Month: April 2019

Returning to work after having a baby?

Founding Partner at ‘The Juggling Act’ Lucy Fry, suggests how to make the transition work, in six steps.

I’ve never met a working woman whose attitude and response to work is unchanged by becoming a mother. It’s not just the long period of time away from the work itself –we know that this commonly has a negative impact on a working woman’s confidence, for starters – but also the inevitable lifestyle and priority changes, all of which make it impossible to be the same employee, regardless of the job requirements.

Perhaps we shouldn’t go back to work at all. Instead, we should go forward to work. After all, becoming a parent is one of the most transformational processes a human being can go through, and because we aren’t robots (thank goodness) it will affect who we are as employees.

Here are 6 suggestions to help yourself go forward to work after having a baby.

  • PLAN (NOW) AND GET SUPPORT

It’s never too early to start thinking about how you’d like your post-baby working life to look. In my coaching programme welcome working women from all stages of the parenting journey, from those simply considering getting pregnant, to those who have already returned to work after having a baby, and are struggling to stay afloat. The first question we ask is always what support is available to you?

Juggling priorities amidst the circus of raising a family is not easy but it is more manageable with a proper support network and yet it won’t just magically appear! Planning which roles different people will play and telling them about it too, is a vital part of preparing the ground for when you go back into the office / to work, and this includes your colleagues and your boss (see tips below on dialogues with employers).

Think explicitly about who’s going to be called on to offer a shoulder – or some extra childcare so you can sleep – when you need it? Who will you email to tell you’re falling into old patterns of withdrawal or negative thought processes and/or overwhelm? Talk to your partner or co-parent about how you are going to make your juggling act work together and be specific because abstract ideas don’t lead to change. What time each of you will go into work? Can this vary depending on the day? Will you work from home sometimes, share nursery pick-ups and household tasks? How will you warn each other that you aren’t doing so well? How will you celebrate the times you manage brilliantly?

  • OPEN UP A DIALOGUE WITH EMPLOYERS, EARLY!

Find out what your employers are expecting of you when you come back, while you’re on leave if possible. This applies just as much if you’re self-employed too – even more so, in many ways, since it’s easy to put off planning if you know you’re the Boss, but really it’s still a good idea. Think ahead about what’s required, whether it’s fair, clashes with your values or boundaries (see below) and whether you can deliver (and if you can’t, start talking to an employer about it – see below). Ask (or think) in advance about whether it’s possible for you to go back in to work, to sit in on a few meetings whilst you’re still on leave, so that you can get over initial worries and be kept in the loop (it also looks like you’re taking initiative and are coming back with commitment). If you have an HR department, talk to them before you go back, find out whether there are any opportunities your company has for new mums or if there’s any funding for coaching as many do but don’t advertise that fact.

  • UNCOVER YOUR VALUES & BUILD ON YOUR BOUNDARIES.

Do you know which values are most important to you? Take the free 5 minute Barrett Values test here to get a better idea. “Values can help define boundaries,” says Juggling Act Founder and Executive Coach Claire Fry: “Knowing your boundaries is very important in making any life changes, such as thinking about how you’re going to return to work after having a baby.” This can feel difficult and may even masquerade as selfishness, but really it’s about holding your own in a world full of competing priorities.

As the researcher, author and public speaker Brene Brown writes in her book, Daring Greatly: “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” What can this look like in terms of working-and-parenting? Turning emails off or not answering calls on certain days or after certain times, for example, and telling people that you’ll do that and then doing it, consistently. Or, if you’re certain that you can only commit to working four days a week, stay true to that and don’t check emails or be on call during that fifth non-work day. Think about your boundaries, talk to your support network about them, and write them down in readiness to ask for what you want in a meeting or phonecall.

  • ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT (AND FOR SPECIFIC FEEDBACK).

This is huge for women in work. Huge! Examine why you might not be asking for what you want – whether a promotion, better pay, better working hours or more holiday. So many women hold back just because there are afraid to get the answer no. Very often though, employers simply want to hear what you need and how you’re going to make it work for everyone, so approaching them with a plan is key.

When it comes to pushing for what you want, it’s important to know how you’re doing (and potentially use that as bargaining power)! Yet research shows that women tend to receive more vague feedback than men, and rarely challenge it or ask for more clarity. This makes it hard for them to ascertain where they are striving and what they could do better; to ask for guidance where it’s needed.

