The Dental Technician Magazine October 2017

The Dental Technician September 2017/Vol 70 Issue 08

By Subscription

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Vol 70 No 09

OCTOBER 2017 Technical

Technical

Business

Insight

SIMPLIFIED PROTOCOL FOR REMOVABLE IMPLANT PROSTHESIS

THE DIGITAL JOURNEY OF HARVEY JAMES AND PURE DENTAL LAB IN SURREY

10 WAYS TO ATTRACT QUALITY DENTAL TECHNICIANS

BEING A CDT IN TODAYS DENTAL PROFESSION

Pages 8 - 10

Pages 14 - 15

Page 22 - 23

Page 18 - 19

THE BDIA SHOW AT NEC BIRMINGHAM

I

do hope you are all looking forward to the Dental Showcase in Birmingham NEC later this month from the 19th to the 21st. The show will be managed by a separate Exhibition Organizer, for the first time and the hope is it will reflect more broadly the Dental Market place and all its content.

Traditionally the BDIA (formerly the BDTA) have struggled to incorporate Technicians into the full programme.

I suppose it reflects the market

size of their portfolios with the clinicians being by far the greatest spenders, but it is a bit shortsighted to imagine the laboratory market will be happy with being ignored and may well continue to frequent the more diverse option being offered by the other organization. A glance at the speakers list suggests a return to the bad old days of “them and us” (i.e those in surgery and those not). The companies however will undoubtedly have

Technicians demonstrating and possibly speakers on their stands to show their latest innovations of equipment and sundries so it is always worth a visit. Particularly for technicians, to get a grasp of the market, in the digital changes.

requirements for enhanced CPD for registrants in the section below left. For Technicians and Clinical Dental Technicians I have highlighted the relevant information with two asterisks.

Continued on page 4

I have highlighted the GDC

3D PRINTER RESINS

**HOW WILL ECPD AFFECT YOU? Next year the enhanced Continuing Professional Development (ECPD) scheme is commencing for both dentists (1 January 2018) and dental **care professionals (1 August 2018).

A summary of the new requirements is listed in the table below.

Matthew Hill, GDC Executive Director, Strategy, will be presenting at next month’s Dental Showcase, at the NEC Birmingham, on 19 - 21 October: where he will be talking about ECPD, as well as Shifting the balance. At the event, we will launch ECPD guidance for registrants and education providers and a personal development plan template.

ECPD: THE CHANGES An increase in the number of verifiable hours for some registrant types and the requirement to spread the hours more evenly across the five-year cycle: DENTISTS - 100 HOURS • Dental therapists, dental hygienists, orthodontic therapists and **clinical dental technicians - 75 hours

• **Dental nurses and dental technicians - 50 hours • **The reduction of CPD hours overall for all dental professionals, due to the removal of nonverifiable CPD; • **The need to make a mandatory annual declaration of the CPD hours that have been carried out which meet the requirements; • **The requirement of a Personal Development Plan which details planned CPD to be undertaken and the associated GDC development outcomes; • **Keeping a log of completed activity, including date, number of hours and which development outcome it covered; • **Keeping evidence (e.g. a certificate) for each verifiable activity.

DON’T FORGET: You can make use of the online tool which provides a summary of CPD requirements for those in mid-cycle when the enhanced CPD starts. Make sure you check the website for any further updates.

Pro3dure manufacture high quality resins which are highly compatible when used in conjunction with our excellent Asiga DLP 3D printer range as well as other printers on the market. They currently have resins for a range of applications including surgical guides & splints, casting, impression trays, models and gingival mask for use in the production of implant models.

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www.bracon.co.uk

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The Dental Technician_OCT issue.indd 2

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

CONTENTS

THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2017 8

4

DENTAL OPINION FROM SIR PAUL BERESFORD, BDS. MP

6 & 11

MARKETING SIMPLIFIED

8 - 10

SIMPLIFIED DENTAL PROTOCOL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REMOVABLE PROSTHESIS WITH IMPLANT / MUCOSAL SUPPORT PT 2

12

AUGUST BRUGUERA IN THE CITY OF LONDON

14 - 15

THE DIGITAL JOURNEY OF HARVEY JAMES AND PURE DENTAL LAB IN SURREY

16

DENTAL TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE 2018

17

GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL

18 - 19

BEING A CDT IN TODAYS DENTAL PROFESSION

20 - 21

ARE COURSES WORTH ATTENDING?

22 - 23

TOP 10 WAYS TO ATTRACT QUALITY DENTAL TECHNICIANS

24 - 25

GC UK LIMITED

26 - 27

DOES YOUR DOCTOR KNOW YOU HAVE GUM DISEASE? HE SHOULD

28 - 29

VERIFIABLE CPD

12

30

DENTAL NEWS

24

31

CLASSIFIED ADVERTS

PUBLISHERS: THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN LIMITED, PO BOX 430, LEATHERHEAD KT22 2HT TELEPHONE: 01372 897463 Subscriptions The Dental Technician, Select Publisher Services Ltd, PO Box 6337, Bournemouth BH1 9EH Editor: Larry Browne FBIDST. FDTA, ITI Fellow, LCGI, RDT. Tel: 01372 897461 Email: editor@dentaltechnician.org.uk Subeditor: Sharon (Bazzie) Larder Email: inthedoghousedesign@gmail.com Advertising: Chris Trowbridge Tel: 07399 403602 Email: sales@dentaltechnician.org.uk Editorial advisory board K. Young, RDT (Chairman) // L. Barnett, RDT // P. Broughton, LBIDST, RDT // L. Grice-Roberts, MBE // V. S. J. Jones, LCGI, LOTA, MIMPT // P. Wilks, RDT, LCGI, LBIDST // Sally Wood, LBIDST

THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE! FIND US AT:

dentaltechnician.org.uk THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN is an independent publication and is not associated with any professional body or commercial establishment other than the publishers. Views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the editor, publisher or the editorial advisory board. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcome, though no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage, howsoever caused.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the editor or the publisher.

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DENTAL OPINION FROM SIR PAUL BERESFORD, BDS. MP

BREXIT - THE ONLY TOPIC

T

he Brexit train has left the station. We are due to arrive in about eighteen months.

First the Referendum campaign with dubious allegations and promises.

Sir Paul Beresford. BDS. MP.

Dual UK/NZ nationality. New Zealand born, bred and educated, with post graduate education in UK. Worked as an NHS and private dentist in East and South West London.

Private dentist in the West End of London thenand currently in a very part time capacity in South West London. Councillor including Leader of Wandsworth Council moving to the House of Commons. A Minister in the John Major Government, MP for the then Croydon Central, then elected as MP for Mole Valley as a result of the boundary changes for the 1997 election.

Next the actual Referendum result which surprised many including some of the leading Brexiteers. Over a number of months, the Government spawned the Department for Exiting the European Union and the Department for International Trade.

The other Government Departments all realised Brexit had connotations for them- all of them- including our very own Department of Health!

To add to the uncertainty Theresa May called a General Election which gave us a weakened Government. Article 50 notice was served which meant the die was truly cast, if we had any doubts and negotiations started.

At home, the Repeal Bill hit the floor of the House of Commons and passed its Second Reading Please have the salt ready as you will be reaching for many pinches as some politicians aid the media columnists in continue with their posturing on both sides of the arguments. “Soft Brexit” versus “Hard Brexit” What we need is a fair Brexit.

Nigel Farage (remember him) has said we are in risk of backsliding or words to that effect. Read the runes Nigel and goodbye.

Continued from page 1 The GDC are continuing their programe called “Shifting the Balance” which is essentially an attempt to bring the various processes up to date and make them relevant to the profession and patients today.

They are spending a great deal of time trying to ease the process for all parties and at the same time make it effective and manageable.

The Whole Fitness to Practice programme is being altered in an attempt to make it more transparent and less complicated.

The backlog of FtP cases remains an embarrassment. From Sept

7th a consultative process is to be activated with the aim of shortening the case observation process. This process, the first step following a complaint from a patient or indeed another registrant, which is then followed up by informing the dental professional of the complaint and requesting a response. At present once the comments are received the GDC will pass them on to the complainant and request a response. Experience has sown this to be unnecessary and In order to save time it is proposed the comments are not passed to the complainant, except in certain incidents. The Case worker will decide whether seeking comment from the informant would be needed to complete the FtP process.

In a long State of the Union Speech to the European Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, has called for an even more powerful Europe with deeper integration especially for defence, asylum and foreign policy plus a full extension of the free movement of EU citizens. He is looking for a United States of Europe led by a European President. As an aside he has stated that the UK will regret Brexit.

Personally, after a statement like that those in the UK who had doubts on Brexit would move to the Exit doors.

Liam Fox and Theresa May are moving fast on International Trade and the response from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand has been prompt and encouraging. Even China shows promise. To encourage us many big investors in the UK are continuing to do so. I hope J-C Juncker noted the huge investment in development of the new Mini by BMW. Much work has to be done. On day one of the Free UK we need to be ready. There will have to be agreements and new treaties in areas we probably did not realise.

For example, we need a new UK/EU flight treaty. The present one stops on day one and unless there is no new treaty there can be no planes from the UK flying to and from and over Europe. Equally no planes from Europe could fly to or over the UK. The most obvious necessary change is in the Repeal Bill. Without that Bill

becoming law much of our present Statute Book would cease to function.

This Bill is a simple and pragmatic means of transferring our EU/UK law in to UK law. After that Act is in place the UK Government can alter the legislation where necessary, mainly by secondary legislative committees.

For example, where the EU legislation refers to an EU body it will be changed to a British body.

