Month: March 2019

Navigating dental education – Aengus Kelly – The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019 will offer two days of education and networking for all members of the dental team. It will feature various lecture programmes catering to the needs of those with different roles, interests and specialities, with an eclectic trade exhibition displaying the latest innovations in the profession as well.

As part of the Speciality Interest Theatre, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) School of Dentistry will be sponsoring a panel session entitled “Lifelong learning? Navigating dental education in turbulent times”. The discussion will be led by a team of highly esteemed faculty members, including: Beverley Littlemore, Senior Lecturer in Dental Hygiene and Therapy; Dominic Stewardson, Professor in Restorative Dentistry, Assessment Lead and Course Lead MSc Prosthodontics; Fadi Barrak, Course Leader MSc Dental Implantology; Malcolm Edwards, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Specialist Restorative Dentistry and Specialist Prosthodontics; Shalini Kanagasingam, Course Leader MSc Endodontology; and Aengus Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Communications and Knowledge Transfer.

We spoke to Aengus Kelly, who kindly provided an outline of what the team hope to cover during their panel discussion:

“This session will be based around the increasingly important topic of postgraduate dental education. The dental profession is rapidly evolving, with internal and external pressures changing the experience of being in practice and resulting in new career pathways. This panel discussion will cover a broad educational spectrum from chairside mentoring to online learning and team training, ultimately exploring the future role of, and possible training pathways for, the GDP.

“Continuing education and lifelong learning are clearly always important in our profession, but there are a few particular reasons why this topic is coming into sharper focus right now. The ‘Advancing Dentistry’ project[i]report considered potential changes to training in dentistry, including integrated approaches to undergraduate training for all clinical roles and more developed training pathways in primary care. Also in primary care, Advancing Dentistry proposed a growing need for GDPs to have further academic and educational training (e.g. an MSc qualification[ii]). With NHS Contract Reform pending, it is possible that there will be increased use of secondarydental care services in the coming years. Equally, many colleagues seek to expand the range of treatments they offer on a private basis in primary care. It’s important for GDPs to be in a good position for development in practice.

“In addition, the 2018 BDA survey on stress and burnout[iii]suggests that, while burnout is a very significant problem for the whole profession, GDPs are most at risk and further training might help to mitigate that risk. Another consideration is that we have a maturing workforce of DCPs and this is reflected in growing opportunities for postgraduate education (e.g. MSc programmes for Dental Therapists[iv]).

“The most common issue facing a practitioner considering further training is the range of choices available. When there are so many options – from online courses to weekend training to full-time qualifications – it can be tricky to make an informed choice. Key factors in course selection are quality, patient contact and work/study/life balance. Are the providers of the training suitably qualified and trained as educators? Is there opportunity for supervised and/or mentored patient contact to develop new skills? Is it possible to study while continuing to practice (e.g. part-time courses, online content)?”

All these concepts and more will be explored during the panel session, offering delegates fresh ideas and practical advice on how they could develop their skills and their careers.

“We intend for delegates to leave the session with a clearer idea of what options are available for career development in dentistry, both for the individual and the wider dental team,” Aengus comments. “At times, there can be a prevailing gloominess caused by perceptions of the challenges within the profession, from burnout to financial and regulatory stresses. It is nice to offer the prospect of hope and the potential for positive change.”

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019 will present many opportunities for dental professionals to attend presentations by renowned speakers from the UK and abroad. Up to 14 hours of enhanced CPD will be available, with the extensive trade floor demonstrating the latest products, materials and technologies from more than 400 dental manufacturers and suppliers. Aengus adds:

“What is striking about the event is that there is something there for everyone. In 2018 there was a really full schedule of CPD events across the venue and a great buzz from the crowd. We at UCLan School of Dentistry are particularly pleased to be presenting a session this year to mark the launch of our newly-redesigned clinical MSc programmes.[v]These MSc programmes are completed in two years and include supervised patient contact along with lab-based skills development. Much of the academic component of the course (including the dissertation) is completed via online learning. Find out more at dentistryevents@uclan.ac.uk.”

 

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show is completely free for delegates to attend – register online today.

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019 – Friday 17thand Saturday 18thMay – Birmingham NEC, co-located with DTS.

Visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270

or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com

 

 

[i]Health Education England. Advancing Dental Care: Education and Training Review. Final Report. https://www.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/documents/advancing_dental_care_final.pdf

 [Accessed March 2019]

[ii]University of Central Lancashire. Courses. Dental Education, MSc. https://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/msc-dental-education.php [Accessed March 2019]

[iii]Collin V, Toon M, O’Selmo E, Reynolds L, Whitehead P. A survey of stress, burnout and well-being on UK dentists. British Dental Journal. Jan 2019; 226: 40-49

[iv]University of Central Lancashire. Courses. Advanced restorative and Periodontal Practice, MSc. https://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/msc-advanced-restorative-and-periodontal-practice.php

[Accessed March 2019]

[v]University of Central Lancashire. About us. University structure. Schools. School of Dentistry. Courses. https://www.uclan.ac.uk/schools/dentistry/courses.php[Accessed March 2019]

‘BDA case mix 2.0’: new version of tool for special care and paediatric dentistry, with applications across NHS

The British Dental Association (BDA) launches the new version of the BDA case mix tool today at the Royal College of Surgeons, promising to build on an unrivalled approach to scoring patient complexities, with new criteria covering paediatric dentistry.

The BDA first launched the tool in 2008 to help dentists score the complexity of patients requiring special care dentistry. It has since become the gold standard for scoring patient complexity according to six identifiable criteria. The results are used in both commissioning and contract matters and also wider epidemiological work.

Following calls from commissioners to use the tool to measure paediatric dental patient complexities the tool has received a root and branch update, with new criteria geared around the needs of young patients, following input from the British Society of Disability and Oral Health and British Society of Paediatric Dentistry. Definitions already included for adult patients have also been revised.

Discussions with IT suppliers are already ongoing and the BDA will be producing training on the new tool later in 2019.

Although CDS dentists are its prime users, the tool can be used by general dental practitioners or secondary care providers who are treating patients requiring special care and paediatric dentistry. The BDA is now working across wider health and social care sectors to promote the model.

Chair of the BDA’s England Community Dental Services Committee, Charlotte Waite, said:

“Since its inception BDA case mix has demonstrated to commissioners the challenges and value of the work community and special care dentists do. This new version will take this approach to the next level.

“For over a decade BDA case mix has been used by individual dentists to demonstrate the complexity of their caseload and clinical directors to benchmark the clinics within their areas. This new version builds on a tried and tested system which has supported colleagues operating in all four countries of the UK.

“The NHS long term plan pledges links to learning disability and autism services, and a holistic approach to care. It’s an approach we take on a daily basis, empowered by BDA case mix, and now children can benefit fully with a system designed around their unique needs.

“The sheer complexity and skill of the services we deliver can often be lost on health officials and commissioners. And that’s where BDA case mix comes into its own. We have a framework that can help colleagues across the profession break down barriers, reduce health inequalities and deliver high quality dental care for all our patients.”

Oral Reconstruction Global Symposium – New York City, NY, April 30 – May, 2, 2020

The Oral Reconstruction Foundation is pleased to announce the theme and venue for the 2020 Oral Reconstruction Global Symposium. With a world-renowned lineup of speakers from all dental disciplines, the Symposium themed – 20/20 Vision – will cover a wide range of contemporary issues in implant dentistry and tissue regeneration. The Symposium will take place April 30 to May 2020 at the iconic New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

A joint European-American scientific committee consisting of well-known experts such as Dr. Edward P. Allen, Prof. Dr. Fernando Guerra, Dr. Craig Misch, Dr. Myron Nevins, Prof. Dr. mult. Robert Sader, and Prof. Dr. Irena Sailer, will head the Oral Reconstruction Global Symposium 2020.

Diverse program

A multitude of breakout sessions and hands-on exercises on topics such as digital workflow, immediate full-arch treatment, L-PRF® applications, hard and soft tissue grafting, immediate placement and temporization, prevention and management of peri-implant diseases, business practices, and many more are planned. The Symposium will include lectures on extraction site management, tissue regeneration, digital workflow, long-term sustainability, and experts’ discussions of challenging cases.

The Global Symposium offers a great opportunity to stay abreast of the latest treatment options while enjoying time with colleagues in the heart of Times Square.