“When giving others feedback you should always focus on being clear and talk about the impact (positive or negative) of specific situations or behaviours. For example, this might sound like: “When you interrupted me during the question about fees in that meeting, I felt undermined and it was hard to regain my focus”. Sometimes simple things like ‘can you say more?’ or ‘what aspect exactly was it you weren’t happy with’ can help others feel heard whilst giving you more time and space to understand what’s being said.

  • NEGOTIATE BETTER

Now you know what you want and you know why you deserve it, it’s time to negotiate. But first, you have to regard every conversation as a negotiation, rather than a done-deal, and be prepared to get a little bit uncomfortable. (As Tim Ferris, entrepreneur and author of The Four Hour Work Week says: “A person’s success in life can usually be measured by then number of uncomfortable conversations she is willing to have.”)

“One important thing is to focus on talking about your role and objectives against it, rather than bum-in-seat time,” says Coach, Claire: “This will free up your thinking, as well as your employer’s, about how to structure and support your return and transition back to work.”

During these negotiations remember that simple techniques like saying “that’s something I need to think about – I’ll get back to you tomorrow” can offer crucial thinking time / prevent you from being pressured into making unwanted decisions during pressured conversations.

Claire advises: “In the case of parental leave, return, transition and flexible working: start by writing down what it is you ideally want and then what you would be willing to compromise on in order to make the big picture work for you, your family and your employer. There is a win-win in there somewhere and it’s worth taking the time to find it.”

  • BEWARE THE DRAMA TRIANGLE

Ever find yourself feeling disempowered by a colleague or employer? Or maybe you feel constantly guilty, and/or compelled to jump in and make everything all right for someone else, putting your own needs last? Social interaction model, The Drama Triangle (Stephen Karpman, 1968), is helpful in improving constructive communication and enabling you to step out of destructive power dynamics. Karpman suggests there are three points we inhabit when we’re in a destructive dynamic, those of victim, persecutor or rescuer. Often we move through different positions with different people / at different times. The victim looks at what they don’t want, and how it’s not their fault. The persecutor criticise and blame the victim, and the rescuer needs to caretake others in order to feel worthy. The alternative is to move into The Empowerment Dynamic (or TED) and to shift out of victim into creator – someone who focuses on what they do want.

WHAT IS THE JUGGLING ACT?

We are a consulting agency that works with organisations on how they can better support their working parent employees through, coaching, workshops, cultural assessments and transformation.

As part of this offer, we also run The Juggling Act leadership programme: an innovative coaching programme that enables parents to build the career they truly want amidst the circus of raising a family.

Our Learning & Development programme is a 4-part combination of coaching sessions and a full-day workshop, designed to empower parents re-entering the workplace, enhancing their focus and self-assurance as well as offering real-life practical exercises in negotiation and communication skills.

Ground-breaking technology impresses delegates

Visitors to the Scottish Dental Show 2019 were impressed by the world’s first bio-tech dental device showcased by CALCIVIS.®

Delegates were amazed as Flora Couper hosted a workshop that demonstrated how the CALCIVIS imaging system uses bioluminescence to identify demineralisation activity on tooth surfaces at an earlier stage than ever before.

Dr Leanne Branton from Southside Dental Care in Edinburgh also told delegates how the CALCIVIS imaging system is working in practice to support a preventive programme and how her patients and her business are benefiting from this unique technology.

To find out more about detecting early active demineralisation, contact CALCIVIS now.

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

 

Optimising Direct Access – Christopher Forrest The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019

Bringing all the profession together, the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019 will provide the perfect platform for learning, networking and discovery. For dental hygienists and dental therapists, there will be an extensive trade exhibition with dental suppliers on hand to demonstrate their latest and greatest materials, technologies and oral health products. There will also be a dedicated two-day lecture programme, as well as additional theatres focusing on speciality interest areas, offering a total of 14 hours enhanced CPD.

A wide spectrum of topics and ideas relevant to dental hygienists and dental therapists will be discussed, with the chance for individuals to get involved with debates and share experiences with like-minded peers. Among those topics being explored will be Direct Access, which – when used effectively – offers an array of benefits to the dental team and patients alike. Christopher Forrest, clinical lecturer for Teesside University Dental Therapy Programme, explains:

“It has been six years since Direct Access was granted to dental hygienists and dental therapists, but it is still common for clinicians to not be using it at all, or to its full potential within practice. We are aware of certain barriers due to NHS contractual agreements, prescription-only medicines (POMs) and IR(ME)R regulations inhibiting us from becoming more independent clinicians within the restraints of our scope of practice. However, we hope that with the support of joint campaigns organised between the BADT and BSDHT, we can push for change in the near future to aid in opening access further for both NHS and private dental patients. It feels unfair that patients who pay privately for treatment can utilise Direct Access – which can also include the provision of certain POMs under a Patient Group Directive (PGD) – while NHS patients have more restricted access to service.  