Philip Hammond the Chancellor, being mindful of the Economy and British business interests sees the need for a transitional period and a trade agreement that keeps a nontariff regime incorporating much of the present inspection and safety positions we have currently. This most starkly apparent example is for food imports and exports. At present if the inspection of goods is at source in the EU, including the UK there is free movement through our ports.

The thought of the chaos at our ports as every item is check makes that approach obvious.

Will we be better off out? Probably in due course if we play our cards right in international trade agreements and in the EU negotiations. At the moment, the aggressive posturing of J-C Junker and Michel Barnier the European Chief Negotiator for Brexit, may mean the UK will have to negotiate directly with some or all of the 27 EU nations. We have done it before often. Even I have done so in my years as a Minister.

The EU needs us just as we need them.

I am sure there may well be other areas which will need more clarification and certainly we can expect the new procedures, of case workers dealing directly with the subject, will produce its own complications but the potential for clearing up the procedures may well be satisfied . It is important to understand your requirements and to keep up to date with any changes. Our editorial staff will work hard to ensure you are informed in good time, of any changes.

concern with regard to the effect and continuing management of registration by the GDC. If you feel you don’t want to be involved with the GDC please feel free to let us know of any of your concerns. I would be happy to forward any comments, via these pages, to he general dental profession and the GDC. You don’t have to include your name if you wish to remain anonymous. It would be better to air your views now than complain later once it is finalised. Write to me, the editor.

During this period of discussion between the GDC and the various sections of the profession, I do hope you have made the effort to bring forward any matters of

l If you would like to ask, or say something relevant to our future with registration please phone, write or send an email to larry @lsbrowne.com

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MARKETING SIMPLIFIED JAN CLARKE BDS FDSRCPS

Jan qualified as a dentist in 1988 and worked in the hospital service and then general practice. She was a practice owner for 17 years and worked as an Advisor with Denplan. Jan now works helping dental businesses with their marketing and business strategy.

Web: www.roseand.co Email: Jan@roseand.co

DOES MY BUSINESS NEED A WEBSITE?

R

ecent surveys suggest that around 50% of small businesses do not have a website but when questioned a large number of those who didn’t suggested that they would have one in the next year or so.

Why do these businesses think they need a website and what are the barriers to not having one?

Most small businesses now realise the power of a website in being able to show the world what they can produce and who is behind their business. In our linked up world with active social media and ability to send email newsletters we can see a good website presence is just good business.

Your Website will be your major area of digital marketing, so why don’t all Dental Laboratories have websites?

• Time – not enough time to put the content together or work out how to build one • Cost – unsure as to how much expenditure it will incur getting a website designed, coded and copy inserted • Need – I have enough clients and I can’t compete with the big laboratories so I’m happy as I stand • Not sure where to start.

It is easy to look online and see some of the most amazing websites from some of the larger dental laboratories and think, “How can I compete with that?” and first of all I want to reassure you that you don’t

need to, many of these websites are just too overcomplicated.

WHERE TO START?

1. Keep it simple 2. Keep it fresh 3. No fussy design 4. Think of your customer- who are they Over 60% of your customers will access your website using a mobile device and this number is increasing all the time so your website needs to be mobile friendly or responsive, that means a website can be viewed on a PC screen as well as a small phone. If you are looking for a company to help build your website then trying to compare pricings can be like comparing a porcelain crown to an Emax so do be clear on what the company is offering for the price.

If you have a bit of tech know how and the time and you would like to build your own then there are lots of courses available on-line to teach you how to do this. We particularly recommend building your website on the WordPress platform which you can learn quite simply and you often find there are local classes that you can participate in.

You will also need to purchase a “Domain” name – the URL of your website, for instance mydentallab. co.uk. There are many places you can check what is available and buy from, we use names.co.uk and they even have a whole area where they can help you build your website once you have your domain and guide you through the process.

DESIGN

Do you already have a brand image or a logo or do you need to spend some time getting this right? Once your brand image is in place the design for your website is fairly straightforward.

The pages can then be built and copy, the words, entered. My advice with all of this, though, is less is quite definitely more. Don’t overwhelm your reader with more and more words, keep it simple in design and structure. Yes, your customer will be a dentist and so there does need to be degree of technicality but remember that everyone is time poor, make it easy to read with small sections rather than pages and pages of copy that the reader will need to keep scrolling through.

You want the website visit experience to be easy and pleasant and ultimately lead to a new customer.

How the copy reads and the content is also incredibly important when considering how your website will be found. Your existing customers will know of your website name from information and communications you will have with them but we want your website to be found by dentists looking for a new dental lab.

HOW WILL THE WEBSITE BE FOUND?

How do you get your website to show up on search, never mind at the top of page one, but just to show up?

The answer is simple, Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO for short.

It is very important to make the copy readable and as “human” as possible, as too many keywords and key phrases can actually have a detrimental effect on your website’s search engine rankings. Google for example actively penalise “keyword crammed” pages as being over optimised.

There is a balance to be struck between good readability and keywords or search strings.

Another major factor in the SEO of your pages is what goes on behind the scenes of the visible web page.

You may have heard of “meta tags”, the code behind the page that informs search engines of what your page is about.

The three meta tags that interest us here are as follows: • Title • Description • Keywords Again, when looking at these three tags you need to be relevant, there is no point mentioning Tooth Whitening when the page is about Emax Crowns, as this would not be relevant in the overall context of the “on page” copy.

One often missed factor when optimising your pages is the URL to be used for that page, or the bit before the .HTML .PHP or if using Wordpress the Slug! Make the URL of your page descriptive, here is an example:

It is important to view SEO as a marketing tool that delivers the correct information on your web page relevant to the searchers own search phrase.

Bad: mydentallaboratory.co.uk/ crowns.html

In short SEO is the art of injecting those search strings into your website’s pages in a way that the search engine understands. This starts with the content of the page, the words or the copy. Search strings can be subtly embedded into your pages using well written copy that is relevant and doesn’t stray away from the subject being discussed. It is worth noting that Headlines, subtitles and body text all count towards rankings, however their importance has now been equalised as Google’s search algorithm now looks at pages as a whole for relevance.

The descriptive URL has far more chance of being picked up for a potential new customer in Glasgow when they search for a dental laboratory in Glasgow!

Good: mydentallaboratory.co.uk/ dental-crowns-glasgow.html

The above methods are the baseline for your SEO activities as there are more advanced routes to having your dental laboratory website SEO’d, once the above is in place, using methodology that search engines such as Google, Bing & Yahoo endorse and actively encourage.

Continued on page 11

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SIMPLIFIED DENTAL PROTOCOL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REMOVABLE PROSTHESIS WITH IMPLANT / MUCOSAL SUPPORT

PART 2

MAURIZIO SEDDA. C.D.T., D.D.S., M.SC., PH.D. AND SIMONE FEDI. C.D.T. Fabrication of the master model and of the aesthetic try-in In the area around the Impression transfers, was placed a pink silicone, reproducing the soft tissue (Photo 2). The master model had been achieved by casting the impression obtained with the replica using a class IV plaster, mixed with distilled water according to the manufacturer’s mixing ratios and with vacuum mechanical mixing process (Photos 3, 4). Once hardened, the transfers have been removed and the master model has been positioned on the articulator using the replica and the face bow.

The opposing model was placed on the articulator with the silicone bite.

The bases were constructed using light curing resin with pre-formed plastic replicas of the bar, which were attached to bases. This allowed the accurate construction of the bar and retention element to be safely contained within the proposed PEEK superstructure. With the models positioned on the articulator the Selected teeth were set-up on the resin base, following the aesthetics indications of the transparent replica, using a toughened wax (Photo 5). In agreement with the patient, the doctor chose the following set of teeth: the I47 set of for the front teeth and the L3 form for the rear teeth. The purpose of this first set-up is to obtain an aesthetic prototype to be delivered to the clinician and patient.

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Aesthetic try-in

The patient was given the opportunity to evaluate the aesthetic result of the restoration prior to the finalization. The clinician with the set-up in the patient’s mouth checked the aesthetics, phonetics, overall dimensions of the buccal flanges and the resulting support of the upper lip and color of the dental elements. The occlusal relationships were also confirmed, together with protrusive and lateral movements.

The necessary adjustments were made directly at chair side, with the patient’s agreement, the prototype and all records were returned to the laboratory after the disinfection protocol. (Photo 6)

Photo 5

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Photo 10

Photo 6 Photo 7

Photo 11

Photo 8

Photo 12

Creating the bar

Photo 9

In order to preserve the changes made by the clinician, a silicone key was created (Universal, Transformer) using the articulator (Photo 7).

Subsequently, the master model and the aesthetic prototype were positioned inside a flask, using the Plexiglass cover, suitable for the light curing of the composite. Two wax pins for the spruing were connected to the prototype to create the injection channels, the flask once closed was injected with a transparent silicone 22 shore (Photo 8). Once cured, the prototype and the master model were removed from the flask and digitized through a laboratory scanner and the files were loaded into a modeling software, exocad (Photo 9). The design of the primary bar has been in relationship to the teeth set-up in order to place the attachments perpendicular to the occlusal plane.

The bar surface facing the gums has been designed convex, to minimize

the accumulation of plaque etc. and to facilitate the oral hygiene. Thanks to the CAD / CAM technique, the bar has been milled from a solid titanium alloy block.

(Photos 10, 11) Four attachments, with their respective housings, were put on the bar. The attachment chosen - OT Equator (Photo 12) has a reduced vertical dimension compared to the spherical attachments. This allows space saving with an even stronger retention. Such attachments can be screwed directly into a thread inside the bar created directly by the milling center: This avoids the use of adhesive materials or a weld.