Attendance will be limited to maintain an environment conducive to learning. Early registration is recommended.

Please visit www.orfoundation.org/globalsymposium for further information.

Survival of the Strongest

Mark Allen on restorative dentistry and choosing the right kind of material for maximum success…

Patients must be briefed on the range of factors that can compromise the stability of their restoration, and some of these factors will be unique to them.

Failed restorations can be painful, as well as inconvenient, requiring return visits to the dentist. There is also the emotional impact of having gone through the process of fixing a damaged tooth, committing to the time and cost involved, then the treatment going wrong.

Patient-related factors include their caries index (a low caries index means a longer lifespan), which will be dependent on their willingness to maintain good oral hygiene. Secondary caries are a primary reason for restorations needing to be replaced; these are lesions at the margin of an existing restoration, occurring in areas of plaque stagnation. Validating a diagnosis of secondary caries can be problematic; moreover, they cannot always be completely avoided either. Good preventive habits at home – effective brushing using the correct technique, in-between attending regular appointments – is key to inhibiting their development. Other patient variables include age, with older patients who may have had decades of dental treatment and disease being more likely to see their restoration fail sooner rather than later. Tooth position is also important; posterior teeth tend to have a lower survival rate than anterior teeth, because they work harder grinding food.

Procedure, technique, skill and experience, as well as the tools and materials that you use – these are all fundamental to success. Technique and materials are often closely linked; as new materials are made available, procedures often have to be adapted to suit. The products available to restorative dentists can appear overwhelming – as the demand for this kind of treatment has increased, suppliers have developed new products to meet it. For context, the market for restorative dentistry is expected to grow to £19.2 billion by 2025.

The amalgam question cannot be overlooked either. Although amalgam is considered a safe option, it is being phased out and there are restrictions as to its use, which were introduced in July 2018. Regardless of the new guidelines, more patients will be reluctant to have amalgam restorations placed anyway, due to this material’s ‘bad press’ and also their knowledge of more aesthetically pleasing options.

The restorative dentist must look for materials that can help treatment be successful, stable and give good functionality as well as aesthetics. Bulk fill resin composites are proving to be popular, as they give high-quality results for Class I and Class II cavities, as well as reducing treatment time as application is often in one step. At the top end of the market is Fill- Up! from COLTENE that provides thorough and gentle curing. It is safe, with minimal shrinkage, excellent marginal adaptation as well as giving good aesthetics and good value.

Dental restorations don’t last forever; their survival depends on certain criteria being met. Top-level technique and superior material selection will help the restorative dentist meet patients’ high expectations.

To find out more visit www.coltene. com, email info.uk@coltene.com or call 01444 235486.

About the author

Mark Allen is General Manager for Coltene.

The Need for Speed

You would not be human if you haven’t shouted at your phone when the screen freezes, or yelled at your television if a film takes a long time to stream. When devices fail to respond or provide us with the service or information that we want straight away we tend to get frustrated and annoyed. In fact, research indicates that both verbal and physical aggression towards equipment is common in bouts of computer-related anger. People now expect constant, seamless connectivity and as many as 42 per cent of UK consumers admit to being more impatient today than they were five years ago, due to their reliance on technology to complete everyday tasks.

Take the Internet, for example. This is used for a wide variety of activities including banking, shopping, entertainment, education, communicating and socialising. A significant number of jobs and services are dependent on Internet connection and, according to the Office for National Statistics, 86 per cent of adults used the Internet daily in 2018. Two-thirds of adults say it is an essential part of life and 40 per cent of adults look at their smartphone within five minutes of waking up and, on average, check it every 12 minutes and spend 2 hours 28 minutes online each day. Some may argue that we have become victims of our own success, because our need for speed has become insatiable. We expect everything to be available instantly, anywhere and at any time and we attach that fast pace to other parts of our lives. Nevertheless, technology that enables access to all types of information, products, resources and services at the touch of a button opens up a wealth of opportunities, allows us to be more efficient and productive and makes life considerably easier.