“The introduction of Direct Access was not intended to replace dentists but rather, to open up services and provide further access within a multi-disciplinary team. It is comparable to triaging patients in the direction of the appropriate treatment provider. We still very much need a good relationship with other members of the dental team for appropriate referrals where treatment falls outside of the hygienist’s or therapist’s scope of practice, or if a PGD for local anaesthetic and fluoride varnish is not present.”

While it offers potential for improved patient services and streamlined professional workflows, the introduction and implementation of Direct Access has presented some challenges.

“An early challenge was acceptance within the profession,” says Chris, “and this was potentially down to a lack of education on the subject rather than ignorance. I know many dentists who have been thrilled to establish Direct Access within their practice, once they understood the full concept and potential. However, it is also important to understand the full scope of a hygienist or therapist – which is something I am continuously reminding GDPs and sometimes our own DCPs about. It is amazing to see many hygienists, therapists and, not forgetting clinical dental technicians, providing independent services and gaining true satisfaction after seeing a patient’s course of treatment from beginning to end, discussing and treatment planning as they feel appropriate.  

“For Direct Access to work, it is crucial that you understand your limitations and attend additional courses to provide you with the knowledge and skills to be able to provide full diagnosis and examination within your scope of practice. Direct Access is not just an easy option for a quick cosmetic clean with an air-polishing system! It still requires the clinician to look at the whole picture. Hygienists and therapists can mostly stay up-to-date through regular CPD courses, or otherwise may need to obtain a more specific programme of education, depending on when they qualified.”

Chris will be presenting a session on “Direct Access” in the Hygienist & Therapist Symposium on Saturday 18thMay. About his session, he comments:

“My lecture featuring at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show will focus on the most important skills needed to carry out Direct Access, as well as other aspects such as indemnity, additional education, forms etc. I’ll explore how clinicians can ethically promote services and how they can feel competent in carrying out Direct Access by utilising their skills and having an understanding of the legal implications.”

For your chance to gain fresh ideas on how to successful utilise Direct Access, as well as many other concepts and techniques, don’t miss the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019. Register for free 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

 

Getting it right online – British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019

Online platforms are becoming significant channels for dental practices to attract and retain patients. Knowing what is available to the dental practice, how to use the different platforms and remain compliant with the various regulations is therefore crucial.

This is a topic to be explored throughout the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019, with various sessions tailored to the subject. Krishan Joshi, Founder and CEO of Dental Focus, will be presenting a lecture in the Next Generation Conference entitled “Attracting private patients for associates: Instagram and personal websites”.

 

 

 

 

 

“While there are many merits of using Instagram and personal websites to promote your services as an associate, there are some challenges to be aware of. Firstly, compliance with the GDC and GDPR regulations can be tricky but is crucial to consider. Explicit opt-in consent from patients is another must-have, but again, can be difficult to approach. Finally, it can be challenging to create stunning and engaging content that is visible in order to showcase your personality and your clinical skills.

“To overcome these hurdles, it’s important for associates to learn how to approach patients for reviews, testimonials, videos and photography, using the guidance and direction of the experts to ensure everything is done by the book. It’s necessary to really understand the GDC and GDPR regulations to ensure compliance, so again, establishing a support network with expertise in this area can help.”

Especially when it comes to social media, finding a balance between the social aspects of a platform while maintaining professionalism requires careful thought.

“There are some absolute ‘don’t dos’ in this area,” Krishan continues. “One, never Tweet patients, “How are the implants?” or identify them without their explicit consent. Two, don’t debate, be defensive or rude on any platform – this is the complete opposite of what your customer service should be. Three, don’t put the profession in disrepute.

“Delegates attending my session will find out more about how to discover patients in 2019. They will understand what has changed in recent years and why they must change their approach accordingly. I will also cover how to create a personal and emotional website, how to dominate Google for personal names and keywords, and how to engage in social media to increase brand awareness.”

Offering further opportunities for delegates to brush up on their knowledge and skills of social media and website optimisation, Dental Focus will be sponsoring two sessions in the Business Skills Workshops.

