Month: January 2019

When you leave the world behind – Richard Lishman

When buying a new dental practice or property, finding the best rates and deals are all part and parcel of ensuring that the purchase is the right one – but have you considered other aspects such as life assurance?

Many people take out life assurance as part of their mortgages on personal or business properties, but it’s rare for people to really look into what policy is best for them and find one that can really benefit their family or their practice if the unspeakable should happen.

How does life assurance work?

Essentially, life assurance is a policy provided by a life assurance company that can either pay out one lump sum or a series of payments in the event of your death. These payments are usually exempt from income tax and in many instances are tax free, allowing those who receive them to have a large amount of workable capital that can then be invested into keeping a business, or indeed a family, afloat.

However, there are four different types of life assurance available, and these are worth exploring if you want to optimise the pay out received and safeguard your personal life and practice.

Four ways to protect yourself

The first type of life assurance that companies provide is Term Assurance. The most widely available and affordable type of cover, this type of assurance pays out a lump sum if you should die within the term of the policy. If you are still alive when the policy comes to an end, you will not receive any money, and will therefore need to take out another Term Assurance or explore other life assurance alternatives if you think that these will benefit you more.

The second type of life assurance is more focused towards families, and this is called Family Income Assurance. This type of policy differs from Term Assurance in that it can either pay out a cash sum or provide a regular income for your dependents should you decease during the term of the agreement. The income option is only claimable during the term of the policy, and therefore it’s up to your dependents to decide which is the better option. If the policy only has a short term left it is a sensible choice to then choose the lump sum, whereas if the policy has a long time left a regular income may be more convenient and help your dependents manage their affairs better.

The third type of cover is called Whole-Of-Life Assurance. This is a more unique type of protection, and policies in this category are designed to pay out at the time of your death regardless of when this occurs, as these typically do not have an end term. Therefore, should you pass over to the other side your estate is guaranteed to receive a lump sum.

The fourth type of life assurance is called Endowment Assurance. This differs from the other types of life assurance as not only will a lump sum be paid out if you die during the term of the agreement, but you may also receive a cash pay out if you survive until the agreement closes too. This pay out is typically known as the maturity value of the agreement. However, as these types of policies have elements of investment in them, they usually require much higher premiums, meaning that they may not be viable for some individuals.

Not so straightforward

Of course, even under these different types of policies certain aspects will vary. Policies may be paid annually or monthly depending on the initial agreement, and the amount needed to maintain your assurance can differ greatly.

The company you choose is likely to affect how much these monthly or annual policies are, and alongside this the company may also alter the payment amounts depending on certain factors. These can include things such as your current health, your age, and your medical history. Whether the premiums are guaranteed or reviewable will also make a difference, so it’s worth exploring these with prospective life assurance providers so that you can understand what you will be paying, and for what return.

To make matters even more complicated, you may also want to put your life assurance policy into a Trust. This means that when you die the money invested into your policy may be able to sidestep measures such as Inheritance Tax. Though this may not be suitable for everyone, it’s certainly something worth considering.

As life assurance can be such a complex maze to navigate, it makes sense to receive help from professionals who can guide you through the options to find one that suits you best. The Independent Financial Advisers at money4dentists are a particularly good choice as they not only have years of experience and a deep understanding of the dental profession, but also will work with you every step of the way to ensure you always have a policy that will suit you best.

Keep the future secure 

Although it’s not something we like to think about, it’s always good to have measures in place to protect the lifestyle of your family as well as your business. By taking the time to explore the available life assurance options and finding one that suits you, you can safeguard the future for those who will be left behind.

 

 

For more information please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754DENTIST.

Email info@money4dentists.comor visit www.money4dentists.com

 

 

 

 

Obesity and oral health: two preventable problems with one set of weapons needed

Reseach shows that good oral hygiene habits might go a long way in helping patients trying to lose weight.