They also allow for easy removal and replacement if needed.

Without removing the bar. The bar complete with attachments was delivered to the clinician.

Continued on page 10

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Continued from page 9

Photo 13

Verifying of the fit and design of the bar

The clinician proceeded to screw the bar on the abutments, verifying its passive seating (Photo 13). The distance between the gingiva and the bar would play a crucial role in the daily hygiene, this was checked and a test was performed to verify that the patient was familiarised with the use of the floss and the brushes. The compressive points on the gingiva had been reduced.

The bar was then returned to the laboratory after the disinfection protocol.

Photo 16

Constructing the superstructure

The bar was placed on the model and the undercuts were eliminated with wax. The housings with the retentive caps were placed into position and the master model duplicated with silicone. The duplicate model was cast, as before, using class IV plaster, with distilled water according to the manufacturer’s mixing ratios and a mechanical vacuum mixing. A rigid thermoplastic mask with a thickness of 1 mm. was adapted over the duplicated model as a basis for the modeling of the superstructure. The thermoplastic mask was placed on the bar already screwed onto the master model. All was repositioned on the articulator and the tooth set-up were fixed in place with this silicone mold (Photo 16).

Photo 14

The anatomic supports for the veneers were modelled in wax (Photo 14) and then placed inside the casting cylinder, and invested.

The cylinder was preheated to 630°C for 90 min, and then cooled down to 400°C and maintained at this temperature for 60 min.

A predetermined amount of PEEK polymer was introduced into the cylinder and left in position for 20 min. The cylinder was placed inside the unit for the vacuum injection system and the pressing was carried out at 4.5 bar.

stratification; on the inside of the facets a specific composite was used. Once closed the flask, the resin was mixed and injected in the intake channel, and the system was kept at 50°C for 25 min at a pressure of 2.5 bars. The prosthesis obtained was finished with rotary instruments mounted on a laboratory handpiece and delivered to the clinician (Photos 18-21).

Photo 18

Photo 15

After cooling, the coating was removed and the superstructure was sandblasted with aluminum oxide, 110 pm, at 2.5 bar, (Photo 15). In the spaces for the metal housings a primer was dabbed and cured for 90 s. The housings were then blocked with dual adhesive. Bar and superstructure were placed on the master model, inside the muffle.

The gap between the two structures was filled with silicon. The inner part of the veneers was subjected to sandblasting (aluminum oxide, 110 pm, 2.5 bar) and a primer was applied and then polymerized for 90 s.

The removable prosthesis with implant and mucosal support is a solution that combines the aesthetics and the support of the lip of a removable prosthesis with the stability of a fixed prosthesis over implants.

Furthermore a greater ease in cleaning and the absence of palatal coverage is a real bonus to the patient.

The execution of the simplified protocol as presented here allows for a reduction of the processing times without any loss of quality or accuracy.

The use of low profile attachments screwed directly into the bar without gluing or welding, allows an easy installation and eventual replacement if and when required, while ensuring excellent retention within a small space. l Maurizio SEDDA. C.D.T., D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D. info@mauriziosedda.com Simone FEDI. C.D.T. LCO Pistoia - Via del Roccon Rosso 27, 51100, Pistoia.

Technical Laboratory Capecchi e Fedi - Corso Gramsci 60, 51100, Pistoia. fedisimone@icloud.com BIBLIOGRAPHY

Photo 19

Photo 17

Photo 20

The veneers were blocked on the transparent silicone inserted in the silicone inside the cover of the flask, verifying the absence of interference between them and the superstructure (Photo 16). On the outer surface of the superstructure it was firstly applied a primer, as above, and then a pink opaque (Photo 17), over the flanges areas (GUM color) and a dental shade in correspondence of the facets and then cured for 90 s. The flanges have been characterized with composite resin with the technique of reverse

Conclusions

1. Quirynen M, deSote M, Steeberghe D. Infectious risks for oral implants: a review of the literature. Clin Oral Implants Res 2002;13:1-9.

2. Mombelli A, Van Oosten MAC, Schurch E, et al. The microbia associated with successful or failing osseo-integrated titanium implants.

Oral Microbiol Immunol 1987:2:145-51.

3. Misch CE. Considerations of biomechanical stress in treatment with dental implants.

Dent Today 2006;25:80-5.

4. Zarb GA, Bolender CL. Prosthodontic Treatment of Edentulous Patients: Complete Dentures and Implant-Supported Prostheses.

Twelfth Edition. St. Louis, Mosby, 2004.

5. Misch CE. Prosthetic options in implant dentistry. Int j Oral Implantol 1991:7:17-21.

6. The system and consumables used in this article are from Fast Protec which is distributed in the UK

by Panadent Ltd. For more information, please contact: Panadent 01689 88 17 88 or visit www. panadent.co.uk

Photo 21

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Your website should also be unique, not a series of keyword crammed paragraphs, but original copy written by humans for humans in plain speak.

Continued from page 6 In Google’s own webmaster guidelines, the key to gain rank on their search engine, is hinted at quite blatantly:

SEO starts with the basics, get the basics right and your rankings on search engines will improve, it may take time however the results of good ranking of your pages will attract the “right” customers.

The key to creating a great website is to create the best possible experience for your audience with original and high quality content. If people find your site useful and unique, they may come back again or link to your content on their own websites. This can help attract more people to your site over time.

As you begin creating content, make sure your website is: Useful and informative: If you’re launching a site for a restaurant, you can include the location, hours of operation, contact information, menu and a blog to share upcoming events.

More valuable and useful than other sites: If you write about how to train a dog, make sure your article provides more value or a different perspective than the numerous articles on the web on dog training.

Credible: Show your site’s credibility by using original research, citations, links, reviews and testimonials. An

author biography or testimonials from real customers can help boost your site’s trustworthiness and reputation.

High quality: Your site’s content should be unique, specific and high quality. It should not be massproduced or outsourced on a large number of other sites. Keep in mind that your content should be created primarily to give visitors a good user experience, not to rank well in search engines.

Engaging: Bring colour and life to your site by adding images of your

products, your team, or yourself.

Make sure visitors are not distracted by spelling, stylistic, and factual errors.

An excessive amount of ads can also be distracting for visitors. Engage visitors by interacting with them through regular updates, comment boxes, or social media widgets.

To summarise, if you take the individual points above we know that the majority of dental businesses do rank quite well on credibility, some could do better on the quality, and most could do more to engage the human viewer.

I would encourage you to start considering a website for your business, don’t over complicate it, keep it simple with a fresh design, don’t fill the pages with words.

Consider the copy, consider the keywords but don’t overdo it, your viewers are more likely to stay on the website longer if it is easy to read, informative and friendly.

As GDC registered individuals you also need your website to be GDC compliant, this information is readily available on the GDC website. l Whether you employ someone to build your website or you teach yourself, good luck and as ever I am available for specific questions should you need.

Email: jan@roseand.co

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

AUGUST BRUGUERA

IN THE CITY OF LONDON

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August Bruguera has earned himself an envious reputation as a teacher, lecturer and author. He has trained with Klaus Muterthies,in Germany..,In Italy with Mario Chiodini and Giovanni Furno and in Switzerland with Willi Geller.

He is the author of many and various articles in international magazines. Has held more than 500 lectures and workshops at national and international meetings and congresses in 43 countries. He is the author of the textbook “Shades – a world of colours”, and of “Invisible, Ceramic Restorations together with Dr Sidney Kina,.

Between 1999 and 2002, August Bruguera worked at the University of Barcelona as a professor in the postgraduate dental programme. He owns and runs his August Brubuera Dentl Laboratory and Dental training centre in Barcelona.

Sue McCallum and August Bruguera.

here are a few exceptional teacher technicians in the world and when you are invited to sit in and listen for an hour or two to one such, it is a real pleasure. August Bruguera is, in my opinion, very much one of the greats with a real ability to inspire and teach and this month I was lucky enough to attend, as a press observer, his two day course held in London over the weekend of September 16th /17th. Organised by the INSPIRE organisation and held, as they often do, at Tony Laurie’s Laboratory, Dental Excellence right in the heart of the City of London and very much within the sound of Bow Bells. The two days were filled with information and a great deal of hands on porcelain handling using the Ivoclar Vivadent materials, including the New IPS Style. The models and sub-frame for the anterior bridge was supplied and the participants were creating effect colour. Their restoration using 10–11 powders based on bleach shades and being shown the use of high value and low value colours to achieve the natural appearance. Layering techniques to obtain subtle and depth effects and a real life like restoration.

Tony Laurie enjoying the banter Demonstrates Cervical Effects

August outlined the techniques and requirements with introductory talks around each process and showed beautiful results from his own portfolio. Each section was

demonstrated with lots of time for questions during the hands-on and the participants would then apply the techniques to their own bridge build-up. Each participant was asked to build an anterior bridge lighter than A1 but still looking natural. Clearly a challenge, but a remarkably straightforward way of demonstrating the subtlety of the layering technique for removing the potential “dead white appearance”.

All set to start

The materials supplied and the level of learning with August clearly explaining the nuance of using high value and low value powders and colours to enhance the contrasts that are seen in natural teeth. He explained that while we often have a picture of crowns in our minds of young and very white he showed how we deal in the main with 30+year old teeth and older. The majority of whom are 40-50+ year olds. He demonstrated his use of high value white and low value grey materials to enhance the natural effect of ageing enamel and the higher values of the dentine from the middle to the neck. He showed subtle use of brown and red, in the cervical areas, with the appreciation of effective placement within the build-up. Using a silicone key, made from his wax-up. He was able to demonstrate the precise placement on any area of the required buildup and maintain it, because of the silicone key reference point.