This appetite for advanced technology and instant gratification is changing the face and future of dentistry. For instance, people are no longer happy to wait weeks to see a dentist, they want easy and speedy/fast access to services and if they choose to make an appointment they want to do it immediately. If they want their teeth whitened, they want them lightened several shades in minutes, not weeks and you would have to be living on another planet not to have seen all the promotions from businesses that offer ultra-fast treatments to straighten smiles or replace the teeth in a time frame as little as a day. Indeed, market research indicates that consumers are willing to pay more for instant results rather than solutions that offer long-term benefits. Equally, patients are able to shop around very easily. They are likely to get information about products, treatments and services from the hundreds of websites that are available and will consult social media and read online reviews.

Certainly, continual advancements and innovation needs to focus on speed and convenience, while also keeping up with the demands and expectations of patients that are significantly more sophisticated and well informed than ever before.

There is no doubt that technology has transformed the way in which dental practices operate. Digital systems and software have been integrated into nearly all areas to streamline and simplify tasks, enhance communication, reduce storage and save an inordinate amount of time and expense. Information is able to flow through the practice in real-time, making operations quicker and more efficient. Dental professionals are able to work with increased levels of accuracy and predictability using high performance equipment in a safe, orderly and productive environment.For instance, digital x-ray systems use up to 80 per cent less radiation than film x-rays. They produce clear, high-resolution images,which can be viewed almost instantly and help to detect pathologies in very early stages. Also, when combined with practice management software, the images can be easily stored, archived and recalled efficiently as part of the patient’s electronic record.Digital technology is also revolutionising prosthodontics. It plays a significant role at the planning and design stages as well as the milling or printing of mock-ups, surgical guides, provisionals, fixed and removable final restorations. Simultaneously, new digital manufacturing techniques have invited the development of advanced, biocompatible materials such as Ultaire AKP. This is a lightweight, high performance polymer that has been custom-developed by Solvay Dental 360 specifically for the fabrication of removable partial dentures (RPDs). Ultaire AKP fits seamlessly into the digital workflow, which reduces inaccuracies and streamlines production efficiency to offer metal-free RPDs with exceptional retention, comfort and fit.

Digital technology and new material science is providing dental professionals with the opportunity to speed up the completion of procedures that may have previously required multiple visits.

Additionally and above all, digital systems help to improve outcomes, increase comfort and elevate the patient experience to the high level that they have now come to expect.

To book a Solvay Dental 360® Professional Lunch and Learn or to find more information about Ultaire AKP and Dentivera milling discs, please visit www.solvaydental360.com 

About the author

Phillip Silver is the UK Country Manager and Consultant at Solvay Dental 360.TM He is a specialist in medical technologies and materials with over two decades of experience in both implantable and non- implantable devices. Phillip has worked in a range of clinical fields incorporating digital techniques and introducing new and novel technology into restorative dentistry, replacement and reconstructive surgery and facial plastics.

My journey: Implant dentistry around the world

Doctor Domingos Mamede is a mentor and skilled dental implant surgeon. Originally from Porto in Portugal, Dom now co-leads the surgical and implants department of mydentist’s Advanced Oral Health Centre in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, having relocated to the UK to join the company nine years ago.

When did you decide that you wanted to be a dentist and why?
At 17 my dad gave me some good career advice. I told him I wanted to become a pilot and travel the world. My parents have always been very supportive, but the guidance he gave me that day has shaped my whole career. Instead of taking to the skies immediately, he suggested I keep my options open, go to university and study towards a career that could help fund my passion for flying and travel. “Why not medicine or perhaps dentistry,” he said. I took his advice, applied for university to read dentistry and quickly realised that I enjoyed it.

I guess I have to admit that my dad was right. After I had relocated from Portugal to the UK nine years ago to join mydentist, I gained my pilots licence to fly planes as a hobby and I’ve been able to travel the world as a tourist in my free time.

I believe you have been involved with volunteering as well?
I was lucky enough to be one of the first dentists to visit Tanzania as part of a partnership between mydentist and Bridge2Aid. The experience was very humbling and eye opening. We were there to provide urgent treatment and to help train local healthcare workers in dentistry and demonstrate how they could create sustainable and free access to communities who wouldn’t otherwise have treatment.