The link between obesity and poor oral health is well established. Being drastically overweight has obvious consequences if you want to stay orally healthy, as well as thriving in mind and body.

Rising levels of obesity are causing a crisis in public health and placing a huge strain on healthcare institutions and the people who work in them. Obesity is linked with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and is associated with 13 types of cancer. In fact, in the UK, it is the biggest cause of cancer after smoking. In England alone, there were an astonishing 617,000 hospital admissions where obesity was a factor during 2016/17, which is an increase of 18 per cent from 2015/16. To give the picture worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. Of the 1.9 billion adults across the world defined as ‘overweight’, 650 million would be classified as ‘obese’, which means they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above (these statistics relate to 2016). The picture for our children is bleak too; according to the WHO’s figures, 340 million five to 19-year-olds were either overweight or obese in 2016.

Unhealthy, high sugar diets predispose patients of any age to caries. Too many sugary drinks can mean they also suffer from xerostomia and/or halitosis. If the individual is older, their excess weight on the stomach area may mean more gastric reflux, and therefore more acid in the oral

cavity. A trip to the dentist is likely to be an uncomfortable experience, physically and mentally. Fear of the dental consequences of their poor nutritional status would be a reason for an obese patient choosing to stay away.

If someone is overweight, they have a greater possibility of developing periodontal problems. Again, research has been out there for a while on this topic; obesity is a significant, modifiable risk factor for this silent, yet destructive disease. Arguably, though, many patients do not quite understand what periodontitis is, or what its impact could be. TV adverts tell them to see a dentist if there is blood when they brush, but because bleeding is not usually accompanied by any pain, and may not happen every time, it becomes easy to dismiss. The difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is not always understood either, although the former is non-destructive and may not even progress to the latter if it is diagnosed and halted in time. Preventive dentistry is all about education – helping patients understand the signs and impact of various dental problems in their own terms, so they are motivated in the ways to avoid them.

Obesity may be a risk factor for periodontal conditions, but a new piece of research from 2018 indicates that it may in fact be a two-way relationship. Scientists in New York conducted a study, which appeared to show that bacteria ‘found solely in the oral cavity’ could make obesity worse. So, being obese or overweight is a leading cause of periodontitis, which in turn can aggravate obesity. More research is needed, but the concept is fascinating.

Of course, there are many risk factors for periodontitis – such as smoking, types 1 and 2 diabetes, along with other genetic and environmental factors – but there is a clear relationship between obesity and periodontal problems. Obesity may be preventable and reversible, but tackling obesity requires a multi-disciplinary approach based on education delivered in an effective way. While governments and healthcare agencies at home and abroad put strategies in place to help change the culture around food by encouraging people to make better choices (in the UK, the imposition of a Sugar Tax; also the Childhood Obesity Plan), dental practitioners must think about what they can do to help patients in the very local, and far more relatable, confines of their own practice.

Good cleaning and regular appointments are the absolute bedrock of the prevention and the effective management of serious dental conditions, such as periodontitis. And if we take into consideration new research, better oral hygiene habits might even help a patient who is trying to lose weight. Back to basics we go then, to clear and consistent advice about diet and nutrition and practical tips about how to clean properly using only the highest quality tools and adjuncts. Regular dental appointments should include visits to the hygienist, who will also be able to advise on correct technique. Interdental brushing is an effective weapon for preventing periodontal conditions; the Tandex FLEXI

can get into interproximal spaces without causing trauma to this sensitive area and is an easy tool to master with guidance.

Obesity and periodontitis are long-term bedfellows, and both are preventable with the right support and advice. Management of both will improve your patients’ all-round wellbeing and help them on the path to a healthier life.

For more information on Tandex’s range of products, visit www.tandex.dk and www. facebook.com/pages/Tandex-UK

About the author

Rachel Pointer qualified from Guys Hospital as a dental hygienist and began work in general dental practice in Hertfordshire. After working as staff hygienist for Professor Naylor, she was appointed tutor dental hygienist at Guy’s Hospital before working in Australia.

