistic model compared with previous iterations

Commercial implications for practice owners and the sales market

From a sales agent and valuation perspective, the reforms create a nuanced picture.

Potential positives • More predictable income streams through improved u r g e n t c a re re m u n e r a t i o n , w h i c h c a n i m p ro v e E B I T D A • Workforce stability via mandatory NHS service for new graduates in the short term • G re a t e r o p e r a t i o n a l f l e x i b i l i t y, especially where therapists are well utilised

Ongoing challenges

• Associates may still prefer private

roles, limiting NHS capacity pressures remain, particularly for high needs patients Private growth continues to be essential, as it still subsidises the NHS work and is a key driver of a valuation

• Delivery •

Market implications: why it may be a good time to sell an NHS practice

Optimism is strengthening and the broader market dynamics suggest that now may be a favourable time to sell an NHS or NHS mixed practice. Buyer demand remains strong for stable NHS income, and the reforms have injected cautious confidence into the market. Selling during this period allows owners to benefit from renewed interest, even if longer term reform and outcomes are not fully known.

If the reforms fail to address deeper structural issues, particularly the associate workforce crisis, the medium to-long term sustainability of NHS dentistry may weaken.

NHS mixed practices with room to grow private revenue and with capacity for advanced treatments re m a i n p a r t i c u l a r l y a t t r a c t i v e t o buyers.

Final thoughts

The new NHS dental contract re f o r m s re p re s e n t a s t e p f o r w a rd , but their long term impact is y e t t o b e s e e n . T h e re f o r m s w i l l help stabilise the landscape, but c o m m e rc i a l s u c c e s s w i l l s t i l l d e p e n d on strong practice management and strategic planning. n

About the author Abi Greenhough, Managing Director of Lily Head Dental Practice Sales.

The Probe | January 26

12/01/2026 15:11:19

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business & finance

Planning your finances for the year ahead The start of a new year is the perfect time to take stock of your financial health and set yourself up for success in 2026. Yet for many dental professionals, the pressure of daily practice life means financial planning often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list

W

ith the ongoing shift toward private dentistry, alongside significant financial pressures from rising operating costs and challenging economic conditions, it’s more important than ever to review your financial plans regularly.

“The reality is that dentistry isn’t just a clinical profession – it’s also a business.

Whether a recent graduate, associate or principal, dentists are navigating complex financial decisions that aren’t necessarily their area of specialism. Sound financial planning is essential to securing your future and this includes ensuring adequate protection is in place,” says Peter Dunn, Head of Intermediary Relationships at Dentists’ Provident.

Whilst some dentists enter a salaried position, many move into general practice and become self-employed, with all the responsibilities that brings.

Let’s face it, financial planning isn’t exactly an exciting subject, especially early on in your dental career, but taking on board some of the following considerations, may help you feel more secure in the future.

Budget wisely

The latest FCA data from 2024 shows that financial resilience remains a concern, with many adults struggling to manage their domestic bills. Understanding where your money is going is the foundation of financial security.

Recent data shows financial pressures are affecting dental professionals across all career stages. The FCA’s Financial Lives Survey 2024 reveals that around 13 million UK adults have low financial resilience. It specified that 7.6 million UK adults have low savings and little capacity to withstand financial shocks with many feeling heavily burdened by bills and credit commitments.

Sensible budgeting can improve your financial resilience. A comprehensive budget helps you understand your spending patterns and take action where necessary. This is particularly important for practice owners managing both personal and business finances. Setting short, medium and long-term goals helps you work towards your larger professional and personal objectives, whether that’s expanding your practice, changing private or NHS contracts, or planning for retirement.

Protect your income

Set up an income protection policy, which will provide a safety net should you be off work through illness or injury. Unexpected loss or reduction in income can wreak havoc with your financial plans if you do not have adequate protection.

“Financial shocks come in many forms.

One example is loss of earnings through sickness, and employer sick pay is fading,” states the ‘Building Resilient Households’ report commissioned by the Chartered Insurance Institute. If you did not receive an income, how long would it be before you’d run out of money?

January 26 | The Probe

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The Government’s Keep Britain Working Review, published in November 2025, reports that over 2.8 million working-age people are now out of work for health reasons – making absence rates at their highest level in 15 years. More than 150 million working days are lost annually in the UK due to sickness absence, but only 6% of adults in the UK had income protection.