Graphics and other aids

A regular enjoying another few days

Many of those involved have been on several of August’s courses and have, in their own words, found them invaluable. Learning is made easy in a relaxed and ideal setting, which is provided by Tony Laurie here at his premises. Tony has been working with INSPIRE from the beginning and loves the involvement.

He is such an enthusiast and really does appreciate the potential of learning from the excellent speakers INSPIRE has attracted over the years. It is remarkable that Sue McKallam, who is not herself a technician can continue to bring the very best speakers and teachers from around the world.

Sue maintains her enthusiasm for these great technicians and loves her involvement with the technicians here in the U.K. who continue to support her courses. To make it is worth her while to continue we should seriously consider attending her future courses.

Time to watch and listen

Time to pick up a few tips

August encouraged the participants to work with their imagination but with discipline, recommending the use of their own graphics to establish position and impact of an effect colour. This very practical course was full of common sense and good technical management. A very happy bunch of technicians felt they had learned from a true master. Thank you Sue McCallum and INSPIRE for the organisation and to Tony Laurie for the surroundings.

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

RESISTANCE

IS FUTILE!

HARVEY JAMES OF PURE DENTAL LAB IN SURREY DISCUSSES HIS DIGITAL JOURNEY

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ike most metalwork technicians I love working with gold. It’s a beautiful material and to be honest, I never thought the day would come in my working life when gold, would be superseded by nonprecious alloys. But digital dentistry has revolutionised our working practices in so many ways.

Gold might be a lovely material, but it’s expensive and time-consuming to work with. As a lab, we produce a considerable volume of implantborne restorations, most of which are on Straumann fixtures. If we use a gold cylinder costing £200 and spend a further £100 on gold for the abutment, that’s £300 before we’ve even started! For years, I’d been asking Straumann to produce Cobalt Chrome

abutments and when they launched Straumann® Variobase™ this provided a solution in some cases. However, it still didn’t provide the flexibility a custom abutment could deliver.

In May 2014, I was lucky enough to attend the ITI World Congress in Geneva and at this meeting I stumbled across Createch Medical who were demonstrating milled chrome abutments. I thought to myself, “That’s it – that’s what this industry has been looking for the last 50 years.” I come from an engineering family, my dad’s an engineer and a lot of what I do is engineering.

I’ve always looked at things from an engineering point of view. You can’t argue with the tolerances of a machine; you cannot recreate what a machine can do by hand. Not from a milling point of view – it’s impossible.

PARTNERING WITH THE BEST

We worked alongside Createch to refine this process by waxing up exactly what I was looking for and challenging them to copy it. They would copy my wax up but then I’d have to go back to them and say, “you’ve missed this bit off that I’ve waxed, you probably didn’t realise I needed it”. Backwards and forwards we went. Now three years later we’re producing some fabulous work with their help and we now scan everything in-house.

I started working with Createch by sending diagnostic wax-ups to them for scanning and milling. The fit was fantastic, but on many occasions we would be spending half an hour or so trimming and refining the restoration, but ultimately we’d end up with something that fitted better than anything cast.

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END-TO-END DIGITAL DENTISTRY

Our digital journey has snowballed and we’ve invested in numerous pieces of digital equipment including the Amann Girrbach Ceramill Motion2 milling machine which we use to mill wax patterns for e.max pressings.

Amann Girrbach have partnered with Straumann to offer dental laboratories the capability of milling in-house via Straumann CARES®, with original Straumann connections using state-ofthe-art materials. At the heart of the collaboration is a five-axis in-lab milling machine- the “Straumann CARES® M Series by Amann Girrbach”. Although the milling unit can mill a wide range of materials including e.max, we find that milling wax patterns, investing and then pressing provides us with a more cost-effective and controlled process.

The results are amazing!

I wouldn’t want to see all dental technicians assimilated in to a ‘Borg’-like collective, but resistance to digital technology in dentistry is futile. I understand that technicians are worried that their jobs may be lost and that to stay in dentistry they need to retrain to keep up, but this is the world we live in. There are so many advantages to working in a digital environment. It’s a lot cleaner for one and we can produce highly accurate restorations that save us all time and money. For me, it’s a very exciting time as I have a wealth of ‘old school’ knowledge and this is now joining forces with the advances in technology. I have swopped my wax knife and Le Cron for a computer and screen and I’m enjoying the journey.

100% of my lab’s metal work is now produced using CADCAM process and I wouldn’t want to go back to the pitfalls of investing and casting!

We were probably quite slow to adopt in-house scanning. We bought our first Straumann scanner in 2014 but didn’t really use it. It just sat on the bench to be used for the occasional zirconia coping. As we began working more with Createch, Straumann launched the CS2 scanner and it was at this point that we started to really get our teeth (sorry about the pun) into digital dentistry as we could see the benefits for us a business, our clients and their patients. Straumann has nailed the validated workflow, their in-house milling and partnership with Createch is amazing. We’ve also found that the support from Straumann is excellent and has helped us get the most from our equipment through the many services they provide. They’ve never once walked away from any problems we’ve had and I’ve built-up a fantastic rapport with both Createch and Straumann, which to me is invaluable.

We have recently purchased the Rapidshape 3D printer from Straumann for model production. We are excited to be using this technology and as more clinicians adopt intra-oral digital scanning equipment, we will be getting closer to an end-to-end digital solution. We design models using the Dental Wings software and 3D printing via our Rapidshape unit, which all forms part of the Straumann validated workflow. Many clinicians still don’t have access to a digital scanner, but recent research suggests that adoption is speeding up as over 15% of clinicians surveyed said they plan to purchase an intra-oral scanner in the next 12 months. It’s certain that this trend will continue and there will be mass adoption of digital technology in the coming years, so labs need to prepare now or be left behind. I realise it can be difficult to change your business model, but I firmly believe we should see this as a positive change that improves the restorations we produce and makes our labs more profitable in the longer term.

ATTRACTING NEW CLIENTS

All businesses need to attract new clients and being involved in digital dentistry can be a great way of getting access to a younger audience.

At last year’s Straumann Platinum Technicians event we were treated to an excellent presentation that discussed the marketing benefits of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Some of this fell on deaf ears as some of the audience seemed to think social media wasn’t for them. However, I find these mediums invaluable and it’s giving me an opportunity to interact and showcase my work with younger clinicians who are all over these channels. As technicians, we have a wealth of knowledge that we can share and help younger clinicians especially understand the materials

and processes available to them. At dental school clinicians traditionally learn very little about digital dentistry, but as “millennials” they are very keen to learn more once in general practice and they certainly can see the benefits.

DON’T TALK TO ME BEFORE 11!

I’ve seen the benefits of digital technology, but what’s the downside?

The downside, if there is one, is that you need to change your mind-set as you’re outsourcing an element of your production and this is counter-intuitive to most technicians. Before my journey in to digital technology I could wax about 20 copings in an average 10hour day, now I scan more than 20 copings in less than 2 hours! Every one of these scanned copings is beautiful quality and the only slight negative is that we need to wait for them to be delivered by courier. I scan every day between 7 – 11am and this work is then delivered to the lab between 48 and 74 hours later, so it’s important to make sure the lab organisation is spot on to accommodate this turnaround time. We’ve now got used to this change in organisation and I love it…

After 11am I can prepare for the next day and turn to my life passion cycling, which is fantastic in comparison to having my head down at the bench for 10 or 11 hours a day!

HAPPY TO HELP

I’ve had lots of help along my digital journey from Straumann and Createch in particular, and I would be happy to offer advice to any technician wanting to know more about the advantages and processes of digital dentistry. I would also suggest that technicians visit the BDIA Dental Showcase in October to see for themselves the array of new digital technology…

Now is the time to step on to the digital super highway! l Harvey James is a partner at Pure Dental Lab Surrey www.puredentallab.co.uk www.facebook.com/harvey.purelab For further information about Straumann® CARES® Digital Solutions visit www. straumanndigitalperformance.co.uk or visit Straumann at BDIA Dental Showcase Stand O62 - 19th - 21st October 2017, NEC, Birmingham.

BDIA Technology & Trends in The Dental Surgery Survey 2017 i

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

DENTAL TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE 2018 FIRST-CLASS

E D U C AT I O N THE DENTAL TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE (DTS) has long been associated with first-class education.

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Comments from past delegates include: “I like to look at everything from the suppliers to the CPD lectures. I’d definitely recommend the event and I’ll be back next year.”

Sadia Muddsar, Dental Technician “The mixture of clinical and technical is the future – it provides

a great education for the younger generation. Everybody is very approachable and what impresses me is that the lecturers actually tell the truth – they’re realists and you get such a diversity of opinion.

I’ll definitely take a lot of new skills back to the lab.”

Ian Greaves, Lab Owner DTS 2018 is destined to be even bigger and better than before, with more internationally renowned speakers, a larger trade exhibition and more delegates attending for greater networking opportunities.

Networking, Learning and Developing The Showcase remains the Dental Laboratories Association’s (DLA) flagship event for yet another year.

n

(DTG) – there will also be a chance to find out more about membership benefits and seek any bespoke advice you may need.

The 2018 event promises to build on previous successes with more CPD, more on-stand learning and more exhibitors across the trade floor.

There will be opportunities to network with peers, to learn from those at the very forefront of their fields and to develop as an individual for career progression and long-term business stability.