Rachel has experience in hospital, specialist periodontal practice and in the private sector, as well as setting up a PDU within a cerebral palsy home in Essex. She worked for the British Dental Hygienists’ Association for 10 years as their information officer plus membership and careers co-ordinator.

Rachel currently works at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and in general dental practice and has branched out to teach in a Montessori school setting.

Patients in Gloucestershire left in limbo in race to the bottom on NHS orthodontics

Many children who have been waiting for years to start orthodontic treatment on the NHS may have to go to the back of the queue when their current provider loses their contract in a bidding war for the cheapest price, the British Dental Association (BDA) has warned.

In what dentist leaders believe is a taste of things to come across the country, hundreds of NHS patients in Gloucestershire will be left in limbo at the end of March as they wait to be referred to a new orthodontist in the latest round of retendering for orthodontic services. 

The situation has been highlighted by BBC Gloucester who included an interview with Sam (not his real name) who had been bullied at school for teeth that ‘stuck out so much that they were at risk of snapping’. His mother said she was devastated by the change in services and the prospect of further delays – having waited already for two years – has forced her to consider paying privately for her son’s treatment.

The BDA has warned that families will soon face very long distances to travel if they don’t live near one the providers who secured the new contracts. Local NHS authorities in Gloucester have been unable to justify why so few providers would be delivering the orthodontic service for such a wide catchment.

The Association has deep concerns that similar experiences are likely to hit a growing number of families, as retendering of orthodontic services is happening across England.

BDA Vice Chair Eddie Crouch said:

“Since 2006, orthodontics providers have been subject to time-limited contracts, with the NHS at liberty to pull up the rug and procure services from other providers at cheaper rates. 

“We are now seeing the impact this has on patients and practitioners alike. 

“It’s a false economy, that is already causing huge disruption to young patients and their families, and which forces orthodontic providers to bid for contracts at an unrealistically low and unsustainable price.

“There are so many examples of this in public procurement, including the NHS: Capita anyone?”

More time saving changes to the Dentally ipad App

We have now added yet more functionality to the Dentally iPad app, including multi-site filtering.  If you have multiple practices, each practice can now view the relevant appointments for the site they are located on – so they no longer have to go through all of the appointments for the whole business.  This saves your reception time time and effort having to pick out the relevant patient from a lengthy list of appointments, saving time and improving the overall patient experience.

The NHS PR form is automatically filled in using the patient’s existing details and exemption that are held within Dentally on the app.  All the patient has to do is check all the details on the iPad and sign. The form will then be automatically uploaded to Dentally and securely stored in the patient’s record.  Another new feature is for those patients that have a signatory on their behalf. The person who is signing on behalf of a patient (as a parent, guardian or carer) must enter a name before they proceed to the next step – so we have improved this workflow and made sure this data field can no longer be missed.  In addition, if an iPad loses the wifi connection, it will provide your team with the option to simply reload the form and continue with completing it – making it much easier for the reception team to manage this process.

Why use the Dentally iPad app?

  • Allows patients to create and update their medical history seamlessly.
  • It is ideal for larger practices as it now allows multi-site filtering so your team can quickly identify the relevant and correct patient for the location they are working in.
  • Reduces the amount of paperwork – all NHS forms in England and Wales can be signed electronically, so NHS practices can do their bit for the environment and go paperless.
  • The patients details and exemption information are all pre-populated so it means that the patient and your reception team don’t have to spend time filling in the forms.
  • No more frustration if the wifi connection drops, if it does happen to then you won’t have to start over – you simply reload the form.
  • It is quick and easy to complete.
  • It ensures that the steps involved in a signatory needing to sign the NHS PR forms on behalf of a patient can not be missed and so the form is completed in full and accurately.
  • Once completed the forms are automatically uploads to the patient’s record in Dentally, so you have a record to refer back to in the future.
  • The form is available in three versions: English, Welsh and Welsh in the Welsh language so it is fully compatible and accessible for patients across England and Wales.
  • We are working on developing the GP17 form to the iPad so NHS practices in Scotland can be fully paperless as well – so watch this space!

