The Probe March 2024

PROFESSIONALS

NHS Dental Recovery Plan officially unveiled

Following early leaks to the press, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have released the NHS Dental Recovery Plan. Various dental associations and organisations were quick to issue responses, even before the official announcement. Read a snapshot of those reactions on page 5. Victoria Atkins, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, explains that the plan has three components:

In 2024, we will significantly expand access so that everyone who needs to see a dentist will be able to. This will begin with measures to ensure those who have been unable to access care in the past 2 years will be able to do so – by offering a significant incentive to dentists to deliver this valuable NHS care. We are introducing mobile dental vans to take dentists and surgeries to isolated underserved communities.

We will launch ‘Smile for Life’ – a major new focus on prevention and good oral health in young children, to be delivered via nurseries and other settings providing Start for Life services, and promoted by Family Hubs. We will also introduce dental outreach to primary schools in under-served areas, and take forward a consultation on expanding fluoridation of water to the north-east of England – a highly effective public health measure. We will ramp up the level of dental provision in the medium and longer term by supporting and developing the whole dental workforce, increasing workforce capacity as we have committed to do in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, reducing bureaucracy and setting the trajectory for longer-term reforms of the NHS dental contract.

“The publication of this recovery plan is a significant step on the journey to improve and transform access to NHS dentistry and deliver care that meets the diverse oral health needs of people across England,” says Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer, England (interim). “The NHS dental service is an essential cradle-to-grave prevention service. The government’s launch of Smile for Life and the focus on early years is welcome, particularly for England’s most deprived communities. The consultation on expanding water fluoridation in some parts of England is an opportunity to improve the oral health of communities for generations to come.

“Offering dental teams a new patient premium to treat patients who’ve not seen an NHS dentist in over 2 years will help more patients access NHS dental care.

Changes such as uplifting the minimum unit of dental activity (UDA) value to £28 will make NHS dentistry provision more attractive and the service more sustainable. More importantly, it will make the NHS dental service fairer.

“Growing the workforce so that more patients can access NHS dental care is critical in helping us improve and expand services. We will support government and the General Dental Council (GDC) in the introduction of provisional registration and making it easier for international graduates to work in England while maintaining our high standards. I have always been a strong advocate of the use of skill mix and look forward to further developing this in the provision of NHS care, and we will support the implementation of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.”

Andrea Leadsom, Minister for Public Health, Start for Life and Primary Care, adds: “This recovery plan addresses the urgent need to boost access, and we aim to make sure everyone needing NHS dentistry will be able to access it. Not only that, but we are building capacity for the long term, supporting our excellent dental staff to work at the top of their training, and encouraging more hard-working dentists to those areas of England that are currently under-served.”

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “NHS dentistry was hit hard by the pandemic and while services are improving – with 23% more treatments delivered last year compared to the previous year – we know that for too many people, accessing a dentist isn’t as easy as it should be.

“That’s why we’re taking action today to boost the number of NHS dentists, help cut waiting lists and put NHS dentistry on a sustainable footing for the long-term. Backed by £200 million, this new recovery plan will deliver millions more NHS dental appointments and provide easier and faster access to care for people right across the country.”

Dental Care Professionals

The recovery plan also includes steps to improve access for patients immediately, suggesting changes so more dental therapists, hygienists, dental nurses and dentists can treat further NHS patients.

As outlined: ‘Dental care in England could not function without the vital contribution of its dental care professionals, including dental therapists, hygienists and nurses.

As set out in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, we will expand dental therapy and dental hygiene undergraduate training places by 28% by 2028 to 2029, and expand training places by 40% from current levels to over 500 places by 2031 to 2032.

‘Dental therapists’ scope of practice means that they can deliver much of the routine care that dentists provide so more therapists means more care for NHS patients. In addition to dental therapists and hygienists, we will also encourage greater numbers of dental nurses and clinical dental technicians into relevant education and training programmes.’

Read the NHS England announcement: http://tinyurl.com/NHSDentalAnnouncement View the full policy paper: http://tinyurl.com/DentalPolicyPaper ■

PRACTICE

communication shapes dental practice design, page 19

TREATMENT

Predictable management of a deep carious lesion, page 27

PROFESSIONS

The future of NHS Dentistry, page 36

A welcome from the editor

The big news in February was, of course, the announcement of an NHS dental recovery plan. It was a busy few days here at Probe HQ, as word of the plan got out before NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care even had time to formally unveil it, with a large proportion of organisations from around the dental sphere issuing their comments. The main points of the plan are outlined on the previous page, while you’ll find a selection of the reactions that poured in on the page opposite.

In the main, the Dental Recovery Plan was welcomed. But tentatively. Many were quick to lament the lack of reform to the existing dental contract.

The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) described the plan as a step in the right direction but noted that it doesn’t take into account the fact that an increased number of dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists would require a similar increase in the number of dental nurses. To that end, BADN’s Honorary President Joan Hatchard and Chief Exec Pam Swain met with DHSC officials to discuss how the dental recovery plan did not adequately address the current recruitment and retention crisis in dental nursing. Pam goes into further detail in her column on page 63.

For all the latest news, stay tuned to the-probe.co.uk or follow us on X @theprobemag, or connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-probe/

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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

Dr Caroline Dodd Dentolegal Consultant Dental Protection

Emily Howden Dento-legal adviser Dental Defence Union

John Timoney Financial Adviser Thinqviser

Abi Greenhough Managing Director Lily Head Dental Practice Sales

Dr Deepak Mehta, DDS Founder IAGD

Oral Health Content Specialist Oral Health Foundation

Lisa Bainham, President ADAM

Samantha Hodgson Finance Broker PFM Dental

Steven Bartlett named as British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show headline speaker

Steven Bartlett, the renowned entrepreneur and influencer, will be speaking at this year’s British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show co-located with Dental Technology Showcase at the NEC Birmingham.

Known for his inspirational journey and impact in the business world, Steven Bartlett will take part in a captivating fireside chat. His session promises to ignite new ideas and strategies among dental professionals.

He is an entrepreneur, speaker, investor, bestselling author, member of BBC’s Dragons’ Den and the host of Europe’s number one podcast ‘The Diary of a CEO’ – an unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories and untold dimensions of the world’s most influential people, experts and thinkers.

His insights into the power of social media and digital marketing are invaluable for dental

practices aiming to modernise and expand their reach. His passion and expertise when it comes to team culture will be especially pertinent for dental practice owners, who often face the challenge of instilling a cohesive ethos while also focusing on their clinical role.

Bartlett’s session will delve into the intersection of entrepreneurship,

technology, and healthcare, providing a unique perspective that is both relevant and forward-thinking.

Alex Harden, Portfolio Director at CloserStill Media, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Steven Bartlett to the show where he will share his secrets to success in business with the dental profession. Bringing Steven Bartlett to this year’s show is just one of the many ways we are going above and beyond to ensure it’s an unmissable event. Our aim is for every attendee to leave not just inspired, but equipped with actionable insights that can transform their practice and the way they approach their business.”

The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show is set to be held at the NEC Birmingham on 17-18 May. n

Dentisan’s new Centre of Excellence for Chemistry opens its doors

In November 2020, Dentisan, was acquired by Getinge, a leading global provider of products and systems that contribute to quality enhancement and cost efficiency within healthcare and life sciences.

would expand its manufacturing capacity and bring the whole Getinge UK business under one roof, an ambition that was realised on January 31st 2024. At the official opening ceremony members of the Getinge board, were joined by representatives of Derby City Council and the Dentisan team, to witness the official opening by Carl Bennet, Principal Shareholder and Johan Malmquist, Chairman of the Getinge Board.

The new 79,000 sq/ft facility is located at St Modwen Park, just two miles from Derby city centre. The building is rated as ‘Excellent’ by BREEAM – the certification body for sustainable construction and includes production, warehousing, a laboratory, showroom, training area and office space. An EPC ‘A’ rating, auto sensor

lighting and rainwater harvesting provide practical evidence of the building’s overall energy efficiency, whilst 86 rooftop solar panels provide heating for the entire building.

Bob Newsome, Managing Director of Dentisan and the Centre of Excellence for Chemistry, said of the new facility: “The competence of the local team in Derby has in no small way made this expansion possible. The desire to retain the knowledge and skills within our workforce, which includes chemists and microbiologists, along with our manufacturing and sales teams, has been central to our expansion plans. We are confident that this new facility will enable us to drive innovation, resulting in new products and improved solutions that compliment market trends and meet customer needs.” n

NHS ‘Recovery Plan’ unworthy of the title?

The British Dental World has reacted to the news of the NHS Dental Recovery Plan (full story on page 3). Here is a snapshot of the responses made by various associations and organisations:

The British Dental Association has said government failure to embrace fundamental reform of NHS dentistry risks condemning a generation to decay and widening oral health inequality.

The professional body says the Recovery Plan is incapable of even beginning to honour Rishi Sunak’s promise to ‘restore’ NHS dentistry, or in any way meet the Government’s stated ambition to provide access to NHS dentistry for ‘all who need it’. The plan sets up a ‘new patient premium’, which will give a bonus to dentists seeing a patient that hasn’t undergone treatment in two years – £15 to first see them, £50 if they need significant work done. It also raises the minimum Unit of Dental Activity (UDA) value from the current level of £25.33 to £28.

The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry welcomes the inclusion of measures to improve children’s oral health. This promise of funding and the implementation of measurable outcomes is pivotal to ensuring that at last the beleaguered NHS dental health services get the support needed to address the crisis in oral health in the UK today. However, the BSPD flags that there is an absence of a dental contract reform proposal to enable this.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “The new NHS dental recovery plan, while showing glimmers of hope with confirmed prevention policies like water fluoridation and expanded roles for the dental team, ultimately falls short of expectations.

“The heavy focus on childhood initiatives in underserved areas rather than addressing broader oral health disparities appears inconsistent and inadequate. It’s akin to applying an Elastoplast on a gaping wound.”

The British Association of Dental Nurses has welcomed the Dental Recovery Plan as “a first step in the right direction” – but says the Plan “does not adequately address the current dental nursing recruitment and retention crisis”.

“The Recovery Plan is certainly a starting point,” said BADN Honorary President Joan Hatchard. “But it fails to take into account the fact that increasing the number of dentists/hygienists/therapists requires a similar increase in the number of dental nurses, as clinicians cannot work with dental nurses. The Plan blithely states that the NHS will also encourage more dental nurses to pursue training programmes –without giving any specific details on how this will be achieved!”

Bas Vorsteveld, Haleon Vice President and General Manager Great Britain

NEWS BITES

9/10 patients recommend their dentist

A survey of 7,422 members of Which?, the UK consumer champion, yielded positive results for dentistry. The survey asked Which? members if they had seen an NHS or private dentist over the past three years and asked them to rate their experience. The majority of respondents (57%) were private patients and most were happy with the quality of treatment; nine out of 10 said they would recommend their dentist. When asked to score the dentist they had seen most recently, the Which? members awarded independent dentists an average satisfaction rate of 86%. The average satisfaction rates of patients attending a branch of one of the corporate chains was over 60%, ranging from 75% for Portman to 67% for Together Dental and Clyde Munro. n

Money where your mouth is

The Oral Health Foundation is supporting calls for multi-pronged approach to improve global oral health, following the release of a new report.

‘Time to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Addressing Inequalities in Oral Health’ looks at the urgent need for better alignment between policy, public health initiatives, payment systems, and clinical practice, to address the pressing challenges facing oral health.

Published by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), in collaboration with Economist Impact, the report investigates periodontitis and caries, offering a holistic perspective on the global prevalence of oral diseases and the urgent need to address existing inequalities.

Read it at tinyurl.com/oralhealthpaper n

and Ireland, comments on behalf of Haleon: “Across the country we know that dentistry is under pressure and the this is having a major impact on the oral health of the nation. Latest figures show that one in 5 people have avoided visiting the dentist due to cost, more than double the same time last year.

News of the UK Government’s Dental Recovery Plan marks an important moment in attempts to reverse that trend and build a more inclusive and accessible NHS dental service.”

Catherine Rutland, dentist and clinical director at Denplan, said: “The state of dentistry in Britain and scale of dental deserts has been a growing issue over the last few years. The initiatives suggested in the Dental Recovery Plan offer a glimpse of hope for the future – but only if introduced as part of wider policy changes.

“We can’t offer dentists more money for NHS patients while ignoring essential reforms to the dental contract so they can better treat the patients they have. The ability to offer a mixed NHS and private model would enable better support for both patients and professionals.

“This is a promising first step but more needs to be done – for our children, society, and our dental teams, many of whom are mentally and financially affected by the challenges facing the sector.” n

UK eco-champion nominated as

ICD fellow Dr Davinder Raju has been nominated for a Fellowship of the International College of Dentists (ICD) in recognition of his work promoting sustainability in dentistry. He is due to be inducted as a Fellow at the annual meeting (https:// icd2024.com) of the Europe section of ICD in Limassol, Cyprus, in June. He launched the Greener Dentistry Global sustainability toolkit and accreditation programme in 2023. Available via a web-based app, the programme is based around Dr Raju’s work to establish the UK’s first fully environmentally friendly practice, the Dove Holistic Dental Centre.

Provisional registration changes

The government has announced that it intends to legislate to create a new category of provisional registration for dentists qualified outside the UK. Provisional registration will provide an additional route for joining the UK dental workforce and will allow dentists to adapt to the UK practice environment while being supported and supervised. This will be the single biggest change to dental regulation for almost 20 years. n

One of Getinge’s immediate aims was to relocate Dentisan to larger premises that

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Misconceptions? Of course. It is dentistry after all!

Irarely watch network television drama, so it was a revelation to find myself recently becoming hooked on the BBC’s thriller series, The Tourist . We binged on both seasons on iPlayer and all along I harboured this sneaking suspicion that the protagonist, Elliot Stanley, was basically a nice bloke, despite all the alarming revelations about his wicked and thoroughly gruesome past. I was delighted to be proven right (in my head anyway), when, in the final scene of season two, via burning embers, it was subtly revealed that Elliot was in fact a ‘Special Agent.’ Belated spoiler alert! For all of you Tourist fans who are infinitely less perceptive than I and thought that Mr Stanley was a real wrong ‘un, don’t fret. You were led in your beliefs by the two British writer brothers Harry and Jack Williams, who skilfully led you to YOUR erroneous conclusions about Elliot’s character with all the delicacy of a Challenger 3 tank towing a Peugeot 107.

In the case of The Tourist , your misconceptions (not mine, remember) were carefully crafted and directed by writers, actors and directors. You were MEANT to come to the conclusions that you did.

So where and when did all the misconceptions surrounding dentists and dentistry that currently exist in the UK and have grown over the years since G.V. Black was a lad, begin exactly? More to the point, why have these misconceptions grown –particularly with regard to the NHS - and could there even be a creative force behind them?

I must admit that when I went to dental school as a mature student, I held on to the misguided notion that dentists were universally respected. I personally revered my own dentist at the time and I was hoping that, on qualification, I would shed the memories of some of the indignities I had suffered as a journalist at the hands of members of the public. I remember in the early 70s one District Councillor walking into the editorial room, marching to my desk and shouting in my face that I was a “Tory lackey of the gutter-press” after I wrote a story on a recent District Council meeting. I also remember vividly, being attacked by a protester with half a tennis racket when sent out to cover a demonstration. So, I was a tad disappointed when I first qualified and in rapid succession I was accused of ‘enjoying’ hurting people (not true, I never gave anyone a local without using topical first), was accused of ‘spraying bits’ in a lady’s mouth while using an ultrasonic on her thick calculus just so I could charge her more (I never could quite fathom the reasoning), and ‘robbing the poor’ when my receptionist, quite rightly, asked a patient to pay his NHS charge at the desk.

Money seemed to be at the root of a lot of resentments and misconceptions held by some patients. One patient, at each examination appointment, would stroll in and, rather than say “good morning,” would say, “How’s the Roller?” Irritated, I one day pointed out that my car at the time was actually a Fiat 500, to which he replied, “Oh, I see. You don’t want to use the Roller around here in case us plebs damage it?”

Another patient, when my nurse’s back was turned, would often whisper under his breath, “It’s alright for you,” while making a gesture with his hand that suggested I had plenty of cash available as a result of “the exorbitant prices YOU charge!” The ‘exorbitant prices’ were whatever the NHS charges were around in the late 90s. Charges for NHS dental patients were introduced back in 1951 and yet I found that a few patients were still resentful that they had to pay anything towards their treatment – and that got far worse after the introduction of the new contract in 2006. A colleague who qualified in the late 60s once told me that he remembered vividly the outrage he had to weather in the mid70s when the NHS patient charge rose to £3.50.

The biggest misconception about dental charges held by the public seems to be that it goes straight into the dentist’s pocket. The man in the late 80s who accused me of ‘robbing the poor’ went to great lengths to explain that he wasn’t going to “line your (my) pockets any more” because he already paid his taxes. I clearly remember him implying that dentists had ‘broken away’ from the medics so we could take ‘extra’ money directly from patients. He erroneously held the belief that dentists called the shots. Oh, the irony!

In my first job as an associate, I was responsible for my own patient debts and one evening I had to call a patient

who had failed to respond to letters and calls from our receptionist asking him to pay for a set of complete dentures. This was only three or four months after qualification and I was not looking forward to the conversation. The man refused to come to the phone, so his wife spoke to me. She explained that the choice was simple: It was between paying an unexpectedly large electricity bill or paying me. She was quite blunt – “We figured you’ve got enough money, so we decided on the ‘lectric.” She put the phone down on me. I didn’t pursue it any further.

I know I’m not alone in holding the belief that the Labour Government wanted dentists out of the NHS when the new contract was introduced. No Government would risk killing its chances of re-election by simply saying “Sorry, we’re done with NHS dentistry.” Tony Blair’s instruction to ‘think the unthinkable’ with regard to the welfare state obviously spilled over into healthcare and dentistry in particular. Therefore, the Labour Government introduced the evil UDAbased target-driven system, which was designed to force dentists out of the NHS, leaving the Government without blame. The public wouldn’t understand the nuances of the contract – namely that it was nonsensical AND diabolical.

All the public would see were ‘greedy dentists’ (the worst misconception by far) abandoning the NHS for lucrative private practice. What the Labour and subsequent Tory-led Governments were perhaps surprised by, was that it didn’t work, with staunch NHS dentists still clinging on to the belief that NHS dentistry was worthwhile and essential to public health.

So here we are – 2024 – where the Tory Government appears to be resolute in its determination to completely ignore the demise of NHS dentistry, a fact profoundly reinforced by the release of its dental recovery

plan in February. The money it claims to be providing is merely a drop in the Pacific and does nothing to address the fundamental problem – that the whole UDA-based contract is flawed and the remuneration it provides to practices is pathetic. But what do you expect from a Government that is apparently not embarrassed in the least, by the fact that it’s considerably harder for people to access dental care in the UK than in Rwanda and war-torn Ukraine?

And who will be perceived by the public to be to blame if the new ‘plan’ fails? The dentists of course. I was at a social event a few weeks ago and a complaint was made by one of the guests about the difficulty in getting dental care because the dentist had ‘gone private’. “He wanted a bigger car,” surmised the guest. When I suggested that maybe the dentist could no longer survive in the NHS, all I got back was: “I’ve never met a poor dentist.” That was it. End of conversation.

Not that many would have noticed the debate, but Private Eye reported that when MPs recently debated the motion “NHS dentistry is in crisis” – despite the overwhelming and damning support for the motion – the motion was defeated. What you can presumably take from that is that parliament believes NHS dentistry is just dandy - its demise is obviously all down to the ‘greedy’ dentists. Who says that misconceptions about NHS dentistry aren’t craftily orchestrated? I’ll end with this: I drive a Peugeot 107, a car I bought in 2013 when I was still an NHS dentist. OBVIOUSLY, I’m a greedy dentist. n

About the author ollie Jupes is the pseudonym of a former nHs dentist. He monitors dentistry on twitter X as @DentistGoneBadd

Elemental Antibacterial Wound Dressing

A Revolution in Bone Graft Protection

Minimise Complications and Improve Healing Conditions In Mucogingival and Implant Surgery

Leveraging the antibacterial and wound-healing properties of zinc ions, Elemental can be used post-operatively with or without a membrane.

Elemental activates when in contact with boiling water, and the resulting material, which sets rigid and stable, can be quickly and easily moulded and shaped according to the needs of the patient.

The “NHS Recovery Plan” – panic after nine years of neglect?

We should learn from history and wider healthcare

Reading through the recently published plan, I kept asking myself: why has none of this been happening since the change of administration in 2015? Perhaps because access had increased by two million since 2006 and, for the first time in over 20 years, access to NHS dental services was not an issue in the media. A crisis happens when people take their eye off the ball, and that certainly seems to have happened.

I read through the BDA briefing to peers before the debate on 19th February and was struck by how often the BDA refers to dentists and never “the dental team”. This was explained in the introduction, where they clearly state that they are the representative body for dentists and dental students. Dentistry, just like general medical practice and all other areas of healthcare should be a teamdelivered service.

When I took up temporary residence in London in 2002, I registered with a medical practice in the Isle of Dogs, where I continue to have a base. Since my retirement in 2015, I continue to be registered with that practice because it is easier, quicker and more patientfocused than the practices locally where my family are registered. I can ring up – admittedly wait a while at certain times to get through – and make an appointment in the next two or three weeks if it is not urgent. Sooner if considered urgent after triage. There is none of this “ring up at 8:30 on the day and hope you get through before all the appointments have gone”. The difference is that the practice in London works on a real team basis. They employ practice nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, phlebotomists and a whole range of “non doctors” to deliver a high quality service. They also employ a GP with a special interest in dermatology, the medical speciality that generates the largest number of referrals to secondary care, so that simple dermatological issues can be dealt with in primary care rather than being referred to the already overloaded secondary care sector. The point I am trying to make is that dental services, just like medicine, should be a team-delivered service, using the whole available workforce, and allowing everybody to work at the top of their skill set.

The focus these days is, quite rightly, on the 20-25% of the population who suffer from almost completely preventable dental disease. But 75-80% are largely free of disease and could be supervised and largely dealt with by other members of the dental team.

There are obvious blockages in the system, regulatory and cultural, which have slowed the development of a true team approach. We

initiated a programme of work in 2013 to allow suitably trained and competent hygienists and therapists to apply fluoride varnish and give local anaesthetics without the direction of a dentist. I understand that this might finally be almost resolved but why has it taken so long? Hygienists and therapists working in the salaried services are eligible to be members of the NHS pension scheme, so why not extend this to those working in NHS practices helping the contract holders deliver on their contracts?

The BDA continues to focus on major contract reform, which would probably take many years. I got involved with contract reform after initiating the piloting of capitation as a method of remuneration in my own practice. It worked really well for patients and ourselves, we implemented extended recall intervals for long-term dentally fit patients (although many patients found this difficult at first), we saw more new patients and implemented a more preventive approach than the then widely disliked item of servicebased system, which did not allow payment for any preventive procedure. However, patient charge revenue fell by around 30% and this would be a difficult issue to resolve going forward. We worked with Jimmy Steele to develop pilots; the work was painfully slow and highlighted problems that needed sorting but that is what piloting is about. I think scrapping the piloting programme was a mistake but, as access improved after 2006, I think non-dental civil servants failed to see the importance of the programme. Clearly there were some good ideas in the plan, and I cannot pass over the long overdue commitment to increasing the extent of coverage of water fluoridation mentioned within it. In these days, when everything is dependent on the figures adding up to a return on investment, this is a “no brainer”.

In the short term, I would freeze patient charges, which have risen far quicker than contract values since 2015, reflect the increasing costs that practices face in contract uplifts (the money is there) and possibly make capital grants to practices with significant NHS contracts to enable them to grow. Capital was always easier to find than revenue!

Clearly, with a growing and ageing dentate population, the whole workforce needs to grow but allowing overseas graduates to enter the service without any form of quality assurance seems like panic! n

About the author Dr Barry Cockcroft CBe is the former Chief Dental officer for england and current chair of the British Fluoridation society.

A call to action on International Human Papillomavirus Day

As dedicated dental health professionals, our commitment to the wellbeing of our patients extends far beyond the realm of oral care. On the upcoming International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Day, observed every year on March 4th, we are presented with a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of this widespread virus and its implications on overall health.

HPV, a group of viruses known for their connection to various cancers, demands our attention as dental practitioners. The virus is not confined to specific demographics; instead, it can affect anyone, making it imperative for us to stay informed and actively participate in educating our patients.

This responsibility stems from our role as some of the most patient-facing professionals, uniquely positioned to impart crucial knowledge on prevention and early detection.

Certain strains of HPV, particularly Type 16 and 18, have been identified as significant contributors to an increased risk of cancers affecting the mouth, head, neck, cervix, penis, vulva, and anus.

The prevalence of HPV is startling, with estimates suggesting that eightin-ten individuals will be infected at some point in their lives. As oral health guardians, our duty transcends traditional dental boundaries, encompassing a broader commitment to the holistic well-being of those under our care.

spotting signs

Encouraging patients to recognise early signs of HPV is a pivotal aspect of our role as dental health professionals. Since our interactions often provide a gateway for general health discussions, we can empower individuals to be vigilant about potential presentations.

Communicate openly with patients about the association between certain oral health changes and HPV, emphasising the importance of timely identification.

Educate them on subtle signs, such as persistent oral sores, unexplained throat discomfort, or changes in the appearance of oral tissues. Stress the significance of regular dental check-ups for early detection and prompt intervention.

You can also implement visual aids, like pamphlets or educational videos, to reinforce key messages during appointments. By fostering a proactive mindset among our patients, we not only contribute to their overall health but also play a crucial role in the broader campaign against HPV-related complications.

Empowering patients to recognise and report early signs empowers them to take charge of their health, reinforcing the pivotal role dental professionals play in comprehensive patient care.

prevention

Prevention is always the best way to reduce the risks of HPV. One of the biggest problems with talking about HPV is often the lingering stigma of discussing a sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmitted through the skin via sexual contact.

As well as reducing the number of sexual partners and the use of barrier methods, the best way to prevent the spread of HPV is by taking up the vaccination as a child. The vaccination against HPV, is 97% effective and has already reduced cervical cancer rates by almost 90%. Highlighting the importance of encouraging young patients, and engaging parents of adolescents, to opt for the HPV vaccination offered in schools for those aged 12 to 13, ensures comprehensive preventive care. HPV vaccination should be given before sexual activity begins to give the best prevention.

Girls under 25 years old and boys born after 1 September 2006 who may have missed it at school due to Covid-19, can still have their vaccination as part of a catch-up scheme. If you become aware that a young patient has not received their HPV vaccination, have a chat with the parent who can get in touch with their school nurse, school vaccination team or GP surgery to arrange an appointment to get the injection under the NHS.

Future of Hpv

The latest UKHSA statistics for the academic year 2022/23 present a mixed picture. Encouragingly, there’s a slight uptick in HPV vaccine uptake for girls and boys in year 8, indicating positive progress. However, a cause for concern emerges as there’s a noticeable drop in vaccination rates among students in years 9 and 10.

As dental health professionals, it is imperative to address these variations strategically, ensuring a comprehensive and targeted approach to maintain and improve overall vaccination rates.

In a significant stride toward costeffective prevention, England has recently transitioned its HPV vaccination programme to a single dose, after a thorough evidence review, aligning with countries like Australia and Scotland. This adjustment not only maintains robust protection but also aims to streamline vaccine administration, potentially enhancing uptake rates. As dental health professionals, it is crucial to remain vigilant about these trends, fostering continuous awareness of HPV risks. Sustaining and improving inoculation levels requires ongoing diligence. The HPV vaccine programme stands as a cornerstone in disease prevention, and our collective efforts are essential in reducing the spread of HPV and safeguarding public health. n

About the author Karen Coates, oral Health Content specialist at the oral Health Foundation, and RDn

Dealing with confrontational patients

It can be difficult to deal with a patient who behaves in a confrontational manner. DDU dento-legal adviser Emily Howden offers advice on defusing potential difficulties

Aconfrontational patient takes many forms. Some people are always confrontational, some could be reacting to being in pain, and some may need reassuring about your professional expertise. Whatever, the case, it can be challenging to deal with a patient like this but there are steps you can take to try to prevent things from escalating.

Take the fictional example, based on DDU cases, of an associate dentist who called the DDU’s advice line after an awkward encounter with a patient. On many occasions the patient seemed to think they ‘knew best’. They contested dental advice and challenged several members of staff at the practice, including our member.

As well as this, the patient had sworn at staff on the phone, and was recently angry and aggressive to reception staff. The member was considering ending the professional relationship with the patient.

DDU advice

The DDU adviser recommended discussing the patient’s difficult behaviour with the practice principal and trying to implement steps to address this, including reminding the patient of the practice’s zero tolerance policy. The principal would need to decide if this policy had been breached and ultimately would be responsible for ending any relationship between the patient and the entire practice. Alternatively, it might be possible for the patient’s care to be transferred to another member of the team. If the practice principal decided to terminate the relationship, recommendations for seeking future treatment elsewhere should be made. For an NHS patient, this could include providing the contact details of the local NHS office and suggesting they obtain a list of NHS dental practices that can accept patients.

For an NHS patient in the middle of a course of treatment, the Local Health Board in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would need to be informed. In England it would be the local office of NHS England.

Terminating any patient relationship may result in a negative reaction, and potentially a future complaint. The associate was advised to handle any decision carefully and keep good records of any discussions with the patient, as well as the decision-making process. Bear in mind these further tips on avoiding difficulties that may exacerbate challenging situations:

• Make sure your appointment system is fit for purpose and that you have enough time to provide the care you plan to carry out at each visit. If you do start to run late, try to inform patients of this and, if possible, let them know roughly how long they are going to have to wait.

• Ensure patients understand the treatment plan you recommend and update them with any changes as treatment progresses. It is also important to explain the impact this will have on

the number of appointments they might need and the length of time the course of treatment might take.

• Always keep patients informed of any changes to the costs of treatment and follow up any verbal information in writing.

• It is not possible to guarantee a 100% success rate for every patient.

Try your best to manage patient expectations before you start treatment, and during treatment.

• Try to make arrangements to see anyone who is in pain as quickly as possible.

• Try to take into consideration a patient’s individual needs and levels of anxiety.

The DDU website has further advice on dealing with challenging patients.

www.theddu.com/guidance-and-advice

About the author Emily Howden, Dental Defence Union (DDU) dento-legal adviser.

When percussion, ice, heat and radiographs are not enough, electric stimulation may be the diagnostic tool you need for determining the cause of the patient’s discomfort. That’s where the Digitest® 3 comes in.

The Digitest® 3 electrically stimulates the tooth to test for vitality, resulting in a value ranging from 0 to 64. Comparing the response to the stimulus of the suspected tooth with a known healthy tooth’s response to an identical stimulus helps you:

 identify the source of your patient’s pain

 assess tooth vitality

 test and follow up traumatized teeth

Digitest® 3 comes with four autoclavable probes for easy access to all tooth surfaces and a standard, easy to replace 9V battery.

Digital pulp vitality tester

Dr. Giuseppe Chiodera, Style Italiano

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Elevating dental photography with Sony Mirrorless Alpha cameras

Timothy Zoltie is Head of the Medical & Dental Illustration Department, based within the School of Dentistry at the University of Leeds, in a collaborative role with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. He is an award-winning professional photographer and videographer, in the speciality area of medicine and dentistry. A Fellow of the Institute of Medical Illustrators, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, Timothy Zoltie also works as Editor in Chief of the Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine.

The School of Dentistry at the University of Leeds stands as a preeminent hub for dental education and research, distinguished by its expert faculty and state-of-the-art training facilities. Renowned as a leading centre for dental study, the school is committed to shaping the future of dentistry by nurturing the skills of the next generation of dental professionals. A unique element of the institution is that it has a dedicated Dental Photography Department, one of only a few in the world. The dental photography department at the University of Leeds has been delivering high-quality dental photography services for over 60 years, and currently photographs over 8,000 patients per year.

challenge

In reviewing the market for camera systems to use for dental and clinical photography, Timothy was looking for a compact solution that would capture the highest-quality images, while offering versatility to shoot stills and video.

solution and results

After reviewing the various options, Timothy chose the Sony Alpha a7R V Mirrorless camera system. In capturing stills and video, the camera provides the versatility Timothy was looking for in his hybrid role, where he not only photographs clinical conditions but also undertakes clinical videography. The seamless interchangeability of lenses for video and stills on a single system significantly enhances workflow efficiency. The compact form factor of Sony cameras improves manoeuvrability and user comfort, which is particularly advantageous for repetitive tasks such as intra-oral photography. Manual focusing for Timothy is crucial in dental

photography for maintaining consistent working distances and is facilitated by the Sony 90mm Macro G OSS lens. It is the only mirrorless lens in its focal range equipped with lens distance scales and ratios on the barrel.

“The Sony FE 90mm Macro G is one of the sharpest macro lenses I have used, Timothy explains. “Clarity is imperative when undertaking clinical photography and paired with a high-resolution camera such as the Sony Alpha 1 or Sony Alpha a7R V, it allows exceptional documentation of clinical detail.”