With various dental organisations in attendance – including the DLA, British Association of Clinical Dental Technology (BACDT), Orthodontic Technicians Association (OTA), Dental Technologists Association (DTA) and Dental Technicians Guild

WITH ALL THIS IN ONE SHOW, THERE IS DEFINITELY MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE AT DTS 2018! DON’T MISS OUT – SAVE THE DATES TODAY! DTS 2018 will be held on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th May at the NEC in Birmingham, co-located with The Dentistry Show. For further details, visit www.the-dts.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270 or email dts@closerstillmedia.com 16 The Dental Technician_OCT issue.indd 16

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GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS u

CHECK THE STRENGTH OF DIY TOOTH WHITENING PRODUCTS

ADVISES THE DENTAL REGULATOR

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he General Dental Council (GDC), the regulator of dental professionals in the UK, is advising the public to check the strength of their DIY teeth whitening products, after a man was prosecuted for selling kits with hydrogen peroxide levels 58.8 times over the legal limit.

Phillip Alan Palfrey, from Llandrindod Wells, in Wales, pleaded guilty to three charges for selling unsafe teeth whitening products on eBay. He was ordered to pay a fine and costs, amounting to £4073, following the prosecution by the Trading Standards arm of Powys County Council.

The legal limit for hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening kits, which the public can administer to themselves at home, is 0.1%. However, the teeth whitening gel being sold by Mr Palfrey contained 5.88% of hydrogen peroxide – 58.8 times the legal limit. Some other products being sold on the online auction website by Mr Palfrey contained 5.67% of the chemical.

Shaun Round, Interim Head of Illegal Practice at the General Dental Council, said: “The General Dental Council’s primary purpose is to protect patients and to maintain public confidence in dental services

– one of the ways we do this is by prosecuting people carrying out dentistry illegally. We also work closely with other organisations, such as Trading Standards, who prosecute people who sell unsafe products– the latter is what Mr Palfrey has been convicted of doing.

“It is extremely important that the hydrogen peroxide content within teeth whitening kits is within the legal limit, and sold only to those who are legally entitled to purchase that particular strength solution or gel, else it could cause permanent harm to those using it. In the case of members of the public, that limit is 0.1%.

“Only registered dental professionals who are permitted to provide teeth whitening treatments can purchase products with a higher hydrogen peroxide content. The effects of using illegal strength tooth whitening products can include: irreversible loss of tooth structure as a result of increased porosity of the enamel, heightened tooth sensitivity, altered taste and chemical burns to the soft tissues of the mouth.

“We would advise anyone considering teeth whitening to speak to their dentist, as they will be able to advise them whether they are suitable for

the treatment and assess whether they have any conditions that may affect the outcome.

“Anyone performing tooth whitening on another person must be a registered dental professional. Therefore, anyone who is not registered with the General Dental Council that is performing tooth whitening on other people, is doing so illegally.”

Clive Jones, the Professional Lead, Trading Standards at Powys County Council, said: “‘We will take enforcement action against traders who flout important legislation such as that relating to teeth whitening

products where the seller has no right to sell such products, has no qualifications to safeguard consumers in its use or application and where the end consumer will likely receive a product with potentially harmful levels of peroxide.

“We will also consider proceeds of crime actions to remove any gain the criminals make from their illegal enterprises.” l The General Dental Council’s role is to protect patients, regulate the dental team and to ensure that the public has confidence in dental services.

Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Prosthetic Orthodontic Technologist Job ref: 434-SCC767112 Salary: Band 7 £31,696 - £41,787 pa An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and enthusiastic Prosthetic/Orthodontic Technologist to join our multi-disciplinary team in the Department of Oral Surgery and Orthodontics based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

You will have responsibility for assisting in the management and day-to-day running of the Maxillofacial, Orthodontic and restorative laboratory.

Applications are invited from Technologists with the appropriate experience in the construction of all types of Prosthetic and Orthodontic appliances, a knowledge of 3D scanning systems would be an advantage. The applicant must hold a post graduate qualification or equivalent in Prosthetic or Orthodontic technology.

If you have the skills required and share our Trust’s CARE values please apply now.

For further information contact Julian Myerson on 01296 315698, email: julian.myerson@buckshealthcare.nhs.uk Apply online: http://jobs.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk and click on the ‘Health Science Services’ button.

Closing date: 20 October 2017

www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/bethefuture

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

BEING A CDT IN TODAYS DENTAL PROFESSION

BY ANDREW BARRS FORMER PRESIDENT OF BACDT WINNER OF THE CDT OF THE YEAR AT THE DENTAL AWARDS

“30 is the new 40. Thursday is the new Friday. And being a CDT is the new crown and bridge.”

SO WHY IS IT THAT SO MANY PEOPLE NOW WANT TO BECOME A CDT?

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or many years denture technicians always seemed the poor relation of the dental technology profession. When I was at college, everyone wanted to be a crown and bridge technician. That was where the money was. That was where the skill and artistry was. But that was so last century.

But oh, how times have changed. So many crown and bridge technicians have now qualified as CDTs, turning their back on falling prices, cheap work from China and the digital/ milling revolution. To me, if you haven’t made many dentures, what chance do you have of being a successful CDT? But Is being a CDT the new easy way to make a fortune?

Absolutely not!!

One thing you gain instantly, whilst training to become a CDT, is a far greater respect for dentists because working with patients isn’t at all easy. While your respect for dentists grows, forming good relationships with a few local practitioners is vitally important, because you need

them to write your prescription and do your oral checks on those partial denture cases.

Believe me, when you form those relationships the dentist will be a very happy person indeed. Not only will they be helping you but the referrals they get from you - extractions, fillings, crowns, implants - will see them doing more of the profitable work they are trained for and enjoy doing.

So what makes a good CDT? Well it’s not rocket science!

Firstly be nice to people. Treat patients the way you would like to be treated yourself, because if the patient likes you, your job becomes easier and the less likelihood there is of them raising a complaint against you.

Generally, you are dealing with older people, so patience, understanding and allowing them just a little more time goes a long way. Listen to what they say, get to know them. When you explain what you are going to do, use words and examples they will understand.

Don’t get too technical. A good

knowledge of dentures is obviously very helpful, how they work, how you make them and which denture is suitable for which patient.

Remember, every case is different and every mouth is unique.

As some CDTs have found, a limited knowledge of making dentures is a hindrance and makes the job so much more difficult. To me, a Clinical Dental Technician will always be someone who sees patients and then makes the dentures themselves. It is that ability to do so that we have fought so hard for.

The old conventional way of the dentist sending his work to the technician never sat well with me (unless, that is, your technician was on site). Making something so personal as a set of dentures and never meeting the patient you are making them for, now seems crazy. Sometimes you would get a lip line and maybe a centre line but rarely anything more!!! I had my own laboratory and we developed a good reputation for quality work but it is nice now to have the extra freedom to have that personal

connection with the patient and cash flow advantages that being a CDT brings.

So why is it so many CDTs don’t make, can’t make or can’t be bothered to make their own dentures? Is it lack of skill and experience? Is it a lack of time or just that they can earn more, not making them themselves?

I suppose if that’s the case then why not train as a dentist! Of course you can make more money just seeing patients and doing no lab work. But should it really be all about the money? Whatever your view, dental technicians have been making dentures, be it illegally or not, forever - that is a fact and there are many still doing it!!!.

Prosecutions are on the increase but there are still those who say so what, catch me if you can. The risk and reward is still greater than the deterrent. Why should those technicians who do practice illegally be allowed to continue to do so? Should the GDC enforce even greater fines and punishments on these people?

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So what changes do we need to stop dental technicians working illegally?

The truth is that we all used to work illegally to some degree because up until 20 years ago there weren’t any courses or qualifications available in the UK, thank goodness now there are. Although there was a small group of technicians fighting to be recognised back in the 80s and they were told, “to get anywhere in the profession they needed a recognised qualification”. So the search began and in the mid 90s a few early pioneers were brave enough and passionate about their profession and because there was no such course in the UK they looked for an internationally recognised course. Denturism was already legal in Canada and the George Brown College in Toronto already had such a course set up.

On the course it was good to gain knowledge by seeing a patient and making them a Full Full denture yourself from start to finish and do all your own laboratory work, with no help, not another technician doing you lab work for you just to get the best grades. Not everyone passed! The Canadian CDTs gave us some valuable advice from their own experience.

‘Getting regulations through wasn’t the difficult bit but keeping them, that’s were you need a good association”.

Although I wasn’t one of the first (I was on the second cohort) we took the plunge trying to better ourselves, furthering our knowledge and skills and more importantly wishing to be recognised as fellow professionals within the dental world. An association had already been formed, the CDTA. Although this body may have had its critics, the feeling of belonging was immense, it was almost like us against the world. We were fighting passionately to be recognised, knocking on door and shouting to be heard.

Without this association and the camaraderie that developed, we would not have succeeded. When fellow technicians would not even discuss pricing through fear of losing work, I found CDTs to be so open and honest with each other.

We all spent the best part of £30k to qualify in something that wasn’t even recognised let alone legal yet.

We were taking a huge financial and professional risk because a lot of dentists at the time were still very anti CDTs – “how dare they try and better themselves”! There were many prosecutions but CDTA stayed strong and focused.

It could be argued that without CDTA we wouldn’t be where we are today, with UK courses available. I feel personally that some people don’t have the respect for those early pioneers who fought so hard to bring recognition to CDTs. In 2007, with some help from Lambert Humble, we were offered a final exam with the Royal College of Surgeons as a top up to all the courses we had completed and we were finally recognised and allowed to register with the GDC as Clinical Dental Technicians to make complete dentures independently, and partial dentures with an oral health certificate/prescription from a dentist.

work behind the scenes, whilst I just happily worked in my practice and accepted what was happening politically. Who was I to rock the boat, to stand up an be counted, to give something back to the profession. It was actually a good friend of mine, Peter Meads, who sadly passed away, who persuaded me to join the board of the BACDT.