If you would like to find out more about this exciting new product release or arrange a demo and join the 4,000 dental professionals who work smarter, work remotely and work securely with Dentally, simply visit our website or email us hello@dentally.co

Consultation launched on new principles for specialist listing

The General Dental Council (GDC) has today launched a consultation on the fundamental principles governing its approach to the system of specialist listing. The consultation, which closes on 25 April 2019, seeks views on proposals to change the way the regulator approaches three key areas, all with the aim of improving understanding for professionals and the public in relation to the dental specialties.

The key areas are:

  • Revised purposes for specialist listing, setting out what the GDC expects listed specialties to fulfil, and the criteria by which the regulator will determine which disciplines of dentistry should be listed.
  • The principles for the process of addition and removal of specialist lists.
  • The GDC’s processes for maintaining accreditation on specialist lists.

The proposals were developed in collaboration with a wide range of professional stakeholders who have worked with the regulator on this project since May 2017.

Manjula Das, Head of Education Policy and Quality Assurance, said: “This consultation explores the key areas relating to our role in specialist listing and it represents a vital step in helping us to provide clarity and support the public and the profession in understanding specialties. The information we receive will also help us to future-proof our approach and improve transparency. The proposals in this consultation have been developed in collaboration with the wide range of professional stakeholders who sit on our Specialty Working Group, and I would like to thank them for their hard work in helping us to reach this point.”

The regulator plans to report back on the result of the consultation once it has closed. For more information and to provide your views on the proposals, visit the GDC’s consultations webpage.

3 in 1 Suction Care

Aspirator/Suction systems become contaminated with organic matter and debris during the course of treatment. In order to reduce the risk of infection for patients it is recommended that cleaning and disinfection take place daily.

The new Daily Aspirator concentrate from Bossklein cleans, disinfects and also deodorises. It is non-corrosive and non-hazardous when diluted to the economical 2% dosage required and possesses excellent material compatibility. The revamped formulation is Aldehyde, Chlorine and Phenol free and also has an intense non-foaming action. With an effective spectrum which now includes Bacteria, Yeast, Fungi, TB and Viruses including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV and a minimum contact time of only 15 minutes.

Available in the 1 litre dispensing bottle and also an economical 5 litre refill container, also available under private label terms.

Contact Topdental on 01535 652 750 or visit Topdental.co.uk for more details and to request your free sample today.

Expanding team to meet digital dentistry demand

Growing interest in digital technology from dental professionals in the UK and Ireland has led to the expansion of the team at The Dental Imaging Company. The business is a leading independent specialist in X-ray, cone beam CT and surgical navigation systems. Building on the company’s reputation for technical expertise and practical support for its customers, the latest appointments bring a wealth of knowledge of dentistry and radiology.

Chris Meldrum, General Manager, has more than thirty-five years’ experience in the dental industry, most notably in the field of dental implantology. Chris enthuses, “This is a great time to be joining the company. It’s going from strength to strength, providing state-of-the-art technology to dental professionals, along with the support to ensure that customers can make the most of their investment. It is an exciting time to be involved in digital dentistry.”

Sean Goldner joins the team as Digital Sales Specialist.  He has a thorough, practical understanding of CBCT and implant planning technology, having produced pre-surgical plans for clinicians across the UK for more than 15 years.  Sean explains, “Dentists are keen to offer their patients outstanding clinical results and, in doing so, enhance their professional reputations. I am looking forward to demonstrating how Navident dynamic navigation and Morita scanners can help achieve these outcomes safely and predictably.”