When Timothy is shooting in clinical conditions, where stopped-down apertures of f/22 are used for increased depth of field, effective lighting is crucial. Flash is the key source of illumination and the Godox MF-R76S+ Ring Flash developed jointly with Sony Europe is used with the Sony Alpha camera. This dedicated dental kit is easy to set up and delivers the required picture quality in combination. The optimised dental kit compatibility for Sony Alpha cameras provide highly accurate E-TTL functionality that produces the correct exposure on every shot, regardless of camera-tosubject distance.

Another camera feature Timothy uses is custom modes. This enables standardised settings for specific tasks, streamlining workflows and minimising errors. For example, custom mode 1 can be assigned for intraoral photography, and custom mode 2 can be designated

timothy’s advice to other dental professionals

t imothy recommends that other dental professionals considering using sony alpha cameras should test the kits that fit their practice, explore the system’s versatility, and invest in dental photography training.

He said: “take time to understand the camera’s features and functionalities to unlock the full potential of the camera, such as how to calibrate and set up custom modes, and how to switch between them. Once calibrated, the sony system paired with the dedicated Godox MF-R76s+ for sony alpha cameras is by far one of the easiest camera set ups for dental photography and can be used by any of the dental team.”

for videography, with all the associated settings for each mode saved.

conclusion

The adoption of Sony Alpha cameras at the University of Leeds has significantly elevated the quality and efficiency of dental photography and videography. Timothy Zoltie’s experience highlights the importance of a versatile and user-friendly camera system in the specialised field of dental imaging.

Timothy said: “Choosing a hybrid system has proven very advantageous, seamlessly facilitating the interchangeability of lenses for

both video and stills. This versatility enables me to effortlessly transition between filming surgical procedures and undertaking commercial healthcare photography commissions for marketing agencies or NHS institutions.

“The Sony Alpha cameras’ hybrid functionality, complemented by features such as manual focusing and custom modes, makes them ideally suited to dental photography and they have become indispensable assets for documenting clinical procedures and conditions at the School of Dentistry.” n www.masteringdentalphotography.com

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Handling the media spotlight

Dental professionals and practices may sometimes appear in the news facing a range of criticisms, some focussed on individual patient care and others in relation to how the overall care is delivered by the whole dental team. Dr Caroline Dodd, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, offers advice on how a practice can handle the media spotlight

Unfortunately, when it comes to a ‘good story’, alleged lapses in patient care or a poor experience at a dental practice are deemed newsworthy. This is especially so when set against the challenges the dental profession is experiencing, including limited NHS resources, pressure on dental practitioners and practice staff, and difficulty in patients securing an appointment. Occasionally, contact from the media may be the first that some practices hear of a patient or family member’s grievances.

The media may also be alerted to a Claim in Clinical Negligence against one or more of the dental professionals at the practice, an investigation by the General Dental Council (GDC), or other regulatory body, or on occasions when a dental team member has been charged with a criminal offence.

Such incidents may result in the practice being contacted for comments or a more detailed response. This can be concerning for any individual involved and the reputation of the practice. Understandably, dealing with the media can be daunting for all the members of the dental team – who generally have no or limited media training.

The following points may help to prepare you:

the approach

While many dental practitioners may have received a complaint from a patient who has taken the trouble to contact them personally, in some cases, unhappy patients are reluctant to complain directly to the practitioner who provided their treatment – they go straight to the local newspaper instead. Alternatively, if a patient has been awarded compensation following alleged negligence, the legal firm representing them may issue a press release to local media to showcase their success and drum up more interest from prospective claimants. If a journalist feels there could be a story worth investigating, they may contact the practice, or dental practitioner at the centre of the complaint for a comment. A journalist may simply email or phone, or, occasionally, they may try to catch people off-guard in the hope that it will prompt a reaction. For example, they may turn up at the practice, or make an approach via social media, privately via a message, or in a public forum.

photographers

It is possible that any individual potentially involved in the story of interest may be confronted by a photographer outside of the practice. They will be trying to obtain an image to go alongside any news articles published, so it is

important for all of the staff to maintain professional composure.

Furthermore, if any of the team are approached with questions from the media, it is best to try to avoid saying “no comment”, as this can be perceived as having something to hide. Try to be polite without saying anything that may be taken out of context or which you may regret later.

Also, remember that there is rarely such thing as “off the record”. If you don’t want to see something in print, it is better to say nothing at all if asked a question.

Alert all practice staff to the presence of journalists or photographers as soon as possible so they can ensure that steps are taken to protect the confidentiality of other patients.

First steps

If approached by a journalist by phone, whoever takes the call in the practice should try to maintain composure and stay calm. Simply take a note of the basic details on the publication, the issue, what they are asking for a comment on, by when, and all of the journalist’s contact details. Tell them you will get back to them. Again, try to avoid saying “no comment”.

Practice staff should alert the Principal or Practice Manager as soon as possible. This person should then alert the dental practitioner or other team member involved and other colleagues, as necessary, in case they are approached too. It is important that confidentiality of all colleagues is maintained.

It is a good idea to then start investigating the background to the media story that is being investigated, liaising with others involved with the patient or their care to summarise the key facts and points.

s eek media advice from your DD o

At this early stage, you should inform your dental defence organisation (DDO) of the allegation or complaint that has generated the media interest and be prepared to share the key facts and points. The trained media specialists at your DDO will be able to offer useful advice on how to best handle the situation, and the resulting media attention. They may also liaise with the journalist on your behalf.

the response

It is tempting to give your side of the story, especially if you feel as though you or the practice have been cast in a negative light or if you know the information that has been provided is inaccurate or incomplete. However, the dental practitioner and the practice have a professional duty to protect a patient’s right to

confidentiality. As stated in 4.2.1 of the GDC Standards for the Dental Team 1: “Confidentiality is central to the relationship and trust between you and your patients. You must keep patient information confidential. This applies to all the information about patients that you have learnt in your professional role including personal details, medical history, what treatment they are having and how much it costs.”

Commenting on any specifics relating to your patient’s care is considered a breach of confidentiality and could lead to a complaint or regulatory sanction. This includes confirming that you or the practice have treated the patient.

Even if a patient informs you of their consent for you to provide a comment about their care, it is usually not appropriate to do so in a public forum. It may feel impossible to respond to the journalist, or defend your reputation, and this can be frustrating. However, the media specialists at your DDO can help in formulating an appropriate response without compromising patient confidentiality, and help the journalist to understand why you are limited in what you can say.

Often, the most sensible statement will explain that you have a professional duty to maintain patient confidentiality and cannot comment further.

You may also wish to make other general comments; for example, a reassurance that you always strive to provide the best possible care and service. If you cannot give any more detail in a response due to patient confidentiality, general comments such as these come across better than a comment in the article stating that the practice or dental practitioner “declined to comment”.

It is a good idea to keep contemporaneous records of all dealings with the press, as they could assist in defending your actions if you receive a complaint about the information you disclose.

other tips

• Any comments or statements provided to media should be short and factual – lengthy statements may be cut down, which could distort the meaning or emphasis

• Remember to use plain language that cannot be misconstrued or taken out of context

• Avoid acronyms that others will not understand

summary

Regardless of why the media is interested in you or the practice, it can be a very stressful experience. Above all, try to remain professional when dealing with the issue, continue to provide your patients with the best care and service possible, and remember you are not alone – Dental Protection, or your DDO, is there for advice and support, even if you feel that you can handle the media issue yourself. Dental Protection provides roundthe-clock press support for members who receive attention from the media. Our media handling guide provides advice on the most effective way to respond to a journalist, from initial contact to providing a statement. It also includes chapters about what to expect from media at legal proceedings, undercover journalism, and social media. n

Reference

1. General Dental Council Standards for the Dental Team (2013): General Dental Council - Maintain and protect patients’ information (gdc-uk.org)

About the author

Dr Caroline Dodd, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental protection

A custom fit

We know one size doesn’t fit all. Our membership is tailored to your individual circumstances and practice, meaning you only pay for the work you do.

Optimising safety with comprehensive decontamination protocols

Patients must be treated in a safe and clean environment – this is a primary tenet of every dental practice. The importance of a meticulous decontamination workflow therefore cannot be overstated and is always worth revisiting, reviewing and optimising. By meticulously following high-quality procedures, the dental team can ensure that all surfaces and equipment are cleaned and disinfected, and all reusable instruments are sterilised. In doing so, professionals minimise the risk of cross infection and help to maintain a safe environment for both patients and colleagues. The effective decontamination of reusable instruments comprises of several stages including cleaning, disinfection, inspection, sterilisation and storage.

Fast out of the blocks

Before starting the decontamination process, it is crucial to ensure that the work area is clean and organised. Any clutter should be cleared, waste correctly disposed of and all necessary supplies arranged in an orderly manner. It is advisable that the process begins as soon as possible postprocedure to prevent contaminants on reusable instruments from coagulating, as this makes the items more difficult to clean. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn, including gloves, masks, and protective eyewear, to minimise exposure to potentially infectious aerosols and materials. Reusable dental instruments should then be disassembled, where applicable, to allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection.

clean machines

The next step in the decontamination workflow is cleaning, which involves removing visible debris or biofilms from the

instruments. This can be achieved using a combination of manual scrubbing and ultrasonic cleaning. An enzymatic cleaner, specific to dental instruments, may be used during this process to help break down and remove organic matter.

However, the issue with manual cleaning is that it’s unvalidated – there’s no way to test whether the cleaning has been completed to an acceptable standard. That’s why best practice guidelines within the HTM 01-05 document recommend the use of a washer disinfector in England and Wales, which ensures automated and validated cleaning of instruments. In Scotland, SDCEP regulations mandate automated washer disinfectors in the dental practice, providing the necessary thermal disinfection of reusable instruments to ensure effective pre-sterilisation cleaning. Washer disinfectors operate with a fivestage process: flush, wash, rinse, thermal disinfection and drying. No matter where you are located in the UK, all regulations require that the equipment is correctly installed, validated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

After cleaning and disinfection, instruments should be inspected using an illuminated magnifier to ensure they are visibly clean, functional and in good condition.

Sterile steps

Sterilisation is the next critical step in the decontamination workflow to ensure that all instruments are free of infectious microorganisms. Depending on the dental practice’s specific sterilisation methods, this may be achieved through moist heat (steam autoclave), chemical (ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide plasma), or a combination of both. However, autoclave sterilisation is considered the elected procedure.

An ’N’ type, non-vacuum autoclave is used to sterilise unwrapped, reusable solid instruments. These are placed on suitable autoclave trays prior to placement in the autoclave. However, the instruments lose their sterile status, from the moment that the chamber door is open and they are exposed to the air.

Another option commonly used in dentistry is the ‘B’ type vacuum autoclave, which can sterilise hollow instruments, implant kits, unwrapped solid instruments and wrapped/pouched instruments. For the latter, a poststerilisation drying phase is required. Upon a successful cycle, these instruments can be removed from the autoclave and either used immediately, or securely stored in a suitable storage cupboard – for later use. Those in pouches can be safely stored for up to a year and should be organised in a way that prevents confusion between sterilised and sterile instruments.

Stepping out of your comfort zone

As with any aspect of life, it can feel comfortable to stick to what you know. This can apply to your work, using the same equipment, techniques, and treatment types out of habit or convenience, even when there might be a better, more efficient way of doing things. While it can come with a learning curve in some cases, embracing the digital dental revolution presents a number of benefits to the clinician, their dental team, and their patients. Digital chairside dentistry allows the clinician to offer more services to their patients, more quickly, thanks to streamlined workflows. Adopting this type of software also allows practitioners to future-proof their dental practice, both by integrating modern technology, and training their dental team to operate digital equipment and software, preparing for future digital dentistry.

enhanced communication

Spare your patients the discomfort of conventional impression taking when you utilise an intraoral scanner in your practice. They are able to map out and create a threedimensional model of the patient’s anatomy, without the need for using traditional impression materials, waiting for impressions to set, or causing the patient any discomfort or anxiety. Intraoral scanners are able to produce highly accurate representations of a patient’s mouth, while eliminating the risk of human error.

The scans produced using this type of dental impression are also a fantastic tool for communication. This means that clinicians can effectively explain a patient’s situation, allowing them to understand any issues they have, and describe any potential treatment plans. In doing this, your practice will likely see a rise in case acceptance as patients have a better understanding of the treatment they need. Additionally, clinicians can more effectively communicate with other professionals quickly, using accurate visual data.

reliability in treatment planning

Employing digital software can also help you to better plan treatment, and share with colleagues and dental technicians where needed. Additionally, with the implementation of a 3D printer, for example, you are able to carry out a number of additional services within your own practice. In a similar way to conventional impression taking, manual model making can generate inconsistencies due to human error. However, by using a 3D printer to produce dental appliances, you can improve accuracy. Research suggests that 3D printed models can be truer to the original reference when compared to conventional stone casts, making them preferable in many clinical scenarios. 3D printers also improve reproducibility, helping to save time, reduce the risk of errors, and improve the experience

Keeping the record straight

Documentation is an essential component of the decontamination workflow in a dental practice. Records should be maintained to track instrument usage, cleaning and sterilisation cycles. These records serve as evidence of compliance and can be used for audits or CQC inspections. It is also important to regularly test the effectiveness of the decontamination equipment to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Selecting a service provider that can assist in ensuring the maintenance of its decontamination equipment is a real advantage. Eschmann Care & Cover gives dental professionals peace of mind that their decontamination equipment is fully compliant with HTM 01-05 and SDCEP guidance, while providing full technical support through a nationwide team of 50+ specifically trained Eschmann engineers. Eschmann also offers a helpful decontamination guidance poster on its website that dental teams can download free of charge.

Implementing a comprehensive decontamination workflow in the dental practice is crucial for maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff. By following the correct steps, dental teams can create a systematic approach to promoting the highest standard of care for their patients. For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of decontamination equipment and products from Eschmann, please visit www.eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 753322 n

about the author Nicky Varney, Senior Marketing Manager at eschmann.

for patients. This is perfect for reliable and predictable treatment when providing things like dentures and night guards, for example. 3D printers can provide practices with accuracy, efficiency, and precision which can contribute to improved treatment outcomes and an increase in patient satisfaction – giving your practice a boost.

Quality care from start to finish

For practices who would like to offer complete workflows from within the practice, and even the same appointment, a chairside milling machine may be the ideal option. This allows clinicians to scan the patient, plan the restoration, and provide the restoration very quickly. This means that, should a patient require a zirconia crown, for example, they can expect a faster service, without having to wait in between appointments for manufacture in a dental lab. As this chairside equipment becomes more accessible for some, clinicians are able to carry out more treatment in house, for greater flexibility and shorter treatment times where appropriate.

For clinicians who are ready to embrace the digital revolution, and introduce chairside CAD/ CAM workflows into their practice, Clark Dental offers professionals the cutting-edge Cerec Primescan intraoral scanner, Primeprint 3D printer and the Primemill milling machine. The equipment works together to offer a seamless

digital experience. With these systems you can create accurate, high-grade surgical guides for guided implant treatment and even produce zirconia restorations, in-house. Clark Dental also ensures that you are adequately supported, for total peace of mind. Additionally, practices are still able to collaborate with dental labs when handling complex cases to ensure the very best outcomes.

As digital dentistry continues to offer clinicians more benefits, and become more user friendly, there has never been a better time to step out of your comfort zone, and into the future. By mastering one aspect of the digital chairside workflow at a time, perhaps beginning with intraoral scanning, then 3D printing, for example, the process becomes very easy, and soon enough you’ll be able to offer patients a unique treatment experience. This level of customisability, communication, and convenience will enable you to attract new patients, and offer your existing ones a more streamlined and reliable treatment experience.

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, clark Dental.

Your role in pharmaceutical dentistry

Medication impacts many parts of everyday life, and clinical care would not be the same without the extensive options presented to healthcare professionals and patients alike.

It has become something that many of us do not give a second thought to. We might reach for over-the-counter solutions the minute we feel a headache coming on or look for a quick fix to buy when a cough, cold, or fever surfaces.

Prescription drugs are also commonly talked about in the general and healthcare media. Sometimes this is for good, with new drugs being approved to enhance treatment outcomes for a greater number of vulnerable people.

Other times, stories are shrouded in negativity. Over the past year, Ozempic –the injected prescription drug that is used for type 2 diabetic patients – has stolen headlines following supply issues due to its alternative use as a weight loss aid. Current guidance is clear on the fact that Ozempic should only be prescribed for its designated diabetes treatment. In turn, some individuals have moved on to counterfeit injections, with often unfortunate effects.

Clinicians have an immense responsibility to ensure the public receives the appropriate pharmaceutical products for each relevant situation, and this is no different for dental professionals.

Power of prescription

Pharmaceutical care in the dental field places extreme trust in the clinician, but the capabilities of a professional will depend on

the area of dentistry in which they practice. Those operating through the NHS may only prescribe medicines in the Dental Practitioners’ Formulary on an NHS dental prescription form, or an FP10D, which details a wide range of options for a variety of clinical needs.

Some dental professionals – specifically dental hygienists and therapists – may also be able to manage patient group directions (PGDs). This is an allowance to sell, supply, and/ or administer medicines to those who may not have been identified before they presented for treatment. This way professionals can provide some forms of care without the need for a prescription or instruction from a prescriber. Generally, this will include fluoride supplements or toothpastes with a high fluoride content, or even local anaesthesia in some cases.

Private treatment differs concerning prescriptions. Any medicine may be prescribed and sold or supplied, but a practitioner must first ensure they are competent in the relevant area of care. Be aware that private patients should not be prescribed medicines on NHS prescriptions. Each patient must be considered carefully when prescribing medicines for dental treatments. A variety of mistakes can be made, depending on the individual’s needs. These include an incorrect dose or strength, dosage form, a clash with a known allergen or contraindication, or even incorrect patient actions as a result of improper education or instruction. Clinicians must take extensive care to avoid preventable issues such as these and communicate with patients and other professionals to ensure the correct form of medication is given and administered reliably.

Safe dispose

Medicines must also be managed with care when they are sent to waste. Without diligent measures in place, pharmaceutical waste could harm the wider world around us.

Pharmaceuticals that end up in the environment pose a potential threat in the long-term. Whilst the evidence suggests that trace levels of pharmaceuticals in drinking water – which can be a result of improper disposal – are unlikely to pose a risk to general health, they say that there are gaps in our current knowledge about extended exposures and the combined effects of medicines and other compounds.

As well as this, medicinal products that fall under the broader classes of antibiotics, analgesics and antineoplastics have been found to harbour a potential environmental risk, with antibiotics, in particular, posing a threat to algae and plants. They can accumulate in soil, have a tendency to reach groundwater and, perhaps most troublingly, can contribute to microbial antibiotic resistance over time.

It’s for reasons such as these that the General Dental Council (GDC) demands dental practices make arrangements for the safe disposal of medicines, as well as the handling of patient returns and expired medicines. This should be segregated from all other medicines in use.

Services you can trust

The GDC also states that practices should have a contract with a licensed clinical waste management company, which will collect unwanted medicines and appliances and

ensure they are disposed of correctly. This would fulfill the need for comprehensive and considered pharmaceutical management. Finding the right solution for your practice is essential. Initial Medical offers expert waste management services and can help to ensure that your dental practice is regulationcompliant and environmentally friendly.

UN-approved, blue pharmaceutical bins are made available for the clear segregation of pharmaceutical waste in your practice, which can be collected by the Initial Medical team for reliable management and disposal. Initial Medical is committed to environmentally friendly solutions and ensures pharmaceutical waste will pose minimal risk to general health and the world around us.

Pharmaceutical solutions are essential in today’s dental landscape. With knowledgeable clinicians safely prescribing medicines to patients, and being aware of the need for effective wasting procedures, many of the headaches surrounding the topic can be effectively eased.

To find out more, get in touch at 0808 304 7411 or visit the website today www.initialmedical.co.uk 

About the author Rebecca Waters, Category Manager at Initial Medical, has worked in the healthcare sector for the past 17 years and was a Research Chemist with Bayer Cropscience prior to joining Rentokil Initial in 2003

Sorry we missed you

An NHS dentist in Somerset recently threatened to stop treatment for patients who miss appointments – after an ‘unprecedented’ number of ‘no shows’. Clevedon Dental Clinic issued the warning after a large number of people failed to attend appointments or cancelled them at the last minute.

There are various reasons why people miss dental appointments, and it is important for dental professionals to understand these factors in order to effectively address them and ensure that patients follow through with their scheduled visits. By identifying these reasons and implementing proactive measures, dentists can help reduce missed appointments and provide better oral care for their patients.

One UK study found that children represent the higher proportion of missed appointments (21.3%) compared with adults (15.9%). It also found that male adult patients were 20% more likely than female patients to have at least one Did Not Attend (DNA) in the defined period.

text request

One common and simple reason why people miss dental appointments is forgetfulness. With the busy lives that people lead today, it is not uncommon for appointments to slip their minds. To address this issue, dentists can implement reminder systems. This can include sending text message reminders a day or two before the appointment, or utilising automated phone-call systems to remind patients of their upcoming visit. Additionally, dentists can provide patients with the more traditional appointment cards to serve as a visual reminder.

Another factor contributing to missed dental appointments is fear or anxiety. Dental anxiety is a legitimate concern for many individuals, and it can be a significant barrier to seeking necessary oral care. Dentists can help alleviate this fear by creating a welcoming and comfortable environment in their practice. This can be achieved by providing calming music, reducing waiting times, and ensuring that staff members are empathetic and attentive to patients’ needs. Communicating with patients to address their concerns and explaining procedures in a clear and concise manner can also help reduce anxiety, making patients feel more at ease during their visit.

Financial constraints can also lead to missed dental appointments. One way to address this issue is by offering flexible payment options such as dental plans and insurance policies. Communicating the availability of these flexible payment plans to patients can alleviate financial concerns and make dental care more accessible to individuals who may otherwise miss appointments due to cost concerns.

Flexible approach

Additionally, life emergencies or unexpected events can genuinely lead to missed dental appointments. While dentists cannot control external factors that disrupt an individual’s schedule, they can implement policies to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. For instance, setting up a cancellation policy that allows patients to reschedule their appointment without penalty – if they provide adequate notice – can help reduce the likelihood of missed appointments. This flexible approach not only shows

understanding and empathy but also encourages patients to prioritise their oral health by rescheduling their appointment rather than completely missing it.

NHS dentists are not entitled to charge patients for DNAs or cancelling appointments. However, they can terminate the treatment of patients who fail to attend and have the right to ask the patient to find another dental surgery.

ai to the rescue

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) may well save the day. A new AI-based system predicts likely missed appointments and offers back-up. Through algorithms and anonymised data, the technology breaks down the reasons why someone may not attend an appointment – using a range of external insights including the weather, traffic and jobs. The appointments are then arranged for the most convenient time for patients. For example, it will give evening and weekend slots to those less able to take time off during the day.

This exciting development also implements intelligent back-up bookings to ensure no clinical time is lost, maximising efficiency. It is currently being piloted in Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which supports a population of 1.2m people, with an average DNA rate of 8%. When used at full scale, it is predicted to allow an additional 80-100,000 patients to be seen each year at the trust. The software, created by Deep Medical and co-designed by a frontline worker and NHS clinical fellow, is set to be tested at five additional trusts from this year.

As previously mentioned, improving patient communication is a key element

to reducing DNAs. Using AI-based Kiroku Docs can help with just that. With it, dental professionals are able to easily produce customised referral letters, consent forms, treatment planning letters and patient information documents through the data collected in Kiroku Notes. It can translate dental terms into patient-friendly language too, helping you to improve communication with your patients. For example, the notes might say ‘Caries: UR4 DO’ but the patient letter will read: ‘There is decay affecting your upper right first premolar tooth.’ Good communication skills have been proven to nurture patient satisfaction, helping to foster a positive dental experience and potentially fewer no-shows.

Understanding the various reasons why people miss dental appointments is crucial for dentists to address this issue effectively. By implementing reminder systems, creating a welcoming environment, offering flexible payment options and accommodating unforeseen circumstances, dentists can help reduce missed appointments and ensure that patients receive the oral care they need. To find out more about Kiroku, or to start your free trial, please visit http://tinyurl.com/TryKiroku n

about the author Hannah Burrow, ceO of Kiroku.

AI Singularity: What could it mean for the future of dental tech?

Throughout history, ground-breaking technologies have emerged which completely change people’s lives. These changes can be incredibly dramatic, and often unimaginable to those who came before them. For those who lived before the change, the technology, and the people who use it, can be difficult to understand. This kind of dramatic change is known as a ‘Singularity’ – originally a term used in maths, and now applied to the world of tech and artificial intelligence (AI) development.

technological developments and Singularity

Researchers believe it’s likely that AI will continue to evolve until it is capable of thinking at a human level, with some even believing that its power could continue to grow exponentially past this point. Systems which are designed to write code, like ChatGPT for example, may learn to constantly improve themselves, until they reach Singularity – the point at which they overcome human control. Some are particularly concerned about this, calling for the global management of AI development in order to limit the effects it might have and its ability to act and make decisions outside of its algorithm. While this conclusion is not a given, with the possibility that AI systems may not actually be able to improve themselves, it is interesting to consider the

current state and implementation of AI, the developments on the horizon, and imagine its potential in the future.

AI is already a useful tool in many aspects of life, with features such as Apple’s FaceID used by many every day, as well as digital voice assistants like Siri and Alexa used by people to answer quick questions. Algorithms which employ this technology are also used to work behind the scenes on social media, personalising the content each person is presented with. Similarly, search engines like Google use AI to scan the entire internet to produce the most relevant results. When we consider how often we all use these digital innovations on a daily basis, it’s clear to see how AI could be a force for good – helping to save us time, find the answers to questions, and complete tasks more efficiently than humans alone.

current use of ai in dentistry

Currently, AI has a number of uses in the dental profession. Modern dentists have many challenges to overcome in their dayto-day work, with complex patient needs, high treatment expectations, and ageing populations playing key roles. Additionally, with the stringent regulatory pressures to contend with, everyday tasks have become increasingly complicated, and the need to accurately record everything all the more important. As such, AI can already be used in practices to help manage the

workload. Some practice management software systems, for example, use AI to help streamline the patient’s journey through the practice, as well as safely store information, and manage each team member’s workload.

Additionally, AI is already used to assist clinicians in diagnosis and treatment planning. AI software can highlight areas of concern on CBCT images, and generate automated reports for clinicians to review. This is a great way for clinicians to increase their efficiency, and can act as a safety net, ensuring they don’t miss anything important. Overall, when AI is used in this way, patients can expect high standards of care, with quicker appointments.

Harnessing the power of ai

While the current AI implementations in dentistry are exciting, and offer the clinician a whole host of benefits, there is likely far more to come from harnessing innovative technology. Modern technological innovations already used in the practice, such as intraoral scanners and digital treatment planning software, have made strides in the digital dental space in recent years. However, they are lacking in some areas (especially when compared to extraoral scans), leaving much to be desired when it comes to more complex cases which require higher levels of accuracy.

Looking to the future, clinicians might expect AI to be integrated into these types of systems. AI driven technology is expected to be used to revolutionise digital scanning, producing highly accurate 3D scans, far out-performing anything currently used in practice today. This technology would allow clinicians to provide their patients with more predictable care, with improved efficiency for both the dental practice, and lab.

Looking to the future

It is impossible to predict what life might look like after reaching the point of Singularity. While some may assume that increasingly advanced AI may be unpredictable, it’s important that the benefits of advanced technology are not overlooked. AI Singularity is likely to play a key role in the future of problem-solving, helping to relieve some of the pressures of daily life faced by a busy working society.

For now, the future of AI is still relatively abstract, however, as continuous innovations are made in this area, this is an exciting time for those looking to implement the technology in their practices in the years ahead.

https://mimetrik.co.uk about the author Stephen claffey, Managing Director of Dental pathway and the independent Dental advisory Board.

How communication shapes the art of dental practice design

Kirsty Hague and Jim Hague have witnessed first-hand how effective communication stands as the cornerstone of successful build projects. Here, they share their insights to help you with yours

The journey of dental practice design, whether it involves refurbishment or starting from scratch with a squat, is a complex and nuanced process.

Choosing the right supplier for such a project is as critical as selecting the perfect location or the most suitable equipment. The ideal supplier is not just one with extensive experience but also one who possesses strong communication skills.

They should be seen as a partner who comprehensively understands your vision, is capable of articulating your needs, and navigates the complexities of dental practice design with both finesse and expertise.

Seamless Interaction

The success of a dental practice design and build project hinges on seamless interaction among all stakeholders involved. Miscommunications or unclear dialogues can lead to misaligned expectations, design flaws, and unnecessary expenditures. A supplier proficient in communication acts as a bridge, ensuring all aspects of the project, from aesthetic appeal to functional requirements, are in sync with the practitioner’s vision.

Effective communication transcends mere idea exchange; it involves understanding the client’s perspective, their unique needs, and their longterm aspirations for the practice. This process requires active listening, empathy, and a knack for translating dental practice requirements into viable build solutions.

Conversely, the ramifications of inadequate communication can be severe, ranging from design inaccuracies to escalated costs and project delays. Insufficient discussions may result in vague or misunderstood specifications, leading to a final outcome that diverges from the client’s expectations, potentially causing frustration, straining professional relationships, and impacting the business’s success.

Squat development

Squat development projects in particular underscore the critical need for effective communication. Such ventures present unique challenges, including navigating the intricacies of

spatial transformation and adhering to regulatory compliance.

A co-operative relationship, facilitated by clear, ongoing dialogue between the client and the supplier is paramount. This ensures the client’s vision aligns with the practicalities of converting an unconventional space into a compliant, operational dental practice.

Through collaborative planning and detailed discussions, potential issues can be anticipated, innovative solutions integrated, and the budget and timelines effectively managed.

Budget considerations

Indeed, managing finances is a significant component of dental practice design. Without transparent and ongoing communication, it’s easy for projects to veer off course. Open and honest discussions are essential for understanding the balance between desires and financial realities, ensuring investments align with both aspirations and practical needs.

A detailed consultation process, where every cost from start to finish is accounted for, helps in maintaining financial viability and sustainability.

The realities of CAD

The advent of CAD, particularly 3D modelling, has revolutionised the way dental practices are designed. These tools provide a precise, trueto-life view of the proposed dental practice, allowing for meticulous planning and adjustments without physical alterations.

This not only enhances design accuracy but also bolsters communication between clients and suppliers. By visualising the end result, all parties involved can make informed decisions early in the process, ensuring the project meets all expectations in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and compliance.

Project management

The role of a project manager in dental practice design and refurbishment is indispensable. Acting as the central communication hub, the project manager coordinates between teams, manages timelines, and ensures all project facets align with the vision and budget.

Their foresight in identifying potential challenges and strategising accordingly minimises delays and cost overruns, safeguarding the project’s success.

Innovative solutions

Effective communication is also essential in overcoming challenges and embracing innovation within dental practice design. It facilitates the creation of solutions that are not only functional but also reflective of the practice’s unique character.

A knowledgeable supplier can introduce the latest design trends

and innovative solutions, enhancing patient experience, future-proofing the facilities, and setting the practice apart in a competitive landscape.

Professional partnerships

No matter the approach you select, be it embarking on a squat project, choosing a turnkey project or something in between, it’s crucial to emphasise the importance of seeking professional assistance and maintaining enduring partnerships with your suppliers.

Without expert, reliable, and considerate support services, you could face significant challenges in the future. In fact, in the complex world of dental practice design, effective communication is not merely a tool –it is the very foundation upon which successful practices are built.

A winning combination

Hague Dental offers a multi-awardwinning service.

If you would like to know more about how Hague Dental Supplies can help you create your ideal practice and keep it that way long into the future, please visit www.haguedental.com, email info@haguedental.com or call 0800 298 5003. 

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With the right advice and by taking proactive steps, pregnant women can maintain good

Scientists have recently discovered why many women experience morning sickness during pregnancy, raising the prospects of a cure for the condition. The cause is down to a hormone produced by the foetus, a protein known as GDF15. How sick the mother feels depends on a combination of how much of the hormone is produced by the foetus and how much exposure the mother had to this hormone before becoming pregnant. Exposing women to GDF15 ahead of pregnancy may prove a way to prevent morning sickness in the future, researchers believe.

The frequent vomiting and acid reflux associated with morning sickness is a debilitating condition. It can also have a detrimental effect on tooth enamel. Indeed, while pregnancy can be an amazing and transformative time in a woman’s life, many pregnant women are unaware of the specific oral health issues that can arise during pregnancy and how to properly care for their teeth and gingiva.

With morning sickness, the stomach acids can erode the protective enamel layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. To minimise this risk, pregnant patients should be advised to rinse their mouths with water or a fluoridated mouthwash after vomiting and wait at least half an hour before brushing to allow the saliva to neutralise the acid.

Hormonal surges

Hormonal changes are one of the primary factors that contribute to oral health challenges during pregnancy. The surge in hormonal levels, specifically oestrogen and progesterone, can lead to an increased blood flow to the gingiva. This increased blood flow, coupled with the presence of more bacteria in the mouth due to changes in eating habits and oral care routines, can result in swollen, tender and bleeding gums. This condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis, affects up to 75% of pregnant women.

Additionally, pregnancy hormones can affect the body’s response to plaque. Plaque build-up can occur more easily and may result in an inflammatory response from the gingiva, leading to more severe gingival diseases such as periodontitis, or a pregnancy epulis. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and other serious oral health complications, and an epulis can require surgical excision to remove.