If you cannot work because of an illness or injury, your income protection insurance plan helps you maintain your lifestyle without depleting your savings, relying on your family or the welfare state for financial support, by giving you a regular benefit to help replace the income you lose.

As a leading income protection provider to the dental industry, at Dentists’ Provident we know the benefits and reassurance income protection brings. In 2024 Dentists’ Provident paid out £4.9 million in claims to members.

“Often, claims result from something completely unexpected – sporting accidents, car accidents, or everyday incidents outside the practice,” says Paul Roberts, Head of Claims at Dentists’ Provident.

The youngest claimant in 2024 was only 27-years-old, emphasising the importance of taking out income protection while you’re young and healthy, and understanding the long-term benefits it provides.

Dentists’ Provident focuses exclusively on income protection for dental professionals and understands the sometimes-complex earnings structures dentists navigate.

This specialist knowledge means financial assessment at the time of claiming is much smoother for members.

“Whether you’re an associate with variable private income or a principal managing practice profits, having a provider who understands these nuances makes a real difference when you need support most. In such a physical career, it’s vital to protect yourself against the unexpected,” adds Peter Dunn, Head of Intermediary Relationships at Dentists’ Provident.

Don’t forget about tax

Stay informed about tax regulations relevant to your profession and your status as a self-employed sole trader or limited company.

Unlike many other professions, there is a steep earnings trajectory in dentists’ earning after qualifying, and it’s easy to see income as available to spend without properly accounting for tax obligations. This challenge affects professionals at all career stages, particularly those transitioning between NHS and private work or taking on practice ownership.

While this may sound simple, often a lack of saving for tax, due to ongoing day-to-day financial pressures can lead to huge financial consequences.

Start saving early for the future

Regardless of where you are in your career, it’s never too early to think about the end of it! There are huge benefits to setting aside funds for your future retirement early.

Investing your income into a qualified retirement plan from an early stage of your career can provide you with the advantage of compound growth for longer. This means that not only does your initial investment generate returns, but the reinvested returns also generate their own returns over time.

Starting early maximises this effect, allowing your retirement savings to grow substantially over time.

As an example, if you plan to retire at 65 but delayed contributing to age 35 instead of 30, and assuming your pension fund increases by 5% a year on average, you would have to save an additional 35% each year because you delayed contributing. So, while you may not be able to set aside much to start, even small amounts ensure you don’t lose out on the pension growth and have to save much more later.

What next?

Where can you go from here?

• Take professional advice from a qualified financial adviser, and accountant, to set you on the right track from the beginning • Ensure that you protect your greatest asset – you! Speak to your financial adviser about income protection insurance • Don’t forget to ask your advisers how much you should put away for tax each month • In the earlier part of your career, talk to your senior colleagues in your practice about who they use for professional advice and don’t be afraid to ask them questions • Regularly review your financial plan, at least annually, as your career progresses and your circumstances change. n

About Dentists’ Provident

Dentists’ Provident is a leading provider of income protection insurance for dental professionals.

Since 1908 our sole objective has been helping you achieve financial security during periods of illness or injury. We are proud to be a member owned mutual focused exclusively on the dental profession. You remain at the very heart of everything we do and, most importantly, the reason we do it. We are there when you need us, from university into retirement. www. dentistsprovident.co.uk For further information please contact Dentists’ Provident member services consultants by calling 020 7400 5710 or email memberservices@dentistsprovident.co.uk

59 12/01/2026 15:12:38

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Thinking of selling your dental practice in 2026?

I

t’s another new year, and a time when you might be considering lifestyle changes or your future retirement. In an ever changing market, here are five key areas to consider if you are planning to sell your dental practice in 2026.

1. Know the current market

2025 ended with more good news for the dental practice sales market, with the Bank of England base rate dropping to 3.75% on 18th December, down 1% from the beginning of the year.

Heading into 2026, this means that borrowing for buyers is now at its most affordable since February 2023 (where the base rate was 4%).

Statistics show that the majority of buyers in 2025 were individuals. Therefore with decreasing loan costs, we are expecting to see more new buyers enter the market in 2026.

Multiples for dental practice valuations had softened to account for high interest rates and, although still not back to their peak, in general we are now seeing multiples start to increase again slightly.

It is important to engage early with your dental sales team so that they can keep you abreast of the current market factors impacting your practice specifically.

2. Know your practice value

One of the most common mistakes sellers make is relying on hearsay or outdated benchmarks when estimating what their practice is worth.