Rob Pounds, Managing Director, concludes, “Having Chris and Sean on the team is great news for our customers, who will enjoy the benefits of their considerable experience. We are also expanding our engineering support provision, to help service the increased demand for digital technology in dentistry.”

ADI Focus Meeting: Innovations in Dental Implantology – Dominic O’Hooley

A truly international line-up of six speakers at the ADI Focus Meeting 2019 gave us the opportunity to hear insights at the forefront of our exciting branch of dental surgery.

Here is a brief synopsis of all six presentations.

Ziv Mazor

Ridge Atrophy Treatment Concepts Utilizing Osseodensification and Blood Derived Growth Factors

Ziv described the benefits of osseodensification using counter clockwise rotating drills with a reverse quasi-Archimedean screw principle. Studies focused on pig tibia in vitro studies, animal studies with sheep and humans. The same messages came through compared to traditional osteotomies: insertion torque up, a condensing layer, a slightly reduced osteotomy diameter due to the spring back effect and up to three times the percentage of initial bone to dental implant contact.

I’m by nature a sceptical person, but I am going to explore this technology and techniques in my clinical practice. No technique is a panacea, but as a paradigm shift I think osseodensification will be judged as one.

 

Karl Ulrich Volz

Bone Growing Implants – Update on the Latest Protocols and Shapes in Ceramic Implants

This piqued my interest straight away. Not because I have the urge to start offering zirconia instead of titanium, but because I genuinely believe that pre- and post-operative optimisation protocols for essential nutrients involved with ideal bone healing will become future best practice.

Karl’s presentation offered nuggets of gold within a path containing contentious opinions, strongly held subjective positions and a very different philosophy to what I have seen in the UK. He discussed ceramic dental implants and associated surgical techniques, considering closely placed one-piece products.

Karl’s presentation was certainly innovative, very thought provoking and I am sure that aspects will soon be widely adopted. I was left with my comfortable positions either reinforced or destabilised – the mark of a great lecture.

 

Anas Aloum

From Planning to Execution – Novel Concepts and Techniques in Rehabilitations

This presentation asked – are we really going digital? Themes of true digital workflow, comparisons of model and model free protocols, full contour compared to layering, digital wax-ups and potential aesthetic compromises, were ever present.

This was an impressive presentation, with high skill and innovative techniques at the forefront. I think adopting the full digital workflow as demonstrated here is not for every dental implantologist. That being said, Anas made me reflect on many aspects of my current workflows and contemplate new opportunities, which, for a self-confessed digital Luddite, spoke volumes about the quality of his presentation.

 

Costa Nicolopoulos

Immediate Loading with Permanent Restorations within 7 Days – Fact or Myth?

Costa emphasised how site-specific dental implants, high quality supporting studies and high primary stability support the reality that immediately loaded dental implants can be predictable. He dismissed the widely reported minimum end insertion torque of 32ncm as too low for this, suggesting 45ncm with an ISQ of 68 to be more acceptable.

There was much I agreed with, including the need for one abutment, one time in an internally clean dental implant; assurance of abutment seating; use of beta TCP and osseodensification drills. What I struggled with were the extremely high insertion torques and the assertion that the precise fit of external hex abutments precludes bacterial ingress into the gap. Again, this controversial lecture was fantastic at taking me out of my comfortable working patterns and making me think about what I do.

 

Rana Al-Falaki

Light at the End of the Tunnel: Are Lasers the Answer to Peri-implantitis?

Rana opened by discussing the new classification of peri-implant status for 2018, before taking us through non-surgical and surgical treatment modalities.

Talking about lasers, she stated that no one type can do everything. This presentation really had to be literature heavy but I didn’t find it heavy going; Rana succeeded in explaining topics in a way that allowed me to easily grasp the salient points.

Rana explored the lasers she did and doesn’t use often and showed her study of 28 dental implant cases to demonstrate bone regeneration. It was a fascinating lecture that left me feeling very intrigued about how these safe lasers can assist with the scourge of peri-implant disease.