Pregnancy cravings are a common phenomenon, and many women find themselves indulging in sugary treats more often than usual. However, increased sugar consumption can significantly contribute to tooth decay and cavities. It is essential for pregnant patients to be mindful of their sugar intake and opt for healthier snack alternatives like fruits and vegetables.

regular check-ups

Another crucial aspect of oral care during pregnancy is regular dental check-ups. Expectant mothers in the UK are entitled to free NHS dental treatment and for 12 months after the baby is born. Dental

oral health

professionals can identify any potential issues early on and provide appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. Some dental treatments, such as fillings and endodontic procedures, are safe to undergo during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital during pregnancy. Pregnant patients should aim to brush their teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth. It is important to focus on proper brushing techniques, paying attention to the gumline and hardto-reach areas.

Interdental cleaning should not be neglected. Regular interproximal cleaning can help prevent gingival disease and maintain healthy gingiva throughout pregnancy. The FLEXI range of interdental brushes from TANDEX can help remove more plaque than brushing alone. Each product’s handle is flexible, and the brush can be bent into the perfect shape to clean in between the teeth. Available in 11 different sizes, the range presents a solution for each individual patient, for a comfortable and effective clean. They can be used to easily apply PREVENT GEL too, a product which contains 0.12% chlorhexidine and 900ppm fluoride known for their antibacterial and enamel strengthening properties.

Oral care challenges during pregnancy are common, but with the right knowledge and by taking proactive steps, pregnant women can maintain good oral health. Practising proper oral hygiene habits, visiting the dentist regularly, and being mindful of diet and cravings are essential for a healthy smile during pregnancy. By prioritising oral care, pregnant women can ensure not only their own well-being but also the health of their developing baby.

For more information on Tandex’s range of products, visit https://tandex.dk/

Our products are also available from CTS Dental Supplies www.cts-dental.com/ and DHB Oral Healthcare dhb.co.uk/ n

Supporting patients through menopause

Half of the population will experience menopause, so it’s vital that those working in primary care raise awareness about the impact it can have on their health. A recent survey found that 84% of women over 50 don’t know how menopause affects their oral health. Nearly 90% were unaware of the ways that menopause can impact specific areas of their oral health including increased tooth decay, gingivitis, and tooth loss, as well as its impact on jaw density – and over 75% didn’t know that it can lead to dry mouth and receding gingiva.

These oral health impacts can have a knock on effect on their quality of life, so it’s important to educate patients about what to expect and how best to manage these effects, as well as offer support and advice to individuals.

public awareness of menopause and oral health

While many people feel more comfortable discussing the menopause now than in previous years, with calls for more transparency in the workplace to improve personal and professional lives, there is still a stigma surrounding menopause. As such, many women may feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms with anyone, including medical and dental professionals. This is despite 79% of women saying they’d noticed a change in the appearance of their teeth and gingiva as they aged. This is concerning, as many people are likely to be suffering with painful symptoms in silence. If patients do not feel comfortable broaching the subject with their dentist, they may not be getting the care they need to improve their oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). As such, it’s important that dental professionals do all they can to boost awareness of the impacts of menopause on oral health amongst their patients and the public, and offer advice to patients about how best to manage any symptoms they experience.

the key to improved oral health during the menopause. Education on this subject should start when patients are younger, to put them in the best possible position to maintain their oral health and recognise symptoms, as well as establish good oral hygiene routines from an early age. Research which analysed the most common oral health related symptoms of menopause revealed that periodontal health is most severely affected, followed by dry and burning mouth. It is important that patients are aware of what this means for their long-term health, with issues such as gingivitis potentially leading to tooth loss, and dry mouth increasing the likelihood of caries.

Managing periodontitis

Should a patient develop periodontal issues such as gingivitis and periodontitis, it is important to start treatment early, and manage their oral health closely over the long-term. Be sure to offer oral hygiene advice, and recommend regular check-ups and dental hygiene appointments to help control levels of plaque, as well as reduce the risk of periodontal issues worsening. While periodontal issues should be managed by mechanical debridement, to make at-home care easier for patients, there are a number of oral hygiene adjuncts which can help get plaque levels under control in the short-term. Chlorhexidine is effective in reducing and preventing plaque build-up, acting as an effective treatment for gingivitis. As such, mouth rinses which contain antimicrobials are recommended for those who are at a higher risk of developing periodontal issues, as well as patients with limited dexterity.

A great example of an antimicrobial mouth rinse is the Perio plus Balance mouth rinse from Curaprox. It is the ideal oral hygiene adjunct for patients who are at a higher risk of dental disease. The rinse contains 0.05% chlorhexidine, CITROX®, polylysine, and xylitol. Each active ingredient works to control bacteria and protect against caries. This is the perfect solution for patients who need long-term protection against gingivitis and periodontitis – as the rinse can be used day and night for up to six months.

about the author Kimberley Lloydrees, on behalf of tandex, graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2010, where she now works as a clinical tutor in Dental Hygiene and therapy as well as working in practice. She has spent her career working across a variety of specialist private and mixed dental practices, for the MOD and volunteering her time to a dental charity in nepal.

educating patients for improved OHrQoL

Having learnt about the effects of menopause on their oral health, 54% of premenopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal women said they would spend much more time on their oral health routine. Additionally, more than 77% of women said that they would make booking their next dental/hygiene appointment a priority. This is promising, showing that education really could be

It is essential that dental practitioners work to raise awareness of the effects of menopause on oral health amongst the general public. By educating their patients from a young age, those affected by menopause will be able to spot the oral health symptoms of menopause early, and seek treatment and advice quickly, to minimise the impact on their OHRQoL. With so many patients unaware of the ways their health may be affected, education and regular monitoring is key for improving patients’ experiences.

For more information, please visit www.curaprox.co.uk n

about the author tom alcraft, curaden UK commercial Director, UK & ireland.

STRAUMANN DIGITAL DAY 2024

Scan the QR Code to book your place

Achieve 6 hours verifiable CPD with your attendance

£150 + VAT, or sign up with a colleague or lab technician and you both get 50% off

MORNING SESSION

Welcome & Digital Ecosystem Overview

Digital Data Acquisition for Clinicians and Labs: Streamlining your Workflows

IOS Hands-on Session and Demo Opportunity

Smilecloud for Clinicians and Labs: AI and Communication, the future of dentistry

coDiagnostiX for Clinicians and Labs: Planning for Precision

12.04.2024 CRAWLEY

Exclusive deals and offers will be available on the day

Open to all registered dental care professionals and lab technicians

AFTERNOON SESSION

Explore the digital experience centre and recieve live demonstrations of our equipment in action

Createch Technology and Solutions

The Future of Digital Dentistry

Q&A Panel

Networking & Drinks Reception

Alaa Abou Hasan Founder and Lead Technician QLab

Olatz Iriondo Sales Director Createch Medical

Dr Bruno Kaur Straumann Global Digital Solutions

Dr Michael Myint Specialist in Prosthodontics

Dr Mohsin Patel BDS MJDF RCS

Sohaib Abouelela Dentogenics

Natalia Biscolli Biasi Straumann Group Digital Solutions

The modern dietary and dental challenge

Day in, day out, the practice is guaranteed to see people who indulge heavily in fizzy drinks. They have become a regular part of the everyday lunchtime meal deal, a common choice when eating at restaurants, and are increasingly loved by teenagers especially.

In the UK, around 12% of young people consumed one carbonated sugary beverage every day in 2022, a rise from 2018.

Despite the efforts of oral health professionals and healthcare policies, we continue to see a concerning prevalence of fizzy beverages in the average diet. Most recently, energy drinks have entered the fray and gained popularity, creating another dietary problem for clinicians to tackle.

Big actions with big results

The detrimental effects of many fizzy drinks haven’t gone unnoticed over the years, at a public and governmental level.

In the UK, the ‘Sugar Tax’ introduced in 2018 was aimed at tackling childhood obesity, however it may have also brought further attention to the effect of sugary soft drinks on the enamel to the wider public. The World Health Organization called for a first-ever global tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in 2022, citing the successful implementation in the UK as an example. Dental cavities were a key factor behind the recommendation, alongside other general health issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

More than 5,500 childhood hospital admissions due to tooth extraction may have been averted every year since the levy was introduced in the UK.

However, there are still unfavourable signs that damaging habits are not yet removed from the public psyche.

trouble for the sweet tooth

Generally high in caffeine and sugar, energy drinks have become a staple in the shopping carts of many people in the UK. Despite the sugar levy, this market has only continued to grow.

Sales have ballooned over the past decade to reach around 680 million UK units per year, and the European Food Safety Authority identified young people aged 10-17 years as the greatest energy drink consumers –with British adolescents outranking all other participating European countries. These are of great concern partly because of their acidic properties. Exposing teeth to such a substance creates the opportunity for changes in the structural integrity and physical properties of the dentition, incurring tissue loss over time. One in vitro study found well-known energy drinks were more powerful in this regard than a standard soft drink, such as a cola.

Citric, Lactic and Malic acids are commonly found in energy drinks, dependent on the specific product. They are useful as flavourings and preservatives. However,

they have been found to consistently decrease enamel hardness and cause demineralisation of the teeth.

High levels of caffeine are also concerning, with the ability to reduce salivary flow rate and decrease saliva production, leading to dry mouth symptoms. This could mean patients feel more dehydrated, or uncomfortable when swallowing. If salivary flow drops too far, tooth decay may increase, which may be exacerbated by the acidity of ensuing energy drinks.

an ongoing battle

Clinicians should take note that the rise in popularity amongst adolescents also occurs at a time where oral health tends to worsen. This is due to more susceptible tooth surfaces, greater independence and low prioritisation of oral hygiene. These aspects of teenage life could dovetail to detrimental effect.

The fundamental response may simply be to reiterate the need for an effective oral hygiene routine and remind patients of the risks high-caffeine and high-sugar energy drinks present, in a similar manner to excessive fizzy drink consumption. Brushing twice a day and using interdental brushes could go some way to mitigating the effects of energy drinks, but patients should be advised to wait around 30 minutes to an hour after consuming such a beverage to avoid further agitating recently acid-attacked teeth. It could also be useful to immediately rinse the mouth with water to flush out any remaining sugars and acids that are left over. It’s important to choose the right products for an effective oral hygiene routine. Not all

Make no bones about it

The links between oral health and osteoporosis are becoming increasingly apparent

Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases are associated with multiple health conditions and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, responsible for 70% of global mortality. This figure is projected to reach 74% by 2030.

Whole Body Health in dentistry is an approach that considers the impact of oral health on the overall health and wellbeing of an individual. It recognises that oral conditions and dental treatments can have systemic implications. Indeed, various studies have shown links between oral health and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. For example, gum disease has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and strokes. By focusing on Whole Body Health, dental professionals aim to not only treat dental issues but also promote overall health and prevent potential systemic diseases. This involves providing comprehensive dental care, educating patients about the importance of oral hygiene, and working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to address any underlying health concerns.

Bone mineral density

Osteoporosis, the bone disease that leads to weak bones and puts the sufferer at an

increased risk of fractures, is a prevalent condition with links to oral health. While it is more prevalent among older women (post-menopausal) in whom decreased oestrogen is responsible for the loss of bone mineral density, it is also reported in men over the age of 65.

In women, the prevalence of osteoporosis increases markedly, from approximately 2% at 50 years of age to almost 50% at 80 years of age. In England and Wales, more than 2 million women have osteoporosis. In Europe, the International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates 22 million women and 5.5 million men have the condition.

Osteoporosis can directly influence oral health by weakening the jawbone. As the condition progresses, it can lead to dental complications such as loose teeth, tooth loss, and receding gums.

One study found significant associations between missing teeth, osteoporosis and a higher risk for periodontal disease. Also, the probability of fracture in patients was higher in those with more severe periodontitis among men and women aged 40-89. Indeed, the condition shares a number of risk factors and demographic characteristics with periodontitis.

Inflammatory markers

Research has shown that having poor oral health, especially periodontal disease, can contribute to the development and

mouthwashes and toothpastes will achieve the same results. Patients may find immense benefits from the 100% Natural Baking Soda Toothpastes from Arm & Hammer™. These solutions effectively balance the oral pH to neutral levels, thanks to baking soda being naturally alkaline, whilst also helping to remineralise and strengthen enamel. The Arm & Hammer™ 100% Natural Baking Soda range features two options that are catered towards effective gum protection and whitening benefits, so your patients can choose the solution to suit their specific needs. The energy drink boom is not yet looking like it will slow down, despite interventions such as the 2018 ‘Sugar Tax’. Dental professionals are best suited to helping the teenagers of today – and all other energy drink consumers – by reinforcing messages of consistent and effective hygiene controls to maintain a brilliant, bright smile.

For more information about the carefully formulated Arm & Hammer™ toothpaste range, please visit https://www.armandhammer.co.uk/ or email: ukenquiries@churchdwight.com n

about the author helen astill is qualified as a dental hygienist and holds a BSc (hons) in applied science / nutritional therapy. She currently works at two dental practices in Dorset along with working part time as a registered vaccinator and a professional educator for Waterpik.

progression of osteoporosis. Chronic gingival inflammation associated with periodontal disease releases inflammatory markers that can enter the bloodstream, promoting systemic inflammation and impairing bone metabolism. This can exacerbate bone loss in individuals already predisposed to osteoporosis, leading to increased fracture risk.

Dietary factors can play a vital role in maintaining both oral health and bone integrity. A diet low in essential nutrients, particularly calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K, can contribute to weakened bones and tooth loss. Adequate intake of these nutrients is crucial for supporting optimal oral health and preventing osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone mineralisation, while vitamin K is important for blood clotting and mineralisation of bone tissue.

Collaboration between dental professionals and medical practitioners is crucial for managing both oral health and osteoporosis effectively. Routine dental check-ups can help identify early signs of oral health issues as well as assess the overall condition of jawbone density. Dental professionals can provide guidance on oral hygiene practices, dietary recommendations, and the use of fluoride treatments to promote both oral health and bone health.

The Whole Body Health approach to dentistry will be explored at this year’s

British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s Annual Conference (7th-9th November 2024) when Dr Miguel Stanley, founder and clinical director of the globally renowned White Clinic, addresses delegates. He is a keen proponent of Regenerative Medicine which is a 360o approach that contemplates the human body as a whole. Sustained oral health means strong general health, he maintains. You can prebook your place at the BACD event today at www.bacd.com. The links between oral health and osteoporosis are becoming increasingly apparent. Both conditions share common risk factors, pathogenic mechanisms, and consequences that can significantly impact overall wellbeing. Maintaining good oral health is not only essential for preserving a smile but also for supporting strong and healthy bones. As a result, an holistic approach to healthcare, encompassing both oral and general health, should be adopted to minimise the risk and impact of these interrelated conditions.

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

about the author luke hutchings, President of the British academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

The shape of things to come

Malocclusion can lead to a variety of oral health problems

Aschoolboy in Henley has recently started a campaign to persuade technology behemoth Apple to change its ‘offensive’ nerd emoji. The emoji is a smiley face with protruding teeth and thick-rimmed glasses. The 10-year-old has redesigned it – removing said teeth – and has renamed it the ‘genius emoji’.

Malocclusion is very common, too common in fact. The World Health Organisation considers it one of the most important oral health problems, after caries and periodontal disease. Its prevalence is estimated to be between 39% and 93% in children and adolescents. It can occur in three different spatial planes: sagittal, transverse and vertical. Oral health problems associated with malocclusion can range from mild to severe, affecting not only the appearance of a person’s smile but also their overall oral health. It can occur due to a variety of factors including genetics, oral habits and certain medical conditions (such as cleidocranial dysplasia). Children who suck their thumbs, for example, tend to develop an anterior open bite and posterior cross-bite due to the lack of palatal development. Posterior teeth may also extrude, caused by the lack of occlusal contract due to the interposition of the thumb.

risk of tooth decay

One of the most common problems associated with the condition is difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene. Malocclusion can cause teeth to overlap,

creating tight spaces and crevices that are difficult to clean properly. These hard-toreach areas become havens for plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, misaligned teeth can also contribute to the development of bad breath, as the accumulated bacteria can release unpleasant odours.

Malocclusion can also lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a painful condition that affects the jaw joint. TMJ can cause headaches, jaw pain, difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, and even lockjaw. When the teeth are not properly aligned, the jaw joints are forced to adapt to an unnatural position, which can lead to strain and inflammation.

Speech and wellbeing problems

Speech problems can also arise from the condition. The position of the teeth plays a crucial role in forming proper speech sounds. When the teeth are misaligned, it can interfere with the formation of certain sounds, causing speech impediments like lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain words. These speech problems can have a negative impact on a person’s self-confidence and their ability to communicate effectively. It should be noted that changes in tooth shape, both due to wear and its restorative treatment, can have an effect on speech too.

In addition to the physical problems, malocclusion can also have a significant impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Many individuals with

malocclusion may feel self-conscious about their smile, leading to a decrease in selfesteem. They may avoid social situations or find themselves covering their mouths when they speak or smile, which can create feelings of isolation and affect their overall quality of life.

Managing tooth wear

Another issue that can arise is abnormal tooth wear. When teeth are not properly aligned, pressure is unevenly distributed during chewing, leading to excessive wear and tear on the enamel. This can result in a shortened lifespan of the affected teeth, which may eventually require dental intervention such as fillings, restorations, or even extractions.

The restorative treatment options possible with today’s materials and techniques include conventional restorations, removable prostheses and minimal preparation adhesive restorations. Depending on the type of wear, different materials can be used. For example, lesions with margins that are still confined to the enamel would be suitable for a microfine or polishable densified composite resin (in conjunction with acid-etched enamel). While deeper cervical lesions would suit a glass ionomer cement with polishable composite resin.

Brilliant Crios from COLTENE is a reinforced composite bloc for the fabrication of permanent, indirect restorations using a CAD/CAM grinding process. Available in three translucencies (and two sizes) with a total of 15 shades, it offers a broad spectrum of solutions for aesthetic

single-tooth restorations – including inlays, crowns and veneers – and is ideal for use in both the anterior and posterior regions. Brilliant Crios’ outstanding mechanical properties are the result of controlled, stress-free, thermal curing. Its multimodal composition of dental glass and amorphous silica in combination with a reinforcing resin matrix, make it an optimal material for permanent single-tooth restorations.

Malocclusion can lead to a variety of oral health problems, including difficulty in maintaining proper hygiene, TMJ disorder, speech problems, emotional distress and abnormal tooth wear. Restorative treatments can help the appearance of worn dentition, rejuvenating a patient’s smile and renewing their self-confidence. Genius! For more information, info.uk@coltene. com and 0800 254 5115 COLTENE loyalty scheme: https://rewards.coltene.com n

Effective checks for confidence and peace of mind

Around 8,500 new cases of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer are diagnosed in the UK per year, with dentists playing a key role in the detection of any abnormalities. As oral cancers can present as visible lesions in the mouth, including on the tongue, palate, and inside lining of the cheeks, dentists are able to perform regular checks and make note of anything unusual. This might mean a mouth ulcer which doesn’t go away, a red or white patch, and unexplained pain or soreness in the mouth or throat. If a patient shows signs such as these, dentists are expected to make a note of their findings, and take the appropriate action – such as arranging an urgent referral.

While dentists are well placed to check for these symptoms, they may not come across them often. As such, they may feel unsure about what they have seen, and whether they should refer their patient for further examinations. Because of this, dentists may worry that they have missed something important, or delayed their patient’s diagnosis.

Mouth cancer survival rates

When considering the detection and diagnosis of mouth cancers, it’s important to understand the ways in which early detection can impact survival rates. Overall, for all mouth cancers, more than 75% of people survive for one year or more, and 55% survive for five or more years after diagnosis. When we consider tongue cancer, if it is diagnosed when localised,

the survival rate increases to 85% after five years, whereas when it is diagnosed in its later stages, survival reduces to 40%.

As such, detecting oral cancer lesions when they are in their early stages is hugely beneficial. This can both improve the patient’s chances of long-term survival, and reduce the need for more invasive surgical procedures, and sometimes the need for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In doing this, the long-term effects on the patient’s life are drastically reduced.

litigation – what are the risks?

Clinicians may be concerned about the risks associated with litigation as a result of dental treatment. This might occur after a mistake was made during treatment which had an impact on the patient, for example. However, litigation relating to oral cancer detection differs in that it relates to a lack of action. The clinical examination is key here. Dentists should always produce a detailed report of the examination findings in the clinical notes, as this will act as evidence that they have checked for and recorded any potential signs of oral cancer.

Should a dentist detect an unusual lesion, it is essential that detailed contemporaneous notes are made which include a detailed record of any conversations with the patient and referral to specialists. Examination notes should always include a description of the lesion including the size, shape, colour, and texture to ensure accurate records.

Clinical notes should also include identification of any risk factors, and discussions had about them with patients. Risk factors might include excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, and clinicians should provide the appropriate cessation advice.

Peace of mind

Should a patient make a claim against a dentist, they must be able to demonstrate that duty of care was breached and that, without the breach, they would have suffered less. As such, they would be suggesting that a delayed diagnosis, missed referral, or misdiagnosis had an effect on the disease progression. This highlights the importance of regular checks and accurate note taking to ensure that the dentist has done all they can to detect mouth cancer early.

While it is not always the fault of the dentist, an estimated 70% of mouth cancers are currently detected in the advanced stage, which is worrying as early diagnosis can significantly improve the five-year survival rates – with detection of lesions smaller than 2cm ideal. This means it’s crucial that dentists know what signs to look out for, and

about the author Nicolas Coomber, ColteNe National account & Marketing Manager. about the author after a long career in medical devices, Phil Silver created total tMJ, which distributes innovative technologies from leading healthcare manufacturers to dentists and clinicians around the UK.

feel confident when referring their patients. As such, it can be very helpful to use a pre-diagnostic tool to double check when clinicians feel uncertain. The BeVigilant™ OraFusion™ system from Vigilant Biosciences® is a quick and easy prediagnostic test which gives dentists peace of mind. If a dentist spots a lesion which they think is suspicious, the BeVigilant™ Orafusion™ system can be used to identify the presence of biomarkers associated with oral cancer, producing a result in 15 minutes or less. This is an ideal tool for dentists who would like to be more confident about referring their patients to a specialist. By carrying out all of the appropriate tests and checks regularly, and keeping a complete and accurate record of each examination, clinicians are able to more effectively detect oral cancer early. This will enable dentists to refer patients for the urgent care they need, and produce the best possible results for their patients. For more information, please visit www.vigilantbiosciences.com or email info@vigilantbiosciences.com n

Predictable management of a deep carious lesion with bioactive restorative materials

The use of direct composite resin restorations is on the rise due to the esthetic demand of patients. Current composite resin materials are inert. They are bonded to tooth structure by use of adhesives. The weakest link in a composite restoration is the interface between tooth structure and restorative material, where micro gaps trap biofilms, leading to secondary caries and post-operative sensitivity.

The recent development of “bioactive” composite resin represents a significant advancement in the field of restorative dentistry. The advantage of these materials is that they serve as a mechanism by which calcium, phosphate & fluoride is released, creating a precipitate of hydroxyapatite on the material’s surface.

In recent times, manufacturers have aimed at developing materials with better bond strengths and low polymerisation shrinkage. However, these materials still remain passive in the oral cavity and are subject to secondary caries. The introduction of bioactive composite resins attempts to inhibit secondary caries and promote remineralisation.

This paper presents a case study that outlines a technique used to manage a deep carious lesion with placement of Predicta Bulk bioactive restorative material by Parkell. This material releases calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to stimulate mineral apatite formation and remineralisation at the material-tooth interface.

Case report

A female patient presented with sensitivity and occasional pain on stimulus in her lower left back tooth. On clinical examination, a deep carious lesion was present in her lower left first molar tooth (Fig.1). The tooth was not tender to percussion. Radiographic examination revealed a deep lesion in close proximity to the pulp, with no significant periapical changes (Fig. 2). The patient had a high caries index and therefore a bioactive restoration with Predicta Bulk was considered.

After isolation with a rubber dam, deep caries excavation was performed using a stainless-steel spoon excavator and a polymer bur (Fig. 3, 4). This technique allows for removal of all infected dentin, leaving affected dentin intact.

Next, selective etching protocol with phosphoric acid was performed for 20 seconds (Fig. 5). The preparation was then rinsed and gently air-dried. Dentin adhesive (Universal Adhesive, Parkell) was applied, which can be used with self-etch, selectiveetch (i.e., etching only the enamel), and total-etch methods. The adhesive was applied to the preparation using a rubbing motion for 20 seconds, keeping the surface moist (Fig 6). A second coat of adhesive

was applied for an additional 20 seconds. Using an air-water syringe, the surface was air-thinned for 10 to 15 seconds to evaporate the solvent. The surfaces were light-cured for 20 seconds.

Predicta Bulk composite is available in two different consistencies, high viscosity and low viscosity. A bendable metal-tipped mixing tip, provided by the manufacturer, was used to help facilitate the application of the composite into the deepest portion of the cavity preparation (Fig. 7).

Starting from one junction of the box of the cavity preparation, the bioactive bulk composite was injected to fill the entire cavity preparation (Fig. 8, 9). Because the restorative material is dual-cure, it is advised to wait at least 1 minute before light-curing the material.

With a series of various finishing burs, the occlusal surface was finished and polished (Fig. 10). The occlusion was verified. The occlusal surface was then smoothed with polishers and the restoration was polished with polishing paste. A post-operative radiograph clearly revealed the depth and extent of Predicta material present in the tooth due to its excellent radiopacity (Fig. 11).

During the follow-up period of four months, the restoration remained intact, with no unfavourable consequences. It displayed excellent quality with no marginal failure. No signs of gingival inflammation or increased plaque accumulation was observed. After four months, the restoration showed a satisfactory clinical performance, considering the patient’s high caries index (Fig. 12).

Conclusion

Secondary caries is the primary cause of composite resin restoration failure. Dental material science has evolved to produce newer restorative materials that not only satisfy the aesthetic demands of patients but may now play an active role in preventing the cause of failure. Restorative materials that can release calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, creating a precipitate of hydroxyapatite on their surface, are no longer considered inert, but become active in the prevention of recurrent marginal failure. n

about the author

Dr Deepak mehta, DDS is a founding member of the International association of General Dentistry (IaGD) and member of the american Society for Dental aesthetics. His dental practice in Bangalore emphasises aesthetic dentistry & focuses mainly on minimally invasive/adhesive dentistry & endodontics.

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Malocclusion matters

Offering clear aligner treatment can prove a lucrative revenue stream for your practice

If the recent demise of Smile Direct Club showed that aligners based on at-home moulding kits at a ‘discount’ price was always a recipe for disaster, it also showed just how in demand clear aligner treatment is. A reported 65,000 patients in the UK alone were left high and dry. Indeed, the increase in the number of adult orthodontic patients has prompted an upsurge in the demand for aesthetic and comfortable alternatives to conventional fixed appliances. Aligner treatment is no longer the sole domain of the young.

According to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), 76% of orthodontists have reported an increase in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment within the past three years and the majority of patients (83%) are in the 26-55 age bracket. Many patients are interested in discreet and convenient alternatives to traditional braces, and aligners provide just that. The BOS says the rise of online working and video calls is a factor for seeking treatment, together with adult patients being impressed by the smiles of influencers and celebrities. By offering aligner treatment, dental professionals can position their practices as a modern and patient-focused option, appealing to a potentially larger demographic.

Diverse range of patients

Aligners are suitable for a wide range of orthodontic corrections. Their versatility enables dental professionals to attract a

diverse range of patients, from teenagers seeking minor adjustments to adults looking for comprehensive orthodontic care. Many adult patients ask for an orthodontic retreatment, due to an orthodontic relapse or unsatisfying previous treatments. A study in 1986 reported that 6-7% of adult therapies are retreatments and another in 2011 reported that 12.6% of adult patients declared that they underwent a previous treatment which was not satisfactory.

Another advantage of incorporating aligner treatment into a practice offering is the treatment time. While the duration of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case, on average, aligner treatment takes between 6 and 18 months. This shorter treatment time – fixed braces have an average treatment time of 18-24 months – can be appealing to patients who want to achieve their desired results as quickly as possible. This can create a higher patient turnover and increase the number of cases who can be treated within a given period. Furthermore, aligner therapy requires fewer in-practice visits compared to traditional braces,v which can also help a dental surgery maximise efficiency and reduce overhead costs.

revenue generation

When it comes to generating revenue, offering aligner treatment allows a practice to set competitive prices. The cost of aligners may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case

Preservation inspiration

and the number of aligners required. By offering aligner treatment, a practice can tailor its pricing to be competitive within their local market while still ensuring a healthy profit margin.

Offering aligner treatment can lead to increased patient satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Aligners are known for their comfort and convenience, another factor in their popularity. When patients are happy with their treatment experience and achieve the desired results, they are more likely to refer friends, family and colleagues to a practice. This can result in a steady influx of new patients. Incorporating aligner treatment into a practice can also enhance its overall treatment offering and patient experience. Many aligner systems come with advanced digital technology, such as 3D modelling and treatment planning software. These tools allow the dental professional to create virtual treatment plans and show patients their expected outcomes before even beginning their treatment. This level of technology and visualisation can impress patients and build trust in their dentist’s expertise, leading to increased treatment acceptance rates and ultimately, revenue generation.

The ClearCorrect® Accreditation Course from the Straumann Group is aimed at dental professionals who are new to aligner therapy. The course’s goal is to improve a clinician’s orthodontic knowledge and confidence to enable them to tackle mild to

moderate malocclusion cases. The course, which includes 90 days mentoring and the first three cases free, covers tooth movements, biomechanics, predictability, protocols, technologies and preferences which improve a dental professional’s understanding of how aligner therapy works. Featuring practical sessions and demonstrations, courses are both interactive and informal. Upcoming dates can be found on the Straumann website. Adding aligner treatment to a dental practice offering can be a highly lucrative revenue stream. With the increasing demand for discreet and efficient orthodontic correction, providing aligner treatment allows dental professionals to attract a broader patient base and tap into a growing market. The shorter treatment time, competitive pricing options, and potential for positive wordof-mouth referrals further contribute to the financial benefits of incorporating aligners into a practice. By embracing this innovative treatment option, dentists can increase their profitability while providing patients with a modern and convenient orthodontic solution.

For more details, please visit straumann. com/clearcorrect/gb/en/landing/ clearcorrect-aligners.html n

Socket preservation is a crucial technique to ensure successful dental implant treatment

Socket preservation is a critical technique in dentistry that is increasingly being used to maintain the integrity and dimensions of the alveolar socket following tooth extraction. This procedure plays a vital role in preparing the area for future dental implant placement or prosthetic restoration. Socket preservation aims to prevent bone loss, reduce post-operative complications, and enhance the overall success of subsequent dental procedures.

To understand the significance of socket preservation, it is important to first grasp the anatomy of the alveolar socket. The alveolar socket is a bony space that houses the tooth root. This socket is surrounded by a thin layer of bone and is lined with bundle bone – a specialised bone tissue, which provides structural support for the teeth. When a tooth is extracted, the alveolar socket is left empty and exposed, leading to dimensional changes such as bone resorption and soft tissue collapse.

There are various socket preservation techniques that can be employed to prevent these complications and promote optimal healing. One commonly used technique involves the placement of a bone graft material into the empty socket. This can be done immediately after the extraction or during a second surgical procedure. The bone graft material serves as a scaffold for new bone formation and promotes the regeneration of lost bone in the socket.

Grafting materials

There are several types of bone graft materials that can be used for socket preservation, including autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic materials. Autografts involve harvesting bone from the patient’s own body, such as from the chin or the hip. Allografts are bone grafts obtained from a human donor, while xenografts are derived from animals, typically bovine or porcine sources. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are created in a laboratory and can mimic the properties of natural bone.

Once the graft material is placed in the socket, it needs to be secured and protected to ensure successful healing. This can be achieved by covering the socket with a membrane, such as a resorbable collagen membrane or a nonresorbable titanium-reinforced membrane. The membrane acts as a barrier, preventing soft tissue invasion into the socket and promoting the growth of new bone. In addition to bone grafting and membrane placement, there are other socket preservation techniques that can be used to enhance the success of the procedure. One such technique is the use of plateletrich fibrin (PRF), which involves processing a small sample of the patient’s own blood to obtain a fibrin matrix rich in growth factors and platelets. PRF can be placed into the socket to accelerate the healing process and promote the regeneration of bone and soft tissues.

Surgical technique

Success of socket preservation is not limited to the use of graft materials and membranes. Other factors such as proper surgical technique, adequate haemostasis, and appropriate postoperative care also play a vital role in ensuring successful socket preservation. For instance, careful extraction techniques should be employed to minimise trauma to the surrounding tissues and prevent damage to the alveolar socket. Additionally, patients should be instructed to maintain excellent oral hygiene, avoid smoking, and follow any post-operative instructions provided by the dentist.

Socket preservation is essential for preserving the bone and soft tissue structures, promoting successful future dental procedures such as delayed dental implant placement. Alternatively, an implant can be placed immediately in a fresh extraction site. There are evidence-based indications and guidelines available when it

comes to making a clinical decision about when to carry out socket preservation and when to place an implant immediately. By utilising various techniques such as bone grafting, membrane placement, and the use of growth factors, dentists can ensure optimal healing and prevent complications associated with socket extraction.