Instructing an experienced practice valuer and sales agent ahead of your sale could result in gaining additional tens of thousands of pounds to add to your retirement fund.

A professional valuation will not only provide an accurate guide price but also explain why your practice is worth what it is. This allows you to identify areas for improvement in advance of sale, such as increasing profitability, addressing reliance on the principal, or tidying up associate contracts. Even modest changes made months ahead of marketing can have a meaningful impact on value and make the practice more attractive to purchasers.

3. Finding the right buyer and deal structure

Finding the right buyer is more than just price. Deal structure, timescales, post-sale commitments and cultural fit can all be equally

60 60_Probe-January_Business.indd 1

important. Not every practice will suit every buyer and, likewise, not every buyer will want every practice. A practice valuation will help determine which type of buyer your practice is best suited to.

The majority of buyers in 2025 were individuals.

Thus, most do not require tie in periods for sellers, and you may be able to sell and retire within the year (providing all parties move quickly). Recent years have seen the lowest levels of body corporate purchases in the past decade, with corporate buyers purchasing less than 1 in 10 practices sold through PFM in 2025.

Ensuring that the practice is marketed as widely as possible will help to give you options of buyers. Established sales agents like PFM (established in 1990), have several thousand registered buyers, categorised by location, allowing us to contact multiple prospective parties as soon as you are ready to go to market.

4. Tax and legal structure

Your valuer should be able to explain different sales options to you – e.g. asset vs share, freehold sale vs leasing. However, you will likely want to take guidance from a dental specialist solicitor regarding your obligations when selling shares or assets of a limited company (if applicable), plus advice from your accountant regarding your personal tax implications and the best way for you to sell. Having these conversations prior to sale allows your sales agent to market the practice correctly and will also save time during the legal work.

It is vital to work with solicitors who understand dental transactions and the due diligence process. They will know what information is genuinely required, what is standard, and where unnecessary requests can be challenged.

Sale agreements typically include warranties, and these should be carefully reviewed to ensure they are reasonable and proportionate.

If the practice holds an NHS contract, the legal structure of that contract is especially important.

In some cases, a short-term partnership may need to be formed to avoid a break in the NHS contract at the point of transfer. This involves drafting a partnership agreement with appropriate protections in place, as well as managing CQC applications, which can vary depending on how the practice is sold.

If you don’t have dental specialist advisers already in place, speak to a sales agent like PFM to be put in touch with the right people.

5. Prepare your numbers and records

Well-prepared records can significantly reduce stress and delays during a sale. Buyers, lenders and solicitors will expect clear, accurate, and up-to-date information, including accounts, NHS and plan schedules, associate agreements, staff contracts, and compliance documentation.

Disorganised or incomplete records can undermine buyer confidence and weaken your negotiating position. Preparing your documents early allows you to address any issues proactively and present the practice in the best possible light. This preparation often results in a smoother transaction and can even help protect the agreed price through to completion.

Final thoughts

Selling your dental practice may feel a long way off, but the most successful sales are those planned in advance. By understanding the market, knowing your value, choosing the right buyer, structuring the deal correctly, and surrounding yourself with experienced advisers, you put yourself in the strongest possible position to achieve a successful and rewarding outcome.

About the author Samantha Hodgson is a finance broker and practice valuer at PFM Dental.

The Probe | January 26

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Optimising practice performance and growth pre-sale

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When you’re thinking about selling, it’s easy to ease off. After years of running a practice, the idea of gradually winding down can be tempting – but buyers will notice any drop in momentum.

Maintaining (or ideally increasing) revenue in the lead-up to a sale helps demonstrate a healthy, resilient business. Think of this period as your final sprint, not the cooldown lap. The stronger your numbers look when you go to market, the better the offers you’ll attract.

key areas that offer the biggest return. For principals preparing to sell, this often starts with optimising what you already have: your systems, equipment and processes.

Make sure you’re fully utilising technology such as CBCT scanners or 3D printers, and that administrative or decontamination workflows are efficient and consistent. Even small adjustments can free up staff time, reduce stress, and increase overall productivity.

Then consider opportunities to expand your offering. Could an existing associate train in orthodontics? Would a visiting endodontist or implantologist help bring referrals in-house?

Diversifying services can attract new patients, strengthen loyalty and grow revenue – all of which boost appeal to potential buyers.

If you’ve got the time and appetite, physical improvements can also make a difference. Adding a new surgery or modernising the space could open the door to new patient groups and help your practice stand out in a competitive market.