Nazrul Haque will be discussing “Attracting new patients with award-winning websites and Google domination”. About his lecture, he comments:

 

 

 

 

 

“I will be exploring what patients are looking for online today, why being on the first page of Google isn’t enough in 2019 and I’ll offer a blueprint for an award-winning website. 
The online world is constantly changing. As modern patients are always connected to the web, their online experience with your brand needs to reflect, if not exceed, their experience with others. Dental professionals therefore need to be aware of the changes in the digital landscape in order to learn how to win this game with an award-winning, compliant website. Ultimately, this will keep delegates at the cutting-edge of the field, while enabling them to establish a better work life balance with more time to see patients and enjoy life outside the practice.

“I hope delegates will learn the journey prospective patients take online, what they look for, how to gain their attention and trust, and how to meet their online needs. They’ll also discover why Google is potentially more important than traditional word of mouth recommendations and why they need to start building their personal brand, no excuses!”

Dominic Haslam will later take to the podium to discuss “Instagram and Facebook: Winning, brand awareness and attracting new patients”.

 

 

 

 

 

“Dentists don’t have to exclusively rely on their reputation or word of mouth referrals to attract patients,” Dominic says. “There are an estimated 2.77 billion social media users in the world so it is more than likely an ideal patient can be reached in this way. Dental practices should be using social media platforms to earn a patient’s trust, build confidence and raise awareness of their brand.

“I’ll be reviewinghow the world has changed with social media and why you must change with the world, looking at further ways to attract new patients. I will also go into more detail on how to engage on social media platforms to increase brand awareness.

“Delegates will learn how to effectively communicate with patients through websites, Google and social media in a personal way that informs and addresses patient concerns. They will also discover how to create and maintain patient confidence through the use of compliantly obtained photos, videos and reviews on websites, Google and Facebook.”

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019 will be completely free for all members of the dental team to attend. To make the most of this opportunity to improve your website and social media management, with many other relevant and interesting topics available, register for your pass 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

 

 

 

 

Get started in STO with Jaswinder Gill – The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2019 will present an exciting two-day lecture programme in Birmingham this May. With renowned speakers from here in the UK and abroad, an eclectic mix of topics will be covered to inform and inspire professionals in attendance. 

With something for all members of the dental team, as well as those with interests in particular fields of dentistry, the comprehensive education programme will offer hours of enhanced CPD. There will be sessions for newly qualified dentists and there will be lectures designed for advanced professionals with years of experience in their discipline. Similarly, there will be opportunities for professionals looking to move across get involved with new fields to find out more.

For example, the Short-Term Ortho Lounge will offer exciting insights into the world of orthodontics. Among the anticipated speakers will be Jaswinder Gill, Principal of Moonlight Dental Surgery in Slough and Clinical Instructor for Six Month Smiles.

Speaking about the increased demand for STO in the UK right now, Jaswinder comments:

“There is a very high demand for this treatment among patient today and the vast majority of adult patients can benefit from it. There has been demand for STO for as long as I can remember, but more recently, adults have been ‘keeping up with the Jones’ as it were. Everyone knows someone who has had orthodontic work of some kind, whether that be friends or family. There’s a mentality of ‘if they can have straighter teeth, why can’t I?’ Even where only a mild malocclusion or minimal crowding exists, many people are interested in enhancing their smile in this way.

“In addition, metal brackets have gone – there are now many more tooth coloured brackets available and this is affecting the perception of orthodontics as a whole. Clear aligners are even more popular as they are often more discreet and treatment times are shorter. In many cases, treatment can be completed in around 6 months as we are just working on the anterior teeth with STO. Also, more GDPs are now offering STO solutions, so patients have easier access to a wider choice of options.”

Jaswinder will be presenting a session entitled “Delivering safe and ethical short-term ortho for every GDP” on Saturday 18thMay. He says:

“Being able to provide STO solutions gives GDPs an extra tool in their armamentarium. It is of benefit to all GDPs, as STO can work on its own or in conjunction with lots of other treatments such as restorative dentistry, whitening, bonding and veneers. 

“During my lecture, I’ll be considering how GDPs can capitalise on the nation-wide demand for STO while ensuring safe and ethical treatment. Six Month Smiles has the world’s largest forum and treatment plans are designed by orthodontists. We can also advise GDPs on which cases they should and shouldn’t be treating. This means there is a level of protection against complaints and support for GDPs conscious about only working within their clinical capability. Any cases highlighted as not suitable for STO are recommended for referral to a specialist – we actually find that more GDPs refer patients to specialists after taking the Six Month Smiles course, because they are more aware of the potential problems. 