For those looking to improve their socket preservation techniques, an Advanced Certificate in Management of Tooth Loss: Immediate Implants vs Socket Preservation is a new course offered by ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital/University of Salford. It is designed for both beginners and experienced implant dentists looking to expand their knowledge and clinical skills in tooth loss management. This includes minimally traumatic extraction techniques and socket preservation. The course, led by eminent specialist oral surgeon Professor Cemal Ucer, covers disuse atrophy, osseointegration and soft tissue management as well as immediate implant placement and loading using analogue or fully digital workflows.

Please contact Professor Ucer at ucer@icedental.institute or Mel Hay at mel@mdic.co, call 01612 371842 or visit icedentalimplants.co.uk n

about the author Prof. Cemal Ucer, BDS, mSc, PhD, FDtFed., ItI Fellow, Specialist Oral Surgeon

Addressing a complex crossbite early in my orthodontic journey

Dr Olivia nixon presents a case of treating crowding and a crossbite effectively

A30-year-old patient presented at my practice hoping to receive orthodontic care to straighten her upper and lower teeth. She exhibited mild crowding in both the maxilla and mandible, she had a crossbite on the LR3, and was verging on a Class III occlusal relationship. The patient also had a veneer on her UL1.

She had previously seen another clinician, who said they wouldn’t be able to provide the necessary care and achieve the requested outcome. Following this, she came to me for a second opinion.

A comprehensive orthodontic assessment was completed, with intraoral images being attained with the use of a DSLR camera. The appropriate X-rays and scans were taken to inform my considerations for treatment.

A range of treatment options was considered. This included clear aligners, which present an aesthetic benefit to the patient. However, with the insights produced from Archwise™ – the digital planning and crowding calculator – and thorough consultation with my mentor in the IAS Academy forums, Emma Doherty, I came to the conclusion that a fixed brace solution would be better suited. This was due to the presentation of the crossbite, as well as the ability to reach an optimal outcome sooner. The ability to share my initial assessments and scans on the forum meant I could receive advice from my mentor about what to watch out for – which mainly concerned the occlusal stability –and tips to achieve a great result.

Following discussions with the patient, a fixed brace approach was agreed upon to reduce the treatment time and directly address her crossbite.

I was also concerned about the veneer in this case, as it was the first instance in which I had to consider this type of existing restoration when providing fixed orthodontic treatment. I felt my targets were still achievable, but I ensured the patient consent form included the potential need to replace the veneer following alignment.

I chose to use the 3M Gemini Ceramic Brackets, which would optimise aesthetics during treatment, and NiTi wires in a sequence of 0.12, 0.16, and 20:20. Placement of the fixed appliance was completed in stages. The initial fitting appointment saw the

upper teeth bonded up first. 50% of the recommended total interproximal reduction (IPR) from Archwise™ was achieved to allow for efficient movement. A stent from the IAS Laboratory was used for bracket placement, and a 0.12 NiTi wire was placed. I also utilised placed anchors on the distal aspects in order to limit proclination of the teeth. At this stage I didn’t need to open the occlusion.

With the consideration that the UL1 was a veneer, I needed to approach the tooth differently. Since I wasn’t bonding a bracket onto enamel, I followed the ceramic bonding protocol which called for the use of a ceramic etch.

The patient was instructed on the importance of keeping an effective oral hygiene routine, and was advised on ways to do so with the presence of the fixed brace. This was reiterated upon at each follow-up appointment.

After six weeks the patient attended her second visit, where I bonded up her lower teeth. I once again used the 3M Gemini Ceramic Brackets, and a 0.12 NiTi wire was placed. In this appointment I had to open up the occlusion, and I did so by placing glass ionomer cement on the molars. During this visit, the 0.12 NiTi wire on her upper teeth was replaced with a 0.16 wire.

With the initial treatment stages progressing well, the patient’s only concern was the presence of ulcers, which was described as the hardest part of the treatment. I reassured her that this was normal and to continue using orthodontic wax for as long as needed until they healed. In follow up appointments, this had begun to subside and the patient felt management in her day-to-day life was getting easier.

After each appointment, I consulted with my IAS Academy mentor with the latest images and scans. I listened to their opinions on the treatment, as well as any advice for my next steps. This

was especially helpful when managing the patient’s lower incisors.

These were rotated. I attempted to address the issue with quick ties to attain an optimal position for the wires to sit. I chose to employ short-term power chains to derotate the lower incisors into an aesthetically and functionally optimal position. A 2-unit power chain was placed under the wire, in what was ultimately the most complicated part of the treatment. Progress on the lower teeth was therefore delayed, and the upper teeth were completed whilst teeth in the mandible were still undergoing treatment.

After a total of nine appointments that followed the initial placement of the upper brackets, the final outcome was achieved. The upper brackets were debonded seven months after placement, with the lower fixed appliance being removed another two months later. I was happy with the outcome, especially the management of the occlusion which had proven successful, as well as the final position of the lower incisors which had fallen into place with the surrounding dentition, with little room for improvement. More importantly, the patient was delighted with the outcome and, much like myself, was relieved that the UL1 veneer was left intact.

To maintain the results, I proposed multiple options of retainers. This included a fixed solution; however, the patient was opposed to this idea, and preferred removable retainers. I provided her with a total of four appliances, two upper and two lower, with the instruction to wear them every night.

This was one of my initial fixed brace orthodontic cases following the completion of the Fixed Braces course with the IAS Academy, and it was an exceptionally important case to improve a variety of my clinical skills as well as my confidence. The journey from placement to debonding

was faster than I had anticipated, and it taught me that lower incisors can be more complex to control than I initially thought.

It was also my first time using a fixed orthodontic device on a veneer. I was delighted with how it turned out, and it quashed my initial hesitations about the chance of ruining the restoration. In turn, I have felt more comfortable when they have appeared in other cases to date.

This case also gave me greater insight on the management of the occlusion, with the need to do IPR to avoid slipping into a Class III occlusal relationship with the proclination of the lower teeth. By taking the opportunities to consult with a mentor, I felt it was an ideal chance for a clinician early in their orthodontic journey to complete a case that would previously have been referred.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1) n

about the author Dr Olivia nixon studied at Bristol University before working in a busy nHS practice where she provided general dentistry to patients of all ages. She went on to spend time as a Senior House officer in the Oral and maxillofacial surgery department at the royal United Hospital, during which she was awarded membership to the royal College of Surgeons in London. today, she provides care at Clove House Dental & Implant Centre, Wiltshere, and holds an interest in quality and up-to-date cosmetic dentistry.

Exploring current and future root canal treatment strategies

While many patients tend to dread root canal treatment, when it’s carried out to a high standard, the success rate is up to 90%. Dental pulp infection is the leading cause of apical periodontitis, which has a varied prevalence between 7 and 86%, with post-treatment apical periodontitis between 10 and 62%. As such, the effective treatment of endodontic infections – alongside highquality preparation, coronal restoration, and root filling – is crucial in the treatment and prevention of apical periodontitis. Endodontic infections are common, and can have a serious impact on the quality of life of those who suffer. My research investigates the techniques used to identify

biomarkers of apical periodontitis, the efficacy of various irrigation techniques and solutions, and the potential for stem cell therapy to be used in endodontic treatment to improve success rates.

In order to improve the diagnosis of endodontic disease, my in vitro methodological & in vivo cross-sectional study explored whether periradicular tissue fluid (PTF) is a valid source of biomarkers to differentiate between disease and health. The study showed that PTF indeed reveals complex interconnected networks of biomarkers, with TNFSF-12 exhibiting excellent diagnostic ability, and acting as a potential biosignature for asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Being awarded the BES Grant for Research Work by the British Endodontic

Society (BES) has significantly helped my academic career prospects. The award allowed me to collect primary data for the aforementioned research, which has been presented and published at national and international conferences, leading to several other awards. It has also assisted in the completion of my PhD in regenerative endodontics. Receiving an award from a prestigious and well recognised society has instilled confidence in my ability as a researcher and the institute in subsequent successful grant applications.

The BES Grant for Research Work is one of many benefits of being a member of the BES. There are a number of other awards that professionals from different primary and secondary backgrounds can apply to.

Other membership benefits include access to the latest research in the International Endodontic Journal, being part of the various initiatives being launched by the society, the two national meetings and, of course, connecting with like-minded individuals from across the world. For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 01494 581542 n

about the author

Dr Satnam Singh Virdee, Clinical Lecturer & Honorary Specialty registrarrestorative Dentistry

Let there be teeth!

Dental implants have revolutionised the field of dentistry by providing a reliable and long-term solution for patients with missing teeth. They offer numerous advantages over conventional dental treatments, such as dentures and bridges, including improved oral function, enhanced aesthetics, and increased patient satisfaction. However, placing dental implants in edentulous patients with severe atrophy of the maxilla presents several unique challenges that clinicians must navigate to achieve optimal results.

Inadequate bone volume

One of the major issues in treating edentulous patients with severe atrophic maxilla is the inadequate bone volume available for implant placement. The loss of teeth and the absence of dental roots cause the jaw bone to resorb over time, leading to a decrease in bone height and width. This bone loss compromises the stability and longevity of dental implants, as there may not be sufficient bone to anchor them securely. In such cases, bone augmentation and related procedures, like sinus lift and ridge augmentation, are often necessary to create a suitable environment for implant placement.

Sinus lift is a surgical procedure performed to augment the maxillary sinus floor, which is frequently encountered in patients with atrophic maxilla. Once the sinus membrane

is lifted, bone grafting material is placed beneath it to create a thicker bone bed for implant placement. Ridge augmentation, on the other hand, involves adding bone graft material to the alveolar ridge to increase its width and height. Both procedures aim to enhance the quantity and quality of available bone, enabling successful implant placement in severe atrophic maxilla cases. Another challenge in treating edentulous patients with severe atrophic maxilla is achieving adequate initial stability of dental implants. Reduced bone density and compromised bone quality can make it difficult to achieve sufficient implant stability during the initial placement. A potential solution to this challenge is the use of tilted implants and angulated abutments, which can engage areas of more substantial bone and provide improved distribution of forces. Utilising this type of implant and abutment can help overcome the limited available bone and maximise initial implant stability.

Soft tissue atrophy

The achievement and maintenance of an adequate soft tissue profile is also crucial in cases of severe atrophic maxilla. Edentulous patients often exhibit varying levels of soft tissue atrophy and loss due to long-term denture use. Insufficient soft tissue volume can result in poor aesthetics and compromised peri-implant tissue health. Therefore, clinicians must evaluate

and address the soft tissue deficiencies before implant placement. Techniques such as connective tissue grafting, guided bone regeneration, and soft tissue augmentation can be employed to enhance soft tissue contour and optimise aesthetic outcomes. Moreover, the treatment planning for edentulous patients with severe atrophy of the maxilla involves careful consideration of the prosthetic parameters. Occlusal forces exerted on dental implants can be significantly higher in these cases due to the lack of natural tooth support and increased bone density in the mandible. Therefore, providing adequate implant support and distribution of occlusal forces through the design of an implant-supported prosthesis is crucial. The prosthesis loading force is an important factor for dental implant survival. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology can be employed to fabricate a customised prosthetic framework that provides optimal support and stress distribution.

Meeting edentulous patients’ expectations of shorter treatment times and immediate aesthetic and functional improvements present significant challenges for clinicians, especially in patients with anatomical deficiencies. The Neodent® GM Zygoma-S provides an immediate solution as an alternative for bone grafting procedures designed to deliver stability, treatment predictability, and precision, meeting

patient expectations through its versatile design, and options tailored to anatomical efficiency and tissue relation. The protocol features unique drills that facilitate a more accurate osteotomy from the surgical beginning, bringing a maximum level of confidence to the surgery by precise initial drilling, preserving anatomical structures, and contributing to the accuracy in the implant positioning, regardless of the demanding indications.

Dental implants offer a promising solution for edentulous patients with a severe atrophic maxilla. However, these cases present unique challenges related to insufficient bone volume, inadequate initial implant stability, compromised soft tissue and prosthetic parameters. Yet, when addressed correctly, the dental clinician can overcome these difficulties and reach a successful outcome, enabling edentulous patients to smile once again with confidence.

For more details, please visit www.neodent-uk.co/portal 

Stability in unlikely circumstances

Osseointegration is key to a dental implant’s long-term success. Without it, the restoration wouldn’t be stable enough to provide functional and aesthetic benefits for a patient. If the relationship between implant and bone is so important, what considerations should be made when a patient presents with less than favourable bone density?

In particular, how does an implant case change when a patient has osteoporosis?

density and act as a primary screening, a diagnosis can only be safely made with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) examination. This is a more specialised form of imaging assessment that primarily judges bone density.

The connection between implant osseointegration and osteoporosis seems obvious. To a patient it may be no surprise that impaired bone density is a biological risk for implant failure and traditionally the condition may have

an important factor

Bone loss occurs naturally with age, but abnormally fast deficiency could be a result of steroid use, the menopause, a genetic predisposition, or even a poor diet, amongst other causes. By definition, osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones by reducing their density, making them fragile and putting them at a greater risk of a break or fracture. It affects approximately 200 million people worldwide.

It’s also often difficult to diagnose early. Commonly developing with age, it may take a fracture to realise the presence of osteoporosis. Whilst a dental x-ray could potentially show a disparity in bone

even been a cause for ruling out an implant altogether – but this doesn’t have to be the case.

Prior to placement

Osteoporosis must be considered alongside other systemic and local risk factors that contribute to the success of an implant, such as periodontal conditions.

If periodontal diseases are not adequately controlled, patients are at risk of alveolar bone loss which affects the attachment to teeth, and in turn an implant. If a patient presents with both osteoporosis and periodontal disease they could be at a greater risk of implant failure. Attention to effective

oral hygiene is therefore necessary to reduce the incidence of periodontal disease occurring in osteoporotic patients. Already fragile bone potentially undergoing further resorption would be a higher risk to implant survival.

Evidence suggests that osteoporotic patients face an increased incidence and severity of periodontal disease, with post-menopausal women most at risk. Clinicians should be wary of their patients’ oral hygiene when assessing the suitability of implant treatment, and must insist that diligent routines be followed to maximise the potential of a favourable outcome.

the implant zone

One possible way to create a suitable setting for implant osseointegration in the osteoporotic patient is with a bone graft. Up to 50% of all dental implant procedures already involve the use of a bone graft. It’s an option to treat resorption, and ensures there is a sufficient quality of bone for the placement of an implant.

The choice of an autograft (bone taken from the individual’s body) or an allograft (transferred between genetically unrelated subjects) could both be viable, but the latter may be preferable if the pre-existing issues with osteoporotic bone are consistent throughout a patient’s body.

tracking success

If the patient is deemed suitable for a dental implant, or work has been completed to facilitate its placement, the next step is carefully tracking the implant’s osseointegration. Both primary and secondary stability are important. Having an objective measurement for this throughout the process can be a valuable tool for timing implant loading correctly.

Immediate loading has become a preferential treatment for many patients, achieving restoration to a complete and aesthetic dentition in as little time as possible. Immediate placement and

New ways to treat dental pain?

No matter what we do as dental professionals, there is no way of avoiding the fact that our patients experience some pain or discomfort before, during or after treatment. There are various ways to minimise the severity and longevity of patients’ pain as a result of procedures, which include the techniques and technologies we employ, as well as our own professional training and skill level. However, I was interested to come across a new study recently that considered the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as an alternative analgesic for acute dental pain. The study considered 64 subjects between 18- and 75-years-old, testing Epidiolex (an FDA-approved CBD oral solution) against a placebo control group. The Epidiolex group was split into two, assessing a 10-mg//kg single dose (CBD10 group) and a 20-mg/kg single dose (CBD20 group) to evaluate rhe strength of dose needed for maximum effect.

The results showed that CBD10 participants started to experience relief from moderate to severe odontogenic pain approximately 30 minutes after drug administration. The CBD20 group felt relief around 15 minutes after administration. Pain levels were reported to reduce in both groups over time, halving in 60 minutes and 120 minutes post-administration for CBD10 and CBD20 participants respectively. As expected, there was no significant decrease in pain intensity or time for the placebo group.

Cannabis-derived products are being more widely used across healthcare in the UK, including for indications relating to epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chemotherapy. CBD oils at a lower concentration are also available over-thecounter for individuals who wish to use them without a prescription.

One of the main reasons that the rollout has been slow is due to concerns about the possible side effects of the drug. Cannabis

in its raw form contains the chemical THC, which is what ‘gets people high’ and this is linked to psychosis and dependency. Medical grade CBD, however, is devoid of THC, rendering it much safer for use.

The aforementioned study looked at the safety outcomes of CBD for the two test groups, finding that a single dose of CBD did not cause any significant psychoactive or mood effects. Both led to sedative

loading have been found to have a success rate of 96.2%, which increases to 98.3% when loading is delayed. Both methods are evidently successful in the right circumstances, and immediate loading has proven to be successful for osteoporotic patients. However, an objective measurement of implant stability allows for the greatest chance of treatment success.

If a clinician can identify low implant stability early on, they could make the informed decision to delay loading and employ a two-step protocol. Similarly, if an osteoporotic patient shows excellent primary stability, immediate loading becomes a viable option backed by the clinician’s judgement and evidence.

Dental professionals can precisely judge implant stability for patients with risk factors in a matter of seconds with the Osstell Beacon from W&H. It is a fast working, non-invasive instrument that guides treatment provision by assessing implant stability and therefore giving a good indication of osseointegration. The wireless tool can be moved simply around a practice for complete freedom, whilst sharing accurate implant stability quotient (ISQ) values, that are backed by over 1300 studies, to your workstation.

When supported with an effective treatment plan and the tools to track the success of a dental implant, osteoporotic patients can enjoy successful treatment. Assessing the unique risks that come with osteoporosis is important, and can create a solution that benefits millions of prospective patients across the world.

To find out more visit wh.com, call 01727 874990 or email office.uk@wh.com n

about the author Kate Scheer, marketing executive, W&H (UK) Ltd

effects – calming and anxiolytic, not drowsy – with only relatively minor abdominal symptoms that were easily rectified with over-the-counter medication (which are not uncommon for many pain relievers). Epidiolex was, therefore, considered to be safe and effective for managing dental pain. The next step would be to complete more robust testing with a larger sample size to confirm validity of CBD oil for dental indications. From here, changes would have to be implemented to give dentists the ability to prescribe such medications and manage their patients safely. Though we’re a little way off such changes, it is interesting to consider CBD as an effective new way of helping patients to manage their dental pain. n

about the author endoCare, led by Dr michael Sultan, is one of the UK’s most trusted Specialist endodontist practices.

Restore with StyleItaliano!

Optident is very well known in the dental industry, with almost four decades supporting clinicians and dental practices with innovative dental products and related high-quality education to enhance clinical excellence.

As part of Henry Schein, our dedicated product specialists help customers, not just with tailoring purchases to their unique needs but also by providing ongoing support and education as a core part of our company values.

Optident aims to align with product providers, manufacturers, and key opinion leaders who share the same values of championing high-quality products that deliver the best clinical outcomes and patient care.

Optident and StyleItaliano

In our quest to bring more simplicity and predictability to everyday restorative dentistry, Optident offers the StyleItaliano Direct Workflow, developed and accredited by StyleItaliano, and delivered by Optident.

This carefully constructed workflow combines nine stages of simple techniques, handpicked equipment and materials, and dedicated learning programmes to cover all aspects of restorative dentistry and complete smile makeovers.

The StyleItaliano Direct Workflow

Stage 1: Photography and documentation

It all starts with dental photography and documentation, which are vital first steps in diagnosis and treatment planning that also serve as an important visual aid for clinicians to communicate procedures, treatments, and results to patients.

The StyleItaliano Direct Workflow recommends the use of the Smile Lite MDP2, an easy-to-use, plug-and-play device for the smartphone that does not need any special app, calibration, or specific training to make professional dental photography accessible to dental professionals.

Stage 2: Tooth whitening

The White Dental Beauty system is known around the world for its high-quality whitening gels and dissolving whitening strips to provide the ideal foundation for aesthetic restorative dentistry.

The system’s whitening gels have a variety of different strengths and all contain NOVON®, Optident’s patented whitening compound that swiftly raises the pH, so an alkaline environment is reached more quickly for faster whitening results.

Stage 3: Loupes and magnification

Magnification and illumination are important tools in restorative procedures to ensure accuracy and precision, while helping to improve posture and reduce strain on the eyes, neck, and back.

PeriOptix professional dental loupes help to ensure optimum edge-to-edge clarity in a large viewing field. A choice of magnification strengths and stylish, custom manufactured frames ensure clinician’s needs can be met with an effective, elegant, and comfortable solution.

Stage 4: Preparing and cleaning

Creating a clean tooth surface is essential in all aspects of a smile makeover, from bonding and restorative procedures to removing stains from all tooth aspects, even in hard-to-reach areas.

AquaCare combines air polishing and air abrasion in one unit for highly effective cleaning and stain removal as well as cutting, cavity preparation, and caries removal, while also treating sensitivity.

Stage 5: Matrix systems

An effective matrix system is a key structure in direct anterior restorations to recreate the natural tooth shape and interproximal contact for highly aesthetic results.

Unica anterior is the simple yet ideal matrix for anterior restorations including class III, IV, V, direct stratification composite veneers, and shape modifications. The placement wings allow for easy positioning and matrix adaptation, while its contoured shape adapts easily to the different morphologies of anterior teeth, making it possible to restore both interproximal and cervical margins at once.

Stage 6: Shade taking

Shade taking is an important step in restorative procedures to provide aesthetically pleasing restorations, which blend in with the patient’s existing dentition. Shade matching is usually performed using plastic shade guides that don’t always give a true reflection of the restorative material, while differences in colour, light and tooth characteristics can make it hard to select the right shade.

My Shade Guide provides the components, tools, and accessories to create personalised shade guides, to provide the exact cured shade of the composite material, and reliably predict the outcome of the restoration with a true reflection of the image and colour every time.

Stage 7: Restoring

A good composite system to restore function and aesthetics is a fundamental part of

every smile makeover. With increasing patient demand for whiter, brighter smiles and lasting aesthetic results, many composite systems present challenges with shade matching and blending composites into the natural tooth.

Evanesce Universal Restorative is a nanoenhanced, light-cured, packable, and highly aesthetic resin-based composite for both anterior and posterior restorations, designed to blend with the surrounding hard tissues. It offers putty-like, slump-free handling, high polishability, and excellent shade matching to the VITA shade guide.

Stage 8: Sculpting

Composite restorations can be challenging without the right instrumentation for modelling and sculpting. LM Arte is a set of innovative instruments designed for aesthetic restorations, and especially for composite layering. Each instrument is colour-coded and designed for a specific purpose, crafted from DuraGrade Max Steel, with an ergonomic handle for complete control.

Stage 9: Finishing and polishing

Finishing and polishing provide aesthetic vitality to the final restoration. ASAP (All Surface Access Polishers) achieve ultimate polish on all composite surfaces - zirconia, lithium disilicate, and most ceramic materials.

Lucida Diamond Paste is a submicron water-soluble patented polishing compound, that spreads perfectly on the tooth surface during polishing and washes

off immediately when water is applied. It is a simple chairside polishing system that provides a natural, high-lustre finish.

The Confident Smile Makeover Optident and Henry Schein also offer the Confident Smile Makeover, a comprehensive solution for clinicians to introduce a full smile makeover workflow in their practice. This can work hand in hand with the StyleItaliano Direct Workflow, adding an aligner system into the mix to straighten misaligned teeth before moving onto the restorative steps. The Confident Smile Makeover also offers education and hands-on training, in conjunction with the IAS Academy, to teach clinicians, at every level of experience, all they need to know about getting started on clear aligner treatment, as well as a specific course with Tif Qureshi on the Confident Smile Makeover. Clinicians seeking comprehensive support for achieving both aesthetic and functional results will find a powerful solution in the combined offering of the StyleItaliano Direct Workflow and Confident Smile Makeover. This extensive suite provides access to a vast array of products, paired with dedicated training and ongoing support, empowering clinicians to confidently achieve optimal patient outcomes. 

All of the products mentioned are available to order via optident.co.uk.

If you would like to arrange a practice visit with one of our specialists, please email sales@optident.co.uk or call 01943 605050.

The secrets of self-motivation

“Motivation is the desire to act in service of a goal. It’s the crucial element in setting and attaining our objectives. Motivation is one of the driving forces behind human behaviour. It fuels competition and sparks social connection. Motivation encompasses the desire to continue striving toward meaning, purpose, and a life worth living.”

[source: Psychology Today]

It occurred to me that motivation is one of the most important human drivers… the ‘why’ behind everything we do. Whether that’s being motivated to live a structured, orderly life or quite the opposite, it’s the way we’re programmed. My ‘why’ as an endodontist is to keep learning, striving to be at the very top of my game and, through educating, sharing the knowledge to young, aspiring dentists who also have a thirst for evolving and improving. So why is it sometimes hard to self-motivate?

According to Time magazine the crucial ingredient is emotion Associating a feeling with a result is one of the key ways to create the necessary incentive to act. Simply recognising that something has to be tackled isn’t enough – apparently, it’s all about the emotional desire. Happiness is a proven route to achievement – we do more when we’re in a positive, can-do frame of mind. It stands to reason doesn’t it?

The next part of motivational success is seeing progress . Making and charting progress is a sure-fire way to fuel your go-getting inclinations. Last month’s article was all about the

quick wins. By breaking down our more arduous or challenging tasks, we can see how far we have come with each bite-sized chunk. This sequence of shorter actions compels us to keep going and results in a much more motivated approach. r eward then follows as a further link in the motivation chain. The reward could be as simple as making a fresh coffee when you’ve finished a report. Or it could be a new gadget for your practice once you’ve completed some vital training. I knew two dentists who played squash every week. They kept a tally, week in, week out. Whoever lost during the course of the year, over approximately 50 games, would pay for the annual ski holiday for them both. There’s serious motivation to improve your game right there!

Accountability also plays a big part. When you embark on something ambitious, tell people. Involve your peers. Make your plans known. It’s a lot harder to procrastinate when the world (or just your world) is watching closely.

In considering all of this, I read quite a few articles on the subject. I pondered and made notes. I chatted to a couple of people about it. And

Imposter syndrome

Ifelt as if I was in the wrong place. That place was a large room in the administrative area of the London Hospital Dental School in Whitechapel E1. I had been called to interview for the job of ‘Resident House Surgeon, The Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery’. There were at least 40 other souls waiting to be interviewed and all, with two exceptions, were London University graduates, meaning they had qualified at least six months earlier –18 months in some cases.

This took place in July 1978, a couple of months before two researchers at Georgia State University published a paper that coined a phrase that has

entered general usage: Imposter Phenomenon (or Syndrome). Milling around the anteroom waiting for my turn, it was clear that I was underqualified, had no experience, and was doomed to fail. I was unable to drop names of prominent oral surgeons and had no knowledge of the London dental scene. One person I spoke to informed me that she had turned down two jobs already, as she knew she would get this one. Another asked where I had qualified, and when I said, “Newcastle,” responded by saying, “I didn’t know there was a University there; is it near Edinburgh?”

I was out of my depth. Clearly the advice I had been given in writing job applications had worked but I was about to be found out. Revealed as a callow, inexperienced outsider in the metropolis. Best that I fail at this interview stage and, perhaps, get a non-resident house post working 9 to 5 in “cons” or “perio” before I was rumbled. Incidentally, the two resident posts – the plum house jobs – were awarded to a colleague and me from Newcastle; clearly the panel didn’t find us out…

Imposter syndrome can be described as ‘an internal experience of intellectual phoniness’. Imposters are ambitious, hard-working people who believe they must have fooled anyone who thinks they are capable or talented. The original research paper written by Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes examined and reported the phenomenon in high achieving women but it is clear all these years later that it can affect anyone and everyone.

From my experience in those early days, later during the start up of two practices and now working as a personal adviser and consultant, it seems to be over-represented in dentistry. Frequently manifested as a lack of belief and confidence in their talent, experience and knowledge, it leads to insecurity, a failure to fulfil potential and, too often, a career marked by limitations and frustration. When things do go wrong, as they do in any walk of life, the individual only looks upon the experience as fulfilling their doubts.

then I thought I had better motivate myself to get on and get my article written! We are only human, we will constantly face those hurdles or blockers but I’m going to try to attach emotion to those things in the future, remind myself how I’ll feel about seeing the results. I’ll reward myself appropriately and be sure to tell my friends and family what they can expect of me. n

Left: My reason for the relentless training - running the London Marathon for Great ormond street

About the author Dr Dhiraj Arora has two dental practices in Twickenham and Gerards Cross. He is also a Dental foundation Training educational supervisor for Health education england, Honorary Lecturer in endodontics at QMUL Masters programme, and runs his own courses via evo endo in Central London for general dentists. His background spans nHs and private settings, from Harley street to community HealthCare.

In these days of overhype on social media and occasional hyper-inflated egos, the feeling of being an imposter rather than a grounded, caring professional is easy to understand. It can make people who are more than capable of running their own dental businesses or developing their private practice steer away from ownership and career development. It can often lead to the frustration of working for less talented and capable individuals or groups.

Many of us can identify with celebrated author Neil Gaiman in a commencement address that went viral. He described his fear of being busted by the ‘fraud police’, whom he imagined showing up at his door with a clipboard to tell him he had no right to live the life he was living. Gaiman was wrong, as are all victims of imposter phenomenon. We need to realise that our ‘True Self’ is enough to deal with whatever life can throw at us.

references:

• https://www.paulineroseclance.com/ pdf/ip_high_achieving_women.pdf

• https://www.ft.com/content/81ed1bb49040-4e31-a12c-a1c1801c8f97 n

• Immediate loading in the atrophic maxilla.

• Improved predictability and reduced patient morbidity.

• Immediate loading in the atrophic maxilla.

• Increased treatment acceptance.

• Improved predictability and reduced patient morbidity.

• Increased treatment acceptance.

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www.bti-biotechnologyinstitute.com

Put yourself first

Many dental professionals will agree that providing patients with high-quality care on a daily basis is demanding. Dentistry offers a number of fantastic opportunities, but it is not without its challenges. Without a properly managed work life balance, a dentist’s work can become stressful, causing them to feel overwhelmed and, eventually, burnt-out. As such, it’s important to understand why burn-out occurs, what it is, and techniques that might help prevent it.

What is burn-out?

According to the World Health Organization, “burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” Those with burn-out may lack energy, feel negative towards their job, and perceive their professional worth as low. Work which puts a person under high pressure is likely to lead to burn-out, especially if this is not effectively managed. Recent studies suggest that dentists face physical and emotional problems related to stress. These include high rates of cardiovascular disease, ulcers, colitis, hypertension, lower back pain, eye strain, alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, and suicide.

In a profession which is very aware of the effects that stress and anxiety have on their patients, it’s important that dentists consider the ways they manage their own stress – helping to improve their own health, prevent burn-out, and allow them to provide their patients better care.

Managing stress and preventing burn-out

Dentists often lead very busy lives, with long days in the practice sometimes making it feel impossible to take time for themselves. But, in order to do their best work, dentists must consider the ways they can look after

their own health and manage stress. So, how can they do this?

exercise

While it might feel difficult to make time to exercise regularly, saving just half an hour per day to exercise can offer the body a wide range of mental and physical benefits. Working out boosts serotonin and endorphin levels, triggering a positive feeling, and it provides a dedicated break from work. Exercising regularly doesn’t have to mean extreme sports, but can be tailored to the individual’s preferences – attend classes at the gym, go for early morning runs, or even try yoga (a great tool for stress management!). For me, personally, I have been addicted to Peloton and find time to do a 30-minute ride on a daily basis. As a result, I feel I have more energy, and I have no aches and pains.

sleep

Sleep is crucial for recovery, and can help people live longer and healthier lives. Experts recommend that most adults get between seven and nine hours per night for a positive impact on the heart and circulatory system, metabolism, respiratory system, and immune system. However, it’s not only the quantity of sleep that’s important, but the quality too. Interrupted sleep can be detrimental to health, with those who have sleep apnoea experiencing multiple interruptions to deep sleep stages every night, contributing to anxiety and depression, weight gain, and heart disease. As such, it’s important to consider the quality of sleep, and aim to get a good night’s sleep to experience its full benefits. Books I have read and recommend to others on this are “Sleep Smarter” by Shawn Stevenson and “Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker.

Diet

Eating a balanced diet is essential for enabling the body to perform optimally. While it may be more

convenient to eat fast food between patients, it is beneficial to choose a healthier option at lunch time which provides the energy needed to power the rest of the day. This is also a great opportunity to step outside for fresh air, and give yourself a break in the day.

The value of community in dentistry

An aspect of the work that many dentists may not think contributes to burn-out is isolation and confinement. While this comes with the nature of the job, lots of time spent alone in the surgery carrying out intricate and meticulous procedures can be mentally and physically challenging. It can lead to strain on the body and fatigue, making regular breaks all the more important. Much time spent alone can also take its toll. Many dentists do not have the same opportunities as other professionals to share and solve problems with colleagues – with the rise of social media dentistry exacerbating a competitive side of the profession. As such, finding a community of professionals can be incredibly beneficial. The Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) is ideal for those

Meet the Council: Dipti Mehta

Coming across a lot of endo folk in my early years as a dentist heavily influenced my career choices! Seeing their passion for the subject made me want to explore a career in endo. The ultimate goal of a dentist should be to save teeth whenever possible, working as an endodontist allows me to do that. I get a thrill out of the challenge of the procedure, the attention to detail required to execute treatment, and the beauty of the final product on the radiograph.