 

Howard Gluckman

Partial Extraction Therapies

Howard’s talk may have been last on the agenda, but both the topic and his great delivery style ensured rapt attention from the hall. He stated what is true for everyone – we look for exceptional results but we find that they are not achievable every time. The themes were thus predictability and reproducibility for average oral surgeons and not just giants of the world stage.

Howard covered Partial Extraction Therapies (PET) specific modalities – Submerged Root Techniques (SRT), Pontic Shield (PS) and Socket Shield (SS). He demonstrated his failures, which I found refreshing. I love to see a confident clinician who appreciates that sub-optimal outcomes happen to everyone and are usually the best opportunity for learning.

For me, this was a technically brilliant presentation from a man who is highly regarded in the dental implant sphere and gave me much to think about.

As implant dentists in a country with rigorous regulation, it was brilliant to see six innovative presentations. My mind was opened, much knowledge was gained, many questions burst forth and I was left intellectually stimulated and very proud of my friends at the ADI for organising this exceptional day.

 

For more information about the ADI, or to join, please visit www.adi.org.uk

 

Author:

Dominic has been placing and restoring dental implants for over 11 years and works peripatetically in West Yorkshire. He is particularly interested in full arch reconstructions, guided bone regeneration, soft tissue optimisation and the use of short dental implants. He finds dental implantology to be an endlessly fascinating sphere within dentistry. He is currently recovering after a serious bicycle accident and is looking forward to starting work again very soon.

 

An inflammatory problem? Deborah Lyle – Waterpik

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with around 55,200 people affected each year. It effects both men and women, but is more prevalent in women. In fact one in eight women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.[i]Being the second leading cause of death in women, dental professionals should be aware of the latest findings and how survivors’ oral health could be affected from treatment.

Evidence is continuing to accumulate showing an association between periodontitis and breast cancer. In a recent study, women who suffered from periodontitis were up to three times more likely to develop breast cancer.[ii]Researchers believe that systemic inflammation originating from the infected gums could be the trigger. It has also been suggested that oral bacteria may enter the circulatory system through the gums which may affect breast tissue.2

Inflammation is a key feature in many chronic diseases and seems to be the most important preventable cause of cancer in humans. Periodontitis is an advanced inflammatory gum disease caused by oral bacterial dysbiosis, affecting both the local and systemic immune response.[iii]Numerous oral bacterial species have been associated with periodontal disease. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HCMV-EBV co-infection seems to be closely associated with disease-active periodontitis. Infection by HCMV or EBV has been shown to inhibit the macrophages to respond to bacterial challenge, and therefore have pathogenic role in the development of periodontal disease.[iv]It has also been observed that microbial DNA is present in the breast and that bacteria or their components may influence the local immune microenvironment.[v]

Breast cancer most commonly starts in the cells that line the ducts of the breast. It develops as a result of damaged cells, which can grow uncontrollably to form a lump or thickening called a tumour.[vi]As it develops it begins to grow into the body structures nearby, and cancer cells can move about more easily than normal cells. Excitingly, researchers have discovered a substance made by cancer cells which is responsible for their movement – if scientists can find ways to stop the cells making this matter, the hope is they will be able to stop cancers spreading and make them easier to cure.[vii]

Although further research is required in this area, breast cancer survival rates have been improving, with more than 90% of women diagnosed during the earliest stage surviving the disease for at least five years. However, only around 15% of women who are diagnosed during the more advanced stages survive.5These statistics highlight the importance of early detection and the significance of raising awareness of the disease.