“A key area for litigation in dentistry today is communication, or rather, lack of it. I will be talking about the benefits of creating a predicted simulation of what the patient’s smile will look like after treatment. This helps to avoid over promising and under delivering and facilitates effective management of patient expectations. Retention is also a really important aspect of STO and I will cover all of this during my session.

“My lecture will be ideal for any GDPs looking to get started with STO. I will explore how to get involved, common problems to avoid, digital planning and the procedures themselves. Anyone looking for more details on the system can find them on the Six Month Smiles stand, where there will be a special offer for anyone who signs up to a course on the day. 

“I have been doing STO for about 10 years now. It is easier than people think and it’s the most fun and most rewarding dentistry that I do – you can really change patients’ lives. STO brought a lot of enjoyment back into dentistry for me. I want to share this and encourage others to enjoy it as well.”

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

We talk travel trends and teeth

Trips away shouldn’t mean neglecting oral care, with mouth issues abroad posing potential difficulties, as well as an inconvenience to patients’ enjoyment.

hoosing when, where and for how long we travel overseas has become easier than ever with the help of technology, the internet and mobile applications. Many people still use travel agents to plan for trips overseas, but others create tailor-made holiday packages using online flight and hotel booking websites. Peer review platforms like Tripadvisor and Expedia have helped travellers develop more realistic expectations of what it’s like to stay somewhere, virtually eliminating the fear of travelling to unfamiliar places.

People have become so comfortable with the idea of journeying abroad that backpacking – whereby one travels with just a backpack full of belongings – is no longer the frightening venture it once was. In fact, backpacking has become one of the trendiest forms of travel, regardless of age, and it seems the idea of adventuring out alone is also of huge appeal. According to ABTA’s latest Holiday Habits Report, more than one in six people chose to go on holiday by themselves in the past 12 months, which has increased from one in nine people who took a solo holiday in 2017. Interestingly, women are now much more likely to travel alone than men, which is a trend that continues to rise.

For many, the excitement and joy of travelling abroad is second-to-none, but following a routine while on-the-road can be challenging. Simple things like oral healthcare can often fall by the wayside as hygiene habits and sensible eating are abandoned in favour of convenience. Patients should be able to enjoy their travels to the fullest, so it is important that they are reminded of their responsibility to take care of their teeth and gums, which are often taken for granted until something goes wrong. Finding high quality treatment for any potential problems can be difficult in an unfamiliar country, where procedures could be substandard and practices may not be adequately regulated. Footing the bill for any dental treatment required could also prove extremely costly for patients that lack appropriate travel insurance cover.

Therefore, the prevention of any dental problems is vital. The importance of visiting the practice for a comprehensive examination and cleaning should be emphasised to patients before they leave the country. Dental practitioners can help people better prepare for their travels by recommending oral healthcare solutions that are not only easy to carry, but will encourage patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits while they are travelling. For instance, the CS 5460 manual toothbrush from Curaprox offers the benefits of a compact, lightweight design. Available in a variety of eye-catching colours, the CS 5460 also features ultra soft CUREN® filaments on its easy-to-angle brush head, ensuring a gentle but effective clean of the teeth and gums.

To the frequent flyer, commercial travel has made our world smaller and more accessible. So long as every globetrotter remembers to brush twice a day and regularly cleans interdentally, they can ensure optimal oral health – no matter where they are in the world.

For more information please call 01480 862084, email info@curaprox.co.uk or visit www.curaprox.co.uk

About the author

Dawn Woodward, National Sales Manager, Curaprox.

Do we use conscious sedation too readily as the answer for our anxious patients?

Student dentist Charlotte Gentry looks at the advantages and disadvantages of conscious sedation on anxious patients.

Conscious sedation is widely used to treat patients who are unable to receive dental treatment for many different reasons. 

It is relatively simple to carry out, has few contraindications and has a wide margin of safety – that is for both inhalation and intravenous sedation. However, there is still the question – is sedation always really beneficial for the patient? Ultimately, their anxiety isn’t cured, particularly with intravenous sedation, and therefore should we be using it less readily in order to help combat dental anxiety?

I have just completed my week on sedation as part of my undergraduate training. Not only did I experience sedating patients, I also saw new patients who have been referred into the hospital. Although many of the patients did have extreme dental anxiety and would have benefitted from conscious sedation, it became apparent to me that many just needed a little TLC. By providing these patients with reassurance and more time, their anxieties were able to be managed with non-pharmacological methods.