What is it about a life in dentistry that you find most fulfilling?
It is amazing to feel that you can have a direct impact on the quality of life of your patients, whether by improving their self- esteem, their confidence and their dignity, or by allowing them to choose what they can eat, not based on what they can chew, but what they feel like eating.

And that’s why I am so passionate about dentistry in general and implant dentistry in particular.

I feel very fortunate to have my career. I often catch myself and think “how did I end up here?”. I’m only 35 years old and I have a career I love, that continues to challenge me and within a company and team that allows me to develop and to grow, both personally and professionally.

I also live in a country that I enjoy, I’m married to my soul mate and best friend Claudia and just a few months ago we had our first child, a beautiful baby girl. Life is good.

How does working in St Ives compare to other places you’ve worked?
I enjoy working in St Ives. Before I came to work in England I decided I wanted to move to a part of the country that would show me real British culture and the way of life. A lot of people I knew were moving to London, but I’d already visited there and although it’s a great place to visit, I wanted to see and experience more of the UK.

So, when a vacancy came up with mydentist for a position in one of its practices in Warrington, I jumped on a plane and headed to the North West.

A couple of years ago I moved to Cambridge with my wife, who’s also Portuguese. We love our life here, the practice and the patients. What’s more, because it’s only a short drive to Stansted airport, it means we are able to fly back to Portugal regularly so the grandparents can spoil our little girl.

And being able to enjoy my personal life has been a big part of all the professional decisions I’ve made. By being self- employed I can be flexible with when I work and when I don’t. That’s allowed me to travel whenever I want and – as a bit of an adrenaline junkie – I’ve been able to indulge in bungee jumping, sky diving, flying.

There hasn’t been much time for travel or extreme sports lately since becoming a dad though.

You’re renowned for your success in implant dentistry… to what do you owe this reputation?

Honestly, I think I am just starting. Every day I push myself out of my comfort zone, put in the hard work and have people around me that believe in me and who offer encouragement. After all, you are only as good as the people that surround you.

While working as an NHS dentist for mydentist I trained in Dental Implantology at Trafford Hospital in Manchester with Professor Cemal Ucer and did further training in Aesthetic Dentistry at UCLA in Los Angeles a couple of years later. The Msc in dental implantology from Edge Hill University has been a very tiring, but very fulfilling experience.

 In 2013 I accepted an invitation to join mydentist’s flagship practice and training academy in Manchester, where I was able to complete more dental implant and aesthetic dentistry cases. As a new private dentist, I had the extra challenge of establishing myself in a competitive city centre market – a challenge I actually really enjoyed.

 I then moved to Cambridgeshire and started the challenge of building my credentials and referrals as a dental implant surgeon all over again – and finding myself enjoying it once again too.

And then mydentist chose the practice in St Ives to launch one of its first Advanced Oral Health Centres a little while ago.

These centres have been formed around the company’s leading practices, and branded as centres of excellence, where patients benefit from the latest digital dentistry technology and treatment from our clinicians.

 Our practice now also acts as a hub to help a network of local practices, whether inside or outside the mydentist group. We encourage professional development and improved care by offering mentorship in everything from foundation dentistry through to implantology.

Being part of mydentist means you have opportunities to grow that you couldn’t find elsewhere. There is a whole network of professionals you have access to and can learn from. There is investment when you want to expand your offering and gain new skills. I know some people have a negative view of being part of a corporate but that has never been my experience – it’s been quite the opposite. Being a part of mydentist has given me the opportunities to progress that I craved and it is a great place to work.

How important is mentoring to the profession?
It’s very important. I’ve always believed that you should give back what you’ve learned along the way.

It’s great to work with local dentists, and to meet them on clinical panels, peer reviews or through lunch and learn events. We cover as much as we can, from offering advice on becoming a confident dental implant surgeon, to how to improve patients’ journeys, and how to increase private revenue.

Last year I was asked to be an ambassador for mydentist to help recruit dentists in Portugal. I felt honoured to be invited and involved. After all, it’s a journey I took myself not that long ago.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Becoming a father has been a life changing achievement. It’s been an adjustment. I spend a lot of my time in the car on my commute and pass the time listening to audio books. I’m currently listening to the ‘New Dad’s Guide’.