It has been an honour to represent my fellow BES members as part of the Council for the past 7 years. I started off as a fresh-faced newly qualified specialist in

endodontics and moved up the ranks onto the Executive Committee. I have spent the last few years as Assistant Honorary Secretary, during which time I looked after the Society prizes. Currently, I am the Honorary Secretary of the Society and Chair of the Research Committee. Being a part of the BES provides the opportunity to work with a team of individuals that share a common passion for endodontics and a genuine desire to advance our subject. My time on Council has allowed me to promote endodontics nationally, to support endodontic education, which I am particularly passionate about, and further endodontic research. Along with my fellow Council members, I have worked on

initiatives such as our new Early Career Group which provides a platform for those new to the world of endodontics to learn from and network with more experienced colleagues.

The BES offers so many fantastic benefits, the endo geek in me particularly enjoys the monthly copy of the International Endodontic Journal. I pick the membership category that allows me to have a paper copy rather than the electronic version, which is also available. The socialite in me enjoys the discounted rate for meetings, both for the excellent programmes and the fabulous social events. Outside of work, when I get an opportunity, I’ll be enjoying the outdoors, walking or hiking. I got into running over the pandemic and have continued a bit of an on-off

with a special interest in implants at any stage in their careers. The Association encourages socialisation, networking, and education – supporting individual growth and learning. The ADI offers its members free attendance to the Members National Forum, discounted rates at ADI events, and access to the ADI Members-only Facebook Group –where dentists can ask the community for advice.

In order to provide the best care to patients, dentists must first take care of themselves. Burn-out can lead to low job satisfaction, and leave dentists feeling distant from their work, so avoiding this is essential. By enriching both their work and personal lives, setting achievable and reasonable goals, continuing education, and spending time with others, levels of stress may be reduced.

For more information, please visit www.adi.org.uk n

About the author Dr Zaki Kanaan, ADi president.

relationship with it. It doesn’t come easy to me, so I apply the perseverance needed to practise endodontics to my running!

One half marathon done, another one just around the corner!

For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk n

About the author Dr Dipti Mehta, specialist in endodontics. King’s College Hospital nHs foundation Trust UCL eastman Dental institute.

Dr Dipti Mehta describes her passion for endodontics, and the benefits of being a part of the British Endodontic Society (BES)

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THE future of NHS dentistry

It can’t be reliant on dentists alone

Two important documents regarding the future of NHS dentistry were published recently: the Nuffield Foundation’s policy briefing, ‘Bold Action or Slow Decay? The state of NHS dentistry and future policy actions’, and the Department of Health & Social Care’s (DHSC) Dental Recovery Plan. Both are concerned with NHS Dentistry; and the authors of both apparently believe that the provision of oral healthcare in this country is done solely by dentists!

“It is inconceivable that an organisation such as the Nuffield Foundation believes that oral healthcare in the UK is delivered by dentists alone, has ignored the contribution of other members of the dental team, and has failed to avail themselves of the knowledge, expertise and skills of the professional associations representing DCPs in their attempt to identify, and provide solutions to, the difficulties currently facing NHS dentistry,” says BADN Honorary President Joan Hatchard. “The authors of the Nuffield briefing need to bear in mind that dental nurses are vital members of the dental team – which is composed of a range of different professionals, not just dentists – that delivers oral healthcare in the UK. Any attempts to solve the current or any future crisis in NHS dentistry must include input from BADN, the professional association representing dental nurses, as well as other bona fide DCP associations, and reflect the views of all members of the dental team, in order to adequately reflect the current situation and provide workable solutions.”

The DHSC, who were consulted by Nuffield, then issued their Dental Recovery Plan. The plan sets out –amongst other things – to pay dentists more money to persuade them to move into underserved areas; to send teams and “dental vans” to the worst areas for oral health, together with new programmes to promote oral health; to increase the number of hygienists and therapist by over 60% by 2031; and increase the number of dentists by boosting undergraduate training places by 40%, streamlining registration of overseas dentists, exploring automatic recognition of overseas qualifications and increasing the exam capacity for overseas qualified dentists.

Now, the eagle eyed amongst you will have spotted a fatal flaw in this plan. If you increase the number of hygienists and therapists by 60%, and dentists by 40%, as well as making it easier for overseas qualified dentists to register in the UK, who the hell is going to nurse for all these clinicians? Who is going to man these dental vans? Just dentists? All these dentists, who are going to be attracted into new areas by “Golden Hello” payments, are they going to practice alone, without dental nursing support?

Aha! The boffins at DHSC have thought of this. They are going to “encourage greater numbers of dental nurses … into relevant education and training programmes”. Well, that solves that little problem then!

BADN Honorary President Joan Hatchard and I met with officials of the DHSC (I say “officials” because I’m not allowed to name them – apparently civil servants below a specific rank

may not be named in articles and press releases) the day after the plan was launched. Speaking slowly, in short sentences and without using too many polysyllabic words, we explained the dental facts of life to them:

• Dentistry is a team effort – it’s not just about dentists

• Dental nurses are the largest registrant group, and make up 48% of registered dental professionals and 74% of registered DCPs

• The majority of registered dental nurses working in general dental practice are paid minimum wage, or just above

• Dentists cannot work without dental nursing support – and hygienists/ therapists shouldn’t have to

• The GDC isn’t helping – striking off dental nurses who have failed to log an hour or two of CPD mid-cycle, despite valid reasons; or charging Australian qualified dental nurses more than £500 to register, on the grounds that their qualification needs “investigating”

BADn response To nUffieLD poLiCY BriefinG

“Bold Action or slow Decay?

The state of nHs dentistry and future policy actions”, December 2023

The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), the UK’s professional association for dental nurses, welcomes the Nuffield Trust’s policy briefing “Bold Action or Slow Delay? The state of NHS dentistry and future policy actions”, released on 19 December 2023.

However, BADN is surprised, and extremely disappointed, that the authors did not see fit to consult those representing Dental Care Professionals, including dental nurses. Page 51 of the briefing lists those organisations who participated in a “roundtable event” where they were “invited to reflect on the problems facing NHS dentistry and potential solutions”. Although the dentists’ representative association, the British Dental Association, and the regulatory body, the General Dental Council, were present (as was the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health), BADN – the professional body which represents dental nurses, who make up approximately 48% of registered dental professionals and 74% of registered DCPs – was not.

Page 50 (Annex A) states that “A range of interviews (and follow up discussions) were held with stakeholders covering a broad range of perspectives – the indiviuals involved spanned current dental practitioners, professional bodies and associations…”. The “professional bodies and associations” concerned did not include BADN – or, as far as we are aware, any of the professional associations representing other DCP groups. Annex A also goes on to state that three “professional representatives” and 10 “dental professionals” were interviewed – but fails to state who these representatives/professionals were, or whom they represent.

BADN would remind the authors of the Nuffield briefing that dental nurses are vital members of the dental team (which is composed of a range of different professionals, not just dentists!) involved in the delivery of oral healthcare in the UK. Any attempts to identify, and seek to provide possible solutions to, the difficulties currently facing NHS dentistry must include input from BADN, the professional association representing dental nurses, as well as other DCP associations, and reflect the views of all members of the dental team, in order to adequately reflect the current situation and provide workable solutions.

• Increasing the number of dentists etc. will require an increase in the number of dental nurses

• We are in the midst of a dental nurse recruitment and retention crisis

• It’s not just a question of getting people on to dental nurse training courses – it’s keeping them in the profession once they have trained, particularly in general dental practice

• Dental nurses are leaving the profession – especially general practice – in droves, because they are fed up with being paid minimum wage, treated like skivvies, not being supported by employers to obtain new skills (by which I mean have the courses paid for and being given paid time off to obtain those skills), not being allowed to use new skills they have obtained on their own (by which I mean in their free time and for which they have paid themselves)… need I go on?

• Dental nurses working in NHS practices have none of the benefits of working for the NHS (NHS salaries, NHS ID, access to the NHS pension scheme, etc.) because the NHS doesn’t consider them NHS employees. The NHS didn’t even bother to acknowledge the contribution made by the thousands of dental nurses during the pandemic, who volunteered to work in hospitals, in vaccination clinics and many other roles to support NHS staff during the crisis. None of those volunteering dental nurses could get their kids into childcare, shop at the supermarket at special times, or any of the other perks offered to NHS staff during the pandemic – because they weren’t recognised as NHS staff! Is it any wonder so many dental nurses said, “Sod this – I’m going to work at Aldi!”?

So, the DHSC “officials” went away with a new and much wider, in-depth understanding of just exactly why dental nurses are such important members of the dental team and how the success of their plan could be scuppered if they don’t take them into account. n

About the author pam swain is Chief executive of BADn

Majority verdict is positive in the court of public opinion

Never has public opinion been so dominant; words or phrases like ‘trending’ and ‘going viral’ have become new additions to our vocabularies. It simply goes to prove how important consumer sentiment is, how every organisation and industry needs to check in regularly with their audience, and most importantly listen to the feedback. A recent comprehensive survey of the dental industry, undertaken by Frank Taylor & Associates, provided encouraging, thoughtful and realistic insight into the current state of the market, future challenges and developments.

In discussing the results, Oliver Acton of Frank Taylor & Associates, reflects: “We always value the data from these surveys very highly. They give a unique and broad insight into how industry members are feeling. My overall take on the latest survey is that it is highly encouraging. Respondents were realistic about the challenges facing the industry and the need for change in certain areas, particularly NHS contracts, which did not really come as a surprise. There was a willingness, energy and appetite to drive change, and really grab the opportunity for improvement. This can only bode well for the future.”

Reinforcing this message, Oliver continues: “Perhaps the most encouraging feature was that the overwhelming majority of respondents were positive about the industry, its future, and pleased they had chosen dentistry as a career option. Common themes we saw were around the passion for the industry as a whole and a drive for continuous improvement. This latter point in particular was reinforced as the scope of technology advances, something that was met with almost unanimous excitement; scanning, 3D printing, and the use of AI were all seen as areas where big strides can be taken.

“Commitment to the industry and their careers came through strongly, too. 61% of respondents said they had ambitions to own their own practice in the future, with a further 35% still

undecided, but not ruling it out as a long-term goal.

“It’s a most interesting set of results, and I do think it’s important to add a bit of context. Generally, people are slow to praise, quick to criticise and,

in the recent past, the industry has been through some particularly unique challenges in its response to the pandemic. You’d think an anonymous survey would be the ideal forum for many to criticise, but results were

balanced, fair and, in the majority of aspects, very positive.”

To view the full report and hear the thoughts of some key figures in the industry, visit https://www.ft-associates. com/article/sentiment-of-dentistry/. 

Exceptional imaging made safe

When clinicians are looking to provide the highest level of care to their patients, their workflows will always require continuous clinical insight. From the first appointment and diagnosis, to creating a treatment plan and watching it progress, and ultimately the post-treatment followups, many dental professionals rely on the results of radiographic systems.

Think bigger

The CS 8200 3D Neo Edition, from Carestream Dental, is the exceptional solution that offers dental professionals comprehensive insight into a variety of dental issues. The CBCT system sets itself apart with an expansive field of view. It is perfectly suited to clinical situations that require a scan of the full arch – including third molars – without the need for retakes or excessive exposure. Complex restorations can be approached with confidence, knowing that no detail has gone undiscovered.

We realise that insights of this level aren’t always necessary. Sometimes clinicians need to scan a small portion of the dentition, and spare patients any

unnecessary exposure. That’s why the CS 8200 3D Neo Edition offers nine selectable fields of view, going as small as 4 cm x 4 cm, all the way up to 12 cm x 10 cm, for a breadth of choice. The diagnostic need can be assessed, and safely met for emphatic results.

Putting quality first

The proceeding images are stunningly impressive. Whether the case requires a 2D panoramic scan, CBCT imaging or 3D model scanning, dental professionals can turn to the CS 8200 3D Neo Edition. Ultra-high-resolution images are processed at 75 microns – the upmost limits of CBCT techniques – which is especially ideal for endodontic applications.

Challenges that commonly plague dental radiology – image noise, metal artifacts, improper positioning – are all mitigated by ground-breaking software design. When images are disfigured, patients may have to undergo repeat scans and appointments, and be subject to increased radiation exposure. Solutions such as the ANR algorithm (which reduces image noise for clear, clinical details) and the CS

Go with the flow

Composites have become essential in restorative dentistry, and it’s hard to imagine a world without them. Amalgam is being phased out of UK dentistry as the field pivots to a philosophy of prevention and minimal intervention, and as a result synthetic solutions are quickly ascending to fill the gap.

An excellent choice when restoring cosmetic issues, composite treatments may be more commonly requested now that the demand for aesthetic dentistry is rapidly growing, with social media acting as nothing less than rocket fuel. As clinicians assess the options available to them to create brilliant restorations, it’s inevitable that they’ll come across flowable composites. These solutions can provide extreme advantages for dental complications, but also present complications through the potential creation of ‘voids’ or ‘bubbles’. Why is this, and can they be avoided?

One size fits all

Introduced in late 1996, flowable composites endeavoured to answer the question, what do dentists use when the viscosity of a direct restorative composite doesn’t allow for optimal adaptability to the cavity wall? By reducing the filler load, from between 50%-70% (volume) to 37%-53%, the material takes on an increasingly free-form structure. As a result, the tightest crevices can be filled. Solutions today display great range in this capacity, and preferences may differ from one clinician to the next. It may be helpful to request a demonstration of a new product you are considering to see if it will work for you.

Metal Artifact Reduction (CS MAR) (which negates the effect of metallic fillings and implants on X-ray results to reduce the risk of misinterpretation) are outstanding tools included in the system. They both ensure clinicians have the greatest opportunity to complete a confident diagnosis, first time. To further achieve fantastic scans at the earliest opportunity, the CS 8200 3D Neo Edition provides clinicians with a low dose scout image. Here, they can preview the selected scan area to ensure the best image possible is taken. By identifying a slight misplacement before a radiograph is taken, clinicians can adjust the workflow and remove the risk of retakes.

Safer scans, happier patients

Patient safety is fundamental, especially when using dental radiograph technology. Many may be worried about the level of exposure a scan provides, especially with the widespread reporting of rising mouth cancer death rates. Clinicians can confidently support diagnoses and treatment plans whilst protecting patient safety with the extensive low dose capabilities of the CS 8200 3D Neo Edition. A low dose panoramic mode reduces radiation exposure by up to 50% – but a crystal-clear image is maintained. In 3D, the impact is taken even further. A 5 cm x 5 cm 3D scan on the low-dose mode delivers another high-quality result with a radiation dose that is 86% lower than that of a standard panoramic exam. That’s greater insight with improved patient safety.

A future built on trust

The CS 8200 3D Neo Edition is also available with a comprehensive 10-year extended warranty, granting clinicians the confidence that any bump in the road can be addressed by our expert team. Carestream Dental will provide and install spare parts that are made to the highest standard in our manufacturing facility in France, keeping your practice at its best when trouble occurs.

Clinicians need imaging solutions they can rely upon, time and time again. To learn more about the extensive treatment capabilities of the CS 8200 3D Neo Edition whilst maximising patient safety, contact 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 

About the author Nimisha Nariapara is the Trade Marketing Manager at Carestream Dental covering the UK, Middle East, Nordics, South Africa, Russia and CIS regions.

With greater malleability comes an increased range of applications, allowing clinicians to diversify their options when approaching treatments. Suitable for Class I through to V restorations, and even when bonding orthodontic brackets or lingual orthodontic retainers, the versatility of flowable composites is a key strength.

A wide range of uses would not mean much if flowable composites didn’t provide excellent results, too. They often have good aesthetics and provide better handling for the clinician, which could improve treatments and their eventual outcomes. A product’s adhesive capabilities must also be of a high quality. Class V cavities, for example, commonly present little to no enamel at the cervical margins, complicating attempts for adequate adhesion; to treat such a case with confidence, a clinician must employ a composite that they trust to bond well, as well as restore a natural appearance.

Bubble trouble

Despite all of the advantages of a flowable composite, one of the greatest frustrations is the creation of ‘voids’ or ‘bubbles’ within the restoration. These small pockets of air may inadvertently only be noticed on a radiograph following the completion of treatment. At this point it’s likely too late to make an adjustment; then follows an uncomfortable conversation about the need to consider redoing the treatment.

A tiny air bubble can present a large issue for a number of reasons. It could create a small visual defect, which can be detrimental if the treated case is in the aesthetic zone.

It only takes a small blemish for a patient to be unhappy with the treatment, and perhaps seek future care at another practice.

Another unfavourable symptom will be more likely to affect patients who are frequent flyers. Barodontalgia is tooth pain that results from a change in pressure, as any present air bubbles expand or contract. Patients could experience sensations of sharp pain or squeezing, as the aeroplane cabin pressure changes during ascent and landing. The pain could even persist after pressure equalisation.

A trusted tool

For the best-of-both-worlds, the strengths of flowable composites can be experienced without the frustration caused by bubbles when used correctly. Clinicians may need to incrementally place the flowable composite material in the cavity, light curing at each stage to avoid air bubbles. Whilst this may help curtail error-making in the placement process, a greater solution may come from the material and container itself.

To minimise voids or bubbles, clinicians rely on the mixing of the composite material when it is injected into the syringe. The design of the application tool could create trapped air within, leading to the creation of the minute spaces within the final restoration. Trying to ‘pop’ or remove these can often be a frustrating task in itself, so its important to optimise the application technique.

Effective results can be achieved brilliantly with the Filtek Supreme Flowable Restorative, an award winning* composite solution with high strength and wear resistance from 3M. Bubbles

are virtually eliminated from your workflows with the introduction of an ergonomic syringe that provides excellent material control,** and creates effective results in a variety of applications. Clinicians can even request a free in-practice or virtual demo to understand how to maximise its potential.

Flowable composites are an essential part of so many workflows, and their excellent ability to adapt to small cavities make them a brilliant tool in the dental arsenal. With ways to minimise complications such as air bubbles, clinicians will long be providing aesthetic restorations with ease, and sending patients home filled with joy. For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit www.go.3M.com/ocsdpr 3M and Filtek are trademarks of the 3M Company.

*Dental Advisor award-winning product: https:// www.dentaladvisor.com/evaluations/3m-filtek-supremeflowable-restorative/ **3M Internal data

Centrix innovations

Many dental manufacturers claim their products make Dentists’ lives easier, but not every manufacturer makes it their mission. That’s unless it’s Centrix, the 50-years old dental innovator which launched the first direct-to-prep delivery system back in 1970.

Centrix continues to produce singlepatient-use products designed to make dentistry easier. This includes the ubiquitous Benda Brush and Benda Micro brush; Tempit temporary filling materials; FluoroDose fluoride varnish, which can be applied in less than a minute via its innovative LolliTray dispenser; NoMix moistureactivated temporary cement; and Exposé disposable caries indicators which eliminate the need for mixing and the risk of spillages.

FluoroDose

Think there’s nothing new in the world of fluoride varnish? Think again.

To make your life easier, Centrix has redesigned its FluoroDose packaging with new patented features to enhance its handling, comfort and patient safety. In addition to a single dose of varnish, each LolliTray contains a Benda Brush applicator which can be “popped up” with one hand, making removal simple and safe.

FluoroDose is the award winning 5% sodium fluoride varnish that’s easy to apply in less than a minute. It has a smooth consistency, fast application and choice of five patient-pleasing flavours – caramel, bubble gum, mint, cherry and melon. It is supplied in an Introductory Pack containing all five flavours and refills of individual flavours.

Because the varnish is freshly mixed prior to application it is always in the optimum fluoride distribution, unlike syringes which frequently separate

out leaving inconsistent mixes of ineffectively low and dangerously high fluoride concentrations. Each LolliTray contains enough varnish to protect a full adult dentition. Non-gritty and easy to apply in an undetectable very thin film, it is not coloured so that it does not affect the appearance after bleaching etc.

Quick-drying and long-lasting, FluoroDose is suitable for adults with caries risk factors as well as children. It can be applied as often as needed and is FDA-approved for treating dentinal sensitivity.

With its new LolliTray delivery system award winning FluoroDose, the Dental Advisor’s Top Award Fluoride Varnish six years running, just got better!

tempit

Just as permanent restorations demand specific materials for different applications, temporary restorations

have different requirements for different indications.

Centrix offer three specific and proven temporary filling material formulas providing optimal results in any clinical situation. For endodontic access cavity sealing and short-term temporary restorations use original Tempit which is moisture activated and expands slightly to completely seal any cavity. Tempit-E offers all the benefits of Tempit plus it contains Eugenol. It offers an antiinflammatory and local anaesthetic effect which helps facilitate pulpal healing. For indirect inlay and onlay restorations Tempit L/C sets firm, but remains flexible so that it can be easily removed with an instrument without the need for drilling.

Setting in minutes and easy to remove when required, unlike jars which frequently set hard before you can use them, they are supplied in single unit dose capsules. This means they can be dispensed directly, precisely and perfectly every time, saving time, reducing waste and providing the right filling material for each application. Whichever option you use, simply dispense Tempit into the cavity and adapt it to shape. No mixing, no spatulation, no cross-contamination and no messy placement.

NoMix

The cost and inconvenience of emergency appointments to replace lost temporary crowns is extremely annoying. Especially if they are at the end of the day or out of hours!

NoMix is a single component, moisture-activated, directly dispensed temporary cement which eliminates this problem. Suitable for surgery use when initially cementing temporary crowns or bridges, it can also be taken home by the patient as insurance against an emergency!

NoMix eliminates the mixing, spatulation and time-consuming

Still available … still going

messy cleanup of traditional temporary cements, yet offers superior retention. Pre-loaded in single use tubes it enables fast, precise placement. Eugenol-free NoMix is compatible with all resin materials and bonding agents. Moisture activated there is no need to dry the teeth, saving time and reducing post-operative sensitivity due to dehydration. NoMix contains Potassium Sulphate, which has an additional desensitizing effect on the tooth, Zinc Oxide, which has an antibacterial effect and helps prevent “black fungus” and corresponding bad breath, and Calcium Sulphate which expands slightly to ensure minimal leakage. Working time 5 minutes, final set time 12 minutes.

For further information about the complete Centrix range contact your local Trycare representative, call 01274 885544 or visit www.trycare.co.uk/centrix.n

Envision your future practice

With the new Carestream Dental CS 8200 3D Family

State-of-the-art CBCT imaging is now within reach and without compromise. Explore our family of solutions including the new CS 8200 3D Access and the CS 8200 3D Neo Edition.

Discover more confident diagnosis, broader treatment options and better patient engagement with advanced imaging technology that boosts in-office procedures and provides the chance to expand your business.

Learn more at Carestreamdental.com

A theatre truly dedicated to ethical cosmetic dentistry

BDIA Dental Showcase 2024 is set to be the best Showcase to date, with new features, more exhibitors than ever before and new collaborations with prestigious organisations in dentistry. Having announced a new partnership with the event for 2023, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) will be officially hosting the BACD Aesthetic Theatre at the next edition of the show in March 2024.

As such, the programme will be carefully tailored to cover up-to-the-minute clinical

advice, research and technologies for clinicians with an interest in ethical cosmetic dentistry. Past President of the BACD, Chris McConnell, comments:

“We’re looking forward to providing a range of speakers from the BACD who will cover the latest innovations, treatments and ideas in cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics. Attendees will learn how they can implement ethical cosmetic dentistry into their daily practice to help maximise patient options and increase clinical scope. Sessions will also explore how practitioners can upskill in order to achieve exceptional aesthetic outcomes for their patients, discussing various options for career progression.

“The BACD supports professionals wanting to get into the cosmetic dental field with robust pathways that aid learning and development. It’s exciting to be able

to demonstrate these pathways, as well as the quality of dentistry our members deliver every day, at an event like BDIA Dental Showcase. We were involved with the programme in 2023, but we’re thrilled to have formalised the partnership for 2024.”

Commenting further on the BACD’s educational pathway, Neil Gerrard – Chair of the Credentialling Committee for BACD Accreditation – explains:

“The BACD is looking forward to hosting a theatre at BDIA Dental Showcase, where we will demonstrate the quality of ethical cosmetic dentistry that can be delivered today. This is only achievable with comprehensive training and education, which is why the BACD supports the entire skill development pathway for dentists with an interest in the field. Our Accreditation programme provides a structured approach to education and recognises those who have accomplished a high standard of clinical ability. Accreditation is achieved upon submitting a series of cases for peer critique, making it an excellent way to expand skill sets, promote professional growth and really push dentists to the next level of cosmetic – and general – dentistry. BDIA Dental Showcase will provide an excellent opportunity to help colleagues get started on their own journeys into ethical cosmetic dentistry.”

The BACD Aesthetic Theatre will present an array of speakers who are BACD members and are known for their passion in ethical cosmetic dentistry, ensuring a relevant and interesting programme. These include the current BACD President, Luke Hutchings, who says:

“I am a firm believer that all dentistry has an aspect of cosmetic dentistry – it doesn’t matter what treatment your patient seeks, they will want an aesthetic outcome. That’s why the educational content the BACD offers is so valuable for all dentists, especially general dental practitioners, at BDIA Dental Showcase.

“I would also encourage colleagues to come and meet the BACD team here as

it’s the first opportunity in the year to do so at a major event and find out more about the community that it creates. Dentistry is becoming trickier, mental stresses and strains are sadly taking their toll on more and more people. Having a network of support behind you, the ability to pick up the phone and speak to someone who has faced similar difficulties, is invaluable. With the BACD, you don’t feel alone and this is crucial for dentists in the profession today.”

Other speakers will be Chris Leech, Jasmine Piran and Lydia Sharples, each presenting on different clinical topics and offering a wealth of practical guidance and personal insights. There will also be organisation-led sessions to create a truly comprehensive programme. Aligning with the values of BDIA Dental Showcase, this Theatre is sure to give dental professionals plenty to take away and implement in practice for the benefit of them and their patients.

David Hussey, Event Director for BDIA Dental Showcase, adds:

“We are thrilled to have formalised this partnership with the BACD, having very successfully worked with them in the past. The BACD Aesthetic Theatre 2024 will ensure an exceptional line-up of speakers discussing topics that are most relevant to the profession, facilitating the continued growth of the discipline. BDIA Dental Showcase is honoured to have such strong relationships with a number of professional academies and associations, international speakers and educational institutions. Like

our partnership with the BACD, these all enable us to meet the evolving needs of the profession every single year.”

In addition to the dynamic programme, BDIA Dental Showcase 2024 remains the largest dental exhibition in UK dentistry, with hundreds of trade organisations in attendance. Find out more about products discussed in lectures, source cutting-edge technology to propel your business growth and make connections that will last a lifetime!

Registration is now open – secure your free pass online today at https://dentalshowcase-2024.reg.buzz/register-free-pr BDIA Dental Showcase 2024 22nd-23rd March

ExCeL London dentalshowcase.com n

Dental exhibitions and the customer experience

Marketing is an aspect within business that has developed from simple ads in the local news paper, to entertaining radio jingles to short product-focused clips on our televisions.

But in today’s marketing landscape, marketeers have found that whilst these traditional marketing channels can be valuable when it comes to brand awareness and conveying product differentiation, they are limited in impacting something even more valuable – the customer experience. This is where experiential marketing comes in. Experiential marketing is a solution for marketeers who find that traditional promotional channels aren’t as effective as they once were. It seems now TV ads are no longer the marketing tool of choice and every brand is trying to keep up with social media trends.

Experiential marketing is a reminder that it isn’t solely the product that motivates

people to come back to a brand, but rather the way they experience it.

From pop-up stores to highly anticipated events like New York Fashion Week, marketing events create something exciting and engaging for customers to associate your brand with.

Unlike social media marketing and TV ads, event marketing gives brands the peace of mind that their investment is reaching their target audience. Customers, potential and existing, have the opportunity to speak with sales teams and get to the core of their needs putting brands in a great position to strengthen their brand awareness, address any customer complaints and form meaningful relationships that extend beyond a sale.

For any company that operates within the dental industry, dental exhibitions are one of the most valuable marketing tools that help their customers experience what they have to offer. Whether that’s testing out newly

launched products or discovering special promotional offers on company stands.

Dental chairs are a long-term investment for any doctor which is why these exhibitions are the best opportunity to learn more about their potential purchase.

This year, A-dec will be exhibiting at the 2024 BDIA Dental Showcase with a stand

showcasing their industry-leading dental equipment, including the A-dec 300 CORE –an entry level package that delivers the usual A-dec quality. Visit stand C31 at the 2024 BDIA dental showcase and discover A-dec’s smart ergonomics, legendary reliability and unparalleled quality A-dec for yourself. dentalshowcase.com/exhibitors/dec n

Kevin O, Dentist

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BDCDS 2024: the must-attend event for every dental hygienist and therapist!

The field of dentistry is constantly evolving with new techniques, materials, and technologies. Professional events like the British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (BDCDS) provide an invaluable opportunity for dental hygienists and therapists to stay well-informed about these changes, writes emma Pappenheim

Unsure if the British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (BDCDS) is right for you? Let’s explore why it is actually the perfect event for dental hygienists and therapists.

Firstly, the conference programme is packed with workshops, seminars, and lectures delivered by leading experts in the field. These sessions offer insights into the latest research, innovative treatment methods, and best practices in dental care.

By participating, all dental professionals, including dental hygienists and therapists, can ensure they are providing the most up-to-date and effective care to their patients. Indeed, the upcoming presentations in the dedicated Dental Hygienist & Therapist Symposium at the BDCDS promise to be both enlightening and transformative.

Ben Marriott’s talk on “Transgender Inclusion in Dentistry: Small Changes Make a Big Difference”, in association with the BSDHT, is set to challenge and improve the inclusivity of dental practices.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr Mário Rui Araújo’s “Inside Out: Shaping Sustainable Oral Health Strategies”, sponsored by Curaden, will delve into the crucial role of sustainability in modern dentistry.

Also taking to the stage, Gulab Singh, an NSK Ikigai Educator, will address the vital topic of “Child Protection in Dentistry: What You Need to Know”, a must-attend for any dental professional working with children. Likewise stepping up to the podium, Diane Rochford will give an introduction

to iTop, a systematic, comprehensive, hands-on programme for daily biofilm management, offering insights into innovative oral health practices.

These presentations not only signify the depth and breadth of topics covered but also highlight the conference’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues in dentistry.

Additionally, the anticipation builds with other wonderful speakers like Prof. Mike Lewis, Emeritus Professor of Oral Medicine at Cardiff University, Emily Banks, lecturer in Dental Therapy and Hygiene, also at Cardiff, and award-winning dental therapist Ibrahim Numan, whose topics, including working alongside chronic conditions and introducing dental therapy into private practice, are sure to bring valuable perspectives to the forefront of dental healthcare.

exhibitors with the ‘wow’ factor

The exhibition aspect of the BDCDS is another crucial element. Here, attendees can explore the latest dental equipment, technologies, and products. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding how new tools can be integrated into daily practice to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiency. The chance to speak directly with manufacturers and suppliers also allows dental professionals to make informed decisions about investments in their practices.

While every one of the exhibitors has something exciting and noteworthy to offer visitors, perhaps some of those of most interest to dental

Join the groundbreaking British Dental Conference & Dentistry show (BDCDs) 2024 at the neC in Birmingham on 17 and 18 May! this event is a golden opportunity for dental hygienists and therapists to shape not only their own future but also that of dentistry itself. Registration is complimentary for dental professionals and can easily be completed online.

For more details and to secure your spot, visit birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk now!

hygienists and therapists include the BSDHT, the BADT, TePe, Listerine, EMS and the BSP.

These are just a few of the companies and organisations signed up to share in a first-class exhibition set to have the ‘wow’ factor.

More than meets the eye Conferences are not just about learning; they are also about connecting with peers. The BDCDS provides a platform for dental hygienists and therapists to meet, share experiences, and learn

from each other. This networking can lead to professional collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and the formation of supportive relationships. Attending professional events like the BDCDS can also play a significant role in promoting work-life balance and mental health. They offer a change of scenery from the daily routine and a chance to interact with colleagues in a more relaxed setting. This can be a welcome break from the pressures of clinical practice, helping to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Additionally, the social aspects of the BDCDS can help to combat professional loneliness, which is increasingly recognised as a challenge in the healthcare sector.

Anticipate and experience the very best

The BDCDS has a reputation for being a ground-breaking event in the dental field. Dental hygienists and therapists can expect some very exciting and exclusive announcements related to advancements in dental technology, new treatment methodologies, and collaborative opportunities. This anticipation adds an element of excitement to the event, making it a not-to-be-missed opportunity for every member of the dental team. n

About the author emma Pappenheim is a Content Producer at Closerstill Media.

Dentists’ Provident, always by your side.

None of us know what the future holds.

Having to take time off work because of an illness or injury can have a serious effect on your finances. This is where we come in – our income protection plans can help take away the worry by replacing the income you lose, until life gets back to normal.

For over a hundred years, our members have trusted us to give them peace of mind when they need it most. Isn’t it time you did the same?

To get a quote for an income protection plan please visit www.dentistsprovident.co.uk

To discuss a new plan just for you or review your current plan please contact our member services consultants on 020 7400 5710 or memberservices@dentistsprovident.co.uk

The foundations of a fulfilling and prosperous dental career

The transition from university student to foundation dentist (FD) to dental associate in a busy practice involves a steep learning curve for professionals. At a time when you are consolidating and expanding your clinical knowledge and skills, you must also become familiar with a wide range of administrative, practical and regulatory elements.