An example of this was a patient I saw at outreach clinics last year. She was extremely needle phobic, was tearful and shaken up talking about treatment, and at first was adamant she did not want any treatment unless it was under sedation. With some reassurance, topical anaesthetic and time to listen to her concerns, I managed to do a few restorations and a crown prep under local anaesthetic. Although this was a success, I am aware that for some patients, non pharmacological methods just would not work no matter how hard we try. However, I really believe that more time and effort needs to be put into trialling these methods with patients, before jumping straight into a referral letter.

Despite this, I am not naïve and I realise that in most NHS dental practices, there is barely enough time to do everything required as it is. Therefore, finding time to try non-pharmacological techniques on these patients is near enough impossible. Nevertheless, sometimes it only takes small things, such as starting with simpler parts of the treatment plan and building them up to the more complex things, enabling the patient to have their treatment in their local practice, perhaps. This builds rapport and trust and makes a huge difference. Not only this, but their anxiety will have been ‘cured’ as they have had a positive experience that they can remember.

I am not saying sedation doesn’t have a place- it most definitely does. Not just for extremely anxious patients, but for some medical conditions and gagging patients too. It means those that are usually most in need of treatment, having neglected their dentition because of their anxieties, are able to have the procedures carried out. I just feel that with limited resources and long waiting lists, perhaps we need to try to help these patients a little more in our own dental chairs first, before referring them for conscious sedation.

Who says no one loves a quitter? Dentists do!

The devastating impact of smoking on oral health and ways to support patients with quitting – these are topics that dental practitioners will and should keep returning to…

The good news? There are less adult smokers in the UK than ever before. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) reports that fewer than one in five UK adults are smokers; 19 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women. Statistics on Smoking, published by NHS Digital in 2018 and focused on England only, confirmed the trend and found that 14.9 per cent of adults can be classed as ‘current smokers’ (based on the latest year of data available ), down from 15.5 per cent from 2016 and 19.8 per cent in 2011.

The not-so-good news? Although numbers are down overall, millions of adults are yet to quit. According to the NHS Digital report, nearly 78,000 deaths in England are attributable to smoking. Hospital admissions for smoking-related conditions (2016/17) are also up slightly on the previous year and the percentage of mothers who were smoking at the time of delivery (10.8 per cent) is above the national ambition of six per cent.

Statistics on Smoking is a highly useful tool due to the breadth of data included. For example, it covers things like affordability of tobacco (many packs of 20 cigarettes now cost over £10) and local comparisons. Historically, there are always more smokers in poorer areas, so will we see positive benefits of making cigarettes prohibitively expensive? The impact of e-cigarettes is also outlined. Nearly three million people vape in the UK and most are ex-smokers. There are several viewpoints to take regarding the vaping phenomenon. Generally, the profession views it positively; anything that supports cessation (or, at the very least, cutting down on tobacco use) should be welcomed. But some worry about the ‘gateway’ effect, particularly among younger users, and that using e-cigarettes may reinforce habitual behaviour. Because they contain nicotine, e-cigarettes cannot be recommended as nicotine replacement therapy either.

What is certain is that dentists and dental hygienists must play a proactive role in helping patients to stop, and stay stopped. The dangers of smoking to general health are well known; simply repeating them to a patient who longs to quit may not be the most effective approach. Dental practitioners can come from a different angle and talk about things like staining and how tobacco can impede salivary flow, which will lead to dry mouth and related conditions such as halitosis. Smoking is a cause of tooth loss and will also compromise the stability of implants. Oral cancer is on the rise among men and women; educating patients about its relationship to smoking is essential because the prognosis is good if it’s caught early.

Supporting patients and helping them stay stopped is important because, after quitting, it can take time to regain a healthy mouth. Just as there is a long- term impact from smoking on other parts of the body, the same can be said for oral health. Staining from tobacco can be severe and permanent; a patient may want to discuss treatment to improve the look of their teeth. A smoking habit may have caused soft tissue changes, meaning the patient is more susceptible to bleeding and sensitivity around the gingiva. There is a risk reduction for oral cancer (including cancer of the neck) after cessation, but it can take years to reach the level of someone who has never smoked. Therefore, both patient and practitioner must continue to be mindful of any changes in the mouth that could indicate early signs of the disease long after a tobacco habit has ended. Symptoms include things like ulcers that won’t heal, pain that doesn’t go away, the presence of abnormal patches and difficulty swallowing.