Professionally, my biggest achievement is reflecting on the career I’ve been able to establish within implant dental surgery. It’s a tough career path to follow, especially with the current medico legal environment, but I had, and still have, great mentors to guide me, mydentist supporting me, and family and friends encouraging me.

I’m proud of what I’ve achieved – but my career path isn’t finished yet. I have lots more I want to do.

So, where do you hope to be 10 years from now?
You’ll have to watch this space to find out.

Henry Schein Financial Services Celebrates 20 Years Helping Health Care Practitioners Achieve Practice Success

Henry Schein Financial Services (HSFS), a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), today celebrates its 20th anniversary delivering customized financial and business solutions that help oral health and medical practitioners improve operational efficiency. To commemorate this occasion, Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Schein, Inc., will open the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Established in 1999, HSFS initially offered financial solutions for new and growing practices in the United States. Since then, the business has grown significantly, serving customers in 16 countries, expanding its portfolio to offer customized solutions for equipment leasing and financing, practice credit card services, patient financing, and many other value-added services, as well as dental associate recruitment and placement through Henry Schein Nationwide Dental Opportunities, and practice brokerage, valuations, and transition consulting through Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions.

“As we celebrate Henry Schein Financial Service’s 20th anniversary, we must remember that the success of the business is rooted in intrapreneurship and the vision of Team Schein Members to create strategic, cutting-edge solutions that are relevant to our customers,” said Mr. Bergman. “We identified a need in the industry to deliver financial solutions that health care professionals could rely on to enhance their practices. As a result, we created Henry Schein Financial Services.”

As part of its growth through the years, Henry Schein Financial Services has added more business groups and partners to help further expand its offerings to customers, including: The Snyder Group; The Maddox Group; ADS Florida; and a United Kingdom-based partner, MediHoldings. Collectively, this group of businesses under the Henry Schein Financial Services brand features 140 Team Schein Members around the world who are dedicated to helping customers succeed.

“Since we started Henry Schein Financial Services 20 years ago, our primary goal has been to enhance practice efficiency and profitability through business solutions,” said Steven Paladino, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Henry Schein, Inc. “Today, as we celebrate the business’ 20th anniversary, our goal remains the same and we will continue to evolve and grow to suit the needs of our customers.”

Mr. Bergman will be joined by Mr. Paladino and Keith Drayer, Vice President & General Manager, Henry Schein Financial Services, when he opens the Nasdaq Stock Market at 9:30 a.m. at 4 Times Square in New York City. A live webcast will be available at https://facebook.com/henryschein.

Free dental care for fishermen in Bridlington

Fishermen and their families in Bridlington received free dental care as part of the Seafit Programme. Dental charity Dentaid joined forces with The Fishermen’s Mission and The Seafarers Hospital Society to provide dental care at the harbourside onboard the charity’s mobile dental unit.

The scheme helps fishermen who often struggle to access dental treatment and other medical care because they work long hours at sea. Seven patients received treatment including several who had been living with long-term dental pain. Volunteer dentist Jane Lelean extracted 17 painful teeth and did 4 fillings along with scale and polishes, oral cancer checks and dental health advice.

“This was a very busy clinic for our volunteer dental team. The fact that they had to remove so many teeth shows that some fishermen are living in constant dental pain but still aren’t accessing dental care,” said Dentaid CEO Andy Evans. “By taking our mobile dental unit to the harbour not only did we help them out of immediate pain, we also helped them re-engage with dentistry which is crucial to their general health and wellbeing.”

Many of the patients had not seen a dentist for several years and were suffering from constant pain. “We were told you were coming and I couldn’t wait to see you as I’m having trouble with my teeth and am in a lot of pain,” said one patient who hadn’t attended for 15 years and required multiple extractions. “Only being ashore for a brief time between fishing means it’s difficult to make and stick to appointments and I have other priorities,” said another fisherman who attended the clinic, co-ordinated by the East Riding Healthtrainer service.

Dentaid has also run quayside clinics in Poole and Peterhead as part of the Seafit programme and will be working with the Fishermen’s Mission and Seafarers Hospital Society to provide more dental care for fishermen in the future.

CALCIVIS shortlisted again!

CALCIVIS® is proud to be shortlisted for the Innovation Award for the 2019 Scottish Dental Awards. After winning this prestigious accolade in 2018, the CALCIVIS imaging system has once again been recognised for its excellence.