Cancer treatment and oral health

Significant advancement has been made in the field of cancer treatment and with the advent of precision medicine, therapy with new chemotherapeutic agents targeting specific biology of cancers is becoming more widely available. Despite these developments, surgical resection, radio-, and chemotherapy remain the main modalities of cancer management. Although effective in treating cancer, these modalities may cause significant morbidity from direct damage and indirect effects from systemic toxicity.[viii]

There is a high risk of multiple dental problems and oral complications resulting from the complexities of cancer treatment, including mucositis, infection, hyposalivation, taste change and pain. More permanent complications such as dental caries, trismus/tissue fibrosis, osteonecrosis and salivary gland dysfunction can also occur following or during treatment.[ix]In severe cases of pain or discomfort in the teeth or gingiva, cancer treatment may have to be delayed or stopped so preventative measures are vital throughout the process.[x]The patient’s ability to maintain oral hygiene is also likely to be influenced by cancer therapy, and the recommendation of easy to use adjunctive options can help.

As you are aware, the best way to avoid developing gingivitis is to ensure you have an effective oral health routine, which includes removing bacteria interdentally at least once a day. Recommending effective adjuncts, such as the Waterpik®Ultra Professional Water Flosser can help patients to maintain optimal hygiene throughout their lives. The Waterpik®Water Flosser is proven safe and effective in numerous studies and has been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory mediators measured in the gingival crevicular fluid and blood, along with a reduction in bleeding on probing and probing pocket depths compared to traditional oral hygiene.[xi]

Breast cancer remains a serious problem that affects the lives of thousands of individuals. Further research is required in order to identify the specific relationship between periodontitis and breast cancer and if there is a causal link. Additional research is also needed to evaluate whether periodontal disease prevention and treatment can alleviate cancer burden.

For more information on Waterpik®please visit www.waterpik.co.uk. Waterpik® products are available from Amazon, Asda, Costco UK, Boots, and Superdrug stores across the UK and Ireland.

References

[i]Cancer Research UK. Available online: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer[Accessed 17th January 2018].

[ii]Sfreddo CS, Maier J, De David SC, Susin C, Moreira CH. Periodontitis and breast cancer: a case-control study. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 2017;45(6):545-551.

[iii]Michaud DS, Lu J, Peacock-villada AY, et al. Periodontal disease assessed using clinical dental measurements and cancer risk in the ARIC study. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2018;110(8):1-12.

[iv]Söder B, Yakob M, Meurman JH, et al. Periodontal disease may associate with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2010;127(2):497-502.

[v]Xuan C, et al. Microbial dysbiosis is associated with human breast cancer. PLOS ONE, 2014;9(1):1-7.

[vi]World Cancer Research Fund. Cancer prevention, linkhttp://www.wcrf-uk.org/index.php[Accessed 17th January 2018].

[vii]Cancer Research UK. How cancer grows, link http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/grow/how-a-cancer-grows#moving[Accessed 17th January 2018].

[viii]Hong C, Hu S, Haverman T, et al. A systematic review of dental disease management in cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2018;26(1):155-174.

[ix]National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Oral complications of cancer treatment: what the dental team can do. Last updated 6 January 2014, link www.nidcr.nih.gov[Accessed 17th January 2018].

[x]Mouth Cancer Foundation. Joshi, V. K. How to treat patients with mouth cancer. Published online 31 January 2014, link http://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/professionals-guide/dentists-role-ii[Accessed 17th January 2018].

[xi]Cutler C, Stanford TW, Abraham C, et al. Clinical benefits of oral irrigation for periodontitis are related to a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and plaque. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 2000;27:134-143

Empowering ladies who do dentistry

Dental student, Imaan Khalid, shares her thoughts on the BACD’s Ladies Who Do Dentistry event:

 “I’ve been able to network with other dental students, newly-qualified dentists, and established figures – all of whom have the same passion, drive, and enthusiasm for dentistry as I do. This has motivated me to become more successful than I originally thought I could.

“I would recommend the event to any dentist – it’s very informative and you gain valuable insight into other women’s successes, but also the challenges they’ve faced, and how they’ve managed to overcome them. It’s all about empowering women in dentistry.”

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