Tell your patients that you are a powerful ally if they want to stay stopped. Dental practitioners have regular access to the mouth and can help patients keep away from tobacco for good. While the mouth is recovering from a smoking habit, teach them how to clean properly. This means cleaning gently yet effectively, using high-quality tools, such as the brushes, interdental brushes and adjunctive products from the TANDEX range. The benefits of a deep clean are an important part of your ongoing support, because once they know what clean really feels like, they will hopefully not want to put toxins in their mouths again.

There are still too many people smoking; it has a devastating and often permanent impact on oral and general health. Dentists have a key role to play in smoking cessation and with helping the mouth to rehabilitate itself afterwards. Proper cleaning, alongside regular appointments – with the dentist and dental hygienist – are key to monitoring the long-term impact of smoking, and helping your patients to stay stopped.

For more information on Tandex’s range of products, visit the website at www.tandex.dk or visit the facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/ Tandex-UK/234855250044190?fref=ts

Understanding generational differences

To achieve the best orthodontic results, careful consideration of each generation’s aspirations is needed…

The current world population is comprised of many different generations. As life expectancy continues to increase, we are faced with a wider selection of generations all living together at once. From the older generations, such as the Baby Boomers and Silent Generation, to the younger Generation Y and Millenials, individuals who fall into these groups are diverse and will have different values, ambitions and attitudes.

For example, it is widely considered that the younger generations will have a better grasp of certain aspects in modern life, such as social media and other web- based technologies, as they have had exposure to these innovations from a young age. On the other hand, it is mostly assumed that Baby Boomer individuals are far more likely to hold a good work ethic as part of their personality.

Whilst these quirks and foibles are broad and there will be exceptions, it is important for professionals to understand these differences when treating patients, especially in regards to orthodontics.

After all, patient compliance is one of the key aspects in ensuring that orthodontic treatment is a success. So much of the treatment’s success depends on a patient’s ability to understand the procedures involved and to stick to the necessary aftercare to ensure long-lasting results.

This is exactly the focus of the talk entitled ‘Orthodontics and Generational Psychology’ that will be given by Dr Simon Littlewood at Excellere 2019, hosted by 3M Oral Care. In his session, Dr Littlewood will delve into the differences between the generations, exploring how their variances can influence their perspectives and how this may affect everything from the type of treatment they choose, to their ability to comply with the necessary steps for success.

Dr Littlewood says “no one generation is any better than another, but we as professionals need to understand that patients from different generations may have different hopes, aspirations, means of communications and requirements. Understanding these differences will help us to better understand our patients, learning how to work with them to achieve the very best orthodontic results.”

Aside from concentrating on patients, Dr Simon Littlewood will also explore how these generational differences impact professional teams within the practice. After all, as with society, it is likely that your team will be made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups and this can heavily impact the way that your practice operates.

Good teamwork is essential in any professional environment, but when practising orthodontics it is, perhaps, even more so. Without a shared vision between everyone involved in the treatment, it is likely that the patient will not receive the best care possible. This can have negative repercussions, such as results failing to live up to the patient’s expectations.

As such, in his talk Dr Simon Littlewood will explain to delegates how to achieve good teamwork even when members of staff may have different generational perspectives, and why bridging these differences is essential in order to achieve optimal results.

“Understanding generational differences is paramount in order to achieve true cohesion in the workplace. By taking the time to appreciate and understand your colleagues’ approaches and aspirations, it makes it much easier to create a cohesive and happy workforce” says Dr Littlewood.

Dr Littlewood’s session is just one of many illuminating seminars that will be taking place on 17th-18th May at Excellere 2019. Set in the exclusive 8 Northumberland Avenue in central London, Excellere 2019 is gearing up to be one of the must-see events of the season for orthodontic specialists, postgraduates and therapists.

Other speakers include Dr Adam Schulhof, Dr Lisa Alvetro, Dr Patrice Pellerin, Dr Federico Hernandez Alfaro, Dr Paolo Manzo, Dr John Scholey and Dr Richard Jones, all of whom will be hosting sessions with a goal to take attendees’ orthodontic skills and understanding to the next level. There will also be a specific Lingual Parallel session hosted by Dr Roberto Stradi, Dr Ektor Grammatopoulos, Dr Philipp

Al Khatib and Dr Aurélie Guidoux and a UK professional specific session headed by Dr Peter Ilori that aims to provide top tips on surviving your NHS contract.

In addition to this world-class series of speakers there will be plenty of chances to mix, mingle and network with colleagues. On the Friday evening there will be a wonderful reception at Swingers – London’s premier crazy golf venue with cocktails and street food.