Focus on smart growth

Optimise your EBITDA

A solid growth strategy isn’t about doing everything at once – it’s about focusing on

EBITDA – Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation – is a key

hether you’re planning to sell your dental practice in the next two years or 10, one goal remains the same: you’ll want to achieve the best possible price. No matter the size, clinical focus or structure of your business, building value takes time – and the earlier you start, the stronger your position will be when the right buyer comes along.

Keep a foot on the pedal

metric that underpins your valuation.

Understanding and optimising it early can have a significant impact on the eventual sale price.

You can increase EBITDA by raising income (for example, reviewing patient fees, introducing a new service or growing your patient base) or by reducing outgoings. Renegotiating lab costs, bulk-buying consumables or changing suppliers can all make a meaningful difference.

To illustrate: a practice valued at 7× EBITDA with profits of £100,000 would be worth £700,000. A 5% increase in profit would raise the value to £735,000, while a 10% uplift would take it to £770,000 – all without major structural change.

If you’re a principal-led practice, adding another associate can also boost income and make your business more attractive to buyers by reducing dependency on one clinician.

Start early, stay informed Even if selling feels a long way off, it’s never too early to prepare. You’re probably monitoring performance already,

so use that data to drive growth and strengthen profitability over time.

One of the most effective ways to begin is by requesting a free practice ‘health check’.

Dental Elite offers this service to help principals assess their current position and identify realistic opportunities to increase value ahead of a sale. Our experienced team provides clear, practical advice tailored to your business – so when the time comes, you’re ready.

Whether your next step is two years away or ten, every improvement you make now strengthens your practice for the future.

Visit www.dentalelite.co.uk, email info@dentalelite.co.uk or call 01788 545 900. n

About the author Luke Moore, Founder and Director of Dental Elite.

Give your practice a boost in 2026

I

t may seem cliché, but the start of a new year is always a good time for reflection and improvement. For businesses, these early months are often used to refine future plans, to reallocate budgets and remotivate the team. This is crucial for dental practices, which are in a constant state of flux thanks to the rapidly evolving technological market and ever-changing patient demands.

Are you ready for the future?

A self-audit provides a fundamental starting point for any business wishing to grow and develop in the year ahead.

This can be a really useful exercise for the entire team to identify what the practice does well and where there are opportunities for improvement.

To ensure a comprehensive and logical approach, the audit can be split into core areas, for example, facilities, staff, processes, and marketing. In each area, strengths and weaknesses should be discussed, with reference to how each one may be affecting the experience of both patients and professionals. Ideas for streamlining workflows, elevating clinical outcomes, boosting treatment acceptance and encouraging patient loyalty should be explored, all the while aligning with the practice’s overall business goals and objectives.

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A plan should be formulated that informs the practical implementation of any changes agreed upon, with responsibility for related activities allocated to specific individuals to ensure accountability.

Utilising patient satisfaction

Whether as part of the aforementioned audit or as its own project, it is also important to assess and optimise the satisfaction of your existing patients.

It’s first important to understand how patients feel about your practice. This might involve collecting data like a Net Promoter Score (NPS) from patients – on completion of their treatment, for example, simply ask patients to rate their experience on a scale of 1-10. Patients who score the practice 9 or 10 are clearly advocates for your services, making them prime candidates to provide testimonials and online reviews.

These are vital in building a strong online presence for the practice, which will help to attract new patients in the year to come.

Lower scores will indicate areas in need of improvement moving forward and present an opportunity for positive change.

When it comes to making effective changes, a small patient survey could provide valuable insight into what patients value most. For example, if there is an appetite for new or expanded services, you might consider adding new treatment options to

your offerings. If patients’ greatest concern is finances, then perhaps introducing new ways to budget for essential dental care would be most beneficial. IndepenDent Care Plans (ICP) provides an innovative solution with practice-branded dental plans that are tailored specifically to the needs of your business and your patients. Quickly and easily implementable, these plans make budgeting for dental care more predictable and manageable for all manner of patients, breaking down barriers and encouraging their attendance at the practice.

The year of growth

sure you’re prepared. Reflecting on last year’s performance and identifying potential improvements for 2026 will help you achieve all your practice goals and more.

For more information and to book a no-obligation consultation, please visit ident/co.uk or call 01463 222 999 n

About the author Dr Robert Donald, IndepenDent Care Plans Director.

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