To avoid becoming overwhelmed and to grow as a clinician in the most efficient and enjoyable way possible, it is essential that you find a supportive environment in which to progress. The people around you, the mentorship you receive and the growth opportunities available to you, are all crucial. Only with all of these elements can you lay strong foundations for a long, prosperous and fulfilling career in dentistry.

At Rodericks Dental Partners we offer more than a career. We understand the pressures you face and the support you need to successfully complete the transition to dental associate. That’s why we offer a unique FD+1 programme – a year-long initiative that provides an array of benefits specifically tailored for newly qualified dentists as they navigate their first year in practice.

What can you expect from the Rodericks Dental Partners FD+1 programme?

continued education

High-quality educational opportunities are provided as part of the FD+1 programme, designed to help you enhance your skills and remain updated on industry trends and regulations. A comprehensive calendar of in-house CPD events is available, covering an extensive range of topics, from composite bonding and other restorative techniques, to endodontics, orthodontics and oral surgery. This is an excellent opportunity to further your knowledge and skills in wide ranging areas of dentistry.

Mentorship

Having a mentor is essential, particularly when learning new skills and taking on more complex cases. The FD+1 programme provides direct access to an allocated mentor who has extensive experience of teaching and supporting foundation dentists in their early careers. The structured mentoring programme means that you can engage with your mentor regularly throughout the year, via email or virtual platforms, face-to-face sessions and during hands-on training. While learning new skills and applying them to practice, or approaching more difficult cases, your mentor will offer bespoke advice and provide a safety net that ensures the highest clinical standards for all of your patients. Your mentor can also help you adapt your personal development plan for a well-rounded education in your early career.

networking

Of course, your mentor is not the only individual supporting you through this journey. With Rodericks Dental Partners, you have access to an extensive network of clinicians, support team members and experts in their relevant fields. This means there will be plenty of like-minded clinicians to turn to for advice, to share experiences and bounce ideas off of. Our clinical teams also include some of the most talented and highly respected specialists in the UK, who you may wish to collaborate with as you learn the necessary skills for advanced cases.

career development

The whole of the FD+1 programme is designed to accelerate your career development, providing a platform for exposure to numerous dental specialties and career paths. As you expand your skills, you can see which areas you enjoy most and what you may like to focus on in the future. There are also several co-funding initiatives available in addition to the aforementioned internal CPD programme. For example, you can take advantage of discounted courses with external training providers – including Invisalign and the Smile Academy – for further career progression in your chosen field. All of our FD+1s can also access support in building private dental services, boosting your earning potential while further diversifying your skills.

Professional Support

Complementing the clinical support and mentorship offered to all our FD+1s, Rodericks Dental Partners affords the benefit of help in non-clinical areas. Professional services are available to include everything from administrative assistance to, complaint handling and business development resources. You are never on your own and there is always an expert to turn to if you need advice or help in a certain situation.

Here for you

Ultimately, we want all of our FD+1 clinicians to get the very best start to their career at Rodericks Dental Partners. We make support, motivation and development opportunities a priority through our dedicated FD+1 programme – to find out more contact our team today!

To find out more about Rodericks Dental Partners and our FD+1 scheme, please get in touch via our website https://rodericksdentalpartners. co.uk/careers/contact or email recruitment@rodericksdental.co.uk n

about the author ashley Lillyman, Head of Recruitment at Rodericks dental.

Supported development for new dental therapists

Dental therapists are essential members of the dental team, helping to ensure that patients receive high-quality care. They contribute significantly to the skill mix of the modern dental practice, making sure that patients are seen efficiently and by the right professionals. Clyde Munro understands this and has created a dedicated educational programme for all dental therapists who join the group. This has been designed for newly qualified professionals, helping them to consolidate and expand their clinical capabilities in a range of relevant areas.

The year-long programme builds on dental therapists’ existing skills, allowing them to confidently work within their full scope of practice for the delivery of exceptional patient care. It puts prevention at the core of all topics discussed, which include:

• Preventative treatment and advice, fluoride varnish application, fissure sealants and delivery of Childsmile (an initiative aiming to reduce oral health inequalities in children across Scotland)

• Restorations on deciduous teeth, including stainless steel crowns and pulpotomies

• Extractions of deciduous teeth

• Direct restorations on permanent teeth in adults and children

• Periodontal treatment, BPE and full pocket depth recording and monitoring

• Taking of radiographs and creation of study models

• Placement of dressings and recementing crowns with a temporary cement

These subject areas reflect the priorities in terms of learning and development for dental therapists, while aligning with the broad scope of practice that professionals enjoy.

A high level of support is available throughout the programme within a managed clinical network, helping to meet the training needs of clinicians during the year.

To actively facilitate this on-going personal growth and professional development, Clyde Munro has also considered the logistics and practicalities for dental therapists. To allow for the programme to provide excellent support and sufficient time for dental therapists to build confidence in a clinical setting, candidates are offered an employed role. This ensures a confirmed salary during their first year in general practice, reducing any financial concerns they may have while refining and furthering their skills.

The role allows dental therapists to join a practice full-time, where they can continue to build on their clinical skills within a supportive environment and with an on-going focus on patient care. Newly qualified dental therapists can expect a salary of £30,000 during their first year in a Clyde Munro practice, providing financial security as they embark on their first year in general practice post qualification. This dental therapist programme is just one way in which Clyde Munro strives to ensure a supportive environment for all its team members. As a leading dental provider in Scotland, the organisation appreciates what it takes to build a long and successful career in dentistry and is proactive in helping professionals to achieve all that they aspire to. To find out more about this

and other educational programmes available to professionals from Clyde Munro, contact the team today. Find out more about the career opportunities and vacancies available with Clyde Munro today at careers.clydemunrodental.com. n

about the author

david Mccoll has been working in a busy nHS practice in Glasgow South, alongside dental therapists for 15 years. He is currently the chair of SdPc, Vice chair of GGc GP subcommittee of the Ldc, Vice chair of the area dental committee in GGc, a Bda uK pensions committee member and board member of SPPa

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@durr_dental_uk Duerr Dental UK

For more information visit www.duerrdental.com/en/products/imaging/x-ray-units

Master your discipline

Gain a Level 7 Certification in Operative Dentistry with Tipton Training, Europe’s largest private dental training company with over 33+ years’ experience enhancing the careers of more than 5,000 dentists

Dentistry is a complex discipline that demands continuous hands-on practice and skill refinement to achieve true mastery. Unfortunately, without ongoing practical training and critical self-assessment, dentists can easily fall into bad habits that, if left unchecked, have the potential to damage confidence, amplify stress and anxiety levels, hinder professional growth and, above all else, compromise the quality of patient care and outcomes.

To avoid these potential roadblocks, it’s important to recognise the significance of in-person mentorship and repeated hands-on practice under the guidance of experienced dental professionals. Leading the way in providing precisely this kind of guidance and practical training is Tipton Training, with their year-long Level 7 Certificate in Operative Dentistry.

In a rapidly evolving field like dentistry, mastering your operative skills through continuous practical training is indispensable to maintain a competitive edge. Professor Paul Tipton, an internationally renowned Prosthodontist,

and the founder of Tipton Training, emphasises that “Our Operative course is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it’s about applying this newfound knowledge to real-life clinical scenarios. Dentists who complete this course will be well-equipped to flourish in their careers, deliver exceptional patient care, and foster positive patient outcomes.”

Professor Tipton adds, “Our Level 7 Certificate in Operative Dentistry is a 100% hands-on course using phantom heads and is designed to help dentists become proficient in a range of operative techniques, from basic restorations to more complex procedures, all under the supportive mentorship of experienced mentors.”

the Significance of Hands-on training:

1. Skill Mastery

Hands-on training is essential for dentists to develop the motor skills and muscle memory necessary for precise and effective dental procedures. Repeated practice in a controlled setting using phantom heads allows dentists to perfect their

clinical skills and develop techniques required to prepare & restore teeth for a wide range of restorative procedures, easily implemented into practice the very next day.

2. Distraction Free Education

Delivered in purpose-built training facilities with phantom heads, this course provides you with a dedicated space where you can focus solely on learning. This environment ensures that you have all the tools and equipment at your disposal, allowing you to devote 100% of your attention to skill development whilst being free from external distractions.

3. immediate Feedback from Mentors

The very nature of this course is to provide mentorship and guidance to help you improve your handson clinical skills. In each of your 10 face-to-face hands-on training sessions, you will receive immediate feedback from expert instructors and mentors, allowing you to correct your mistakes and refine your skills in real-time. This feedback is invaluable in accelerating your practical learning and skills improvement.

4. realistic Experiences

Simulated procedures on phantom heads offers a lifelike, hands-on experience that closely emulates real world clinical practice. With the use of phantom heads, you will learn and develop skills in various procedures including Bonded Crowns, Porcelain Veneers, Posterior Composites, Bridge Preparations, Maryland Bridges, and much more. This course will equip you with the skills and confidence to navigate diverse treatment options, ensuring you are well prepared to meet these challenges when they encounter in the real world.

5. networking Connections

During this immersive, hands-on live training programme, you’ll join a community of dental professionals who share your passion and commitment to excellence. These connections can expand your professional network and lead to valuable collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community of peers. Our mentors also dedicate significant “out-of-hours” support, offering 1-on-1 guidance on intricate cases.

Master

Your operative Skills

Tipton Training’s year-long Level 7 Certificate in Operative Dentistry course is now open for registration and will commence in the below locations:

• London, April 2024

• Manchester, April 2024

• Glasgow, June 2024

• Newcastle, October 2024

Dentists looking to enhance their skills and confidence in operative dentistry are encouraged to sign up today to avoid disappointment. Visit Tipton Training’s website for more information or get in touch to register: – Call: 0161 348 7849

– Visit: www.tiptontraining.co.uk

– Email: enquiries@tiptontraining.co.uk n

Understanding learning styles

Everyday we’re looking to grow and improve as clinicians. This could be in passing moments in the practice, where we develop new ways to approach patients and specific clinical scenarios, or through long-term courses that give us a new understanding of a previously unventured dental subject.

Figuring out how to make the most of these experiences is key. Choosing the courses that suit your learning approach could maximise your comprehension and eventual development of clinical skill.

To do this, it may be helpful to look at your previous experiences when studying, and recognise your unique learning style.

Personal preferences

In the literature, learning styles are sometimes referred to within Neil Fleming’s VARK model, which stands for Visual, Aural, Read/write, and Kinaesthetic. This outlines four of the main ways individuals tend to gain and best process most of their information. As such, individual learning styles between clinicians will vary, and finding courses that lean into your strengths may be of benefit.

As a dental professional, day-to-day orthodontic or implant-focused work is inherently hands-on. Planning, placing and maintaining a restoration or prosthetic requires deft control and a clinical self-confidence. There is plenty to learn before placing an implant, but I have always encouraged clinicians to actively take the front foot in their education, and practice with their hands.

Kinaesthetic learning is very influential for dental students, and leads to increased engagement, satisfaction and confidence with hands-on experience. When learning how to place implants, for example, a complete understanding of the relevant theory is of course essential. However, the solidification of this built-up knowledge and the understanding of effective application may only come when you practice physically placing an implant, even in a non-clinical setting. This will allow you to practically engage with different treatment scenarios, and adapt your expertise accordingly, as you would for real-life treatments. If you, like many other professionals, feel that hands-on learning is of immense benefit, you may want to actively seek courses that hold this as a core element throughout the entire process. That is not to disregard visual, aural and text-based learning in the dental field. Studies have revealed that a majority of dental and medical students prefer an amalgamation of multiple learning styles, and you may be the same. Courses that give clinicians a variety of opportunities to learn new concepts, such as handson modules conjoined with talks from experienced and talented professionals, could give the greatest opportunity to develop thorough knowledge.

The joy of learning

Understanding your unique learning style, and how to capitalise on it, offers a number of advantages. Professionals can develop strategies to study more in less time,

with a better understanding of one’s own preferences allowing for adapted learning experiences. This may change the way you approach post-graduate education, or even how you attain your yearly CPD hours. If your learning style lends itself to audible stimulus, you may wish to attend courses that feature talks from standout professionals, or attend virtual webinars that delve into a specific topic in detail. By choosing the educational experiences you attend based on your learning strengths, that aforementioned confidence that we all strive for when approaching new techniques may be easily attained, alleviating any anxieties around a new topic. After all, if you felt one topic was cause for concern, you may have simply been receiving the right information in the ‘wrong’ manner. In turn, you could have found the new concept more difficult to process and understand. Tailoring your course choices to your strengths could make the entire process more enjoyable and rewarding, with greater outcomes.

Progressing as a professional

Choosing your next educational dental course already requires immense thought and consideration. What do you want to learn? Who do you want to learn it from? Would you benefit from a mentor and receiving support in your clinical work after the course has ended?

Considering your own learning styles to optimise your experience, alongside these important questions, could help you make

the most of your decisions. In turn, you could provide improved treatments with a greater deal of confidence.

A Postgraduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry from One To One Implant Education could be ideal for clinicians who love to take their learning into their own hands, whilst being supported by worldclass professionals. The course embraces hands-on approaches that are backed by evidence, with delegates able to receive effective support from a range of experienced course leads, speakers and mentors, for a comprehensive educational experience. Delegates will develop an exceptional understanding of implant dentistry that they can take back to their practice, and reinvigorate their patients’ smiles.

Understanding how you prefer to learn allows you greater freedom when you progress through your dental career. Choosing the courses and opportunities that best suit you allows you to maximise your understanding and experience, and provide brilliant care to a wide array of patients.

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

About the author Dr Fazeela KhanOsborne, Principal Implant and Restorative Surgeon.

The art of patient chair design

John Dargue explores the significance of blending aesthetics with functionality when it comes to dental chair design, offering benefits to patients and team members alike

Aims and objectives

The aim of this article is to equip dental professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to select a patient chair that is both aesthetic and functional, ensuring a positive and comforting experience for patients.

On completing this Enhanced CPD article, the reader will:

• Understand the historical evolution of dental chairs, highlighting the transition from basic functionality to advanced ergonomic and aesthetic designs

• Appreciate the significance of aesthetic design in dental equipment, particularly patient chairs, and its influence on patient comfort, anxiety reduction, and overall practice branding

• Become more aware of the customisation options available for patient chairs and how these can align with a practice’s unique style and brand identity

• Realise the importance of ergonomic design in dental chairs for both patient comfort and dental professional efficiency

• Be more prepared future challenges, including treating patients with diverse body types and needs.

Learning Outcome: B, D

The dental chair, an essential fixture in every dental practice, has evolved significantly since its inception. This evolution reflects advancements in technology, ergonomics, and our understanding of patient care and comfort.

The history of the dental chair is not just a narrative of technological innovation; it's a mirror reflecting the broader evolution of dentistry from a rudimentary process to a sophisticated healthcare discipline.

One aspect that significantly enhances the patient experience and practice branding, yet frequently remains underappreciated, is the aesthetic design of dental equipment, particularly dental chairs.

Historical evolution

The dental chair's journey from a rudimentary seat to a sophisticated piece of medical equipment encapsulates centuries of innovation aimed at enhancing patient comfort and clinician efficiency.1

The early 19th-century models were simple, focusing solely on basic functionality. As the decades passed, the incorporation of hydraulic systems, adjustable parts, and ergonomic designs signified a leap towards prioritising patient comfort and accessibility for dental professionals.1

Yet, it wasn't until the late 20th century that aesthetics began to play a significant role in the design of dental chairs. This shift mirrored the broader trend in healthcare towards creating spaces that were not only functional but also welcoming and calming for patients.1

The introduction of sleeker designs, customisable features, and a wider palette of colours marked the dental chair's evolution into a piece that could make a significant contribution to the ambiance of the dental surgery.

Hidden impact

Indeed, the aesthetic appeal of dental equipment, especially patient chairs,

extends beyond mere appearance. It can play a crucial role in setting the tone for the patient's experience, even reducing anxiety, and conveying a sense of professionalism and care.2

For instance, you might think colour choices are inconsequential. However, colours have the power to influence mood, evoke emotions, and even affect perceptions of space and temperature. For a dental practice aiming to instil a sense of calm and reduce patient anxiety, choosing the right colour palette is crucial.2

In the United Kingdom, over 10 million adults experience varying

degrees of dental anxiety, and it is estimated that around six million of them have dental phobia, 3 so this is no small problem.

In part, this can be addressed with thoughtful interior design and, more specifically, through the choice of colour palette in both the decor and dental equipment, creating a more calming environment, potentially reducing anxiety levels in patients.

Colours can have a significant impact on the mood and thoughts of both patients and dental professionals as follows:4,5,6

– Blue: often associated with calmness and serenity, blue can help to create

a tranquil environment that soothes anxious patients. Lighter shades of blue are particularly effective in promoting a peaceful atmosphere, making them an excellent choice for patient waiting areas and treatment rooms

- Green: symbolising nature and renewal, green has a restorative effect that can reduce stress. Light to medium greens can cool and calm the senses, helping patients feel more relaxed during their visit

– Lavender: this colour is known for its calming effects on the nervous system, making it ideal for creating a relaxing ambiance. It can be particularly beneficial in areas where

patients might experience heightened anxiety, such as the surgery

– Neutral tones: white, beige, and soft grey can serve as excellent base colours, creating a sense of space and cleanliness. When used as a background, these neutral tones can be complemented with accents of calming colours like blue or green to enhance the overall sense of tranquillity.

Chair customisation

Recognising the importance of aligning dental equipment with a practice's unique style and brand identity, A-dec, for example, offer extensive customisation options for its chairs.

This flexibility allows dental practices to tailor their equipment to fit specific themes, colour schemes, and comfort preferences, ensuring that the chair is not just a piece of equipment but an integral part of the practice's aesthetic and identity.

Customisation options range from colour choices to materials and finishes, enabling practices to design a chair that not only meets the highest standards of functionality and comfort but also complements the office's interior design.

Associated apparatus is also significant; for example, whilst optimising a compact area is achievable by having all ancillaries mounted from the chair, where there is more space available, relocating these components away from the chair can enhance openness and foster a welcoming ambiance. In fact, concealing dental equipment effectively manages patient anxiety, which is a notable advantage of cabinetry and side-mounted delivery systems.

For instance, the A-dec 342 compact design allows it to be unobtrusively stored under dental cabinetry, keeping instruments hidden from patients before a procedure starts. The system's glide-arm mechanism smoothly brings the delivery unit within reach when needed and allows for easy retraction

afterwards, all before the patient sits up, keeping the instruments out of sight – and out of mind.

Aesthetics and functionality

The integration of aesthetic design into dental chairs does not compromise their functionality. On the contrary, it enhances the overall effectiveness of dental care by contributing to a more positive patient experience and improving the workflow for dental professionals. Modern chairs are designed with both aesthetics and ergonomics in mind, ensuring that they are as comfortable and accessible as they are visually appealing.

It is recognised that the unparalleled comfort provided by contemporary materials and design contributes to optimal working ergonomics. Effective working ergonomics originate from ensuring the patient is seated correctly and comfortably. Any slight adjustment made to accommodate a poorly supportive chair can affect the posture of the clinician and, consequently, the assistant.

Furthermore, the emphasis on design aesthetics in dental equipment underscores the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. It recognises that the environment plays a significant role in patient comfort and satisfaction, which are crucial components of successful dental practices.

As we look to future-proof practices, many patient chairs will require added functionality. For example, data suggests that, by 2050, obesity rates will escalate to 60% among men and 50% among women.7

As a result, it is anticipated that the number of overweight and obese adults seeking dental services will rise. Therefore, it is crucial for dentists to understand the challenges and considerations in treating these patients.

One key feature is a patient chair designed to accommodate diverse body types, and as a solution, the A-dec 500 stands out with its maximum lifting capacity of 227 kg (35.7 stone). This places it at the forefront of the industry, as evidenced by the 2023 Global Dental report, which ranks the A-dec 500 at the top for weight capacity among major dental chair brands.8

CPD Questions

1. What was a significant advancement in dental chair design during the 20th century?

a) Introduction of connectivity with electricity

b) Incorporation of hydraulic systems

c) Integration of infection control systems

d) Use of renewable energy sources

2. Which colour is known for its calming effects on the nervous system, making it ideal for creating a relaxing ambiance?

a) Red

b) Orange

c) Lavender

d) Yellow

3. What is a notable advantage of the A-dec 342’s design?

a) It supports advanced technological integration

b) It has a built-in music player

c) It allows for easy retraction and keeps instruments hidden from patients

d) It automatically adjusts to the patient’s preferred temperature

4. In 2023, which patient chair was ranked at the top for weight capacity among major dental chair brands, according to the Global Dental report?

a) A-dec 500

b) A-dec 400

c) A-dec 300

d) A-dec 342

5. Why is the aesthetic design of dental equipment, particularly patient chairs, considered important?

a) It enhances the visual appeal of the dental office

b) It reduces the cost of dental procedures

c) It is a marketing strategy that has real impact on patient care

d) It contributes to a more positive patient experience and improves dental professional workflow

Soothe and inspire

The evolution of the dental chair from a simple utility to a sophisticated piece of equipment that embodies both form and function illustrates the dental profession's commitment to improving patient care on all fronts. By embracing the art of patient chair design, dental practices can create environments that soothe and inspire confidence in patients while enhancing the efficiency and satisfaction of dental professionals.

References

1. Armandroff O. A dentist’s chair: for practicality, comfort, or spectacle? Journal of Design History 2021; 34(2): 89-100. https://doi. org/10.1093/jdh/epab005

2. https://www.ada.org/en/resources/ practice/practice-management/officedesign/choosing-a-color-scheme. Accessed 6 February 2024

3. https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/ income-education-and-socialisolation-linked-to-dental-anxiety-in-

new-report. Accessed 6 February 2024

4. https://www.defactodentists.com/ blog/phobic-practice-decorationinteriors/. Accessed 6 February 2024

5. https://psychologycolor.com/ lavender/. Accessed 6 February 2024

6. https://medium.com/@ iamjesseshow/creative-basics-colortheory-5a39c6870af3. Accessed 6 February 2024

7. Mashall A et al. A scoping review of the implications of adult obesity in the delivery and acceptance of dental care. BDJ 206; 221(5): 251-255

8. https://www.globaldental.co.uk/whatis-the-weight-limit-for-a-dental-chair/. Accessed 6 February 2024 n

About the author John Dargue, Territory Manager at A-dec.

The Evolution of Surgical Extractions: From Conventional to Cutting-Edge

Aims and objectives

This article aims to highligh the scientific principles, development, practical applications, benefits, and potential drawbacks of piezo surgery. This exploration hopes to inform and educate, dental professionals about the transformative potential of piezo surgery and its significance in modern dental surgical practices.

On completing this Enhanced CPD article, the reader will:

Aims:

• To provide a foundational understanding of the piezoelectric effect and how it is harnessed in piezo surgery for precise bone cutting, while minimizing damage to soft tissues.

• To critically assess traditional bone-cutting techniques, such as drilling and sawing, against piezo surgery, focusing on the advantages and limitations of each.

• To showcase the versatility and effectiveness of piezo surgery in a range of procedures, from dental extractions to complex craniofacial reconstructions.

Objectives:

• To explain the mechanism of ultrasonic vibration in cutting bone and the advantages this offers in terms of surgical precision and safety.

• To offer a balanced perspective on the efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes associated with traditional methods versus piezo surgery, facilitating informed decision-making among practitioners.

• To provide case examples and clinical scenarios where piezo surgery offers superior outcomes, emphasizing its role in enhancing surgical precision, reducing trauma, and improving healing

• To broaden the scope of the discussion, illustrating the cross-disciplinary impact of technology on surgical precision and patient care

Learning Outcome: C, D

In the realm of oral surgery, the removal of teeth through surgical extraction is a cornerstone procedure. Traditionally managed through drilling techniques, the field has seen significant advancements with the introduction of novel methods such as the. However, the advent of piezo surgery represents a pivotal evolution in dental surgery, offering enhanced precision, reduced trauma, and improved patient outcomes. This article explores these methods, culminating in the benefits of piezo surgery, to provide dental professionals with a comprehensive understanding of traditional and novel approaches to surgical extractions.

Conventional Drilling Techniques

For decades, conventional drilling has been the backbone of surgical extractions. This method involves the use of dental drills to remove bone around a tooth or to section a tooth for easier removal. The technique requires significant skill to minimise damage to surrounding tissues.

While conventional drilling techniques continue to be effective and have been a mainstay in dental surgery staple due to its effectiveness in a wide range of cases, they come with inherent challenges that necessitate careful consideration. As is often observed during training courses in oral surgery, one of the many areas

that delegates often report apprehension with, is application of the surgical handpiece and using it confidently.

The use of high-speed drills, although effective for bone removal and tooth sectioning, carries the risk of overheating, which can lead to bone necrosis and delayed healing. Adequate irrigation is essential to mitigate this risk, yet even with precautions, the potential for thermal damage remains a concern.

Potential Pitfalls of Conventional Drilling

1. Overheating and Bone Damage:

The friction generated by drill bits can cause significant heat build-up, potentially damaging the bone and surrounding tissues. This overheating can impair the body's natural healing process, leading to longer recovery times and, in some cases, compromised bone integrity.

2. Damage to Adjacent Anatomy: The precision required in drilling near critical anatomical structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, demands high levels of skill and experience. Accidental damage to these structures can result in serious complications, including nerve injury and excessive bleeding.

3. Risk of Infection: The open nature of the wound and the potential for tissue damage increase the risk of postoperative infection. This risk is exacerbated if the surgical site is not adequately managed or if the patient's healing is compromised.

4. Limited Access: In certain cases, the size and shape of conventional drills can limit access to the surgical site, particularly in the posterior regions of the mouth or in cases with complex root anatomy. This limitation can lead to incomplete removal of tooth structure or bone, complicating the extraction process.

5. Patient Discomfort: The noise, vibration, and pressure associated with drilling can be sources of significant patient discomfort and anxiety. These factors can affect the overall patient experience and may lead to increased postoperative pain and swelling.

This tends to be further complicated by lengths of surgical time – long open-flap procedures typically lend themselves to increased patient swelling and discomfort.

Nonetheless, conventional surgical drilling is still a mainstay skill that all dentists should aim to master when pursuing personal growth within surgical fields.

Advancements in dental technology aim to address these challenges. For instance, the development of drills with improved design and materials aims to reduce heat generation, while enhanced irrigation systems help maintain cooler operating temperatures.

Furthermore there are other developments that have sought to reduce the burden on the use of rotary instrumentation when tackling broken down teeth and with a view to preserving patient anatomy as part of extractions.

Two examples of this include:

The Benex Extraction System

The Benex Extraction System represents a step forward in extraction technology. Designed for a minimally invasive approach, it uses a vertical extraction method that preserves bone and reduces trauma to adjacent tissues. The Benex device allows for controlled force application, making it easier to extract teeth with minimal damage to the surrounding area. This method is intended to be particularly beneficial for cases where future dental implants are considered, as it preserves the integrity of the bone. However, its application is somewhat limited by the specific cases it suits best, such as teeth with straight roots and minimal ankylosis. Heavily carious teeth also tend to fracture with use and this may result in creation of multiple fragments on delivery.

Physics Forceps

Another innovative approach to dental extractions is the use of Physics Forceps. These tools leverage mechanical advantage and ergonomic design to apply a consistent and controlled force, enabling the atraumatic removal of teeth. Unlike conventional forceps, Physics Forceps require minimal effort and reduce the risk of tissue damage, making extractions less invasive. Their design allows for better access to difficult-to-reach areas, offering a significant improvement over traditional methods. Nevertheless, the success of Physics Forceps relies heavily on

technique and the anatomical situation of the tooth to be extracted.

Piezo Surgery: A Revolutionary Method

Piezo surgery marks a significant leap forward in dental extraction technology. Utilizing ultrasonic vibrations, piezo surgery cuts with extreme precision, allowing for selective cutting of bone without damaging soft tissue.

Piezo surgery is based on the piezoelectric effect, a phenomenon discovered in the 19th century by Jacques and Pierre Curie. This effect occurs in certain materials that generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress. In the context of piezo surgery, devices utilise ultrasonic vibrations generated through the piezoelectric effect to perform precise cuts in bone tissue while sparing soft tissues. The technology was adapted for surgical applications in the late 20th century, with specific advancements in dental surgery occurring over the past few decades.

The ultrasonic frequencies used in piezo surgery typically range between 25 kHz and 29 kHz, which are optimal for cutting mineralised tissues without causing damage to softer tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, and mucosa. This specificity is due to the different mechanical properties of bone compared to soft tissue; the ultrasonic vibrations can selectively cut through the harder, mineralised structures. This method offers several distinct advantages:

Precision and Safety

The high degree of control and precision minimises the risk of injury to adjacent tissues, including nerves, blood vessels, and the sinus membrane. This is particularly advantageous in complex extractions and surgeries close to critical anatomical structures. Unlike rotary or conventional cutting instruments, a significant amount of force is needed to create soft tissue trauma with the tips utilised. This means sinus membranes or neurovascular structures are usually safeguarded when utilising piezo as the alternative. This lends itself well to managing exodontia in scenarios near the ID nerve or as an adjunct to sinus surgery within implantology.

Reduced Trauma

Piezo surgery causes less trauma to the surgical site, leading to reduced postoperative swelling, pain, and bleeding. This contributes to a more comfortable postoperative experience for patients and faster healing times. Thinner tips and lower heat typically results in less burnt bone when compared to rotary instruments: the effects of excess heat production are known to be detrimental to bone with increased necrosis and excessive remodelling .

Versatility

Piezo devices come with a variety of tips designed for specific applications, from bone cutting and tooth extraction to sinus

lifts and periodontal procedures. This versatility makes piezo surgery a valuable tool across different dental specialties.

Enhanced Healing

The minimally invasive nature of piezo surgery promotes better preservation of bone and soft tissues, which is crucial for subsequent dental implant placement or other restorative procedures. This is particularly notable in are the effects on hard tissue – the piezoelectric effect has been known to stimulate BMPs (bone morphogenic proteins) and the cavitation effect of the piezo reduces bleeding at surgical sites.

Patient Satisfaction

The reduced postoperative discomfort and faster recovery associated with piezo surgery translate into higher patient satisfaction, making it a preferred choice for many dental professionals and their patients.

Clinical uses

Piezo surgery has significantly impacted craniomaxillofacial surgery, offering precision and safety that traditional methods cannot match. Its ability to perform delicate bone cuts while preserving soft tissue integrity makes it an ideal tool for various procedures within this specialty.

Application in Dental Extractions

In dental extractions, piezo surgery is particularly advantageous for complex cases such as impacted teeth, close proximity to nerves, or dense bone environments. The technique involves the use of specialised tips designed for different surgical tasks, including osteotomy (cutting bone), tooth sectioning, and elevation. Surgeons must be skilled in selecting the appropriate tip and adjusting the ultrasonic frequency and power settings to optimise cutting efficiency while minimizing trauma. Tips are usually used in order to luxate teeth far beyond where traditional hand instruments can reach as well as providing mechanisms to section teeth or cut bone.

Sinus Lifts and Bone Grafting

Piezo surgery has its roots within dental implantology, especially when it came to engaging the maxillary sinus and finding less traumatic methods of accessing this; piezo surgery is invaluable for performing sinus lifts and bone grafting with minimal risk of membrane perforation. Its precise and gentle cutting action is ideal for preparing the bony window and elevating the sinus membrane, thereby facilitating the addition of bone graft material in preparation for dental implants.

Alveolar Ridge Splitting and Expansion

For patients with inadequate bone width for dental implant placement, piezo surgery allows for precise splitting and expansion of the alveolar ridge. This technique helps in increasing the bone width without causing significant trauma, thus preparing the site for future implant placement.

Mandibular and Maxillary Cyst Enucleation

The removal of cysts from the jaws without causing damage to surrounding

CPD Questions

1. What is the principle behind piezo surgery?

A) Laser technology

B) Mechanical force

C) Ultrasonic vibrations

D) Thermal energy

2. What is a major advantage of piezo surgery over conventional drilling techniques?

A) Faster surgical time

B) Reduced need for anesthesia

C) Precision and safety, minimizing damage to adjacent soft tissues

D) Elimination of postoperative infections

3. Which of the following is NOT a cited application of piezo surgery in the article?

A) Dental extractions

B) Sinus lifts and bone grafting

C) Alveolar ridge splitting and expansion

D) Immediate implant placement without osteotomy

4. What is a potential drawback of piezo surgery mentioned in the article?

A) Inability to cut through bone

B) High initial investment in equipment and steep learning curve

C) Shorter lifespan of surgical instruments

D) Increased risk of postoperative infection

structures, such as nerves and teeth, is facilitated by piezo surgery. Its selective cutting ability allows surgeons to excise cysts precisely while avoiding harm to nearby sensitive structures.

Within craniomaxillofacial surgery, the use of piezo has also been demonstrated. Orthognathic surgery involves the correction of jaw deformities to improve function and aesthetics. Piezo surgery has been demonstrated as ideal for the precise osteotomies needed with minimal trauma, enhancing postoperative recovery.

In pediatric and adult patients requiring cranial vault reconstruction, piezo surgery offers a method to reduce the risk of dural tears and ensuring better healing of the bone segments. This is particularly important in pediatric patients, where preserving bone viability and minimizing trauma are paramount.

In temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery, especially in cases requiring surgical intervention for condylar resorption, osteoarthritis, or ankylosis, piezo surgery can be used to perform osteotomies or remove diseased bone with high precision, reducing the risk of injury to the facial nerve and improving postoperative function and pain.

Techniques

Effective piezo surgery techniques involve a delicate balance between applying the right amount of pressure, using copious irrigation to prevent overheating, and carefully navigating around critical anatomical structures. Practitioners must undergo specific training to master these techniques, learning how to feel the subtle

differences in resistance that indicate the cutting through different tissues.

Drawbacks and Potential Complications

Despite its advantages, piezo surgery is not without drawbacks. The initial investment in equipment can be significant, and the learning curve for practitioners can be steep. Moreover, the procedure can be time-consuming compared to conventional methods, particularly for surgeons still gaining proficiency with the technology. Potential complications, while reduced, can include thermal injury if adequate irrigation is not maintained and incomplete cuts if the device settings are not optimally adjusted

Conclusion

While conventional drilling techniques have served as the foundation for surgical extractions in dentistry, their potential pitfalls—such as overheating, damage to adjacent anatomy, and patient discomfort—highlight the need for continued innovation and improvement in dental surgery methods. The evolution toward techniques that prioritise precision, safety, and minimal invasiveness reflects the dental profession's commitment to enhancing patient care and outcomes. By offering unparalleled precision, reduced trauma, and enhanced healing, piezo surgery sets a new standard for patient care in dentistry.

As dental professionals, embracing these advancements not only improves our surgical capabilities but also reinforces our dedication to providing the highest standard of care. n

Introducing The Dental Awards 2024 judging panel

Meet the extraordinary line up of industry professionals that form the judging panel for this year’s Dental Awards

Dr Ben Atkins BDS – Board of Trustees at the OHF

Ben is a British Dental Health Foundation trustee and spokesperson. Ben was a member of the Young Dentists Commission in 1999. Since then, he has been Press and Parliamentary Representative for the British Dental Association. He also used to lecture at Manchester Dental School. He’s currently on the Board of Trustees of the OHF, and Chairman of the Salford Local Dental Committee.

Lisa Bainham –President, Assoc. of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM).

Lisa originally trained to be a dental nurse at North Staffordshire Hospital and qualified in 1994. Originally working in an orthodontic practice, she then developed an interest in practice management and came to join Steve Lomas, as the practice manager at The Old Surgery, Crewe, when the practice opened in 1998. She has a true insider’s knowledge of what it takes to be a Dental Awards winner, having won the Practice Manager of the Year category in 2016. Lisa became President of ADAM, which has over 500 members throughout the UK, at the end of 2016.

Glenys Bridges –Co-founder, CASPER Glenys is a highly experienced management trainer and business consultant with more than 20 years’ experience working with GDPs and their teams. Her work is currently as Managing Partner of Glenys Bridges and Partners Practice Pathways providing training and professional development for nonclinical dental professionals. She has expertise and qualifications in management, HR, counselling and life coaching and is three times -published author and a regular columnist in the dental press. Glenys’ first book, Dental Practice Management and Reception were published in 2006 and 2019 and her second book, Dental Management in Practice, in 2012.

Debbie Hemington – President, British Association of Dental Therapists

Debbie is President of the British Association of Dental Therapists, and works to support and represent current and future dental therapists.

Paroo Mistry –Member of The Probe‘s editorial board.

Paroo is a Consultant Orthodontist. She divides her time between Chase Farm Hospital and her private practice in North London. Paroo has been a judge on the Dental Awards since 2008.

Tim Newton –President of the Oral Health Foundation

Tim Newton is a Psychologist who has spent over 30 years working in dental settings with the goal of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of good oral and dental health. He is particularly concerned with addressing the needs of people who are anxious about attending the dentist, and in encouraging dental healthcare professionals to work with patients to develop healthy behaviours.

Tim is employed by King’s College London as Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry, spending half his time working as Honorary Consultant Health Psychologist. Tim’s clinical work is focussed on individuals with dental phobia, and support for individual’s facing challenging dental procedures.

Amanda Oakey –Director of Education, British Dental Health Foundation

Leading the educational resources team, Amanda manages all educational resources from the Foundation. This includes marketing and selling existing products as well as purchasing and developing new resources. Amanda executes the creation and implementation of agreed projects is in charge of creating campaign products including National

Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month. She also is in charge of distribution of resources along with managing exhibition presentations.

Amit Patel – Specialist in Periodontics & Implant Dentist

Amit is registered with the General Dental Council as a Specialist in Periodontics.

Alongside his private practice, he also works as Associate Specialist in Periodontics and Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Birmingham Dental School. His special interests are dental implants, regenerative and aesthetic periodontics. Amit graduated in Dentistry from the University of Liverpool in 1997. Following a training post in Restorative Dentistry at the Liverpool Dental School he gained significant experience in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery through 3 prestigious hospital posts. He obtained his Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgeons at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in 2000.This training involved acquisition of the most up-to-date techniques in Periodontics and Implantology under the expert supervision of Professor Richard Palmer who was appointed the first Professor of Implant Dentistry in the United Kingdom. Amit then obtained his Membership in Restorative Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons of England and became a registered Specialist in Periodontics.

Dr Davinder Raju –Dove Holistic Dental Centre

Dr Raju gained his dental degree from the University of Liverpool and a Masters in Advanced Minimum Intervention Restorative Dentistry (MSc) from Kings College, London. He developed his interest in sustainable dentistry while he was undertaking his MSc., deciding he wanted his approach to clinical dentistry to be reflected in all aspects of his life. He went on to establish the first fully sustainable practice in the UK, the Dove Holistic Dental Centre in Sussex. In 2021 he launched the Greener Dentistry Global toolkit and accreditation programme to share his knowledge and experience with colleagues wanting to embark on a more sustainable way of working.

Now a recognised authority on sustainable dentistry in general dental practice, Dr Raju has written and lectured widely. He is a contributor to a book aimed at primary care to be published later this year, and he has been nominated for a fellowship of the International College of Dentists.

Ewa Rozwadowska –Member of The Probe‘s editorial board.

Ewa is a highly experienced practicing general dentist and previous principal of an award-winning practice in Stroud. She has been a judge on the Dental Awards for over 10 years. In her business, Beyond Teeth, she is a professional dental coach and mentor, helping dental practice owners and individual clinicians to enjoy their lives and careers.

Miranda Steeples – President, British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy Miranda qualified as a dental hygienist and dental therapist from the University from Leeds in 2009 having previously worked as a dental nurse. She had not been a very active member of the BSDHT south east regional group when she saw a call out for a new treasurer and in September 2014, was voted onto the regional group committee.

Miranda was elected as BSDHT’s President-Elect at the AGM in November 2020 and began her 2 year term serving as President in November 2022.

Pam Swain – Chief Executive, BADN Pam began working for the Association in 1992, when she returned to the UK after several years abroad working for various multi-national organisations, including the Home Office, NATO, Hilton International and the Bank of Bermuda. She is editor of the British Dental Nurses’ Journal, a Fellow of the Institute of Association Management and of the Chartered Management Institute. She was awarded the City & Guilds Licentiate in Management in 2005 and an Open University MBA in 2007.

In the world of periodontal and oral surgery, precision and attention to detail are crucial.

The Journal of American Association published a study stating that over 60% of dentists experience some form of musculoskeletal pain during their career. Ergonomically designed dental chairs and stools support correct posture and reduce the risk of upper and lower back, neck, and shoulder pain. They can even provide relief from sciatica.

Maintaining the right posture during surgery is not just important for precision and accuracy, but also for the longevity of the dentist’s career. The Bambach Saddle Seat goes beyond traditional seating

solutions and is a notable example of ergonomic excellence. Its unique saddle-shaped design promotes a neutral spine, reducing strain on the lower back and providing unparalleled support for precise and intricate procedures.

For further information or if interested in a 30-day trial, please contact us:

Bambach UK, 4, Northgate, Crown Road, Enfield, London EN1 1TG 020 8532 5100 ask@fortunabambach.com n

You can now prescribe oralieve Moisturising Mouth Gel

60% of older adults complain of dry mouth, which may be associated with polypharmacy. With over half of those aged 65 or older taking 3 or more prescribed medications, dental teams will increasingly see patients suffering from this condition.

Dry mouth can lead to difficulty speaking and swallowing, negatively affect oral health, resulting in tooth loss, and also impact the quality of life of sufferers.

Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Gel provides effective and lasting relief for dry mouth and can now be prescribed by dental healthcare professionals.

Support your patients by recommending Oralieve - the most recommended brand by healthcare professionals for dry mouth relief.

For more information or patient samples, visit www.oralieve.co.uk.n

The largest wipe in the Bossklein infection control range, each V-WIPE ZERO Universal-XL wipe measures 267x210mm, packs contains 200 wipes. The substantial 34gsm wipe material is extra durable and perfect for clinical disinfection.

Each Universal-XL flowpack combines the dispenser tub and refill pack into a single, economical packaging platform, reducing the total amount of plastic consumed. Each pack includes a stay fresh lid ensuring wipes do not dry out. The fast acting (60 sec) ZERO formulation contains no alcohol and takes advantage of safer and greener chemical components to create a simpler and more

effective product. Ideal to use on the majority of wipeable surfaces, including dental chairs. Wipes have a pleasant apple aroma.

Available now. For more information call 0800 132 373 or visit www.bossklein.com n

Introducing the MK-dent Prime Line turbine – a pinnacle of tranquility in dental care.

With noise levels below 55dB(A), it reigns as the world’s quietest turbine, fostering unparalleled comfort for both practitioner and patient. Beyond its serene operation, it embodies MK-dent’s enduring commitment to quality and longevity. Featuring a carbide insert, it ensures unmatched precision with every use, while pressure regulation optimizes performance across procedures. The titanium coating not only enhances aesthetics but also reinforces durability, ensuring lasting reliability.

Elevate your dental experience with the revolutionary MK-dent Prime Line – where silence meets precision and endurance. Contact us at sales@mk-dent.com for more informationn

New addition to the Viso family

the newest member of the Planmeca Viso family of world-class imaging units is here!

Planmeca Viso G3 brings industry-leading usability and visibility for various clinical needs, including endodontic treatments and implant planning. With a field of view (FOV) ranging from 3 x 3 to 20 x 10 cm, the unit not only offers high-quality 3D images of the entire dentition, but is able to capture detailed panoramic as well as extraoral bitewing images for interproximal diagnostics. The unit can also be equipped with the Planmeca ProCeph one-shot cephalostat and, when the time is right, upgraded to Planmeca Viso G5 for a larger maximum 3D volume. You can expect a cutting-edge CBCT imaging experience with the Planmeca

Premium dental care is built, first and foremost, on reliability. When clinicians choose to use the award winning* 3M RelyX Universal Resin Cement, from 3M Oral Care, they have a solution that creates consistently brilliant results.

The resin cement is ideal for virtually all adhesive and self-adhesive indications,** making it a versatile option for any clinician. With a variety of applications, dental professionals don’t need to concern themselves with overly-intricate cements that slow workflows, and can instead save on time and money by predominantly training and providing care with the 3M RelyX Universal Resin Cement from 3M Oral Care.

Not only is high-quality aesthetics

Viso G3. And what’s more, you can see it for yourself on the Planmeca stand at Dental Showcase in March. Available to order now, contact Planmeca for more information.n

combined with immense strength that is only made greater when used with the 3M

Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive from 3M Oral Care, but the resin cement helps patients feel virtually no post-operative sensitivity.

To learn more about modern dentistry’s jack of all trades – and master in every single one – contact the 3M Oral Care team today.

For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit www.go.3M.com/ocsdpr n

Complete clinical records are essential when providing dental implants – as is communicating effectively with patients.

Members of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) benefit from a 20% discount on a Dental Audio Notes subscription.

The software package for audio recordings is designed to support consultations by providing a comprehensive record of the appointment. Dental Audio Notes also manages storage, security, and privacy, for total peace of mind. As such, clinicians only need to press ‘record’ and begin their appointment, and Dental Audio Notes will take care of the rest in a secure and compliant manner.

Plus, audio recordings can be easily shared with patients, allowing them to reflect on their appointment, and consider their treatment options away from the practice.

For more information about the benefits of ADI membership, please contact the team today.

For more information,visit www.adi.org.uk n

When you invest in a high-quality imaging system for your practice, you can guarantee its exceptional results for years to come with Carestream Dental’s all new extended warranty offering.

Dental professionals can trust our 125 years of experience and innovation, providing continuously improved products in the field. With an extended warranty, Carestream Dental promises to repair and replace any part of any system, where at all possible.

The extended warranty covers intraoral solutions for up to five years, and extraoral products up to an astounding decade, to bring your practice complete peace of mind over its investments.

Plus, clinicians that own Carestream

Dental solutions that are still under warranty can purchase new or additional warranty extensions, to further maintain the efficiency of their solutions, without extensive practice downtime.

To learn more about the extended warranties that keep your practice’s imaging solutions effective for years to come, contact the team today.

For more information on Carestream Dental and our new extended warranties visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ carestreamdental.uk n

Augma are running a Full Day Bone Cement Hands-on Course on Saturday 8th June at the Guide Post Hotel in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Dr Faria will review four of the most common surgical protocols using Bond Apatite bone grafting cement, which sets immediately and is accompanied by minimally invasive surgical procedures that do not require a membrane.

Delegates will receive practical knowledge on how to perform socket grafting without flap reflection, lateral ridge augmentation and augmentation in the aesthetic zone. The course includes a variety of resources, such as animated videos, recorded live surgery demonstrations and

clinical videos. Evidence based data histology shows how following the surgical protocols leads to clinical success and complete bone regeneration for the patient. The course fee is £195.00 plus vat (including all course materials and refreshments), Early Bird £145 plus vat before 31st March 2024.

For more information visit www.augmabio. co.uk or contact Denise Law at the Trycare Events Team on 01274 885540, email denise.law@trycare.co.uk or visit www.trycare.co.uk/events.n

Workflows built on quality

High-quality restorations should be informed by a brilliant impression. Maximise the quality of your practice’s treatment planning with the 3M Imprint 4 VPS Impression Material, an awardwinning* solution from 3M Oral Care.

Long-term dimensional stability is central to the success of this impression material, allowing the creation of well-fitting temporaries. Multiple pours are possible without a loss to accuracy, negating the need for endless remakes.**

It is also designed to make impressions easy to disinfect whilst maintaining the same excellent dimensional stability, so your workflows aren’t compromised.** Do you primarily work digitally? The 3M Imprint 4 VPS Impression Material

from 3M Oral Care can be scanned simply for immediate integration into your daily workflows.

To learn more about the precise capabilities of this celebrated* solution, contact the 3M Oral Care team today. For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit www.go.3M.com/ocsdpr 3M and Imprint are trademarks of the 3M Company n

Patient engagement made easy

Stay connected with your patients on all levels with Patient Bridge, a Sensei product, from global technological innovator Carestream Dental. Designed to integrate smoothly with your practice software, Patient Bridge is a cloud-based platform that streamlines all aspects of patient communication, from appointment scheduling to satisfaction surveys. Patient Bridge helps to minimise missed appointments with automated reminders. Its multi-channel messaging capabilities make it easy to reach your patients via their preferred communication method. The Marketing Campaign Manager tool enables you to promote your full range of services, boosting your practice’s revenue. Patient feedback is simple to solicit

Supported by Trycare and Adin implants, the Quest Implantology starts on 27th and 28th September 2024, Module 2 (25th & 26th October) and Module 3 (22nd and 23rd November). It teaches delegates everything they need to start implementing simple implant treatment plans plus 36 hours of CPD!

Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh accredited and presented by Girish Bharadwaj, the course will be held in Edinburgh.

Course fees are £1500.00 (including vat) per Module and £4250.00 (including vat) for the full course. To help enhance teamwork one nurse can attend Module 2 free of charge.  Additional nurses can attend for £125.00 (including vat) per module.

With over 28,000 individual products in stock, Trycare not only supply all their Surgical and General Practice specialist products from Adin, Centrix, EVE, Tecnoss OsteoBiol, Tokuyama and many more market leading manufacturers, but everything else you need too! This includes everything available from Acteon to Zhermack, including alginate impression materials like Zhermack’s Hydrogum 5. You can get it all from Trycare!

For further information contact your local Trycare representative, call 01274 885544 or visit www.trycare.co.uk.n

With over 28,000 individual products in stock, Trycare not only supply all their Surgical and General Practice specialist products from Adin, Centrix, EVE, Tecnoss OsteoBiol, Tokuyama and many more market leading manufacturers, but everything else you need too! This includes everything available from Acteon to Zhermack, including cements like Kerr’s NX3 Nexus universal adhesive resin cement. You can get it all from Trycare! For further information contact your local Trycare representative, call 01274 885544 or visit www.trycare.co.uk n

through Patient Bridge, providing valuable content for your online reputation.

Patient Bridge is fully GDPR compliant and hosted in secure, NHS-accredited data centres for your peace of mind.

Jump-start your practice’s patient engagement: find out more about the Patient Bridge platform from Sensei today.

For more information on Patient Bridge visit gosensei.co.uk/pages/patient-bridge For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ carestreamdental.ukn

gosensei.co.uk/pages/patient-bridge

Delegates attending all three modules will receive an Adin Advanced Surgical Kit, FIVE Adin implants and one year’s free Membership of the Bone, Biomaterials & Beyond Academy (sponsored by Tecnoss OsteoBiol) total value £1389.00 plus vat FREE.

For further information or to book your place contact info@ochilviewdental.co.uk n

Ideal for every practice

The Orthophos S is the all-round excellent solution for any dental practice, from Clark Dental.

The high-performance 2D/3D X-ray unit offers a comprehensive range of capabilities suitable for every practice. Even in anatomically difficult cases, the Orthophos S delivers sharp and autofocussed images thanks to the 2D Csl sensor with autofocus function. A Ceph arm can also be added or retrofitted at any time, on the right- or left-hand side, depending on your preference. Plus, motorised temple and forehead support, automatic temple width measurement, light localisers, and sturdy handles ensure safe and proven patient positioning.

For more information about how the Orthophos S can benefit your practice, please contact the team at Clark Dental.

If you’d like to find out more about Clark Dental’s solutions, call the team on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk.n

With over 28,000 individual products in stock, Trycare not only supply all their Surgical and General Practice specialist products from Adin, Centrix, EVE, Tecnoss OsteoBiol, Tokuyama and many more market leading manufacturers, but everything else you need too! This includes everything available from Acteon to Zhermack, including bonding agents like Dentsply’s Prime & Bond. You can get it all from Trycare!

For further information contact your local Trycare representative, call 01274 885544 or visit www.trycare.co.uk.n

rewards that truly give back

When clinicians invest in brilliant restorative materials for their patients, they are rewarded through the 3M Thank You Dental Alliance recognition program.

Without a sign-up fee, dental professionals can upload their 3M invoices and earn points to reinvest in themselves and their care. This includes the chance to exchange these points for excellent 3M products in buy-oneget-one-free promotions.

A Dental Alliance membership also includes free access to thousands of Udemy courses selected for dental professionals and their teams. The courses on business management, professional social media, team well-being, and so much more, are renowned for their insights and can help your practice excel.

Get

When fabricating a restoration, patient satisfaction with the shade match is essential.

COLTENE’s award-winning BRILLIANT Everglow™ composite provides exceptional aesthetics, ensuring naturallooking restorations that blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Its wide range of shades allows dental clinicians to achieve accurate colour matching, resulting in highly satisfied patients.

Another significant advantage of BRILLIANT Everglow™ is its superior wear resistance and durability. Restorations made with BRILLIANT Everglow™ are long-lasting, ensuring patients can enjoy their new smiles for years to come.

There are also courses for personal development, covering topics such as languages, music and photography, helping clinicians pursue their passions outside of the practice. Points are simply earnt when you purchase your favourite 3M products and materials, but you can receive 200 points automatically when you sign up today!

To learn more about how 3M Oral Care gives back to clinicians, contact the team today or visit www.dentalalliance.3m.com to find out more.

For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit www.go.3M.com/ocsdpr 3M is a trademark of the 3M Company. n

Discover how BRILLIANT EverGlow™ can benefit your patients by visiting the COLTENE website today!

For more information, info.uk@coltene. com and 0800 254 5115 COLTENE loyalty scheme https:// rewards.coltene.com n

goes both ways!

When you have spent several years building up your practice, deciding to sell isn’t a decision that’s taken lightly. A successful exit strategy takes a lot of planning to ensure you secure the best valuation possible and a straightforward sale. Hull-based dental professional Amy Hills put her faith in Dental Elite and wasn’t disappointed.

“We chose Dental Elite over other companies due to the team being approachable, knowledgeable and caring,” Amy explains.

“Julie Randle was our initial and main point of contact throughout the process; from creating the package, liaising with potential buyers, and updating us through the early stages. Carl Wetton assisted us during

Emma Jade, owner of Linkdent Consultancy, has worked with the team at Eschmann for more than 14 years. Emma says:

“I have continued to work with Eschmann for so long because they offer reliability and peace of mind – you know that a job is going to be done right. All the engineers are highly experienced.

the latter stages, from a financial point, which proved effective and very worthwhile for us.”

Amy was impressed by how straightforward and efficient the team made the sales process. “In fact, our sale was the quickest purchase to date!” Amy reveals.

The team at Dental Elite has more than a decade of experience in the buying and selling of dental businesses. To find out how Dental Elite can assist with your business decisions, contact them today.

For more information contact the Dental Elite team on 01788 545900 https://dentalelite.co.uk n

A bespoke experience

The experience team at Clark Dental has been working alongside dental practices for over 49 years, so they know what makes an attractive practice. Whether you’re a single chair surgery, a new build, or are looking to reflect your branding in your environment, Clark Dental can help. By offering a bespoke 3D visualisation service, you are able to see your dream practice. This life-like design allows you to make any alterations you’d like, to build the perfect space with the help of the team’s innovative ideas. Choose stylish and durable cabinetry options from brands such as Edarredo and Apex, to create a comfortable environment which reflects your needs.

For more information, please contact the team at Clark Dental.

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental. co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk n

With more patients choosing to undergo orthodontics using clear aligners, it’s important to consider the special care needed to take care of their teeth during treatment.

Aligner Foam from Curaprox is the ideal solution for your clear aligner patients. An effective oral hygiene routine is vital during treatment for keeping plaque under control. The innovative new Aligner Foam is designed to be used under clear aligners to restore, protect, and remineralise the teeth.

Its formula contains CITROX®, a natural bioflavonoid which provides antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory

properties, as well as hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and promote healthy teeth and gingiva. To find out more about Aligner Foam, please contact the team at Curaprox. For more information about Curaprox products, visit www.curaden.co.uk n

don’t delay patient treatment with fast endodontic referrals

If a patient presents to your practice in pain and needing endodontic treatment that you don’t offer in-house, refer them to EndoCare for a fast resolution.

We see patients within 48 hours when an emergency occurs. Our team is always ready to help and our practices are also open 7 days a week.

Regardless of what type of endodontic treatment your patient needs, we offer first-class procedures with cutting-edge facilities, innovative equipment and a clinical team that consists of leading specialists and experts in the field.

Don’t delay your patient’s treatment when they’re in pain – refer them to

EndoCare for a fast solution. For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999 or visit www.endocare.co.uk n

From red flag to green light

For more information about how Kiroku can help you in your practice, get in touch with the team today. To find out more about Kiroku, or to start your free trial, please visit trykiroku.com n Eschmann

“Eschmann has always provided a really easy-to-access, organised and convenient service – I appreciate that I’m not talking to a robot when I give them a call! It’s essential to have reliable and trusted people around you when running a business to help relieve some of the stress that life throws at you. My relationships with people at Eschmann have brought me this.”

Thank you Emma for your kind words. To find out how Eschmann could take some of the stress away from you and your business, contact the team today.

For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of infection control products from Eschmann, please visit www.eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 875787 n

London-based dental therapist Cat Edney admits she used to be extremely cautious when it came to note-taking templates, until she discovered Kiroku, the AI digital note taking platform. “They were always a bit of a red flag for me,” she explains. “But then a friend showed me how she used Kiroku and I was blown away!”

Her caution had stemmed from her belief that note templates were not detailed nor robust enough. “I got it wrong!” she says. “Kiroku templates go beyond customisation; they are individualised to each patient.”

While time-saving is a consideration for her, it’s Kiroku’s level of detail that really impresses Cat. “With Kiroku I get complete, contemporaneous notes which

are all done by the end of an appointment. For me it’s not about being quicker, it’s about being thorough.”

the glow the ultimate protection for aligner patients

For optimal plaque removal, brushing alone just isn’t enough and interdental cleaning has been shown to be an effective adjunct.

and with no risk of injury. A single cleaning movement is enough – once in and out –for maximum cleaning.

The brushes also use patented surgical wire for the smallest interdental spaces. Thanks to its click system, any Curaprox interdental brush will fit in any holder.

Seeking a new position can come with a range of different benefits, including a better salary, career opportunities and skill development.

out more about jobs in the dental sector, visit the website or get in touch with the team today.

The interdental brush range from Curaprox can clean even the narrowest interdental space, providing effective prevention against inflammation and bad breath. Using ultrafine bristles with an umbrella effect, Curaprox interdental brushes clean every inch of the critical interdental space, effectively

The user simply clicks out the old brush, clicks in the new one, and carries on cleaning. Refill packs are also available for all Curaprox interdental brushes, making them highly convenient, with less plastic waste.

For more information, please visit www.curaprox.co.uk n

confidence in the complex

Learn to deliver solutions that are loved by patients, and tackle complex cases with confidence when you take on the Clear Aligners (Level 2) course from the IAS Academy.

Designed for professionals who want to learn more about advanced clear aligner treatments, and ensure outcomes last, the Clear Aligners (Level 2) course discusses the assessment of complicated patient needs and their effective treatments.

The course ensures delegates are clinically supported throughout the session, and long after training has finished with access to a mentor after the course with IAS support.

The award-winning Dr Josh Rowley

When you’re looking to replenish your medical supplies for safe and effective care, turn to Initial Medical for a wide range of solutions, including specialist PPE that helps to protect clinicians and patients alike. Your practice can access a fantastic selection of vinyl, latex, and nitrile gloves that are suitable for clinical use. Having options within your practice allows you to be completely prepared when working with dental professionals and patients with known latex allergies (for example), and by bulk ordering, you can keep fully stocked at all times.

Other PPE solutions in our range include disposable aprons, facemasks, and much more, each delivered directly to your practice door.

is the lecturer of this brilliant educational experience. He is passionate about digital solutions in dentistry, and improving the predictability of complex cases.

To learn more about the exceptional results clinicians can deliver following the Clear Aligners (Level 2) course, contact the team today.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1) n

Working with Initial Medical provides you with direct access to our expert customer care team who will always endeavour to meet your practice’s needs. With effective solutions from Initial Medical, you can help your treatments to become safer.

To learn more about the outstanding medical supply options available, speak to the team today.

To find out more, get in touch at 0808 304 7411 or visit the website today www.initial.co.uk/medical n

In order to reap the benefits, you should avoid choosing the first offer straight off the bat. Cast your net wide and see what roles are available to you. Dental Elite can help you streamline your options and find the most suitable position for you, no matter if you’re a dental nurse, dental hygienist/therapist, associate dentist or practice manager.

Dental Elite has decades worth of experience working within the dental sector, helping dental professionals find the right role that ticks every box. To find

For more information contact Dental Elite. Visit www.dentalelite.co.uk, email info@ dentalelite.co.uk or call 01788 545 900 n

tackling the big issues at BdIA

BDIA Dental Showcase will be held on 22/23rd March at London ExCeL, presenting a diverse educational programme in addition to being the largest UK dental exhibition.

Professor Avijit Banerjee will be speaking in the Dental Update Theatre on Friday 22nd March in the afternoon. He says:

“I am going to outline the possibilities of allocating NHS UDAs to remunerate team-delivered, susceptibility/needsrelated, prevention-based, person-focused management of dental caries using the minimum intervention oral care (MIOC) delivery framework. There will be some examples of how to clinically implement such phased care pathways within multiple courses of treatment. It will be a packed 45-minute session!”

When providing clear aligner treatment, long-term force retention is key for success. ClearCorrect® aligners are made of ClearQuartz™ material, which features unique properties to retain ten times more of their initial force than competitors.

The material’s tri-layer design features an elastomeric layer that applies gentle and continuous pressure, enclosed by a low porosity, durable, stain-resistant shell. By maintaining force consistency over time, teeth move more efficiently. Additionally, the material is able to hold its shape well throughout the duration of treatment. Because of this, ClearQuartz™ supports more predictable tooth movement.

For more information about the fantastic

Professor Banerjee will provide a summary of the key points covered in the CDO Theatre on Saturday 23rd March. “BDIA Dental Showcase is one of the main national dental conferences held in England, with a broad gathering of industry partners, businesses, clinicians, team members and educators. The biggest attraction for me is the opportunity to network and re-connect with people faceto-face – there’s nothing better!” Register for your free pass online today at https://dental-showcase-2024.reg. buzz/register-free-pr. 22nd-23rd March, ExCeL London n

benefits of ClearCorrect® aligners, please get in touch with the team. For more information on ClearCorrect®, visit: https://www.straumann.com/ clearcorrect/en/home.html n

BDIA Dental Showcase has announced a new partnership with the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), who will be officially hosting the BACD Aesthetic Theatre on 22/23rd March at the ExCeL London.

BACD President, Luke Hutchings, says: “I am a firm believer that all dentistry has an aspect of cosmetic dentistry – it doesn’t matter what treatment your patient seeks, they will want an aesthetic outcome. That’s why the educational content the BACD offers is so valuable for dentists, especially general dental practitioners, at BDIA Dental Showcase. “I would encourage colleagues to come and meet the BACD team here as it’s the first opportunity of the year to do so at a major event and find out more about the community that it creates. Dentistry is becoming trickier, mental stresses and strains are sadly taking their toll on more and more people. Having a network of support behind you, the ability to pick up the phone and speak to someone who has faced similar difficulties, is invaluable. With the BACD, you don’t feel alone and this is crucial for dentists in the profession today.”

The Axiom X3® implant system from Anthogyr, a Straumann Group brand, enables dental professionals to take on all clinical challenges using the same implant, regardless of the clinical situation. This implant system responds to the needs and expectations of clinicians for an implant which offers multi-functionality, immediacy, bone preservation, and compatibility.

Secure your free pass at https://dentalshowcase-2024.reg.buzz/register-free-pr!n

The Axiom X3® provides dentists with a versatile implant solution, which means more practical indications for clinicians as well as less required stock. The implant system also offers even more flexibility and freedom thanks to a wide choice of diameters and optimal insertion and guidance.

Get in touch with the team at Anthogyr for more information.

For more information about the AxiomX3® from Anthogyr, visit https:// www.straumann.com/content/anthogyrn

BdIA

Delve into the opportunities to grow your practice with the Business and Mindset Mastery course from the IAS Academy. Led by marketing scientist and entrepreneur Dr Prav Solanki, delegates are taken on a journey through the importance of devising goals whilst also curating a healthy work-life balance, and why it is key to success.

Dr Solanki endows his experience of owning several successful dental and implant clinics to delegates, who in turn create actionable plans for practice and personal growth.

The one-day course covers business processes and the essentials for patient communication, including the secrets to WOW Moments and Talk Triggers, as well

One in three adults in the UK have never cleaned interdentally, yet interdental brushing is a proven way to prevent periodontitis.

The FLEXI interdental brush range from TANDEX can help your patients clean the spaces between teeth and along the gumline where regular toothbrushes cannot reach.

Specifically designed to access interdental spaces and along the gingival margin, the brushes are colour-coded and boast an ergonomic grip. The flexible grip enables patients to reach even interdental spaces at the back of the mouth.

The brushes offer an efficient and gentle treatment solution for both teeth and gingiva, removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum infection. They can be used to easily apply PREVENT GEL too, a product which contains 0.12% chlorhexidine and 900ppm

as the importance of storytelling in dentistry. Clinicians in a variety of roles can come away with ideas on how to pull together both a dental team and a community of patients, for unbelievable outcomes.

To learn more about the sensational ways your practice can grow, whilst you regain control over your everyday life, contact the team today.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1) n

fluoride known for their antibacterial and enamel strengthening properties.

To find out how the FLEXI range and PREVENT GEL can help your patients visit the website today.

For more information on Tandex’s range of products, visit https://tandex.dk/ or visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ TandexUK

Our products are also available from CTS Dental Supplies https://www.cts-dental.com/ and DHB Oral Healthcare: https://dhb.co.uk/ n

Dr Neil Harris is looking forward to BDIA Dental Showcase, which will be held at London ExCeL on 22-23 March 2024. He will be speaking about his journey into 3D printing from within the Business Theatre: “I will show how my practice has evolved to where it is now and how we implemented 3D printing. I will consider how we have managed the changes in materials as these have been introduced over time – the materials we use today are not the same ones we were using two years ago. This field is developing very quickly, with new materials coming online all the time and it’s important to utilise these in order to open up new avenues for practice growth.

With the backing of over 20 peer-reviewed studies and success rate of 96.5% over 10 years, the implant systems from Neodent®, a Straumann Group brand, offer a variety of implant designs for different applications.