Shortly after we achieved recognition, CDTA became complacent and along with other complicated reasons sadly the CDTA folded. A UK course was now in place and the BACDT was formed.

This was an organisation taking note of where the CDTA had lost focus and presented itself as a more polished and professional association. Sadly, although many of the technicians from the George Brown days embraced BACDT, a lot of the new UK cohort didn’t seem to have the same enthusiasm for it and seemed almost against it. People have tried and failed to start small groups, forums and cheaper rival associations without success and some have been exceedingly critical of the BACDT. I’m not sure why!

So why should I join the BACDT is a question still asked by CDTs. Of course you must but you are just biased you might say. So many people will selfishly ask “What’s in it for me?”.

It is very difficult to run a professional organisation on a shoe string budget, so with 80 odd members the fees will always be slightly higher. There are still only about 300 CDTs and if we all belonged to an association not only would fees come down but we would be a more powerful and stronger voice.

I am not sure why but there seems to be a big divide between the old school George Brown qualified CDTs and the newer KSS deanery qualified CDTs. Both courses were extremely difficult and time consuming. I don’t think one was more challenging than another. In reality without CDTA and the George Brown course there would never have been a UK course. It could be argued that those who waited for a UK course did not have the courage to do the Canadian course, as there were no guarantees to what it would lead to.

We all had to give up our weekends, study every evening and at the same time run our businesses and work in our laboratories.

I was one of those CDTs who just followed the crowd and never got involved, letting others put in the

It was he who believed so passionately in what we did and how we needed to be heard and become stronger as a profession. There is a large part of me that still fights for CDTs in his memory, as it was his belief we needed to keep fighting.

Remember how much you’ve spent on studying, so in the great scheme of things is £75 per month really a lot of money to belong to a professional organisation? If you charge accordingly, because you have trained hard and you are a denture expert, why think and charge like an NHS technician. Likewise a professional body needs to charge an appropriate rate reflecting the support it offers its members.

As dentists get less training in making dentures, there will be a greater call for CDTs. Us working as part of the dental team is what the GDC wants.

Working within a practice or possibly even becoming a referral centre.

Could it be achievable to get in the GDC specialist register in the future?

We can all sit idly by, not belonging to any association, waiting to see what the GDC throws at us, or we can all work together to become a stronger voice.

There are only 300 or so CDTs with more coming through but with over 40,000 dentists, we are still a very small fish in a very big pond!!! I’ve been up to meetings at the GDC many times on behalf of the BACDT and we are now more recognized.

People are slowly getting to know who we are, who BACDT are, what we do and what we are fighting for.

We are fellow professionals. Don’t be left out in the cold. Be proud of your profession A colleague of mine was on the Finlay Sutton denture course recently.

He said there were 3 CDTs, a couple of technicians and about 10 Dentists.

There was one very prominent dentist there, the owner of a big chain of practices. When they got

talking and he knew my friend was a CDT the first question he asked was do you have a professional organisation? The answer, of course, was yes we do, the BACDT. I guess the moral to this story is, If you want to be seen as a professional, you’ve got to act as a professional and change your mindset from lab owner and technician to Clinical Dental Technician. You’ve got to charge the correct money for your skills and knowledge and take into consideration how much you’ve spent to get where you are today.

Who are BACDT and why join, and what are they trying to achieve?

They want to educate dentists by telling them who they are and how working with a CDT could be invaluable to their business. They provide patient literature and waiting room information. They are the only CDT group to be invited to be talking to the GDC at all their meetings.

They offer regular CPD within their quarterly magazine. They supply best practice information on how to run your practice. They have a denture professionals website. Ask anyone who’s ever had a problem with a patient and the advice generally from Dental Protection is nearly always to give them their money back. Sometimes you don’t want to because you know that you have done nothing wrong. On occasions, Richard Daniels has helped me and many others write letters and deal with difficult patients saving us several thousand pounds of refunds. So is being a member worth it now?

I feel that a lot of the new wave CDTs don’t belong to an association because they haven’t had to fight as hard as we did. They’ve had professional recognition handed to them on a plate and maybe are slightly complacent about maintaining our strong position within the dental profession. So believe me when I say being part of an association is still so important.

More than you realise.

To me, too many people moan that not enough is being done by BACDT. In truth these bemoans seldom ever step up and get involved to help the association. The board and more especially the members, are the ones who need to do more work and support their own association. Trust me, if we lose BACDT and don’t have any political representation, then the profession is not only on a short lifeline, it will be far worse in its standing with the regulators and have a far tougher existence for those trying to make a living in it today.

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ARE COURSES WORTH

ATTENDING?

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henever you contemplate spending time and money on a one day or two day course is it because a new product has come on the market and the retailer wants you to attend the course as a proviso for buying? It gives them a chance to sell you even more ideas and materials you cannot live without. Or do you decide to go to the very best source of knowhow and teaching ability at your own expense. If your answer is the first then of course the company should at least subsidise the learning experience if not make it free, on the strength of the selling exposure in a controlled environment. If however you choose the second option then you would expect the cost to reflect the excellence of the trainer you have chosen because of their reputation or indeed your personal knowledge of their work. Clearly this is your decision, to short cut the learning process in order to learn to match the work of the recognises expert.

If you expect to gather world status quality procedures on the cheap, then you are deluding yourself.

I am always astounded when I hear someone saying how good the course was, how good the speaker was and how much they had learned and then to say, but it was really expensive! It can only be expensive if you did not improve your technique or your knowledge and understanding.

The cost is the beginning of a marked improvement in your own ability and understanding and the start of raising your profile and standing in the market place with the view of attracting the quality and demanding work for which you can and do command a much better reward. Every participation in a course, because of its teacher, is recognition that you really can improve your own expertise by exposure to a true master. It’s not cost, its value, for the enlightenment, which you may not have reached without the tuition, or would have taken many years to discover if at all.

Whenever I have spent my time and my money, attending courses I have always been truly rewarded. I have also made a great deal more money as a result of spreading my workflow or improving it. If you think that learning from the worlds best is expensive then you must be deluded. Their knowledge and expertise is offered on a open plate for you to see and experience.

They are good and recognised as such because they have been

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doing what you cannot for a long time. To pass a great deal of it on during a two day or even a one day course is not a gift but a measurably valuable resource which you will use to improve your work and undoubtedly your turnover value.

Choosing a course and a speaker because of the reputation for excellence is, and should be a conscious investment in the business and your future. Gives you another chance to improve, what you are already doing and gaining better rewards as a result.

Think of the first implant course you attended. What a reward that proved to be, at the time when the implant market was growing, and it still is. The only time the money is a consideration is if you find the speaker or instructor has not performed. In technical dentistry those who do not fulfil on their promises soon find themselves not needed for that particular course or material. If you have attended a course with any of the top names presenting then you know that’s as good as it gets. Your efforts to match what they have asked will tell you that. Your knowledge and confidence is improved and you get to work with other technicians of like mind. The learning is not just from the expert but very much from every one on the course and even the premises in which it is held. If You get it right you come away with a renewed confidence and interest.

So far in my long life in Technical dentistry I have not found a course that was a waste of time or one that did not fulfil the promise and expectation. I have always come

away with knowledge, which would be lost to me if I had not attended.

Every course is an invitation to a new possibility of being better at what you are being paid for.

Being better is the reason you become sought after and always busy. It also allows you, if you are the lab owner, or your boss to increase the pricing for that work and in a laboratory with multiple colleagues, you can spread the good word and hopefully the good work across to the other interested technicians. From their the quality of the work becomes known and more clients turn up to try you out. You can of course do so much in the marketplace by cutting prices but the reality is nobody wants to remember the budgerigar laboratories. You know “Cheap Cheap”. Better to enjoy what you do in this very interesting craft and be rewarded for it. Learn more and pass it on. Who knows you may soon be called on to run your own courses!! And not at Budgerigar prices.

I would strongly recommend you seriously look at the offerings from INSPIRE and Sue McCallum who offers access to some of the very best technician teachers from all around the world on the basis of their ability and not driven by a Manufacturer or Dental Companies.

You need to access people who do it because they love the craft and want to share that love with other craftsmen. All of the speakers so far introduced by INSPIRE have been the very best at what they do. Long may it continue.

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

TOP 10 WAYS TO ATTRACT QUALITY DENTAL TECHNICIANS W

ant to find the Top 10 Ways to Attract Quality Dental Technicians? This article contains the key tips that you need to be using if you want to find awesome super techs …

1. FIND OUT WHAT THE GOING RATE IS FOR THE POSITION AND MATCH IT

Andy Foster.

Dental Lab Recruitment

Andy Foster is the founder of Marshall Hunt Recruitment, a niche consultancy that sources dental technicians for small, mid sized and large dental labs. Andy spent 20+ years running his crown & bridge lab – Fosters Dental Ceramics, before moving into recruitment and online networking.

One common mistake labs make when creating a position is to base the salary on their budget rather than on the market realities – in effect, making sure that their employee recruitment efforts are going to be unsuccessful. If an experienced technician normally makes £30,000 per annum, why would someone want to accept that position in your company for £28,000 per annum?

By conducting surveys throughout the dental technology sector, we are able to monitor the salaries of UK technicians.

2. OFFER A COMPANY HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM In times when employees get to pick and choose, company private health insurance can be a great incentive for employees to choose your dental lab over the dental laboratory down the road.

3. MAKE LIFESTYLE PART OF YOUR TECHNICIAN RECRUITMENT OFFER

Many technicians are just as concerned about the quality of life as they are about the amount of money a position offers. If you’re fortunate enough to be located in an area that’s particularly desirable, has beaches, extensive hiking/biking trails, excellent golf courses or other attractive features, be sure to play them up when you’re trying to attract employees.