If you’re interested in attending 3M Oral Care’s Excellere 2019 event, make sure you register your interest here: www.3mexcellere.com

For more information, call 0113 2387 383 or visit www.3mexcellere.com. 3M is a trademark of the 3M Company. Incognito is a trademark of TOP- Service für Lingualtechnik GmbH.

About the author

Simon Littlewood is Lead Consultant in the Orthodontic Department of Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust and a Registered Specialist in Orthodontics. He has been working as a full time orthodontist since 1995 and is a highly experienced clinician treating a full range of orthodontic treatments, from simple alignment of teeth to complex cases. 

Dealing with difficult patients – Kate Scheer W&H

Most dental professionals will agree that difficult patients can make work feel like a nightmare. This is particularly relevant considering the current dento-legal landscape, which has seen many practitioners overwhelmed by layers and layers of red tape when they are faced with the possibility of a complaint. Clinicians aim to accommodate everyone, but with some patients, this can be incredibly difficult to do. 

Perhaps you have a patient that often arrives late to appointments, or is aggressive and rude towards you during your interactions. This patient may even attempt to self-diagnose and inform you of the treatment they need, irrespective of the expertise you can offer. As such, the patient is resistant to your care, making it difficult for you to obtain adequate consent in order to provide the treatment they require. 

Challenging behaviour such as this can be detrimental to the patient-practitioner relationship, creating a communication barrier that prevents either party from benefitting from the interaction. That is why it is vital to learn how to engage with difficult patients, as this will ultimately influence their decision to keep coming back to the practice. So, what can dental professionals do to manage these patients in everyday practice?   

Criticism is never pleasant, but unless you listen to a patient complaint, any problems they have will remain unresolved. This might sound obvious, but some clinicians may be cautious about treating a patient, out of fear that any treatment provided will be met with hostility – putting the clinician at serious risk of litigation if the patient believes they have been neglected. 

For instance, you might have a patient that persistently complains of dental pain following hygiene appointments. As a result, the patient avoids visiting the practice for routine check-ups and they ignore any oral hygiene guidance and advice you provide, which leads to an accumulation of calculus on their teeth. When the patient eventually decides to attend for professional cleaning, they respond negatively towards you, even though you are doing nothing different and have provided the same high quality service to other patients who have not experienced any problems themselves. 

Naturally, this is frustrating, so you might avoid confronting them on the issue. This persistent lack of communication, however, means you remain oblivious to the fact that the patient actually suffers from extreme tooth sensitivity, which is exacerbated each time you treat their teeth. As practitioners know, this is an issue that can be effectively addressed through various treatments, but unless the patient’s grievances are fully shared and acknowledged, you are unable to help. That is why it is always essential to go out of your way to engage with even the most difficult patients, regardless of how apprehensive you might feel. 

It is important not to let your anger or frustration get the better of you, as this not only misrepresents you and your practice, but also encourages the patient to react negatively. Your dialogue, temperament and verbal approach are key elements of communicating successfully, so ensure you are calm but assertive. As part of this process, it is crucial to offer the patient space to express their concerns and explain how you can make the treatment experience better for them. Employing this strategy is necessary in order to positively influence the patient-practitioner relationship and achieve patient compliance.

Following this, ensure you modify treatment to suit their preferences. For a difficult patient with tooth sensitivity, for example, professional cleaning may require a longer appointment. This will enable you to address their comfort and explain each stage of the proposed procedure, so that the patient understands what to expect. You could also consider investing in a system that does not rely on the use of invasive instruments that can prove uncomfortable for the patient. 

Switching to an innovative system such as the Tigon+ ultrasonic piezo scaler from W&H, for instance, means you can use pleasantly warm fluid to prevent irritation, even in patients with particularly sensitive teeth. Practitioners are also able to choose from various different treatment modes, which facilitate gentle but powerful cleaning. By investing in modern solutions such as these and approaching difficult patients with a pragmatic attitude, you can achieve the clinical results the patient deserves. You can also open up a positive line of discussion where you can demonstrate how you have taken steps to improve the overall treatment experience for the patient, who is more likely to respect the effort you invested in their comfort. 

Evidently, there is nothing more frustrating than dealing with a non-compliant patient, but regardless of how difficult they can be to interact with, it is vital to remember that they are not any less deserving of high quality dental care. Moreover, the experience of treating a difficult patient can be extremely worthwhile if you are able to successfully resolve any issues they have. By doing this, you increase the chances of earning the patient’s trust and in return, the patient is more likely to appreciate your services. This ultimately converts strangers into loyal patients who can help grow your business. 

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