These include the Zi, Neodent’s® Ceramic Implant System which combines the notions of flexibility, stability and aesthetics. This metal-free solution allows the immediate treatment of patients and features a modern, naturally tapered ceramic design.

The Neodent® Grand Morse® Implant System combines mechanical strength and versatile prosthetic, offering stability, simplicity, aesthetics and reliability. While the Neodent® Grand Morse® Helix®posterior implant solution is designed for immediate

“During the session, we will also cover some of the techniques involved with the production of aligners and models, including the associated costs.”

Registration for BDIA Dental Showcase 2024 is free – secure your place today at dental-showcase-2024. reg.buzz/register-free-pr!

BdIA dental showcase 2024 22nd-23rd March,ExceL London n

placement in challenging post extraction sockets with an advanced wide implant design.

The Neodent® Ø2.9mm Helix GM Narrow uses an optimised stable and strong screw-retained morse taper connection which facilitates aesthetic outcomes in small interdental spaces and the Neodent® GM Zygoma-S provides an immediate solution as an alternative for bone grafting procedures To find out how Neodent® implant systems could transform your implantology treatments, visit the website today.n

BDIA Dental Showcase 2024 is thrilled to welcome first-time exhibitor, Chairsyde, to the event for 2024!

The Chairsyde team will be available on stand E50, offering valuable insight into their innovative patient consultation platform – which recently gained nationwide recognition by the NHS Celebrating 70 Years. Designed to enhance patient communication and engagement with their oral health, the solution is a must for every dental practice in the UK.

Chairsyde will also be supporting the lecture programme with speakers in the Clinical Theatre on Friday 22nd March and

When you invest in your dental education, it’s important to choose courses that set you up for everyday dentistry, with excellent value for money. Choosing to learn from the Occlusion: Basics & Beyond course from the IAS Academy allows clinicians to take home exceptional insights as well as tools to aid their treatments. The on-demand, online course is renowned for simplifying the often-complex topic, providing clinicians with actionable knowledge that is rooted in evidence. Plus, lecturers Dr Jaz Gulati and Dr Mahmoud Ibrahim supply each clinician with the essentials for brilliant care: an autoclavable Huffman Leaf Gauge, a pack of 8 microns Hanel Shimstock Foil, and a branded gift, too. This allows you to effectively take your understanding into

the Oral Health Theatre on Saturday 23rd March.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to meet the Chairsyde team and find out more about the platform – stand E50 at BDIA Dental Showcase 2024, London ExCeL!

BdIA dental showcase 2024 22nd-23rd March, ExceL London n

your practice, and support your patients with highquality care.

Plus, delegates receive the OBAB Hardback Textbook, which delivers even more content alongside the comprehensive online videos, to further enhance your knowledge.

To learn more about the comprehensive occlusion course that improves your treatments from the very first minute, contact the team today.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1) n

Experience a new kind of efficiency with the Straumann Group Smile in a Box®: a flexible, digital treatment planning and manufacturing service for implant dentistry. This convenient and easy-to-use offering helps to boost patient acceptance and grow your business. Immediate treatment protocols allow you to reduce chair-time, boosting efficiency and cutting-down on the time patients spend in the chair. With no need to invest in additional hard- or software, Smile in a Box™ facilitates business growth: you have access to firstclass digital technologies, courtesy of the Straumann Group. Smile in a Box™ is easy-to-use, and

With keynote lectures from the BDA and CDO, the Clinical Theatre at this year’s BDIA Dental Showcase in March brings together key opinion leaders delivering sessions on the latest techniques that can be used in practice, to a high clinical standard with key learnings, bridging the gap between theory and daily use in practice.

provides guided workflows for single tooth, multi tooth and fully edentulous cases. You can send off for the items you need and receive them, conveniently, in one box. To find out more, visit the website today. For more information on the Straumann® Smile in a Box™, visit: www.straumann.com/digital/en/discover/ smile-in-a-box.html n

Speakers include Doug Watt a partner in a private practice and board member of the International Digital Dental Academy who will be addressing, on behalf of Henry Schein, the impact of digital dentistry on patient consent and treatment uptake; and consultant oral & maxillofacial surgeon, Mahesh Kumar, who will be talking about the causes and presentations of mouth cancer. To find out more about the dental profession’s foremost annual event, visit https://dentalshowcase.com/whatson today!

BDIA Dental Showcase 2024 22nd-23rd March, ExCeL Londonn

Guests join us from all areas of the industry to provide their own unique perspectives on a wide range of topics, from manufacturers and figureheads of various dental organisations, to those in the trenches working in practice, and more.

For

Nothing is o limits in The Probe Dental Podcast, so be sure to tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Planning your finances for the year ahead

As a young dental professional, have you taken time to review and plan your finances for the year ahead?

With more dental professionals making the move to private dentistry 1 along with significant financial and cost-ofliving challenges – it’s important to regularly review your finances – now, more than ever.

Data from the BDA Benevolent Fund shows that the younger generation of dentists are especially concerned about their finances, with around a half (48-50%) of all 3rd, 4th, and 5th year students reporting to be ‘very worried’. The Fund’s survey also suggests ‘pressures are contributing to poor mental health and causing anxiety’ 2

“Many of my clients are increasingly looking at planning their personal finances as they do more private work or when their NHS contracts change,” says John Timoney, Financial Adviser from Thinqviser, who specialise in financial planning for the dental profession.

“It’s not an uncommon picture. It’s a stressful job and, in my experience, we are actually seeing increasing amounts of recently graduated dentists, who are opting to just do private work from the beginning of their career. The most commonly asked questions about financial planning include when they can achieve life milestones, such as buying a house, or setting up their own practice, as well as other considerations, including day-to-day business operations.”

Some of John’s top tips for dental professionals include:

budget wisely

The Financial Lives Survey shows that that one in four adults in the UK had low financial resilience 3 , with 77% of all UK adults feeling the burden of keeping up with their domestic bills had increased. In the six months to January 2023, almost six in 10 (57%) UK adults had either stopped saving or dipped into savings and investments, including pension savings, due to the cost-of-living challenges 4

Sensible budgeting can improve your financial resilience. A comprehensive budget can help you understand where and how you are spending your money and take action as necessary. You can also set short-, medium- and long-term goals to help work towards your longer-term plans.

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 Institute5. More than 185 million working days were lost

in the UK due to sickness absence in 20226, but only 6% of adults in the UK had income protection7

“When I speak to young dentists, I always talk about the importance of taking out income protection while you are young and healthy and the benefit it has for you in the long run,” says John Timoney.

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 Financial Adviser, John has worked with income protection provider Dentists’ Provident for more than a decade, seeing first-hand how they have supported his clients over the years.

“Dentists’ Provident is unique in the way they focus on income protection only and they fully understand the dental profession. What my clients really like is that Dentists’ Provident understands the sometimes-complex earnings of dentists, so financial assessment at the time of claiming is much smoother.

“Clients often associate income protection being needed for something happening within their day-to-day dental practice. Not many of my clients have tripped or had a fall in their dental surgery – it is usually something completely unexpected and outside of work that has affected their ability to work. It’s most often an accident, which is of course unexpected by its very nature. I’ve seen everything from sporting accidents and car accidents to a client who sliced his hand on a cafetiere before he went to work. In such a physical career, it’s so vital to protect yourself against the unexpected.”

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’s a steep trajectory in dentists’ earnings after qualifying, and young dentists often see the money, but don’t always appreciate how much is needed for tax.

“My experience when presenting to young dental students is that many ask day-to-day business questions; from accountancy needs, to how they should plan for tax,” says John Timoney.

start saving early for the future Whilst you may just be at the start of your career, nothing should stop you thinking 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 will need 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 you 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 n

a bout 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. For further information please contact Dentists’ Provident member services consultants by calling 020 7400 5710 or email memberservices@dentistsprovident.co.uk

References

1. BDA: https://www.bda.org/mediacentre/nearly-half-of-dentists-severingties-with-nhs-as-government-fails-tomove-forward-on-reform/

2. BDA Benevolent Fund, 2nd summary report, 2022/23: https:// www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk/ wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BDABenevolent-Fund-2nd-student-surveyreport-2022-23.pdf

3. Financial Lives Survey 2022 insights: https://www.fca.org.uk/data/financiallives-2022-early-survey-insightsvulnerability-financial-resilience

4. Financial Lives Survey 2022, Key findings, updated July 2023: https:// www.fca.org.uk/publications/financiallives/financial-lives-survey-2022-keyfindings

5. CII, Building Resilient Households report, September 2023: https://www.cii.co.uk/ news-insight/news/articles/buildingresilient-households-report/107863

6. ONS, April 2023: https://www.ons. gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/ peopleinwork/labourproductivity/articles/ sicknessabsenceinthelabourmarket/2022

7. Financial lives survey 2022, page 81

John Timoney

ECPD for your whole practice

CPD 4 DCPs is a fully veri able ECPD programme that enables each member of the dental team to complete one year’s ECPD requirement in a highly cost-effective manner. Covering all the highly recommended subjects, each volume is specially designed to cover the ECPD needs of up to 10 DCPs.

Providing 10 hours of veri able ECPD, one Volume covers the annual veri able ECPD needs of most practices.

Subjects covered:

• Don’t let sensitivity be a pain

• Identifying missing teeth

• Air pollution: keeping patients and staff safe

• Educating patients about the HPV vaccine

• Harnessing digital imaging solutions for an accurate diagnosis

• When to say no

• Stress and burnout

• Maintaining soft tissue health around dental implants

• Protecting vulnerable patients – an introduction to safeguarding

• Dealing with a patient suffering from a cardiac emergency in the dental practice

Just one Volume per practice per year, up to 10 people

10 hours veri able CPD including all recommended subjects

Ongoing modular learning programme

The whole team learning from the same information at the same pace

Saves time and money

Can be used by GDPs

Enhanced CPD Compliant

Dental Market Review H2 2023 and predictions for 2024

The acid test of the value of any dental practice is the response you get from buyers when it is presented to the market. An initial valuation is often the start point of our business relationship with a vendor but, in essence, a valuation is an educated assessment. A valuation is not a guarantee of the market value.

To get to a realistic valuation, one of the data streams we mine are the prices we achieve at the point of completion. In this article, we want to share with those dentists interested in buying, selling and financing a dental practice what those numbers were for the second half of 2023, what the drivers are behind those values and what we believe the trends in the market are as we get into 2024.

In 2023, the market quickly adjusted to the increased cost of borrowing, which started in the second half of 2022. As we know, the upward trajectory continued until August 2023, when the interest rates stood at 5.25%.

Between February 2009 and June 2022, entrepreneurs had been borrowing money at interest rates of less than 1% plus bank margin. Now, buyers have adjusted to the new normal of the Bank of England interest rates being 5.25%. Anyone in business in the early 1980s operated with the interest rates at 15.13%. All markets find a way to adjust to current circumstances, and dentistry often leads the way.

The market did readjust in 2023. There was initially less buyer demand. That is not to be confused with ‘no buyer demand’. Corporates either stopped buying or reduced their growth targets. Investor buyers paused in order to see where the market would land before getting back in. Lenders became more rigorous in considering lending applications. In the second half of 2023, we saw the corporate dental groups return to the market, but with a new strategy. They have smaller growth targets than before, but they are also much more

interested in practices that present growth opportunities. The corporates are much keener to grow their EBITDA (earnings, before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) through organic growth and not just through acquisition. This is because with each increase in interest rates their cash flow becomes squeezed.

In 2023, we saw an increase in the volume of Orthodontic practices coming to the market. Those owners who had secured a 10-year (7+3 PDS) orthodontic contract in 2017 were starting to plan their exit before their contract started to decline in value. Those Principals with shorter contracts are taking action because the NHS continues to kick the can down the road about tendering and renewing these contracts, and Principals are not prepared to wait for them to make a decision. Principals are not motivated to stay on when only being offered 1–3-year renewal agreements.

The key considerations for all buyers now are:

• Has the practice revenue been maintained since Covid?

• The relative merits of the existing practice team and the opportunities to recruit staff in the area

• What the UDA rate is and how has the practice performed against its NHS contract?

• Over reliance on one clinician or oneoff treatments, such as short term orthodontics

• How sustainable is the profit margin?

increasingly, the focus of buyers has become practices that:

• Have scope to grow their revenue

• Have room for one or two more surgeries, which can generate around £200,000 each in additional revenue

• Can grow their range of services

Buy – Invest – Grow is the mantra of many buyers when considering their opportunities.

We should also consider current buyer behaviour. Buyers are forensically analysing all aspects of a practice before commitment to the purchase. This is to

satisfy themselves and their lenders that the practice has a sustainable bottom line and that there are organic growth opportunities.

Organic growth opportunities are seen as opportunities to offset higher interest rates and the squeeze on earnings that represents.

The chart above shows the average multiple of EBITDA on completed practices over the last three years.

Multiples of EBITDA at the end of 2023 for Associate lead practices was 7.24 (range 5.7-10.44).

Multiples of EBITDA at the end of 2023 for Owner led practices was 3.49 (range 2.0-5.69).

The takeaways are:

1. The value of owner-operator practices sold to other dentists remains stable

2. During the Summer of 2022, there was a post-Covid peak in values achieved

3. 15% reduction in the multiple of EBITDA paid by Corporate and mini groups in the last half of 2023

4. The trend for corporate and minigroup purchases over the last three years shows a drop of 9%. 6% of

the fall is an adjustment to the ‘bull market’ of 2022

5. Private practices and NHS/mixed in the right location with growth potential are attracting the most interest and the highest prices

6. Well-run NHS practices are still attractive, but no longer attract a premium

I am pleased to report that confidence is restored in the market as entrepreneurial dentists have adapted to the ‘new normal’ of higher interest rates. Throughout 2024, I am expecting buyers and their lenders to apply a forensic approach when reviewing each opportunity that they consider. Practices with unfulfilled growth opportunities will attract a premium where they might not have in the past. There is less competition between the corporates and we are already seeing this is creating more opportunities for new buyers and investors. n

about the author abi Greenhough, Managing Director of Lily Head Dental Practice sales.

Navigating Instagram’s fake follower cleanup: a dentist’s guide

Let’s talk about something that’s been happening at Meta – and more specifically Instagram: fake followers, bots and bought accounts that artificially inflate follower counts. They’re like the plaque of social media!

The deal with fake followers

They’re not your genuine fans or potential patients scrolling through your posts. No, they’re just automated accounts programmed to give fake likes, comments, and follows. People often buy them to make themselves look more popular, but they are no good for your account.

Fake followers are like having a bunch of cardboard cutouts in your waiting room. It might look impressive at first glance, but it won’t do much for your practice in the long run. Real followers, on the other hand, have the potential to be loyal patients who keep coming back and refer you to their family and friends.

How is instagram fighting the fake follower battle?

Instagram’s been on a cleanup spree over the past few years. They now have algorithms and their own bots that flag and remove fake accounts from the platform.

What does this mean for your Instagram?

Well, if you’ve ever dabbled in buying followers or happen to have a bunch of fake accounts following you, don’t be surprised if your follower count takes a dip. But it’s not the end of the world! In fact, it’s a chance to focus on building a genuine, engaged community – one filled with real people who actually care about what you have to say and who genuinely want to follow you.

What’s the takeaway?

Authenticity is key. Instead of chasing after vanity metrics, focus on creating

engaging content and connecting with your audience on a real level. Trust me, that’s where the magic happens. So, keep smiling, keep sharing, and remember, the best followers are the ones who stick around for the long haul! n

about the author Jay Dickens, social Media Manager at connect My Marketing - Meta and Google certified. connectmymarketing.com

Monitor and optimise business performance with the right data

In today’s world, it is just as important to work on your business as it is in your business. For dental practice owners, this means regularly assessing practice performance, monitoring key data and using the information to guide business decisions. This can be achieved either by allocating time to review the numbers yourself, or delegating the task to the practice manager. Another appropriate professional – for example, a business development manager – may also be appropriate. Whoever is responsible, it is crucial that they have access to the right data in order to effectively evaluate the practice and facilitate growth. So, what information should be tracked? The answer to this question is complex and will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your practice, your clinical focus and your business objectives. That’s why it’s essential to establish what you want to achieve before you start – only then can you make sure you are monitoring the right data, and you know what you’re looking for and how to use the information you obtain.

As an example, you could review your most popular treatments to help you understand your patient base. If most of your appointments are for general or paediatric dentistry, then you are likely to be attracting families. This could help to inform a potential practice refurbishment, tailoring the décor to your typical patients to enhance their experience. If your books are full of

complex restorative or dental implant procedures, then there may be merit in bringing on more specialists or experts in these fields as a way of expanding capability and growing the business. If you’re interested in improving efficiencies, then consider monitoring chair occupancy, aiming to minimise wasted time in any of your surgeries. A similar metric might be to calculate how many patients are seen each day, week or month, with the goal of increasing footfall with more efficient daily workflows. Furthermore, reviewing how surgery time is split between members of the dental team could be useful in optimising skill mix in the practice for more streamlined and efficient patient care.

Perhaps the goal is to attract new business by improving the patient experience you offer and encouraging positive reviews from those you treat. In this case, you might record ratings from existing patients and use their feedback to guide adjustments to your services.

For principals looking to increase revenue and boost profitability of their practices, frequently reviewing your finances will be essential. This will ensure a comprehensive understanding of how outgoings compare to income, how much of the revenue is reinvested back into the business and what money is left over.

This is not an exhaustive list of areas to monitor and collect data within. However, they offer a strong starting point, depending on your business goals. Of course, it’s important to remember that the numbers alone are not enough. You have to understand why key trends exist throughout your practice and what you can do to change them for the better – but it all starts with the data.

Once you have decided what you wish to measure, there are several ways to collect and record the relevant information. For example, you may need to create some patient surveys in order to determine what your patients think of your practice and the service they receive. For almost everything else, you will rely on your practice management software and the data that it records throughout the days, months and years. This means you need a solution that you can trust, which monitors the right data for you and that makes this data easily accessible.

AeronaDental, for example, offers a vast range of real-time and reflective reports from ‘End of Day Reports’ to ‘Patients Seen’ within any specified time period. You can access financial reports and assess everything from revenue per clinician or per treatment to booking capacity and efficiency, patient spend, appointment types and statuses (including number of no-shows or cancellations), as well as treatment trends throughout different months of the year. The technology provides the flexibility to access the required data any way you wish – with reports available to view online, print or export via Microsoft Excel.

The data acquired will enable you to monitor business performance, identify areas of potential improvement and assess your progress against your business goals. This information can also steer your marketing efforts, your investment in technology and your staff management. Ultimately, it is essential for the effective growth and success of your practice.

For more information, please visit aerona. com or call 028 7000 2040.

Follow us on LinkedIn: @AeronaDental Software and Instagram @aeronasoftware for the latest updates n

about the author Mark Garner, General Manager, aeronaDental.

Safe and sound, no matter the weather

Extreme weather events are feeling more common, and more extreme, with each passing storm and heatwave. The Met Office named 12 separate severe weather events in 2023, and 2024 followed suit with the early parts of the year bearing the effects of the likes of Storms Henk, Isha and Jocelyn. Up and down the country, property owners have had to manage the impacts of high winds and flooding, and will likely have to cope with the effects of heatwaves once again this summer.

Dental practice owners, and any clinician who owns another property, must consider the need for building insurance. The right policy would protect your investment in the case of weather damage, which could otherwise prove costly.

Ready for a rebuild

Whether you own a commercial or residential property, its likely that your mortgage provider would have asked you to take out building insurance. If not, you may have acquired it anyway, or you could be left thinking if it is necessary.

Building insurance covers any losses or damages made to the physical structure of your property. Contents insurance protects the abundance of equipment and items within your home or practice, but this will most likely not cover the value of the property itself. If you didn’t have the appropriate building insurance policy and were affected by flooding or high winds, you may be left out of pocket as you try to get your property back to a suitable

condition – a practice could be deemed unfit for patients for quite some time after water damage to a surgery, for example.

When considering if the extra expense is necessary, it’s important to recognise that a home or dental practice is likely one of if not the biggest personal investment you will ever make. By choosing not to protect it, no matter how unlikely damage or complete destruction may be, you leave the security and value of your investment to an unpredictable future.

Protecting your pocket

The cost of recovering properties following harsh weather conditions can be excessive at times. Between 1 April and 30 June 2023, £782 million was paid out to help individuals cover the damage of fire, theft, weather, and other causes of damage – an equivalent of £8.6 million every day.

The average claim had risen by 24% from the prior year to £4,300, which is an indictment of not only the damage caused by 2022’s extreme weather, but also of the immense cost of repairing a property. Without insurance, you would have to cover the cost of the invoice directly –running the risk of not having easy access to the money and compromising your finances. Repairing a water damaged ceiling alone costs £1,550 on average, and water removal following a flood could be around £2,000. One rainy day could put your practice in a world of trouble, two could be detrimental if you aren’t prepared with suitable insurance, or money kept aside.

Preparing for the worst

The level of building insurance that suits you best will depend on a number of factors. These include your own financial capabilities, the value and history of your building, and what you require protection against.

It would be prudent to invest in insurance that covers the worst-case scenario: the need for a complete property rebuild. For a residential property, you may also wish to find a policy that covers the cost of temporary accommodation whilst you get back on your feet.

The rebuilding cost may differ from the market value of the site. If your property is especially valuable – if it is a listed building, for example – it is definitely worth seeking a professional valuation. A higher rate may be necessary if your building is made of nonstandard materials (which is traditionally anything that isn’t brick or stone) or it has specialist architectural features.

If the property you are looking to insure is your practice, you may want to consider business interruption insurance too. This may be already added as part of your building insurance, dependent on your

provider. For a busy dental practice, you will not only be covered for the repair or rebuilding of the site, but also any loss of income that comes with an unfortunate and unexpected event.

Luckily, dental professionals do not have to dig through the available building insurance policies alone to find what is right for them. With money4dentists, the group that has decades of experience supporting dental professionals, you can find the solution that best suits your needs, whether you are insuring a commercial or residential property. Through a free consultation, you can begin exploring your options, relying on our skills as we introduce you to the world of building insurance. Every decision is made straightforward and easy to understand, for your peace of mind.

Expecting the unexpected is the main philosophy behind building insurance. With a great plan in place, dental professionals can be assured that their livelihoods and homes are protected no matter where they are in the UK, even when the worst of the weather hits.

For more information, please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754DENTIST.

Email info@money4dentists.com or visit www.money4dentists.com n

about the author

Richard T Lishman, Managing Director

of the 4dentists Group of companies.

10 top tips for your dental practice search

Purchasing a dental practice is a significant decision that involves careful consideration and thorough planning. Finding a dental practice requires strategic thinking and attention to detail. To help guide you through this important milestone, here are 10 top tips to keep in mind when buying a dental practice.

1. Define your goals and criteria

Before diving into the market, take time to consider your goals. Consider the type of practice you want to own; location, the type of income you want and may be hoping to grow, number of surgeries, and whether you plan to work there yourself or not. Having a clear vision will help you narrow down your options and make more informed decisions.

2. Register with all agents

Most agents cover the whole of mainland UK, so make sure to register with everyone to not miss out on practices coming to market.

3. c heck how the practice is valued

The practice could be valued under an Associate Led or Principal Led model. Make sure that you understand the difference between each model and know which model the practice has been valued on. If you are looking to buy a practice to run Associate Led, it is unlikely that a practice valued using the Principal Led model will be financially viable for you.

4. Make the most of your viewing

The viewing is your chance to get information directly from the owner that is unlikely to be included in the sales prospectus. Ask about the type of patients, local area, practice dynamics, staffing team and seller’s plans for the future. Don’t forget to also tell the seller a little about you and your plans for the practice going forward – they may have multiple buyers to choose from and some sellers choose the individual they feel best suits the practice, patients, and staff.

5. consider investment costs

Does the practice need immediate financial investment? Does the practice need new equipment immediately to complete the type of work you intend to introduce? Assess the need for upgrades or replacements and factor these costs into your overall budget.

6. consider a buyer’s assessment

If you are unsure on the asking price or need some guidance before placing an offer, you should consider instructing a buyer’s assessment. The cost of a buyer’s assessment is often a fraction of a bankinstructed valuation price and could therefore save you thousands should the assessment highlight areas you are not happy with.

7. Personal projections

A valuation shows the gross profit a practice can make, but it does not show your personal take home pay. You will need to factor in tax and loan repayments (if applicable) to see what income you will

actually have to live off. Often, this is done by a dental specialist accountant.

8. speak to a broker

Whilst a broker cannot guarantee what you can borrow, as this depends on the profitability of the practice you are buying, it is worth speaking with a broker ahead of a practice sale to get your finances in order, ready to approach lenders. A specialist healthcare broker can give you an update on current lending terms and requirements, and advise on cash deposit levels based on what type of practice you are looking for. It is also worth understanding the different types of loans available and any costs involved in arranging bank finance (PFM Dental do not charge a broker fee when acting as sole broker).

9. consider purchasing costs

Fees to buy a dental practice have, like most things, increased over the last couple of years. You will usually need cash reserves for the following: solicitor fees, deposit, bank valuation, insurances, DBS check, and stock at completion. If you are buying through a limited company, you may have additional requirements, such as bank-separate representation solicitors and personal guarantee legal fees. Estimated buying costs are typically in the region of £15,000 - £20,000 (not including your deposit against the purchase price).

10. Put forward a strong offer

Offer what you are willing to pay for the practice at completion – unwarranted

Workwear collections like no other.

adjustments to your offer during the legal work could lead to the sale falling through, resulting in lost time and fees for both parties. Give detail in your offer – what are your plans for the practice, do you want the seller to stay on, what your timescales are. Have finance in progress – the agent will need to need to confirm to the seller that they have reviewed your financial position or received a copy of your agreement in principle from a lender before your offer can be formally accepted.

conclusion

Buying a dental practice is a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these 10 top tips, you can strengthen your dental practice search and increase your chances of a successful purchase. Remember that each practice and buyer is unique, so tailor these tips to fit your specific circumstances and goals. With thorough preparation and the right guidance, acquiring a dental practice can be a rewarding step in your professional journey. n about the author s amantha Hodgson is a finance broker and practice valuer, helping dentists with their practice purchase finance requirements. P f M Dental are leading professional advisers to dentists for: sales and valuations of dental practices, financial advice, legal and accountancy services.

Growing gains

Thinking of expanding? It’s a big decision but it could pay big dividends

Ilike that quote from business mentor and motivational speaker, Tony Gaskins, who says: “If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.”

Running your own dental practice is liberating and, if you’re doing it right, successful and profitable. One of the advantages of a single practice is that it’s simpler to have everything under one roof. It’s less risky too as you’re not spreading your assets too thin. But one of the problems is that it has limited growth. Once you’ve hit capacity, you’ve hit a barrier. In a world where demand for dental provision is high – as many as 3,000 people per NHS dentist in some areas – that puts you at a disadvantage. Indeed, perhaps you’re currently at the stage where your practice has grown so much that your building can no longer house all the treatments you need it to. Maybe it’s time to think about opening a second site?

Owning multiple dental practices can offer numerous benefits. One of the primary benefits is the potential for increased revenue. With multiple locations, dentists can tap into a larger patient base and provide services to a more extensive geographical area. This allows for the diversification of income streams and can lead to higher profitability. Additionally, having multiple surgeries enables the economies of scale, as dentists can centralise certain administrative

functions and share resources, resulting in cost savings.

Expansion can provide dentists with the opportunity to delegate responsibilities and achieve a better work-life balance. Hiring the right people and the ability to delegate is therefore key. By distributing their workload across different locations, practice owners can potentially reduce their overall stress levels.

competitive edge

Leading on from this, dentists who own multiple practices have a competitive edge when it comes to recruiting and retaining talented staff members. With more locations, there are more opportunities for dental professionals to join your business and advance their careers. Additionally, the ability to offer career development opportunities within the organisation can help retain skilled staff members who may otherwise seek positions elsewhere. Given the current recruitment crisis, this is a real plus.

Owning more than one practice can open up avenues for personal professional growth and development too. With each additional location, practice owners can gain valuable experience in managing and leading a team, marketing their services, and handling business operations. This experience can help dentists enhance their management skills and build their leadership qualities.

Moreover, multiple practices provide opportunities for collaboration and sharing of best practices – both commercial and clinical – between different locations, allowing dentists to continuously learn and improve.

enhanced reputation

Expanding your dental practice can contribute to enhancing your professional reputation. Having multiple locations suggests that your practice is thriving and successful, giving patients more confidence in your services. It is also likely to attract new patients who may be seeking dental care from established and reputable dental providers.

It’s important to be aware that owning multiple practices doesn’t necessarily equate to owning multiple profitable practices. While acknowledging there are many advantages to operating multiple practices, including the ability to make bulk purchases, expanding buying power, more capacity for leverage and the opportunity for greater exit planning – it’s not without its challenges. After all, there is the increased responsibility, more staff to manage, the potential for higher debt and the associated stress that goes with all of this to consider too.

However, owning multiple dental practices does offer dentists distinct benefits. From increased revenue and patient access to improved work-life balance and professional growth, the

Shared decision-making and its impact on patient care

Part of improving the oral health of the nation is empowering patients to take control of their dental hygiene. When patients have sufficient knowledge and understanding of their oral health status and the professional recommendations being made, they are more likely to participate in the decision-making process for their future care. This affords several benefits.

Shared decision-making (SDM) promotes patient autonomy, giving them power over their oral health. It encourages their active engagement and gives them accountability for dental hygiene goals. It also often leads to improved communication with the dental team, facilitating trust with the demonstration of mutual respect between patient and practitioner.

Another advantage of SDM is that patients are often more receptive to the potential risks of treatment or poor oral hygiene, and therefore more satisfied with treatment results. In fact, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that patient-reported healthcare outcomes improve when a SDM approach is achieved. The concept can also be used to reduce decisional conflict in patients who have access to different treatment options, compared to those who don’t feel they actively participated in a decision.

It’s important to note that SDM is not a single event, but an on-going process. To be effective, it requires both parties (patient and practitioner) to be open and honest, and to share all relevant information with each other.

From treatment details, including risks and limitations, to the amount of time a patient has to complete oral hygiene at home every day, insight from both sides should be considered. Like many aspects of dentistry, implementing SDM is not without its challenges. Time has been cited in some of the research as a major barrier to effective SDM, especially when it comes to more complex treatment areas that require greater patient engagement, like the provision of fixed prostheses. The same paper found that dentists were concerned about how to proceed should a patient prefer a treatment option that is not considered in their best long-term interests from a professional perspective.

A solution to both potential issues is improved patient education, with relevant information provided in a way that they really understand and can apply to their personal situation. This exchange must also occur in a time-efficient way, with no compromise on the details covered.

Chairsyde – a state-of-the-art patient consultation platform – makes this process

simpler. It offers an array of professionally designed animations that clearly explain dental diseases, demonstrate treatment options and discuss all the associated benefits, risks and limitations, ensuring the patient is fully informed. SDM is promoted and actively facilitated, engaging the patient with their oral health and treatment needs. With the support of Chairsyde, dentists also can be confident that patients will be able to better recognise inappropriate treatment choices, helping them make the right decisions for them. It’s also fully integrated with Dentally and Software of Excellence practice management software for convenience.

The provision of dental care should never be a one-way street. By engaging with patients and encouraging them to take some of the responsibility for their oral hygiene and treatment choices, better oral health can be achieved in the long-run. Shared decisionmaking is an important part of this.

For more information, or to book a Chairsyde demo, please visit chairsyde.com or call 020 3951 8360 n

advantages are many. By expanding their footprint, dentists can provide dental care to a wider population, enhance their reputation, and create a successful and thriving business. When you are 100% sure that it’s the right move for you, the Dental Elite team is on hand to help you build your dream. We have more than a decade of experience in the buying and selling of dental practices. To find out how we can assist with your business decisions, contact the team today. For more information contact the Dental Elite team on 01788 545900 or visit https://dentalelite.co.uk/ n

about the author Laura Dewes, senior business account Manager at Dental elite.

Laura’s journey with Dental e lite began in the spring of 2016. Her dedication and commitment have propelled her through the ranks, and she currently holds a pivotal role within the s ales Progression Team, having achieved a well-deserved promotion to s enior b uyer a ccount Manager in s eptember 2023.

business bites addressing everything business

Loven Ganeswaran, ceO and founder chairsyde.

Helping dentists around the world empower their patients to make better decisions about their health.

We’re a specialist dental practice sales agency, so whether you are looking to sell your dental practice on the open market, selling to your associate or intrigued with Corporate interest, we’ve helped thousands of dentists like you.

You cannot be in better hands with our expert valuers, a single point of contact throughout the sale and in-house legal team, allowing us to

advise you from start to finish.

We work with dentists all over the UK

Our scale and reach means we’re here to help wherever you’re based

Practice sales over the past 12 months 50+

Current dental accountancy clients 1200+

Practice finance raised in the last year £15m+

Expert Valuations

Accurate valuations for associate & principal led models with advice on enhancing the practice value.

We liaise with solicitors, buyers, and CQC to ensure everything is in place to minimise stress and give a smooth sale.

1000s of buyers

Get access to 1000s of pre vetted purchasers, being individuals, small groups and all of the major corporates.

In House Legal

We have specialist dental solicitors with expertise in commercial law, property law, and CQC processes.

Offer Negotiation

We will ensure your practice attracts the best possible price by negotiating the sale on your behalf.

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