Making a real difference to patients and supporting preventive, minimally invasive dentistry, the CALCIVIS imaging system offers dental practitioners and their patients the opportunity to see the previously invisible. This incredible visualisation tool uses bioluminescence to capture images of early active demineralisation and has the potential to avert the onset of caries.

To see bio-technology and innovation at its best, contact CALCIVIS today.

For more information visit www.calcivis.com, call on 0131 658 5152
or email at info@calcivis.com

Decontamination area design: be the best – Adam Shaw Technical sales consultant at RPA Dental ltd

After years of coverage, dental practice design is still to this day one of the most widely discussed topics in dentistry – and it’s easy to see why. Having a well designed, modern practice complete with the latest and greatest equipment can help to facilitate workflow, improve treatment outcomes and attract and retain a loyal patient base. Given the chance, it is likely that most principals would consider refurbishing their practice.

Here, we take a look at a very specific aspect of dental practice refurbishment – decontamination area design. It’s less commonly referred to within publications than surgery and reception redesign, but it’s one of the key areas that should always be addressed if you have a separate, dedicated decontamination room (or rooms) and exploring the possibility of renovation.

Naturally, some of the design features will vary depending on whether you have a single room or the gold standard of two rooms, but for the most part the design elements that need to be taken into consideration are invariably the same. For instance, there must always be a ‘dirty’ area that is exclusively used for contaminated instruments. Furthermore, the cleaning and disinfection facilities such as a washer disinfector and washing/rinsing sinks should be adjacent to where the dirty instruments are received, wherever possible. Though if using an ultrasonic cleaner it is advisable to install it close by the sinks but separate from the receiving area. Any autoclaves should be segregated from all other areas to ensure the ‘dirty to clean’ workflow is achieved and you should have separate cabinetry with good lighting for the inspection of instruments before sterilisation.

These are just some of the considerations that experts recommend practices incorporate into their decontamination area design, and can make all the difference to compliance and workflow. Still, there’s more to decontamination design than following the rules and meeting stringent guidelines. It’s also about style and maximising the space available to you. To strike a balance and to consider every angle, a refurbishment requires meticulous planning in which no stone is left unturned.

As you might imagine achieving the perfect combination of compliance, practicality and style is no easy feat, meaning expert assistance can often be needed in order to get the refurbishment just right. A professional company that has extensive experience in dental practice design can work with you on all aspects of the renovation from beginning to end to ensure optimal results. Everything from completing site surveys and budgeting the projected cost to drawing up detailed 3D design drawings and project management is included when you employ the experts.

Using such a service will ensure that all the essentials like ventilation and air extraction and clean and dirty workflow segregation are addressed in line with HTM 01-05 guidelines, whilst getting the most out of your workspace. They will also work with you to choose quality equipment – including dental cabinetry, which are the cornerstone of dental decontamination area design.

The cabinets that you opt for can make a huge difference to ongoing practice, so it is essential that you take your time during the decision process to make sure that all the boxes are ticked. Ask questions such as: are the joints seamless to prevent the habitation and growth of dangerous pathogens? Are the surfaces easy to clean, impervious to wear and scratch resistant? Are they specially designed for use in the dental practice? And do they work in the available space?

Consider the style and colour too. Are you after eye-catching, stylish and modern cabinetry or would you prefer a more classic design in a subtle shade? RPA Dental offers a range of cabinets from leading manufacturer Tavom to ensure that you find the perfect fit, including the Kamal line designed specifically for sterilisation spaces that is available in either stainless steel or with a powder coating paint finish. All cabinets can be customised to your liking – including the colour – to suit your personal tastes and clinical preferences. But it’s not just cabinets that RPA Dental is renowned for. The team also offers a turnkey refurbishment solution that addresses all areas – workflow, style and effective use of space as well as compliance, practicality and functionality.

Decontamination area design can make a huge difference to practice outcomes, and as such, should always be considered when refurbishing. For enhanced workflow, improved treatment outcomes and a loyal patient base, take the right steps today.

 

RPA Dental Equipment Ltd.

Visit us at www.rpadental.net

London and Manchester Sales and Service Centres call 08000 933 975