There are various options on the market to suit different budgets, as well as the demands of various types of businesses.

4. FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS

If you belong to a trade organisation, they may also be able to offer advice on employee benefit programs.

For many employees, this is the most attractive perk that any company can offer as flexible work

Make your dental lab more attractive to potential employees by offering things such as flexible hours.

He also manages the popular online job-board DentalTechnicianJobs.net When he not working, Andy is a dedicated father, with an unhealthy weakness for coffee.

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

gives them more of the work-life balance they need, and as a small business, you may be in the position to offer the most flexible work arrangements of anyone.

Offering employees tailored work schedules, or being able to leave early each day to pick up children in daycare are truly enticing benefits.

5. BE CREATIVE WITH PERKS

As a small business, you may not be able to offer the perks large corporate companies are able to offer their employees – but you may be able to offer a reasonable alternative. For instance, many large companies offer on-site health facilities such as a fully equipped gym.

Chances are good that as a small business, you’re not going to have one of these built into your lab, but you could offer employees coupons to use at the local gym, golf club or spa facilities.

6. OFFER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Most technicians aren’t looking for jobs where they’ll do the same thing for the next thirty years. They’re looking for positions that offer opportunities for advancement.

What will the position you’re offering, offer? Is there a chance to develop new skills?A steppingstone to a position with more responsibilities? Perhaps more money, after a certain amount of time on the job?

Whatever it is, in terms of attracting technicians, be sure to get the future possibilities on the table … or rather, on the bench!

7. CREATE AN EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Employee incentive programs not only reward good employee performance, but give prospective employees something to look forward to if they come to work for you. Whether it’s an annual company-paid retreat or a program where employees collect points that they can trade in for cash, employee

incentive programs can increase your chances of attracting the people you want to hire.

8. INSTITUTE A PROFIT SHARING PROGRAM

It’s not for every business, but there’s no better way to give technicians a stake in a lab’s success. For businesses that look like they’re going somewhere, profit sharing programs can be a powerful inducement to come work for you instead of for someone else, and importantly, employee retention.

9. SWEETEN THE DEAL

When competition for technicians is fierce, a plain old signing bonus may be what’s needed to attract the employee you want and get that person to work for you rather than for some other laboratory.

If you choose to do this, there are two things to keep in mind.

The signing bonus has to be large enough to matter, and the signing bonus has to be contingent upon ‘X’ amount of time of employment.

(Otherwise, you’ll be running a revolving door as technicians sign up, take the money and run.)

10. WIDEN THE SCOPE OF YOUR ADVERTISING It’s not enough to just place an ad in the Help Wanted section of the local newspaper anymore; your chances of attracting the technicians you want will be much better if you broaden your advertising.

At Marshall Hunt Recruitment, we use several advertising channels, including the DentalTechnicianJobs. co website. But we don’t just advertise for candidates, using our extensive database and connections, or by headhunting, we find quality candidates for our clients.

We also attract and maintain a network of dental technicians with wide-ranging skills and varied lab and technical backgrounds. You can contact us for more info. l Andy Foster specialises in dental lab recruitment, managing the online job board DentalTechnicianJobs.net and dental recruitment company Marshall Hunt Recruitment.

You can contact Andy at andy@marshallhunt.co.uk or call 07595 315862

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GC UK LIMITED

GC AMERICA KICKS OFF MAJOR HEADQUARTERS EXPANSION WITH TRADITIONAL JAPANESE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

B

right skies and warm breezes provided the perfect setting on July 4th for a traditional Japanese Groundbreaking Ceremony (Ji Chin Sai) to dedicate the property adjacent to GC America Inc.’s corporate headquarters in Alsip, Illinois. The property is up for a major building expansion project (to be completed mid-2019) that will enable the future growth of the GC America’s business.

The expansion project will enlarge GC America’s headquarters, for transplant manufacturing projects and the unification of GC America Associates at one consolidated location improving communication and innovation among Associates. This will help drive dental and orthodontic business and product breakthroughs, which improve and extend the lives of patients across the Americas.

The special Shinto ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Lawrence Koichi Barrish of the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America and attended by GC Corporation Chairman Mr. Makoto Nakao and Mrs. Makiko Nakao, GC International AG Executive Vice President Mr. Henri Lenn, GC America President Steve Fletcher, ConsulGeneral Naoki Ito of Japan in Chicago along with Illinois State Representative Al Riley, Dr. Gary Roberts, President of the American Dental Association, Alsip Mayor John Ryan and Hideyoshi Kajiyama, Senior Vice President of design-build firm KBD Group, which will serve as project partner with GC America and local municipal authorities. In this ceremony, the local “kami” (guardians of the area) were asked for their blessings and for the protection of those involved in the construction of the new facilities, as well as all those who will work in them.

Chairman Nakao expressed his sincere gratitude to the nearly 100 distinguished guests, including GC America Associates. He stated that the new GC America headquarters

Pictured above from left to right: Shinya Urano, President/CEO KBD Group; Naoki Ito, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago; Al Riley, Illinois State Representative; John Ryan, Mayor, Alsip, Illinois; Makoto Nakao – GC International AG Chairman & CEO; Dr. Gary Roberts, President, American Dental Association; Henri Lenn – GC International AG Executive Vice President; Steve Fletcher, President and COO, GC America Inc.

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will establish a communication loop and provide creative space for the company’s Associates to collaborate and innovate. It’s a strong commitment to the company’s SEMUI philosophy, meaning to produce products that will serve Dentists, Dental Professionals and Orthodontists and their patients as their highest and best use, not merely for the sake of corporate profit.

By the time the expansion is completed, the company will be closer to achieving its Vision 2021 strategic objective to become the world’s no.1 Dental Company in terms of its contributions to better oral health through innovative products, dental education programs and improving health around the world.

GC International AG Executive Vice President Mr. Henri Lenn joined Mr. and Mrs. Nakao and other dignitaries in the ritual ceremony to purify the grounds and prepare them for construction site work, expected to begin in just a few weeks’ time.

Mr. Lenn said the groundbreaking represented an exciting next step for the company as the global GC Group companies prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of GC Corporation in 2021. l For further information please contact GC UK Ltd on 01908 218999, email info@gcukltd.co.uk or visit www.gceurope.com 25 The Dental Technician_OCT issue.indd 25

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DOES YOUR DOCTOR KNOW YOU HAVE GUM DISEASE?

HE SHOULD!!

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T

here was an interesting article in the International Dental Tribune this month, which suggested it was time to get dentistry working with general medicine because of the many interactions between what is seen as general medical disease and dental problems. A classic example, which has in more recent years become an alarmingly obvious connection, is with Periodontal disease and many serious conditions of the Cardiovascular systems of the human body. The long-standing historic relationship can and does get in the way of diagnosis of some very serious conditions. The connection has been strongly made with research of the connection between the bacteria and infections of the gums and heart disease, Diabetes and high blood pressure. The link is undeniable and for those patients undergoing a heart operation the health of their teeth and gums are a pre-requisite for surgery. Often the patient is recommended to have a clearance of any suspect teeth, which may indicates a full clearance.

The problem seems to be magnified by the national Dental organisations, pretty well world wide, resisting any attempt to integrate dental medicine into general medical processes. And the politics of the question, who is in charge? The consequence is often the extraction of teeth that

the positive voices for change are coming from the international bodies to address the problem.

Which has a historic background but is being maintained by wrong headed politics and vested interests.

At a recent meeting of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) the President Dr. Gernot Wimmer said: . “It is also a call upon authorities, policymakers, health organisations, and public opinion across Europe to come to a better understanding of how gum health can improve general health and well-being and save a huge amount of public money in health expenditure.� may not be necessary but more seriously the on going risk from periodontitis infecting the patient and affecting the Cardiovascular system. Since over 50% of the world population aged 35 and over are at any one time suffering from the gum condition. This is putting an unnecessary negative load onto the task of a prevention system and undoubtedly increasing the incidents of fatal heart disease and increased negative effects on blood pressure control. Further research has shown a link to the early stages of Diabetes.

As long ago as the 1920s, the Biological Chemist Dr. William Gies, after visiting almost all the dental schools in America and Canada,

recommended that dentistry should be considered as a fundamental part of the health care system.

Certainly the ignorance of the direct link with preventable diseases and gum conditions should be universally removed. A truly integrated system of the disciplines might save a lot of public health money but more importantly, perhaps a great many lives.

It would seem that at a national level there is often dedicated associations who are unwilling to risk loosing their standing. Despite some attempts in the past there has been little progress. Internationally however there may be some hope of opinion change and certainly

Opinion changes at an international level could be the impetus for change at national levels. The FDI World Dental Federation regards oral health as an important contributor to overall health and well-being and has stated it needs to be clearly positioned within health. The Harvard School of Dental Medicine in the US has recognised the importance of this by launching the Initiative to Integrate Oral Health and Medicine.

It aims to improve general health, lower medical costs and fully integrate oral health into health care education.

Other initiatives include the Oral Physician Program, a general practice dental residency program implemented through the Cambridge Health Alliance, a health care provider that integrates oral health, primary care and family medicine training. Although it is still some time away until routine taking of patients’ blood pressure and weight before their teeth are cleaned and radiographed, the acknowledgement by both parties of the importance of open dialogue and active measures could go a long way towards improving millions of lives around the world.

Working in dentistry we are all aware of the public ignorance surrounding dental and gum health.

Any measure which could improve the patient response would be welcome. Confirmation by the medical professionals that their patients need to be aware of the role being played by the health of their mouth in their medical condition would undoubtedly raise awareness and greatly help improve oral health and general health.

So why are they not talking to each other? If it is about patient health and not about earnings they should be!

27

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FREE VERIFIABLE CPD As before if you wish to submit your CPD online it will be free of charge. Once our web designers give it the all clear there will be a small charge.

This will be less than the CPD submitted by post. This offer is open to our subscribers only.

To go directly to the CPD page please go to https://dentaltechnician.org.uk/dental-technician-cpd.

You will normally have one month from the date you receive your magazine before being able to submit your CPD either online or by post.

If you have any issues with the CPD please email us cpd@dentaltechnician.org.uk

4 Hours Verifiable CPD in this issue LEARNING AIM The questions are designed to help dental professionals keep up to date with best practice by reading articles in the present journal covering Clinical, Technical, Business, Personal development and related topics, and checking that this information has been retained and understood.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES REVIEW: n Strength of Zirconia. n Implant planning n Customised Special trays n Business of Management LEARNING OUTCOME By completing the Quiz successfully you will have confirmed your ability to understand, retain and reinforce your knowledge related in the chosen articles.

Correct answers from September DT Edition:

Verifiable CPD - OCTOBER 2017 1. Your details First Name: ..................................................Last Name: ............................. Title:..................

Address:................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................Postcode:.......................................

Telephone: ..................................... Email: ............................................GDC No:..................

2. Your answers. Tick the boxes you consider correct. It may be more than one.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

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Question 10 Question 11 Question 12 Question 13 Question 14 Question 15 Question 16

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Q3.

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B.

3. Evaluation: Tell us how were doing with your CPD Service. All Comments welcome.

Q7.

C.

...............................................................................................................................................

Q8.

A.

Q9.

A.

...............................................................................................................................................

Q10. C.

As of April 2016 issue CPD will carry a charge of £10.00. per month.

Or an annual fee of £99.00 if paid in advance.

Q11. B.

You can submit your answers in the following ways:

Q12. D. Q13. D.

1. Via email: cpd@dentaltechnician.org.uk 2. By post to: THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN, PO BOX 430, LEATHERHEAD KT22 2HT

Q14. C.

Payment by cheque to: The Dental Technician Magazine Limited. Natwest Sort Code 516135 A/C No 79790852

Q15. B. Q16

B.

You are required to answer at least 50% correctly for a pass. If you score below 50% you will need to re-submit your answers.

Answers will be published in the next issue of The Dental Technician. Certificates will be issued within 60 days of receipt of correct submission.

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VERIFIABLE CPD AS YOU NEED IT VIA THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN Q1.

A. B. C. D.

How many hours of CPD are Dental Technicians required to do following the ECPD Changes?

75 hours over 5 years 100 hours over 5 years 50 hours over 5 years 120 hours over 5 years

Q9.

A. B. C. D.

Q2.

A. B. C. D.

How many hours are Clinical Dental Technicians required to complete?

75 hours over 5 years 50 hours over 5 years 100 hours over 5 years 120 hours over 5 years

Q10. What is no. 1 of the ten?

A. Be Creative with Perks B. Match the Going Rate C. Offer Training and Development D. Offer Flexible working Hours

Q3.

A. B. C. D.

When do the new requirements begin for Dental Care Professionals?

1st August 2018 1st January 2018 1st March 2018 1st June 2018

Q11. What is the first requirement to becoming a successful Clinical

Dental Technician?

A. Have a nice practice B. Wear a smart uniform C. Offer cheap prices D. Be nice to people

How were the Aesthetics retained after Try-in return from Clinician?

Silicone Key Duplication of set up Using photos Technicians know how

TOP TEN WAYS TO ATTRACT QUALITY DENTAL TECHNICIANS.

BEING A CDT IN TODAYS DENTAL PROFESSION

Q4.

A. B. C. D.

SIMPLIFIED REMOVABLE PROSTHESIS PROTOCOL.

How did they determine the Aesthetics?

Recording the bite Creating a Set-up Photographs.

Taking the shade

Q12. What does the author think is essential for success?

A. Making your own dentures for your patients B. Finding a good lab to do your dentures C. Charging them more because they are private D. Using nicer teeth

Q5.

A. B. C. D.

What software was used to model the design?

3Shape Design-a-Crown Dental Wings Spectrum Exocad.

Cerec Creative

Q13.

A. B. C. D.

THINK DIGITAL

How did Harvey first start with Createch?

Sent set of models Sent a Wax-up.

Sent a Scan Did it on the phone

Q6. How many anchors were attached to the bar?

A. None B. 6 C. 2 D. 4

Q14.

A. B. C. D.

What does Harvey think is outstanding about working with Straumann?

The scanning service The milling return time The Rapport between them They speak English

Q7.

A. B. C. D.

What material was used to support the veneers?

Light cured composite Poly Ethyl Ethyl Keytone Rapid cure Acrylic Heat cured Acrylic

Q15.

A. B. C. D.

What is the name and model of the milling machine?

Meta Mill 2 A. Cera Mill 13 PST Insta mill 37, Cera-Met 15 Armann Girrbach Cera mill Motion 2

Q8.

A. B. C. D.

How were the anchors attached to the bar?

Cast in.

Spot Welded Screwed Soldered

Q16. Harvey has bought the Rapid shape 3D printer for what purpose’ A. Printing the frameworks for his bridgework B. Printing his models C. Printing his wax-ups D. Printing his ceramic veneers

Payment by cheque to: The Dental Technician Magazine Limited. NatWest Sort Code 516135 A/C No 79790852

You can submit your answers in the following ways: 1. Via email: cpd@dentaltechnician.org.uk 2. By post to: THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN LIMITED, PO BOX 430, LEATHERHEAD KT22 2HT You are required to answer at least 50% correctly for a pass. If you score below 50% you will need to re-submit your answers.

Answers will be published in the next issue of The Dental Technician. Certificates will be issued within 60 days of receipt of correct submission.

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

DENTAL NEWS uuu

CS 3600 SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE n Carestream Dental understands

how frustrating it is when you have to buy and install new software in order to accept scans from your dentists’ new imaging technology.

With this in mind, the CS 3600 intraoral scanner produces and sends out open .STL files, which can be viewed by any existing design systems in your lab. Not only does this make your life and the lives of your team easier, but it also eliminates the cost and time required for software upgrades or purchases.

Facilitating a smooth and efficient workflow, the open scanner encourages fast turnaround times as well, for happier dentists and even happier patients.

Carestream Dental technologies, contact the team today.

To find out more about working with practices that utilise

l For more information please contact Carestream Dental on

0800 169 9692 or visit www. carestreamdental.co.uk For all the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter @ CarestreamDentl and Facebook.

A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO METAL RPDS n “Ultaire™ AKP is a new material that has been customdesigned specifically for removable partial denture (RPD) frames. It is slightly flexible and so feels more like part of the mouth, therefore offering a viable alternative to metal.”

Gill Egan from Egan Dental Laboratory in Ripon shares her experience so far with the brand new Ultaire™ AKP material from Solvay Dental 360™. She adds: “The feedback I have received from patients is that Ultaire™ AKP is more comfortable than chrome-framed dentures and they actually forget that they are wearing the RPDs. “From clinicians’ point of view, Ultaire™ AKP has the advantage of being easy to trim and adjust in the mouth if necessary. Frames made from Ultaire™ AKP are aesthetically pleasing, lightweight and biocompatible, plus they can be manufactured quickly and accurately for a functional, durable and comfortable solution.”

To find out more about the brand new Ultaire™ AKP for RPDs, contact Solvay Dental 360™ today. l For more information about Solvay Dental 360™, Ultaire™ AKP and Dentivera™ milling discs, please visit www.solvaydental360.com

NOT JUST FOR

DENTISTS

n “The amount of laboratories that use loupes are few and far between,” says Colin Eckloff (RDT), owner of Dental FX Studios in Southam, “which is surprising when you consider the benefits.

Dentists are using them, so why aren’t technicians?

“My loupes of choice are the Carl Zeiss EyeMag Pros with 5x magnification from Nuview – one of the best purchases I have ever made.

“With them I am not only able to see and do more, but I feel more confident that I am delivering a better quality service to my clients.

“As such, I use them every day, all day without fail – though they are so comfortable that I barely notice they are there.

“With the additional benefit of great service from Nuview, I am extremely happy with the loupes, and I can safely say I would recommend them to any dental professional.”

To find out more about the range of loupes available, get in touch. l For more information please call Nuview on 01453 872266, email info@nuview-ltd.com, visit www.nuview.co or ‘like’ Nuview on Facebook.

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The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

CLASSIFIEDS SELF EMPLOYED FREELANCE PROSTHETIC TECHNICIAN (FULLY QUALIFIED) SEEKS:

PART TIME, TEMPORARY OR HOLIDAY RELIEF WORK COVERING:

ADVERTISE

KENT | SUSSEX | SURREY

IN THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN

PHONE:

TELEPHONE:

01435 872 251/ 07512 182 974

01372 897462 EMAIL: sales@dentaltechnician.org.uk

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LAB

The Dental Technician October 2017/Vol 70 Issue 09

Supporting you with extensive

product selection

Visit us on stand E20 & F20 between 19 - 21 October at the BDIA Dental Showcase 2017

We supply over 10,000 laboratory products from leading manufacturers. From laboratory equipment, CADCAM, burs to prosthetic teeth and everything in between Henry Schein Laboratory can support you with all your product selection needs. You can rely on us.

Call us today on 0800 032 8018 or visit henryschein.co.uk

Digital Equipment

Ongoing Support

lab@henryschein.co.uk

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0800 032 8018

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